Author: chapter50plus

When my life insurance salesman said that I should expect to live to 125, I figured I'd better make the most of it! Being single with an empty nest is an adventure with unlimited possibilities. It can also be lonely and a little bit scary. Join me on the other side of this life.

Cirque Eloize – Hotel

3 days before Christmas I had the good fortune to experience Cirque Eloise – Hotel with three of my favorite people.

There were a lot of small children in the crowd, which for an artsy production could have gone very wrong. Instead it was magical. The performance was fun, high energy and showcased acrobatics, dance, comedy and song in a way that made me yearn for the 1920’s. The little girl behind me giggled non-stop at the antics of Bell-men & women. Her little high pitched voice warmed my heart when she cried out, “Daddy, look, look, they are so silly.”

Highly recommend spending a moment with this fun circus troupe.

Perspective

One of the women I’ve worked with for most of my career lost her 16 year old son to cancer last night.

She held herself together and continued to be the best mother. She provided care and comfort to her child first, everyone else second. I don’t think caring for herself even occurred to her. I’ve never seen such strength.

Full stop.

LIFE HACK: Lean on me

I couldn’t resist taking this picture at Laguardia outside the Southwest terminal. It’s not staged. These are real people living life their way.

BA had been on a conference call for 2 hours trying to close a tax equity deal. As I sat by myself feeling neglected I looked up and saw this sleeping couple. The universe sends us beautiful messages when we need a boost of inspiration.

LIFE HACK: have your man turn his back to you to create a nice angled space for you to rest your head. A cashmere coat is a plus!

BUCKET LIST: Holiday Carolers at Lamb’s club in New York City

Some days are perfect.

A benefit of being an empty nester is that you can sneak out of town for a quick weekend trip.

Saturday morning Holiday Carolers brunch at Lamb’s club was worth the four hour flight and two time zone changes. The crowd ranged from toddlers to couples in their 80s. The Ladies Who Lunch crowd was out in force and eating monster size burgers and fries. (Who says NY women in their fifties don’t eat?)

Chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s Eggs Benedict (Maple Braised Bacon, Cabot Cheddar Biscuit, with Béarnaise on the side) was so much better than the classic English Muffin and Canadian Bacon.  The bacon was a 1/2 inch thick and as tender as brisket.

The restaurant’s throwback vibe reminded me of Bar Hemingway at the Paris Ritz. The carolers strolled amoung the tables taking requests. The foursome did a lovely rendition of, “Good King Wenceslas” for our table.

#Classy