Had good....

session with Noagh yesterday morning---won't see him until next week, though, but will begin tutoring a brother and sister who live nearbye tomorrow. Also, today will try to go up to Westport to see Zach in Loot,    a little anxious about getting a ticket, but if I can, it should be fun. Last two nights did my baseball immersion
thing, getting a little tiresome, next two (or maybe three) days will be off it. Still happy about my trip to
Baltimore, seems to have helped me turn a corner, now feel stronger than before I went. Considering how
ambivalent I felt about going, it is amazing how good I feel now. Would love to spend longer period of time there, exploring all the neighborhoods, taking long walks, etc, but when....? Fringe begins in 9 days....

finally did it....

and trip to Baltimore was important! Everything I wanted---am still infatuated with the city, two longs walks, after a nice bar meal on Saturday evening, walked back to Calvert Street near train station, where I was staying, mostly along Charles Street. A beautiful evening---many people on the street, held as if in a dream.
Sunday, visited Robin at Hopkins Hospital, (an amazing group of buildings, almost a city in itself) then walked down Orleans Street to the center of the city. Tired but very pleased. Did not visit Hopkins, maybe next time. But what does it mean? Can this infatuation be turned into anything more...who can say...anyway, an important break in my summer routine---never realized how important it would be to redefine the weekend. More on Baltimore later...now only eleven more days until the Fringe begins......

Friday before.....

trip to Baltimore---only trip we are taking so far this summer. Somewhat anxious---now have found out that my friends Robin has been readmitted to Hopkins Hospital, so will visit her sometime on Sunday, probably, that leaves tomorrow free for me---gives me a chance to go to ball game---wonder if it will be very crowded, well, I don't mind standing.
Today, nice tutoring session with Miguel, except lots of spillage of gas from trucks moving down Broadway, gets me very anxious.
Yesterday evening, opted to visit South Fourth, not my greatest moment, not a lot of great contact, though i did get invited to a book opening in Greenpoint next Thursday. Don't get to Greenpoint that often, this could
be a nice break through. That's really all....
Two weeks to the Fringe....

annoyed.....

by "snarky" comment made on I Love Franklin Ave blog, after my comment, though I in no way know it
alludes to that. Otherwise a pretty good day, or week, though because no tutoring, some slow spots.
Last night, went to see Howard Barker's The Castle, directed by my old friend, Richard Romagnlola.
Very strong work---particularly impressed by the woman who played Skinner, an understudy, yet she was totally committed to and believable in the role.I like Barker's writing, at least in this play, it takes risks, tough, acerbic---afterwards said Hi to Jennifer---always good to see her, we rode back together on the subway, asked her about her nephew, who was at Friends for two years---apparently he is doing very well, and about Lynne, whom I knew when I read plays for American Playhouse. Invigorating conversation.
Monday, somewhat tired, spent the evening watching baseball at Lansdown Falls; I like that place, the wait staff very courteous. Surprised no one mentioned the performance last night at Potomac--was sure that someone would talk about Jan Maxwell's absence.
Today, first day there seems to be a really nice breeze in the air---may see Loves' labors Lost tonight, other options, going to La Flaca and watching the improving New York Mets, or heading to South Fourth and hanging with that group. Three days to Baltimore trip.

this morning

felt played out...as of I had absorbed as much as I could. But why....? had basically good days yesterday and Saturday.
Saturday---Pirates of Finance turned out to be better than I expected. The writer used a lot of Sullivan's music from the more obscure operettas---Ruddygore, Princess Ida, The Sorcerer, and used them very inventively. Was suspicious when I read in his biography that he manages a real estate something, or real estate for some large firm. After Act I I spoke to him and complimented him---looks rather waspy, professorial, very different from my image of myself. Thought about asking him about where he discovered
his passion for G and S. Wondered if he learned it as a child, as I did. Seems so different from me, wanted to explore the differences. Yet afterwards, bumped into him again, told him I liked it, but decided not to
build a conversation.
Sunday, went to see the East, wanted to do something different than just hang out with Olivia and friends
at South fourth. Found the East to be fascinating, beautiful photography, the story held me, The question it asks: Where does idealism merge with changing the system via violence? Beautifully told story.
Afterwards, wandered around the Lower East side, then to Standings to watch baseball, finally to South Fourth to interact with "the gang". Talked with John, kind of a bloviator, but I think he has a good heart underneath, then stayed and watched baseball, left feeling incredibly tired.
Slept until 4. Then up with a kind of urgency---could not sleep, then very tired around 7:30.
Things seem to be improved now
Tonight, oh many possibilities, waiting to hear from Hannah about trivia, if she says yes I will join she and the others at Reservoir. otherwise, maybe a reading at Bushwick Starr, or Merchant of Venice at Gallery, can get if for free, wish the NYMf was more financially accessible, but city boy, you know we have to be carefull about  those things.

saturday morning...

and have already spent an hour tutoring Miguel in math. A nice kid, I like him a lot, but he seems to be turning off on his skills. Doesn't have the desire to hold on to any facts. Problematic. I don't know how he ha
passed math the last two years; his academic problems according to the school, seem to be in English.
Now rest of the day ahead---god it is hot! Not sure what plan will be until around 8 when I go to see the Pirates of Finance at NYMF. Not expecting much---maybe just to bask in Sullivan's music.
Yesterday, afternoon t the Met---good idea, very cool, not overly crowded, some good pictorial exhibits, maybe I will even return there today to stay cool---I am sure I could find a place to read a book
Or maybe a movie, should check out on or the other.
Went to sleep when I returned, slept for what seemed like a long while, woke up feeling stiff, but ultimately
no problem. Went to La Flaca, enjoyed watching baseball and talking with Bobby and Andrew. Left around 10, after what seemed like a successful evening.
Tomorrow, may go to the Thunder game....the cyclones...? I doubt it. Sad about not getting in some extra baseball exposure, but just a lot of things are happening. Anyway, onto the next moment.....

Friday...totally open....

but for what...actually slept well last night, nervous because chicken tenders that I had at Bark kind of overwhelmed my stomach (not the greatest choice to make in the first place), but woke up in pretty good shape. Mind overwhelmed by possibilities. Lay in bed, trying to conceive what it means to be approaching
70. Also, fifty years from my senior year at Hopkins, the year that defined me  (or my needs) through most of my adult life. Just heard that a friend from that time has a serious illness---another friend whom I mentored (he was a freshman; I was a senior) has passed away. Strange, it is impossible to think of him as anything but an eighteen year old. Last night, the debate, found myself annoyed at answers, also questions, then went to Frank's Lounge on Fulton---filled with people, apparently Lucas hosts an activist get together once a month and this was it. Nice conversation wiht Jodene, afterwards, was hungry, did not want to go to Mullane's;
not interested in just pizza, ended up by my own volition at Bark. Strange place, not too crowded, but not very interesting and not much of a contact place. But inexpensive, which I suppose was the main reason I chose it. Wonder if I wasn't too tired, if I could just walk down fifth avenue through the slope, is that it for
you cityboy...life just a series of endless walks? Well not today, a little too hot for walks, plan is to go to the Met this afternoon, see some of the photo exhibits and keep cool...this evening....endless possibilities, but will probably end up at La Flaca, have not checked in with Bobby for a while. Tomorrow, at least one performance, but maybe more...let it happen....

apartment being cleaned....

as I write. Also very hot today, perhaps even more oppressive than yesterday. Today, candidates forum in Brooklyn, then maybe hang out with Lucas, or South Fourth, or.......Yesterday, good session with Michaela, inexplicably felt tired after that...nothing planned, slept for a while, then got up late, took train to 42nd Steet, somehow got the idea that something would be happening at Pershing Center; it wasn't! Had a sprite, place
pretty empty except for people exiting the one musical left on the days program. Walked over to tenth avenue, did not go into Lansdowne Falls, finally waited for 11 bus to come and went home---legs tired, but again a decent amount of trouble sleeping......the heat was probably responsible for some of that. Try to stay out late today...keep the energy going. Finalized plans for Baltimore yesterday, glad that that is in place. Also, may have picked up another tutoree, which is also good. Looked at schedule for Fringe, my venue has mostly three performances per night---pretty good. Let's see what happens.

cityboy is....

very hot, no tutoring today until 4-----just found out apartment will be cleaned tomorrow, not a moment too soon, but it means taking out more money---just finalized baltimore trip in  week and a half. Hope waiting until 7:30 for a bus on Sunday won't be too difficult. Also some more tutoring is possible.
Last night: went to Latin Beat movie---called The Future---very interesting, kept my interest, glad I went, afterwards, started to head for Lansdown Falls, on tenth avenue, but found myself a little too tired, found a great pizza place on 50th and ninth and had a slice, wandered back down ninth avenue. Ran into friend Rusty
who now works box office at O'Neill theater---Book of Mormon, he is (ofcourse) very busy, told me that he was unable to procure standing room at the theater, so that is out (but what is in?) returned home fairly tired and slept pretty well for me..
Today, after tutoring, not sure, of course many options, might be happier just hanging out at South Fourth, as there is no baseball available. Stop off maybe at one of the other bars that I don't usually frequent. We will see.

cityboy finds a core

many activities in the past few days---interesting how my mood changes with each event. Today, have already tutored Noagh---very focused and strong work, so cityboy sees the toughest and most practical side of himself. Last night, cityboy played the wanderer, after leaving South Fourth (always a good idea going there) then down to Wythe, cutting to Berry a few times, continuing north on Wythe, all the bars and restaurants pretty full, and this is on a Monday evening. Went home tired, but difficulty sleeping, that is when cityboy calls on his inner "Gatsby" to explain his feelings. But at the moment feeling quite confident and focused.
Two good things: assignment for the Fringe was announced, always a good thing (about three and a half weeks till it begins) and plans for short Baltimore trip have been finalized, will stay at the brownstone a stone's throw from the train station, and just made a reservation for an early Saturday bus ride. Only one more reservation to go. Wish I did not have to make such short trips to that city, but with all things being equal, that is how it has to be.
Between now and Thursday, a lot of freedom---as usual many choices confront me. Not very interested in the All Star game...movies...?maybe, but some hanging out in Brooklyn would not hurt either. At any rate, will make decisions as they come...that's all for now...cityboy.

cityboy gets real....

leaving the past behind, had a good time last night at La Flaca, three very good conversations, then this morning a good session with Miguel.
Today, Cradle Will Rock this afternoon, not sure about this evening, several movie possibilities if I want then, otherwise will have to figure where to "hang out".

past and present

collide this morning: on The Takeaway, a woman named Joan, living in New Jersey, recalls some music from the sixties. At first I don't recognize the voice, but then it seems possible that is Joan, the young woman I knew from 63-64, when I was a senior at Hopkins and she was a Freshman. It is possible that, a woman with her name now runs a business in New Jersey---should I try to contact her---our relationship did not
"end well", if you know what I mean. Part of me is curious, another part.......what drives you deep back into the past, cityboy...? Why the longing to return to Baltimore...? Can you be "caught up?" Will probably pass on that now, see what today brings, as I have added a new tutoree, whom I will see later this afternoon.
Last night, at Michael and Abby's Salesman project, still overwhelmed by the play, had some problems with the overall vision of the piece.
Later today, may see Viola, then maybe to La Flaca (Have not been there for a long time) to watch the Met-Pittsburgh game. Let it continue at that....

reprieve!

Wow! Almost had only four minutes to write this, but time extended in the library.
Very busy 24 hours, went to FUREE interviews yesterday, felt vital, today one tutoring session with Noagh, another with Michaela at 4, and then off to Michael and Abby's take on Salesman at South Street Seaport.
God! have lived with that play for such a long time! First time I really discovered it was at college, that productrion (I played Charlie) still remains the keystone of my vision of the play. Have seen several stage versions of it (Hoffman the best Willie) but never quite satisfied with the whole. This should be interesting, tomorrow is somewhat vague, Saturday Cradle Will Rock in afternoon, Sunday...the "usual" suspects (Susan, Reagan at Cobra Club and Talia at South Fourth) At least that is the play now. Next week is heavy towards the end of the week, beginning kind of structureless. Not much else to say, today is the most structured day of my week, no time to feel tired...will report on the evening....

hot today.....

not much to do except wait for interviews at FUREE in the early evening. Should be interesting. Last night, really exhausted after FUREE meeting, definitely could not see Shadows, had a slice of pepperoni then stopped at bar restaurant in north heights to watch baseball game and have a cheese danish (a very good one, I might add). Thought about helping with Spitzer petitions for a princely sum, but that did not happen, cityboy will have to make good and survive by his wits.
Today will probably be a reading day, trying to find a safe place from the heat, until this evening. After meeting always possibility of another movie, though those ideas are getting slimmer and slimmer. Maybe this weekend, we will see.

cityboy mellows out....

Back to tutoring, good session with Noagh today, he is really easy to work with, his mom wants me to continue with him through the year, good to know, makes September's budget a little more easier, will be
able to do things, even if there is not that much work in the beginning at Friends. Should be working with
Michaela (Noagh's cousin) as well, maybe even this week.
Last night thought I might go to La Flaca, but was tired, after a long walk from Lincoln Center to 42nd and Tenth. Rested, then went to neighborhood dive bar on Amsterdam between 79th and 80 street. Had a beer and watched baseball---very serviceable evening---nothing special---today will pick up Cradle tickets, pick up laundry, then FUREE meeting this evening. Should be meaningful, afterwards there is the possibility of seeing Shadows at BAM. Shadows, do you remember the first time you saw it, Cityboy? Probably in early
1960---everything was changing then, you were sixteen in your last year at Science, went with Margo, later saw it again in Baltimore. That same year saw "The Cousins" by Chabrol. The ending of that also blew me away, totally different from the many other movies I had seen. But do I want to see it again tonight? Well, on one level, yes, because it will be fascinating to look at Manhattan in the late fifties---movie was filmed all over Manhattan, mostly, I think, Chelsea--very hard scrabble Chelsea, somewhat working class, bohemian, at that time. (But wasn't all of Manhattan, with the exception of the upper east side Bohemian?) Essence of memory, but do I really want to deal with it again, relive that part of my life as well, or is it just better to find a bar with a TV and drown myself in Baseball. Probably will not decide until FUREE meeting is over, will report on it tomorrow.

better yesterday....

hot in library---no AC---angry because I can't apply facebook message Ap.
Yesterday a calmer, better, day,South Fourth twice---lots of good conversation, an interesting time in
Bushwick as well. Got message from Noagh's mom that I will contnue tomorrow, not sure if this week will
be the last in a while---still frustrated about facebook problem, maybe will have more to write tomorrow

long day....

yesterday---full of discoveries, and frustrations----long night last night, but better now, as today's "adventure" begins.
Yesterday, visited Ditmas Park, walked around a bit, love to look at front of apartment houses in
that area--am stopped, as if I were looking at a painting. Found new coffee place opposite a school
on Newkirk Avenue, probably the school that my two cousins, Judy and Alan, attended in the early
forties. Nice energy, read a bit, place will probably be very crowded during school year, wonder what
the ethnic make up of the school is.
Afterwards, decided on Soda bar, was served at table, pretty good, then off to Museum, loaded with
people, stopped at the Heights for one pepperoni slice and then incident in the Irish bar, the less said
about that the better.
Returned home exhausted, fell asleep rather quickly, today helped Arlene unload her car, felt useful,
now the rest of the day begins.....

good session with

Miguel today, forgot how much I enjoy teaching---well, next week things should increase as Noagh returns
and Michaela as well.
Still am wrestling with DC plan---great that I can stay in Alison's parents's house, a little nervous about being alone.
Yesterday spent evening at Standings---baseball "nirvana", or perhaps affirmation, a better and more meaningful word. Aware that there would be very little social interaction, and I was right.Did not make for
a particularly "Fun" transition between the night and the morning---always the most difficult time for me.
Nevertheless, after the lesson, life vision (I know that is pretentious) is in much better focus.
Monday---many choices, both night and day, three options for the evening---can't seem to find any strong difference between them.
Yesterday went to mid-manhattan library---scruffy, but filled with books, amazing how much of a greater
selection there is in that library then in the local branches.
Rest of the day---not sure---it is going to be hot---would like to something "social", if you know what I mean.

just got....

the word from Allyson---her parents' house is available, so is it all systems go...? Possibly, cityboy still a bit ambivalent...but think I will do it the weekend of the 19nth, as originally planned. Have to figure out bus schedules, etc., puts things more in focus.
Yesterday, fourth of July, slow beginning, then party at South Fourth, good time, nice to see Jen again.
After party took bus (62) to Park Avenue and Clermont, then walked up to BAM----long walk but do-able,
never realized that block between DeKalb and Lafayette is sooo LONG! Seemed like I would never reach its end. Finally got to BAM, saw Nostalghia my first movie made by Tarkovsky. Beautifully photographed, very hard to follow, languishes a lot---somewhat dissappointed, but took the time up. Returned home very tired.
Today, after library: may go to Met (Museum) also try to pick up A Movable Feast from midtown library.
Later today, watch ball game, somewhere, not sure where at this moment...anyway, we'll see,,,,,

cityboy writes...

a short movie, or at least the script for a short movie---first time a vision is followed through, good work! cityboy; we will see if this follows through to anything.
Nice time last night at Allyson and Bill's party at East River---perfect place for it, met some nice people,
may stay at Allyson's parents house if I go to Washington; all plans for that trip a little up in the air.
Just read about Atlantic Yards mtv awards planned in late August---another slap in the face of the people who live there.
Slept well last night, did not awake until 8:30; very late for me, payed to credit card balances (not off, just what was asked for) in plenty of time.
May visit with Sibyl this afternoon....maybe not, will see, feel like spending a casual evening wandering around---start off at South Fourth, then see where it leads...

not feeling so good....

after Brian Lehrer's stop and frisk program----fifteen year old from Washington Avenue in Brooklyn got it right! Saddened and frustrated by the whole thing----too much complacency in the "white world". What is my role in all of this....? will continue....
Just got an invitation to Bill and Allison's party at East River bar tonight--that should solve problem of what to do...last night, tired but went down to La Flaca---had a nice time watching baseball with
Bobby, Andrew and the others...glad that that place is there...read Rosenberg book, amazed that I could do the whole thing in a short time. Stilld debating about how to frame visits to DC and Baltimore this summer before Fringe.....

Not accepted....

at the airbnb place I wanted to stay in Washington. But feeling upbeat, like the fact that there is not much to do today. Have choices for the evening...maybe the cyclones game, maybe La Flaca and then to visit Talia at Formerly Crows. Yesterday, started poorly, ended well. Disappointed with visit to Cobra---lots of "girl talk" from which I was pretty much excluded, would have liked to walk to Broadway, (Brooklyn's Broadway, that is) but rain came down. Took L to Lorimer, stopped off at Alligator Lounge, bartender very nice but did not know how to operate Direct TV, so no baseball---frustrating, but did not get angry, though I could fantasize doing that. Then walked into Greenpoint, up Manhattan avenue, but was tired, took 62 to south fourth, hung there for quite a while, Talia very happy to see me--made me feel good, then an interesting talk with "horserace"; prompted me to possibly go to Belmont this or next weekend...forget how strong the bonds I have made at South Fourth are, amazing that we are talking about six years "hanging out" at that place.Anyway, stayed for some of baseball game, then returned home, tired.
"Tough" night last night, but seems to have lead into a relaxed and comfortable feeling for today...we will see what happens later....