PAFW In The Rearview Mirror.

Everyone knows the feeling, at least in a small way.

Something you planned, worked on or just looked forward to, anticipating it. It comes slowly and then, in the blink of an eye, it’s gone.

I thought about that some on Saturday night as I watched the wonderful spectacle which was this year’s Park Avenue Fashion Show. I thought about what it must have been like that night for those who put in so much time and effort for so long, surely thinking about it from the close of the show the year before.

It’s completion is a triumph, to be sure, but that can also be bitter sweet. And when you are the people who have worked on it for so long, that most often means the night of is more work, stress, fires to put out, quick decisions to be made. That’s just the way responsibility and enthusiastic effort for such events work.

For my part, for what it’s worth, let me simply say: Job splendidly done, ladies! Job splendidly done.

In my blog on Friday I encouraged stragglers to pick up whatever remaining tickets were available. I hope some did. As I remarked in that same blog, it is pretty extraordinary to have such a large scale, well done fashion event in a community of this size. It’s a testament to the community in general, to those who dream big and jump in with both feet to make it happen specifically.

Highlights for me were surely the emerging designers, which I anticipated more because of my talk with all but one a few weeks ago, and the unexpected wedding proposal involving the final Bay Hill Jewelers angel model was one of those moments you remember the rest of your life. Her immediate reaction with tears, covering her mouth, the crowd's enthusiasm . . . . my own woot-ing like I was at a sports event, I'll remember it all.

I was also tremendously touched by the 'I'm A Survivor' segment, with cancer survivors on the runway accompanied by their doctors. I actually met one of the models, Becky Whitaker, on Thursday night at Blue Door Denim Shoppe. I didn't know the story then. When I saw her along with the other ladies on Saturday night, it was a very touching, amazing presentation. My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer early last year, has had two surgeries and is now doing extremely well. Just over five years ago my family lost my father to a brain tumor. Seeing these very STRONG women not simply surviving, but up there celebrated, yeah, that was COOL.

I had such a great time and I know I was not alone. I saw so many people I knew, picked out others along the runway in the crowd. The food was wonderful, the event staff truly delightful, and the backstage FRANTIC and CRAZY just like you would think!

It was a truly amazing event and Winter Park owes all involved a big THANK YOU. On behalf of them, to all who played any role: You all ROCKED it, made Winter Park proud!

On another subject . . . . this weekend is Trick or Treat on Park Avenue! Put it on your calendar because it is FUN for little kids and big kids . . . and BIG Owls! Parker will be out and about. Look for him in the trees and along the sidewalk. More later on just where! Trick or Treating on the Avenue takes place this Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

And, in mid October in Central Florida, isn’t your mind now on ice skating? Okay, I jest. BUT, if it actually is, good news . . . your opportunity to ice skate in Central Park returns in mid-November. It returns Tuesday, November 16, and will remain in place through January 6, 2013. Break out your sweaters and, well, knee pads!

Winter Park's finest restaurants are bringing their best appetizer, entree, and desserts to the Winter Park Wine & Dine event. Wine & Dine was created to promote local business growth, encourage communication between residents and local restaurant owners, and serve as an overall great event. Find ticket information and purchase them at: http://www.winterparkannual.com/index.html

Lastly, for the first Give A Dog A Home in a bit, consider, first, a run . . . . October 27, 2012 for the 3rd Annual Dash for Dogs benefiting Pet Rescue by Judy. Support Judy’s animals by lacing up those running shoes for a chip-timed 5K run on a certified course in scenic downtown Sanford. Is competitive running not your style? Well, there will also be a 1 mile Doggie Dash for families to include their furry friends. Both runs will be followed by Judy’s Halloween Pet Festival from 9am to 12pm in Sanford’s Fort Mellon Park. See more info here: http://dashfordogs.com/

As for Give A Dog A Home, consider sweet Blue Bell. Yeah, she takes a cute pic, but read the wonderful account given by a PRBJ volunteer who took her home and her reaction to her animals, including cats! See more about this sweet girl, with lots of photos at: http://www.petrescuebyjudy.com/animals/detail?AnimalID=4767404#animalOtherPictures Or, just visit the site to see other animals in need of homes. It could just be that a furkid is what your family needs!

Till tomorrow, holy bricks & Spanish moss, enjoy this GORGEOUS weather!