My Sister Debby

Although I frequently write about my famous interview subjects and celebrity friends, I never mention the one star in my life who shines greater than any other—someone I speak to virtually every day, a person of impeccable values who I trust and can count on no matter what.

She’s a best friend, advisor, and confidante all rolled into one. You won’t find a better listener, someone who has mastered the art of shining the spotlight on others.

She’s my sister—Debby, and there ought to be a holiday invented for sisters (and brothers). She’s especially on my mind as she’s visiting here today in Battery Park City, taking a break from her quieter life in upstate New York.

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Peg Wallis

Last night, with balmy spring temperatures soaring to nearly 80 degrees, I had to take advantage of the sunset on the Hudson, pictured below, by having dinner outdoors.

And I happily took in the water views (and grilled salmon) with my close friend and confidante, Peg Wallis, the brilliant life coach who travels around the country giving workshops to large corporate audiences, skillfully teaching how we can become better team players, think “bigger” and out of the box, and push beyond perceived limitations to the boundless possibilities within.

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My Great Friend Jason

Last night was a magically-breezy evening in Battery Park City, (pictured below at sunset), the perfect temperature for dinner outside on the Hudson, the occasion being a 31st birthday party for my great friend Jason VanOra, a psychology professor at Kingsborough Community College. Over guacamole and chips, chicken quesadillas, and a chocolate brownie sundae, Jason, who looks about 22, made me feel a bit old, as I have a belt older than him! But I was very happy to celebrate, together with our close friends Peg and Beth.

Occasionally in life, you come upon someone who not only has great intelligence and charm, but also a warmly empathetic nature too. There’s an instant “click.” And that person, with whom you have great chemistry, gradually joins the category of “best friend.”

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