The Voice Of Inspiration

Even though my 11-year-old daughter Elena is never going to
be a professional singer, she loves watching reality show singing contests like
American Idol and The Voice, and has also been known to spend
time on YouTube re-playing her favorite performances. I like her interest
in these shows because it’s a taste we share—and because they expose her to
much more music than she might have otherwise heard just tuning in to the
latest pop hits.   

So I was really excited for Elena when it turned out that
our cover shoot with Audra McDonald was happening late enough on a Friday
afternoon that she could sit in on it. Mind you, she’s never heard
McDonald sing or seen her act, but her interest was definitely piqued when I
explained how McDonald—now starring in Porgy and Bess—is one of
Broadway’s biggest stars and has one of the greatest singing voices of our
time.  To bring the point home, I said something like, “You know all those
singers on American Idol? She’s better.” 

As it turned out, McDonald’s daughter Zoe is only a few
months apart in age from Elena, so when I introduced them McDonald knew exactly
how to put Elena at ease, chatting knowledgeably about video games and
asking Elena about her school and outside passions. As much as McDonald’s
extraordinary voice helps us connect with our deepest emotions and aspirations,
meeting her at the cover shoot was more grounding and real, and in a way more
inspiring for both me and my daughter. McDonald seemed wise, pleasant,
down-to-earth, strong and maternal—and I think this is just the person you’ll
meet in our feature interview.

When I think about other the stories in this issue that I
wish to highlight, a number of them have to do with similar kinds of inspiring
people. Green guru and NYC mom Alexandra Zissu comes right to mind, so does The Naptime Chef Kelsey Banfield. I would also
make that case for Matt Schneider and Lance Somerfeld, the co-founders of the
NYC Dads Group, who wrote a very insightful story about how to better your
parenting partnerships. And what about all those great young athletes
who shared with us what they love about their sports? 
  

I can’t put a face on some of the other stories, but I think
there’s a lot of inspiration to be found in our round-ups of spring clothes
and children’s room furnishings, as well. 

Happy March, 

ERIC MESSINGER
EDITOR
[email protected]