The Party

All day long, yesterday at my office, the air hummed with excitement.
Last night was The Holiday Party.
Lots of people were dressed up, some people changed just before the party, but wherever I went I saw and felt the anticipation of a fun night out.


Party shoes, waiting for the party.

It was a long day and my co-worker K had a rough time doing some contract work but, finally, she and I and C (another friend of ours at work) hopped in a cab and went up to the venue.
Have I described the venue?
It is/was the commercial catering kitchen used by one of the biggest restaurant owners in the city and it was the perfect place for our party...



I know it doesn't seem terribly glamorous but think about it: when you have people over, when you have a party, where do people congregate? The kitchen. And this kitchen? Staffed with world-class chefs? Served by over a dozen wait-staff? With three bars? Well, it was fabulous.



The lights were turned down, music was turned up, and food was served.


Bars were stocked!

And there I was!



Smiling! In pictures!



Talking? About something?



ANYWAY!



It was all wonderful...



and delicious



and fun.

At about eight o'clock one of the VP's came over and asked me if I wanted to meet
Maira Kalman.
Maira Kalman.
I knew that Ms. Kalman had been invited but was not sure she would attend. I dreamed of meeting her, I thought, carefully, about what I would say if I was lucky enough to meet her. Do you remember how much I love Maira Kalman?
Off we went, to meet my idol.
I did my best not to gush or seem stalker-like - and I think I did okay. I told her how much I like her work and we chatted a little bit before I stepped away and let her enjoy the party (though I would have loved to have spent more time with her).
Later in the evening, I passed by her again and she waved me over to meet her daughter who was a sous chef at The Kitchen. I told her how much I wished one of my boys would go to culinary school (I've nagged them for years!) and how, obviously, the Kalmans are the perfect family.
We had a laugh as I repeated my speech of adoration, sighing dramatically for Miss Kalman whilst asking Maira if I did it as well the second time.

More food, more drinks and more laughs later, K and I took our leave.
Tired and happy, I smiled all the way home.

Our party was a great success - and co-worker K and I basked in the glory of it all day today while people stopped us in the hall to tell us how wonderful it was.
That I met someone I admire so much at this great party was just icing.
Icing on my Christmas cake.