Who rescues those who rescue pets? Who saves a frazzled, pet summit goer? I found out last week in NYC. I was invited to #BetterwithPets, a TED type event sponsored by Purina. My home in Westchester County isn’t exactly a far flung locale, but the organizers reserved a room for me at the Eventi, a chic boutique hotel in south of the Empire State Building. On a normal day, it’s no biggie shlepping from Grand Central Station. The famous clock indicated I had plenty of time.

I often take the subway, a cab when I’m lazy or walk when the weather is good. It was unusually muggy on Columbus Day and I figured I’d walk until 5th and hail a cab, but there weren’t any, at least not any unoccupied ones. In a “what was I thinking” moment I’d opted for a overnight bag instead of a mini-wheelie. I mean how much does one person need for one night? But laptops and make-up and extra shoes all add up to arm aching excess. I asked a police man one of my all time dumb blonde question: Why is 5th avenue closed? Without a flicker of snark he pointed up ahead, “It’s the tail end of the Columbus Day parade.”

I turn to face north, “Oh, of course.” Duh, double duh (Yes, I have an I.Q. of 140) and I head south, walking, stopping, walking, craning my neck, flagging cabs with an arm gesture way too reminiscent of a Nazi salute and more walking. My bag felt heavier with every step.  Streets snarled with cabs but none were free. The humidity soaked through my leather jacket. My make-up melted in the sticky summerish heat.  My curls wilted with my mood. This was not good. It was almost 3 pm, I was invited to a private reception hosted by Purina at the hotel from 5 to 7. I had a meeting with a sponsor I’d never met at 5:30.  This was no way to impress anyone plus my feet ached. I decided to walk west past Bryant Park to Broadway but it didn’t feel right and I looped back to 5th Ave.

A vision, not unlike an desert oasis loomed. A fresh cool breeze beckoned and I found myself at Lord and Taylor, smack inside the cosmetic department. In the sea of counters and brands Bobbi Brown sparkled. Hope returned. I’m a staunch believer of asking for what you want. I marched up the counter and asked if I could have a mini-makeover and they said yes.  I was upfront and explained the situation. I would not be buying anything. Undaunted, the lovely brunette. (I am so sorry. I lost your card) worked her magic and I asked her to take my pic promising I would post it as my thanks.

Thank-you and to Bobbi Brown for saving the day. It takes so little to make a big difference.

I bounded outside like a new woman or at least a more refreshed and confident one. I still had to find a cab but something shifted. Flashes of yellow taxis whizzed by. On the corner a couple approached a cab and then retreated. I leaned forward and the cab driver rolled down his window. “I’m off duty but where are you going?”

He agreed to take me  to the hotel but I couldn’t help thinking: Would I have had the same luck before the make-over? I arrived at my destination. Got an upgrade, had a shower and a fabulous evening.  This unretouched selfie after my shower is proof.  I didn’t look quite as glam the next day but my confidence lingered for an outstanding day of insights, inspiration and serendipitous connections. Now if only I could get Bobbi Brown, who is a dog lover, to like cats…

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