Women Need Women, and a bit of N.Y. too.

I had the most dreamy time these last four days, all in thanks to a Christmas gift My hubby gave me. What was this gift? A girl’s trip to visit my niece in the Big Apple.

This trip almost didn’t happen. As the date neared my sister, sister-in-law, and I all got cold feet. Why is that? Why is it that when women plan to do something for themselves there is usually this sense of guilt hovering over their heads? It’s as if we are failing our families if we dare to leave them.

I have traveled quite a bit, and it does seem that if I am going with my husband it’s no big deal because we are strengthening our relationship. BUT, if I go alone I always question my motives, as if doing something for myself is not a worthwhile investment.

Nevertheless, we all swallowed our apprehension and went anyways. And do you know what? We had a fabulous time. My niece, Natalie, who is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet, opened her home to us. She is a professional blogger. You should follow her here. What she writes is beautiful, mainly because she is a truly beautiful person. What I am doing here is merely doodles compared to what she is able to produce.  She has a book coming out next year. It was fascinating talking to her about her career and her creative process. I am always intrigued by how artistic people create.

New York was windy and cold. I mean cold! I am pretty much an Arizona native so for me there were moments I worried I would die from it. Still, we bundled up and ventured out, braving the chill like New Yorkers.

Manhattan is an amazing city. I fell in love with the mixture of old and new buildings. Central park was a dream! And the Met made me cry. Yes, I get gushy when looking at the real thing in person. We spent three days wandering around, riding the subway, and people watching.

My most favorite part of the whole trip was not the sights, but the people I spent that time with. I have heard many times that women need women. I never really took much stock in it. Growing up, I never had many girl friends, only one or two at a time. Even now I have a small circle of close friends. Going on this trip opened my eyes. Oh, how I love these women. I cannot put a price tag on the time we spent talking till 4 o’clock in the morning. Let's face it, there are some parts of ourselves that only another woman can understand. I don’t think I will ever forget our trip. I am SOOOO glad we went.  And do you know what? I came home to a clean house and a happy family who appreciated me more because they had to live without me for a bit. A win, win, if you ask me.