A GIFT FROM OUR FRIEND AMY …

Amy, who turned 90 this past year, has been a dear friend for approximately 45 years. She has a heart of gold and her latest gift to me and my daughter and son-in-law is proof of this.

She lives in NY City and surprised us (during my most recent sojourn to NY) by inviting us all to be her guests for dinner and a performance by the world renowned violinist Joshua Bell at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall .

It’s been many years since I’ve seen a live performance of this caliber and it was a HUGE thrill for me.

Joshua Bell, for the few of you who might not recognize his name, came to national acclaim when he was just 14 years old. This led to a debut at Carnegie Hall and now, at the age of 43, he is known world wide. He plays a 1713 Stradivarius … (valued at four million dollars !!) and the purity and precision of his music are mesmerizing.

But Joshua’s talent is not only in his music. He is a natural showman and it is a feast for the eyes to watch him lose himself in what he is playing. He sways and bends and captures the audience in his enthusiasm. He doesn’t release us until he ends his last note with a flourish. Then there is a second of total silence before we are all on our feet applauding and begging for more.

It was an evening and a joy that I will never forget and I say from my heart: “Thank you, Amy” if you happen to read this !