Tracy Shaffer
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Singin’ and Dancin’ in the Rain…

It was a watershed moment at Saturday night’s Riverfront Park Fashion show as the skies opened up for an evening shower. Thankfully, the downpour took place between designers, but left the fashionistas running for cover in cabanas, under umbrellas and in cupcake stands. With hair drenched and clothes so wet they were see-through, guests cheerfully waited out the storm’s passing and when the DJ cranked it up again they took to the runway for a spontaneous dance party!
The natural intrusion was a great leveler, changing the see-and-be-seen scene into a live-and-let-live celebration, unleashing waves of childish joy.
To read my pre-bash post CLICK HERE, and to check out fellow Huff Post bloggess, Andrea Real’s post-show coverage and event slide show CLICK HERE.

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Tracy Shaffer
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TEENS AND THE CITY

Planning a trip to New York is always exciting, but planning a ten day trip with two teenage boys is a handsome cab horse of a different color. How could they see New York’s New York, my New York and find those “I Heart NY” moments for themselves? I knew I had to keep it real. With all of the touristy things on our plate, the trick would be to spin those with the sights and sounds, the smells, bells and flavors that make the city what it is. In New York the magic’s in the moment, so the more opportunities I could create for them to dance among its denizens, the better the interface would be.
Rule number 1.) Walk as much as you can.
Rule number 2.) Take the subway for maximum effect.
Rule number 3.) Do not put any limits on the day. Including what time it starts and ends.
And the bonus tip…No matter how well you know the city, allow yourself to get lost.

Throwing down a bit of historical context to match the immediacy of the New York minute, I worked in some tales of my time in Manhattan and a few irritating, “See that (painting, building, church, store, statue…)? It’s important!” stops along the sidewalks. Dinner at Joe Allen’s over Applebee’s, and meeting friends for picnics, lunches, or museum visits gave things the personal touch and sense of belonging. The overall effect…? “Mom. Can we move here?”

To read more on our adventure, plan your own or find out what made the boys’ “TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK”, click here.

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Tracy Shaffer
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A Dark Night, Indeed

How many mornings must we wake up to senseless violence? Today I am deeply saddened, I am stunned. I am ready to write but all of my energy goes to the victims, the families, my community and my country in this time of tragedy. Love someone today, and love them out loud.

From Senator Mark Udall, some helpful resources for Coloradans affected by the Aurora shooting:

– For questions regarding friends or family involved, please call the Medical Center of Aurora at 303-873-5292.
– Evacuation/Reunification Center: Gateway High School, 1300 S Sable Blvd, Aurora.
– Blood Donations – All six Denver metro donor centers are open today until 7 p.m. and there are also mobile drives open to the public. Those interested should call 303-366-2000 or visit www.bonfils.org to schedule an appointment. Bonfils is particularly in need of O-, A- and platelets. No walk-ins please.
– Tip Line for people with information regarding the Aurora event – 303-739-1637.
– Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) has many resources to help process this tragedy. Click the link for a list of resources. If you are looking to connect with one of the victims, call 303-861-1160.

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