November Issue Editor’s Note

Cat Greenleaf gave me two wonderful gifts during the hours we spent together for this month’s cover shoot.

One was the chance to spend an afternoon in Brooklyn, where I grew up, with someone who’s figured out how to make a living by getting famous people to come by her stoop and chat about their lives. I mean, do you know how much of my early life was spent hanging out on stoops, chatting about everything and nothing?

Cat and her show, “Talk Stoop,” have gained a lot of attention lately because the show regularly appears on those little screens in the back of taxis. I’m sure I was predisposed to feeling like I already kind of knew her before we met. But the other gift Cat gave me was a complete surprise: the chance to play with her two boys, three-year-old Primo and Baby Truman. My own children are now eight and twelve, and we don’t spend much time in the neverlands of silliness and make believe anymore. Playing with Truman and Primo reminded me of the dad I used to be.

Cat herself is such a special spirit that I’d be a spoiler if I gave away too much of the interview, but I encourage you spend time with her yourself. This issue happens to be loaded with people I like and respect, among them: Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian; prenatal wellness guru Latham Thomas; kiddie rock goddess Laurie Berkner; and 74th St. MAGIC’s Wendy and Evan Levey.

Our team also brought fresh ideas to a topic that could use it: birthday parties. Three very in-the-know moms helped us identify original themes and venues, the best cakes in town, and affordable party favors.

But looking back on this issue, I’m realizing now that I do have a big regret: How could I have not challenged Cat Greenleaf to a game of stoop ball?

Have A Happy November,

Eric Messinger
Editor, New York Family
emessinger@manhattanmedia.com