It doesn't belong to me...It's always belonged to her.

With Christmas fast approaching and a bit of cooler weather creeping into my Texas days I have been longing for New York City. I have been itching for a ride on the subway. Yearning for an unnecessary and unsuccessful trip through Macy's because it's my mother's mothership. Craving a Magnolia cupcake for breakfast...just because we can! Pushing through crowds of people because you have to. Longing for a slice of pizza and a glass of wine in a tiny little apartment on the upper West Side. (My sister's old apartment to be exact...)

I love New York. I love it for all of the reasons mentioned above and for many more. But I think one thing I love the most about New York is that it doesn't belong to me. For as long as I can remember, New York City has been my sister's city. It has always reminded me of her and it has always been hers. You see, for her 16th birthday my mom took her on a girls' trip to NYC. It was her first time in the City and the love affair began. She came home saying, "I want to live in New York!" She went to college and spent any spring break, Christmas break and any extra dime she had in the Big Apple. We always knew it would take her away when she graduated from college.

Just like she had planned, she graduated from college, talked a few friends into her corner, and she headed off to the city that never sleeps. She worked hard, prayed harder, and she landed a true dream job with Hearst Publications working for "O" the Oprah Magazine. The day she called home from her first day and she had had a meeting with Gayle King we knew all was right with the world! :)

It was so fun to listen to her tales of her time in the city. She truly soaked up every minute of it and took nothing for granted. She saw plays, spent weekends in the Hampton's, sat courtside (or in the lights...) at the US Open, spent lazy weekends in Central Park, made a trip or two (or TEN!) to the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty with weekend visitors and so many, many other amazing memories. And although I love the city, I am only a visitor. It was her home.

*All of these images are my sisters

This was the view from her office! Floor to ceiling windows looking out over Central Park...

I threw this in for good measure...this was ALSO the view from her office. :) George, filming a commercial in her building. Swoon.

And if you're interested in a few of my sister's stories from the City you can read them here, here and here!

I love you, New York. I'm longing for you New York. It's up to you New You, New York!