Last week I took a trip to New York for some important meetings, but on my first day there I spotted this stenciled message as I made my way to Chelsea. Immediately I realized that although the meetings were very important for my business, the overall reason for my visit was the pursuit of magic. And I found it, I always do because it’s always there. New York never disappoints.

I have to admit something: long ago before my first visit, I really wasn’t sure about New York. Endless reports of crime, filthy subways, crowds of rude pushy people, nasty cabdrivers running people over, etc. But what I found out right away is that’s not really true, and any of those things can and do exist in most large cities. I also found out that New Yorkers by and large are the kindest, friendliest, and most helpful people anywhere. It goes without saying that they are also some of the most resilient.

Of course there are dogs. These first two were waiting for their owner outside a Starbucks. At first I felt special that they were being so sweet waiting for me to get a good photo…then I realized their owner was standing behind me, waiting patiently with her coffee. You can see their eyes are glued on her instead!

I saw dogs out for walks near the Flatiron Building, sparkly Mia and Vienna in town for a fundraiser doggie fashion show, dogs and their walker under scaffolding taking a break, and a cute paper dog in the window of Kate’s Paperie wedding shop. Yes, they were everywhere as you might expect.

On the sunny day that I visited Chelsea, I finally took a stroll along the High Line. If you’re not familiar with it, the High Line is a pedestrian walkway elevated above the street that stretches for many blocks. A former rail line, this is now a botanical wonderland that continues to be maintained by the volunteer group Friends of the High Line. Visit the High Line website here for some cool information including animated journeys.

And it’s not just what you see on the High Line that’s spectacular. Equally stunning is what you’ll see from the High Line. And, taking a break from traffic and stoplights is also a big plus. All I needed was an ice cream cone. Drawback: they don’t allow dogs. Boo.

So while the sights and sounds of New York make it a great place to visit, I’ve found that its spirit is the most intoxicating element. The dreams that you bring with you, and the people you meet there who already understand that. You don’t have to say very much, they know. I spent a lot of time in the Garment District, seeing the racks of clothing, the hustle and the bustle. Those are someone’s dreams rolling around on those wheels. The fashion design student working in the shop selling zippers and buckles, they definitely get it. The artist working days in a gallery and painting at night, he gets it too. Go anywhere, it doesn’t have to be Broadway, it’s in the air so just inhale it. Just like Frank Sinatra sang, “if I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere…”

Thanks, New York. I’ll see you again soon.

PS: it turns out the In Pursuit of Magic stencil I saw is a very cool undertaking. From their website: two female street artists on a crusade to elevate consciousness and amplify meaning in the world. Thanks, ladies. You can visit their site here.