Wanna see me pull a ____ out of my hat?

Well, nearly two weeks after my last post, it seems a little inadequate to explain that I have been consumed by work...but anyone who ever is consumed by work understands. I bet even you, the last stragglers, will give up on me soon.

Take heart, there is a story that is allll about that hat. On Sunday night I went to dinner with friends, good friends. (It's true, I could have blogged then instead of socializing but I hope you'll forgive me for taking on opportunity to be unchained from the computer.)

We laughed. One of the the diners was an actor in artistic erotic films (he stars in porn shorts) and his stories were riotous. He looked like a professor...and told me I had 1967 barbie hair and would "go down like an anchor." Er, pardon? The night was filled with vicarious flirting (them on my behalf while I watched with laughter and amazement), lewd jokes, and possibly literally - gallons of wine. It was a much needed retreat.

After dinner, we were saying goodnight on the sidewalk when one friend donned his hat...In 1999, the family for whom I worked as a nanny visited Vail and brought me the best hat I had ever had. It was cream colored fleece with a small tassel on top and the word "VAIL" in red letters on the side..."VAIL 99." I loved it but, after 7 years of loving it, I moved on to my Ski Dubai hat and donated the Vailie to an upscale thrift store whose proceeds goes to the GMHC in New York (Gay Men's Health Crisis...I think my dad just fell out of his chair). When the friend turned to me..."That's my hat." Out of everyone in this city, and the millions (true) who shop at the trendy Housing Works...my favorite hat had landed on the head of one of my favorite people. It was magic. And I was - yet again - reminded of how magic life is too. (Just in time!)