,,,and that's the least of the story!
It began over two years ago, this meeting of the minds. Somehow our paths crossed in the blogosphere and Gillian and I began corresponding and became friends. With her in Canada and me in France, it wasn't easy to arrange a meeting. So when I planned a trip to Philadelphia to see my daughter, I invited Gillian to meet me in New York.
Gillian had been to Cuba and points beyond, but never to New York. I lived in New York for eight years and welcome any chance to visit. Plans were made and at last the day arrived. Gillian had flown from Toronto the day before, to take in a Broadway play. I arrived the next morning, via an early train from Philadelphia. We met later that morning and went to have coffee/tea and decide our course of action. As Gillian didn't have any preferences, I decided to give her a whirlwind tour - on foot.
We went into Grand Central Station, then walked past the public library and up Sixth Avenue, where Gillian stopped to buy "magic" Obama flags. Later, these would prove useful in pointing out landmarks, deterring would-be pickpockets and retrieving a lost camera. We continued on to Radio City Music Hall, then to Rockefeller Center, where preparations were underway for the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony later that evening.
Crossing the street to Saks Fifth Avenue, we took photos of their holiday vitrines. Then we went into St. Patrick's Cathedral and lit candles for those in need. We walked past the Fifth Avenue stores, oohing and aahing and snapping pictures along the way. At Tiffany's, we showed admirable restraint and didn't buy a thing!
We walked past the Museum of Modern Art, to the Henry Darger exhibition at the American Folk Art Museum. We were both captivated by Darger's Outsider art and talked about what he might have witnessed as a child, to have created such vivid images of children in danger. Darger portrayed a group of children on horseback known as "The Vivian Girls" riding to the rescue of the children in peril.
After lunch at the museum - and a camera lost, then found - we walked past Trump Tower, Bergdorf's and the Plaza Hotel, into Central Park. I showed Gillian the Wollman Ice Skating Rink and pointed out a few landmarks, including a giant rock where I once saw Salvador Dali sitting cross-legged, watching the world go by. That's the wonderful thing about New York: you never know what will happen once you step out your front door. Always an adventure! As we were crossing a bridge, we stopped to take photos. I was snapping the above photo of Gillian when I felt a tap on my shouder.
I turned around and a smiling young woman asked if we would mind witnessing a wedding! Well, who could decline such an opportunity? So we were introduced to the bride and groom, Barry and Barbara. They'd been together for 25 years and were celebrating by getting married! It was a romantic ceremony, with Gillian and me trying to suppress happy tears while snapping photos (me with the bride's camera; Gillian with her own).
After the ceremony, we signed papers as witnesses and were chatting, when a Northern European woman came up and told us she watched the ceremony from the end of the bridge. She said she worked for NASA and that it was a very auspicious day, with lots of light and the planets aligned just so - and that the newlyweds should enjoy a long and happy life together. Well who could argue with what seemed obvious?
Barbara and Barry invited us to join them for champagne at the Plaza and of course we accepted! We agreed to meet in 30 minutes and off Gillian and I went to freshen up and explore the maze of shops in the basement level of the Plaza. I was amazed at how much the Plaza has changed, having had a few afternoon teas at the Palm Court and evening drinks at the famous Oak Bar. Unfortunately, the new design has blocked off space that was formerly wide open, making it seem smaller and less grand. What once was an open reception area has had parts of it altered with mirrored walls. I kept walking into them on our way to the Champagne Bar - and I hadn't yet had any champagne!
The charming newlyweds were waiting for us; we were thrilled to toast their happiness. Turns out Barbara and Barry live in Oxford, England, so it is hoped we'll meet during my next trip to Oxford. They were amazed that Gillian and I had never met in person before that day, as we seemed so relaxed and at ease with each other. We agreed that it seemed as though we'd known each other all our lives.
Later, the newlyweds and their driver drove us to my hotel, en route to their wedding dinner at Chelsea Pier. Gillian and I exchanged presents, then cabbed it to one of my favourite restaurants in Soho. We drank more champagne, talked and ate until late. And before we knew it, it was time to go home. Alas!
As for Gillian, she's a true kindred spirit and I adore her. Gillian is everything I expected her to be and more - beautiful, smart, funny, generous, curious, observant and adventurous, with a blithe spirit. She is a treasure! I'm looking forward to our next meeting - wherever that may be!
Photo of Gillian on the bridge where the wedding was performed, Central Park. Read Gill's account of our day out here.
It was a great day. And the wedding was an unexpected treat!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 13 February 2009 at 11:16
Oh you old romantic you. How wonderful though
Posted by: Di Overton | 13 February 2009 at 10:22
Grant, thank you. You're doing wonders for my confidence level today. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 February 2009 at 19:27
Send them this post and maybe you'll convince them, Lauren. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 February 2009 at 19:27
That it was, Di!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 February 2009 at 19:27
Yes, a life without adventure would be dull indeed.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 February 2009 at 19:26
Wonderful connection! Great writing! WOW!!
Posted by: Grant | 12 February 2009 at 18:35
Wow what a fun time! I wish I could convince my Canadian friends to visit NYC with me! :o)
Posted by: Lauren | 12 February 2009 at 02:48
The other thing about the shop girl is - well - she's a shop girl and not an erudite, trilingual, woman of letters who is spontaneously invited to sip champagne at the Plaza.
Although she does get to say "Price check on line 3" in french. Ha ha ha!!
Posted by: Megan Butel | 11 February 2009 at 22:22
That sounded like the most excellent day. :)
Posted by: Di | 11 February 2009 at 17:17
It was a magical day, Becca. So much fun and then witnessing a romantic wedding - we were lucky!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 11 February 2009 at 15:32
Megan, thanks so much for the kudos! Maybe you're right about the shopgirl. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 11 February 2009 at 15:31
I have yet to meet any of my blogging friends in person, but each time I read of these meetings and the wonderful personal connections, it's thrilling to think about!
This day sounds absolutely magical!
Posted by: Becca | 11 February 2009 at 03:35
You are a walking Woody Allen movie (although somewhat more lighthearted!)
Wow what a magic day. I also loved the post about the bicycle poetry. I went to your friends site - fell in love with her too - bloglines is being difficult at the moment and won't add the feed to my subscriptions :-(
I shall have to bookmark her blog and try again later.
As for the surly shop girl - she was probably jealous of your Cath Kidston bags.
Megan
Posted by: Megan Butel | 11 February 2009 at 00:39
"Postsful?" Thanks, Chris. And by the way, I was touched when you said you printed out my posts to read at the hairdresser. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 20:54
Oh, it was such fun! And those flags really did seem to bring us good luck. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 20:53
Toma, what a great story! Thanks for sharing it. I shall be seeing Blandine next month and will give her your regards.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 20:53
Graciel, thanks for your lovely comments. You were lucky to meet Gillian too!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 20:52
oh, come ON! This is a fantasy!
Thanks for all the links. I have three postsful (actual term) of links to follow now!
I'm glad to be catching up yet again. Your blog is delish.
Posted by: Chris | 10 February 2009 at 19:43
Oh Am, you'll love New York! What a great city; so much to see and do.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 19:39
Constance, yes, it's a wonderful thing when kindred spirits get together in person - as you well know! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 19:38
Rebecca, so good to hear from you! It's been too long. Thanks for the invitation - wouldn't that be fun??!! Hope all is well. Will be by soon to catch up. xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 19:38
Let's hope so! It was a magical day and a thrill for both Gillian and me to witness the wedding.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 19:36
Why thank you, Judith! What a lovely thing to say.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 19:36
We'll figure something out, yes in warmer weather! I wish we'd had more time too, but New York was a great start! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 19:35
Barry and Barbara are charming and lead interesting lives. It will be great to see them again!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 19:34
Ah yes, New York and its stories. Love that city! I spent the next day on my own, walking around and revisiting some old haunts. I still adore it, but don't think I'd live there again, unless I was really wealthy.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 19:34
Thank you, Christina! It was a thrill for Gill and me to witness their wedding. Such a special moment. Getting to spend time with them afterwards was a bonus!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 19:32
Dear Anna, I do hope you and Gillian have the opportunity to meet. And there's nothing like champagne for special occasions! :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 February 2009 at 19:31
I love the part about the "magic" Obama flags. I have a friend who swears she finds more parking spots now that her car sports an Obama bumper sticker.
I can picture Dali on that rock, such a great image!
Your day sounds like my kind of adventure.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 10 February 2009 at 16:56
What an absolutely sweet post... thanks for sharing it with us! I made a similiar friend in the blogosphere - she writes the Victorian Cobweb blog (an antique shopping blog/based in Oklahoma - my home state), and has the same bizarre first name as I do. As I've yet to meet anyone else named Toma, I had to email her... and before long a friendship was made! We met the first time in Oklahoma over the holidays while I was there visiting family and it was a friendship made in heaven! Your story today made me smile.
Thanks.
Toma, aka The Antiques Diva
Posted by: The Antiques Diva | 10 February 2009 at 11:07
How VERY cool!! So happy you had a good time together, and her pics look amazing. Can't wait to get there someday!
:)
Posted by: amber | 10 February 2009 at 06:28
Do love THIS POST Tara!!! I'm sure Gillian feels the same way about YOU!!!
You two so both serendipitous and willing to go with the flow. It makes life beautiful to be open and kind, to share in others joy, by witnessing a sacred moment in their lifes.
Couldn't think of two better flower girls
or witnesses!!
So happy you were able to put the body with the spirit!
Hurray to Blogland for all the wonderful and amazing connections we make.
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | 10 February 2009 at 00:43
what a wonderful day for you both...i hope you have the most fun ever...if you get too cold you can come visit me in florida...hugs, rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | 09 February 2009 at 23:50
Isn't it fascinating how technology can open the heart and connect kindred souls? It is one of the great joys of blogging. I, too, have met the glorious Gillian and look forward to a next adventure.
Another joy of technology has been the glimpse of Paris you have given me. And the kindred political spirit I enjoyed in all your posts last fall.
Looking foward to more glimpses from your most interesting corner of the world.
Posted by: Graciel @ Evenstar Art | 09 February 2009 at 23:36
Now how magical a day is that?! What a wonderful story! "And they all lived happily ever after."
Posted by: RD | 09 February 2009 at 21:45
Tara -- -
Just a glorious story ... . thanks so much for sharing! As this was the first piece I've read on the first day of this week, I take it as an omen that this will be a glorious week. (can't wait to see what comes next.... . )
Judith
Posted by: judith | 09 February 2009 at 19:37
Oh Tara, I opened your email only moments after resaving your voice message. I'm a sentimental fool!
This post really summed up the fun, and whirlwind adventures of our day. It was like a few days rolled into one. I wish we had more time...when our cab dropped you off at your hotel after dinner, it took me a few minutes to realize that it may be a long time before I see you again. I sure hope not! (Snif.)
The Henry Darger exhibit was truly an extraordinary one...what a story there. It makes you wonder how many artists will be discovered posthumously. Many an attic holds a treasure!
Okay, now we really must plan to get together again. Why not seasonally? How about in the warmer weather? Washington?
xoxo
Thanks for such a lovely account Tara.
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 09 February 2009 at 19:33
What a fantastic story! So many chance encounters and good fortune all around. I love that you will meet with the wedding couple again... what a great story to share and remember for all of you about "how we met."
And Gillian is lovely. What a fun story to read today.
Posted by: tangobaby | 09 February 2009 at 19:25
What a lovely story...so New York and then some. Your chronicle of the day needs helps everyone participate in the events!
Posted by: Patricia | 09 February 2009 at 19:15
I loved reading this! How beautiful that these blogs have formed the most wonderful relationships. I remember reading Gillian's blog saying- wow they were witnesses to people beginning their lives together. How awesome is that.
Thank you for sharing and might I add, this is a gorgeous photo!
Posted by: Christina | 09 February 2009 at 19:07
What a wonderful adventure! Life's adventures are what make for dreams and reminiscents as we get older.
Posted by: marilyn | 09 February 2009 at 18:25
Be it Paris or New York having a whilwind tour with you as a guide Tara makes for an unforgettable experience! But of course you always toast with champagne!It seems like the Parisian thing to do!
Your day together sounds wonderful and a friendship blossoms regardeless the miles that separate you! Our blogging networking becomes smaller as we meet one another in person. Gillian lives not far from my town..perhaps I'll have the pleasure in the months ahead to meet her adventurous charming spirit.
Posted by: naturegirl | 09 February 2009 at 17:59