Gaaah Lay, David!

David Monn, who is considered by many to be "The" NYC event planner, creates atmospheres dripping with elegance and style to the umpteenth degree. He dressed the New York Plaza in spectacular lights for the 100th year celebration; orchestrated the Guggenheim International Gala; helped Tiffany & Company find just the right look for the Blue Book (jewel) Collection debut and the list of fabulous parties and ritzy events he's given the magic touch goes on and on. He's entertained celebrities, royalty, presidents and CEOs; is a contributing editor to Departures (travel) Magazine and is the expert event planner Martha Stewart called when she wanted to put together a wedding special, which also featured famous dress designer Vera Wang, among others.

What David has to do with anything is this: Bianchi Musica -- Pilley Bianchi and her team -- is among the entertainment creme de la creme that David calls upon to lend musical elegance to these fabulous parties. Now I never thought I was affected by celebrity but as it turns out, I am.

The closest I've ever come to meeting a real life celebrity was when then UUA President Bill Sinkford graced us with his presence upon UUCS's 50th anniversary. All the pillars of the church, the movers and shakers, were scurrying around getting things ready. Seeing these folks -- people for whom I have great respect and am awed to work alongside -- so affected by the anticipated visit threw me. I had no frame of reference with which to process this. So when the big day came and Sinkford spoke at our little church, I was clueless as to what to say to this man who loomed so large. I shook his hand and heard myself say, "I just love you," in my pronounced southern drawl, which always gets more pronounced when I'm nervous. But then this highly educated, very well-spoken, urbane man could not think what to say either! What does one say when a swooning southern girl professes her love to you on first meeting, nary a mule nor milkcow nor shotgun in sight!? "Well," he said, his voice faltering before he bailed out, turning his attention to the next person in line.

I'm not sure NYC is ready for me... Gaaah lay, wud jew look at thaaat?! And so the saga continues...