Final day...

of the year---have two unexpected tutoring sessions coming up---that's good, maybe a little more money---
tonight----will probably head to South Fourth around 9, then go over to La Flaca---still it will be cold, and I might be tired, yet should go and celebrate the night.
Last night Falstaff---with Clint, we had a good time, very good discussion about opera and operas in general-today listened to WNYC comments about appointment by DeBlasio of Carmen Farina, sounds like a very good choice---listening, I felt sad that I could not in some way contribute or change something in DOE----need a teacher's licence, which I don't have---but her appointment has made me optimistic that things will really be better---once again would like to contribute---guess it is part of a feeling of strength that
I am experiencing. Anyway, hope there is a decent amount of work for me at Friends.
Not much else to say, will probably report on Thursday....

I'm emboldened by....

DeBlasio's picks for Schools Chancellor and Corporation Council---this certainly looks like a more progressive vision than we had previously.Will be very interesting to see how things turn out starting Wednesday.
Otherwise---yesterday spent the day at South Fourth and ended at Cobra---lots of free food, just what cityboy needed, but also good conversation---particularly with Mat, the city planner from Boerum Hill, who knew all the bars on fourth avenu( )good for him!) Other conversations valid as well, and football games were interesting,
Schlemowitz trilogy---
1. Shchlemoniwtts the Bohemian (east village, of course)
2. Schlemowitz moves to Brooklyn (Park Slope in the seventies)
3. Schlemowits is Rich---well of course, he sold his co-op which he just "fell into" when he moved to
Park Slope.
4. Coda: The Mayor of Ditmas Park.
Nobody remembers it--but it does chart the history of the baby boomers in one man (Schelmowitz) who wants to be a writer, falls into teaching, moves to Park Slope and becomes a career teacher, sells his co-op in the early two thousands, and sits contentedly in Ditmas Park, a wealthy and sucessful man, perhaps showing another person his age (a woman, perhaps) pictures of his youth, while she regales him with stories of her grand children. Is there a future in this for Schlemowitz?
Well, it is a beginning, so they say. where to from there...?
Tonight...Falstaff, perhaps, so far looks that way...good tutoring session with Miguel, encouraged him to come in every Saturday..maybe I can really get some work done with him, other tutorees have all had excuses to cancil, except for Kyla who I saw and will see on Saturday. Anyway, for the public school students and some Catholic School students, school returns on Thursday, so there should be some results.
We shall see....

reading noticing.....

New York, more depressing news about what the city is trying to do to the libraries. Where are the true protesters in this. Why is the writing community so silent in its  (non) protest. Does P.R. know about this?
Perhaps should contact M. W....anyway...
yesterday afternoon---restless, had to go "somewhere"---forsook my regular Brooklyn outposts to go the Bronx. Why? Felt it was important to make a visit---of course there is no place to "hang out" there, no conducive coffee shop, or whatever, nevertheless, took the D to 175th, immediately saw the architecture--
again amazed as the memories return---still mythic in my mind. Traveled down Morris Avenue until Tremont, then crossed to Creston. Tried to identify Grandma Landau's apartment house, did not find it---I remember it as being one of the red buildings, but red building was first---seemed too close to Tremont, my memory is that ithe apartmant house was very close to Burnside.Was there an elevator in her building...? Maybe not....
Anyway, after stopping at the Bank on Burnside, continued to Fordham up the Concourse. On Tremont, very little commercial input---much more on Burnside, but tried to imagine the avenue (Tremont) during its Jewish hayday, say the forties, or fifties, or even the early sixties...stores and shopping all over. Nothing like that now. Is this the second of the "two cities" that deBlasio talks about? He is so Brooklyn oriented, is he even aware that parts of the Bronx exist. No sense of chaos or fear walking the streets, people seemed pretty independent and safe, but the area simply looked "poor" . Doorways that lead to apartment houses seemed frayed, much more than last time I visited a few years ago. Not a sense of hopelessness, but if not that..."what....? Poverty? Later walked down Fordham to library, very frenetic, people all over. Really understood that I did not "live" there.
Today, tutoring seems to have been canceled--will check on that in a few minutes---that might change. not sure what the day brings--probably will listen to first act of Tosca if I am not tutoring, then consider my choices as I travel, those choices are numerous.....

feeling listless...

for some reason---body seems to be tired---in the library now---tutoree just canceled so have the day to myself---just as well, although I need the money---well, maybe next week. Still reeling from finishing the Philip Roth bio by Claudia Roth Pierpont. Why? Something so resonant in his life and work and choices----being in the library or around books a different experience at this point.What next...? Got the NY Review of Books---some interesting articles in them---Paul Auster's memoir awaits me, but do I want now to inhabit his zeitgeist...? If not that.....what?
Rest of weekend kind of vague.....would enjoy seeing The Way We Were at IFC....not sure what else...will do a decent amount of socializing.....nothing else clear......

Back in the ...

world, after a long and lonely Xmas day---seems like the world seems to collapse on cityboy on this one day. Of course, you did not look for friends, either, however did get some solid reading of the Roth bio--continues to be fascinating---forcing me to look at my own life as well--digs in---one quote that I was supposed to take with me to publish on this, but that I didn't---something about the rejection of purity for appetite. Read it as a criticism of my "lifestyle". Yet for all the way it challenges me---it is important to get through the book. Coming up on the trilogy of short novels he wrote in the 2000s, so should be interesting

to see how Roth Pierpont (the author) analyzes those works.

Wondering what the rest of the week holds......it's cold, so not much walking is possible---waiting to see what movies or plays I decide to see---tutoring has diminished (as of now, that could change) so have to be careful about the way money is spent. Not much else to say at the moment, maybe will return at some point and try to create something---a "memoir" or something like that---anyway, let's continue...

Feeling optimistic....

but not sure why..stomach really dominated me yesterday, but seems to be better today, still there are things that I notice that are different---not clear how it will all shape out----also my neighbor downstairs is having problems with the oil overspill from the boiler---and the "super" is rigid about nothing being wrong---how will that play out---trying to be an intermediary for both----nevertheless, as I sit here I am feeling 'up" so many options to consider---so many ideas, artistic and realistic (the two are really separate) to ponder and consider.
Reading the biography and analysis of Philip Roth's work---really exciting to see the path of his life and the path of his ideas set out,as  the author does. Will probably follow through with this today and tomorrow---also have Auster's autobiography in my house---don't know how soon I will get to this---Auster is, of course, much closer in age to me than Roth--still, have to ask, "where am I in all this...?" My own inability to sit down and do what they do---that is, put ideas into print----is a constant thought while I read through
these works. I am a "doer'---I can't separate myself from "life" to create something written, unless I am asked by someone to do it.
Herny Roth, the other Roth, all of a sudden comes into my mind---his life in the twenties and early thirties---
more haunting....
Reality: will try to visit Austen today at Cobra (acutally Sunday at Cobra was not that great) and then maybe to south fourth if Merlin is working. Would like to share some ideas with him---a movie in the mix...? Possibly---depends on how much time is available to me, and how the stomach is reacting---like I said, much better today---
Tomorrow, Xmas day, usually a difficult one for me---hard looking for sympathetic bartenders---maybe Lansdowne Falls will be open, can watch some of the Net game there--of course there are always movies,
maybe even a play---some have performances tomorrow, so we'll see---let's get on with life!

looking good....

on this beautiful day,  having completed two tutoring sessions, and finally made my reservation for David Greenspan's performance tonight at Bushwick Starr. Fun going out there, first to hang out with Austen, then see the play, then...well, who knows...? Yesterday the Friends alumni day, lots of fun, good to see everybody, got a nice candy box from Sue, (fifth grade) what a difference a couple of days makes---feel much more relaxed, will enjoy the upcoming vacation, more reports to come....

two full days....

at Friends, very hard working but successful--feel very well integrated into that world again---party today, will sit in on Bob R's jazz class, intereact, then go to Assembly...then....tonight into Fort Greene to see
Merlin's performance---should be fun---glad I do not have to tutor, today, bones kind of ache from the last two days---reaching to holiday with a little bit more relaxation then I expected, which is good.

half a day at Friends...

everyone glad to see me---two fun classes, and yet very little work in the future (that of course might change), and when I did my financially inventory this morning (in my head)..well, not really feeling that good.
Now, things might change, possibly a lot of tutoring work this vacation (we will see) and some money not due for three or even four weeks, so time for their to be changte---but nevertheless not sure where to go from here. Probably wait the first week, then contact other schools if necessary---maybe just meet someone in a bar during the holiday, who teaches in a school that might need me---that is certainly a possibility.
Meanwhile the tutoring continues tomorrow, tonight will probably go to Basketball game at Berkely Carroll and see the Friends team play.

wonder what the...

future holds...still no sub work on this very cold day---will be in tomorrow, but wonder how much I can expect this winter and what to do about it. Right now, tutoring is keeping me going...luckily I have the session with Alem today, and then the meeting at FUREE--and won't be tired, but for January, only one date, is it possible that it will just be a once a week thing...or maybe things will really pick up in January, with a flurry of meetings, retreats, conferences etc. Hard to say, hard to know what to do about it at this point.
Saturday night, found out that Kristen and group from Philly will come to NY in February to do their
Twelth Night---so no need to run to Philly on Sunday, though a break like that might really be fun.

Yesterday, the normal Sunday, South Fourth to Cobra to South Fourth---lots of nice conversation with
"family" at South Fourth---good time at Cobra, that seems to be the normal approach for sunday, perhaps with holiday coming up, there will be some variation...anyway, it is cold today, and we will see what plays out on our trips to upper Manhattan and Brooklyn.

cityboy is ....

overwhelmed by possibility of going to Philly to see Kristen in Twelth Night (god, can't even get spelling right!) when could I go, maybe next sunday---might be fun to get away, but schedule becoming very crowded, but isn't that the whole point cityboy---keeping busy---anyway, went to basketball game at Brooklyn Friends, which I finally found after a long trek in the wrong direction, then to La Flaca briefly to see if Bobby was okay (he is) and then to Standings my "favorite" sports bar---for three pieces of delicious pizza, and some good coversation. Today, one tutoring session called off, then another scheduled for about an hour from now. After that, not sure---snow, at least at this point does not seem to prevent travel, so maybe off to Invisible Dog to see variety show there---but then there is also Eliza's piece, this would be a good day to get into that. So let's continue....

Friday and cityboy...

visited Friends to pick up his check---basically a good feeling---still only one day of work for next week, and today was brutally cold, is it possible there was no work for subs this day...? Well, maybe....anyway, last night met with Lucas from 5:30 to 6, will go to meeting on Monday after I tutor Alem---today will tutor Ellie in harlem then go to Brooklyn Friends to watch the basketball team play the BF team. Visited  with Lucas for a while, interesting conversation re deBlasio's plans---can he really shake things up----next week a forum at the same place, but after meeting I decided the best course was to see a movie---saw Nebraska at BAM, enjoyed it basically, still feel very alone at movies---afterwards it was cold, but decided not to immediately go back to Manhattan, instead went to BARK, not a bar, but a place with good hamburgers (I rarely have one) and people sitting around. Not conducive to conversation with strangers (it is not a bar, as such) but still glad I extended my stay in Brooklyn. A little adventure never hurts.
Tomorrow really depends on snow system, how much will fall, this will determine what I do...we'll see....

supposed to...

go out to Brooklyn to see Lucas today---still no word, that is kind of strange. Felt upbeat this morning from the hard work of the two tutoring sessions from yesterday. Seems like tutoring will continue...but work....
not sure....last night tired after the two sessions, simply went home, after a few stops, tonight, seem determined not to spend any money..so probably not Onegin, but it's cold out dude, so moving around the city (particularly Brooklyn) may be a little difficult. Remember the Friday two years ago when cityboy walked from Library on Washington in Fort Greene to Brownsville...!? Could I do that today, ah Brooklyn, the vastness of it! Lots of bus rides to take over the holiday, but lots of movies as  well...so let the day continue....

More plays than....

you can shake a stick at..that sums up what cityboy could see in December and January. Have to counter that with the amount of money we have to spend. Tonight two tutoring sessions beginning at 4:30, some time to kill, no movie today. Yesterday saw the movie documentary Lenny Cooke---very harsh but well done---plenty to talk about with basketball friends.Today, still no phone call---however will need all my energy for the tutoring sessions. Movies, they don't excite me the way plays do, or is there something about watching a movie alone that is a reminder of other times when cityboy watched movies with others. Theater is my turf, I feel at home there, absolutely no need to share anything with anyone, since conversation will evolve with friends anyway---movies different---will have to play off choices of that versus conversations in bars and coffee shops. What happens after tutoring....?

any ideas about

tonight, or even this afternoon. No work, no tutoring, all the time in the world. Movies? Plays...? Dvorak at the Philharmonic (assuming that they have rush tickets) ---seems to be all one to cityboy. But the article in the Times about Dasani is great! Seems like DeBlasio and his people have a strong problem on their hands. On one hand, how to move deserving families into decent apartments, out of destructive shelters. On the other, how to convince landlords that the families who need apartments desperately are better risks then the young professionals who now live in neighborhoods like Bushwick, Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights. It is a contradiction in terms, a a tug of war. Not much else to say, a really good session with Alem yesterday afternoon in Harlem, tried to find basketball game, couldn't, but very low energy, returned home and after some tofu spaghetti, went to sleep immediately.Why was resistance so low...? Hard to say, anyway, feel much more alive today, just got an advance job for mid-January. Things are looking up--we will see.

what now...

cityboy---very functional morning-payed a few credit cards and got a haircut. Discovered this morning that I really needed it. Waiting for one tutoring assignment today at 4:30---quite a long wait---well a lot of reading that can be accomplished. What about the weekend?
Saturday arrived late at Bronx Documentary Center, then spent the next five and a half hours there. Grueling, somewhat pretentious comments, but learned a lot from the panelists during the first part of the session. Gentrification is only trickling into the south Bronx, but after East Harlem, it could be soon. Part of DeBlasio's mission would be to stop it, yet very few mentioned deBlasio in the discussion of the problems of New York which I thought was a little strange. Always interesting what people cite and don't cite. Then the movie about East Harlem gentrification---very good, and another discussion. Still feel there is a lot more to say, but am glad that the Times finally published today's article on Dasani and her family. Returned to UWS with new friend Louise---a good conversation and a cheese Danish. Totally interesting, dynamic afternoon and night, getting to really like that place. (Bronx Documentary Center).
Yesterday, hung out until play at Friends. Amazingly it was a fantastic production---great timing, great commitment from the cast---beautifully paced--everyone on exactly the same level. Good beginning for Steve, the new theater guy.
Then visited Cobra and South fourth, in the opposite order. Basically a good time, nothing special---and moved into today....

the aches and....

pains, after a day of subbing at Friends, and a tutoring session in Harlem. Cityboy really got it together yesterday, and collapsed royally when he returned home. Still, it was good to be back at Friends.
Today, tutoring session then over to the Bronx for that session on gentrification at Documentary Center. should be interesting and important for me to know. Tomorrow will go to play at Friends.
Not much else to report---body aches, but must continue at this pace. Later...

thrilled by....

philharmonic rehearsal this morning; never been before---lush music just coming up at me---remarkable! Scotch Symphony---felt like I was hearing it for the first time---very different than when hearing it for the ballet. First movement (not in ballet) really an incredible piece of music writing and Zinman and the Philharmonic players really articulated it beautifully. Love the rehearsal atmosphere, can sit by myself---none of the pressure of being a performance audience. May do it again at some point.
Still no work, though I will be in tomorrow. Just got an offer (which I accepted) for Tuesday the 17th---so
feel a little more centered as far as work is concerned. Still, surprised that there is  no work this week so far.
Well, it is a much younger staff this year.
Tonight the party at South Fourth, sound like fun---god knows the place has been so much a part of my life since June 07---happy to celebrate. Yesterday late afternoon, two good tutoring sessions, but not much
energy for a long evening---ended up getting Pizza at Two Boots, then going to the coffee place on 79 street and reading and eating a brownie (very rich). Checked out Barnes and Noble as well. Tomorrow, two first grade classes at Friends...wish me luck!

beautiful day....

and cityboy sits in the Riverdale library (actually it called Kingsbridge, but it sits adjacent to Riverdale) after a "trek", but a very valuable one to Inwood. Tried out Indian Road Cafe---very nice enrgy early in the morning, plenty of room, a nice ambience among the people, ended with a nice conversation with a writer called Kevin---may return tonight for Triva---if not then, another time.
Last night attended FURIE session, pretty productive, then got a slice of Pizza nearby and rather than hit a bar, chose to go to a yogurt place. Not a lot of energy but a good fruit drink. Woke up this morning feeling far less lethargic than yesterday---two tutoring sessions today, starting at 4:30, not sure about afterwards (see above) but will try to keep prices down...later.....

let's examine

last night: after two very successful and creative tutoring sessions, cityboy feels the hunger pains---and badly. But where to go? Stomach tells him a soup at Ollie's filled with pork or chicken is just the thing. But that means no conversation. Bars might be good, his two best Manhattan bars, Lansdowne Road and La Flaca are too far away. Pizza at Two Boots and then move on to somewhere else--not a bad idea, but cityboy thinks that his stomach deserves more than just a slice of pepperoni. So finally, Ollie's on 116street was decided, Columbia area with all that that brings up.....still go, have Duck in soup with noodles---really go to town (never usually have noodles) and end up being totally stuffed. Stomach feels like it has reached its limit.
No place to go but home and sleep. Woke up this morning---no work-----same feelings of rawness. Should cityboy have really gone to a place where "everybody knows his name" and scrapped the Chinese food. It's food for thought...don't you think. Will not stuff myself like that again---believe it!
Today, sun out nice and warm, can enjoy that--meeting at FURIE tonight---not sure what is before that---
so many things to do in the next few days---how can I get them all in...and what about....?

kind of mellow...

at this moment, I have two tutoring appointments later today, one at 4:30 on Convent Avenue and my friend Nailah  at 6:00 at 2311 Fifth Avenue. Should be easy to move from one place to another....just a question of how to spend the early part of the afternoon. Will probably read more of Salter's novel, am really enjoying it,
has me really swept in.
Saturday, determined not to sleep after tutoring session, achieved that, instead try to get a rush ticket for Good Woman at Public---no tickets available, did not want to pay for others--instead went out to Cobra, good conversation with Austen, the bartender, we went through our Williamsburg Bar repertory. She suggested that after leaving Cobra, I try Harefield Road, took her advice---arrived to find a few groups
of people together, no one lounging alone by the bar---felt alienated, nevertheless decided to stay, had a Smithwick and got the bartender to turn to the Net game. Bartenders grew in friendliness--did not stay very long----will try it again, perhaps on a slower night. Then down to East Village--laMama for a work in progress that should have been free.
Sunday, got off slowly, but went to cobra---Chelsea got me a new winter hat---really nice of her, but kind
of embarrassed me---nevertheless, very sweet, then off to south fourth to touch base with the regulars---had fun, good to see Alyson again---a pretty good day, all things considered. Lots of football watching, well at least it is cheap.
Today, after tutoring, not sure, will explore my options, as usual....

tough night...

strange and disturbing dreams, several times in the eveing--one about rooming on the East SIde---not sure how that ended up, then the last dream: I am in a bus going into a tunnel with a steep glide, the bus is not slowing down---the glide seems to be getting steeper, suddenly a group of cyclists come at us the other way, we (I may be now driving a car, not sure) run them down, they fall like cardboard---finally a series of cars all  directly coming at me in my lane---what will happen---collision possible---I wake up!
Obviously, not in a great mood after that---took a while to get out of it, now better, again some tutoring this afternoon, have to make more specific plans than yesterday, which turned out kind of bland---well, I was kind of tired---so went to Kill Your Darlings---not a mistake---the movie kept me occupied---but not a great movie; just went out of convenience---like those Lincoln Center theaters and just missed the Noam CHomsky movie by Michael Gondry---could have come in slightly late, but thought that this movie might be a bit heady, preferred something with more narrative energy---certainly got it with Kill Your Darlings---afterwards settled for Pizza and some eating at home---avoided bars in neighborhood, thought they would turn out to be sterile experiences, still might have given one a try, just to see what the ambiance was. Well, cityboy was physically tired.
Anyway, as usual plenty of choices after tutoring, but don't run home citboy---be Brooklyn bound where barista Austen waits patiently for you to arrive (sure!) After that.....

better today...

the day after Thanksgiving---good time yesterday in Prospect Heights with Cara, Annie, Kayla, Stan and the kids----can't believe I have been going to that Thanksgiving party since around 1991! Today, not sure, after tutoring session with Kyla in the early afternoon. After that, it will be free time for the rest of the weekend.
But what does that mean? Should I go out and "hang" at my spots, South Fourth or Cobra or try some new places---adventurous, but often it ends up with my sitting alone. Plenty of room to ramble among the bars in
Brooklyn tonight. Still, there are plays, movies, even operas that I should catch up on. Woke up this morning, and felt the evening might be best spend listening to the three late Mozart symphonies at the Philharmonic. But this has changed, no longer find the idea so exciting.
Also, finally got into All That Is, James Salter's novel, find myself very intrigued by it, a very good read, look forward to doing a lot of reading of it the next two or three days.
So where does that leave us...? Not sure, perhaps will check in tomorrow...

so you were scammed last week and

sold a decent and truthful underperforming stock to see if you could find a stock ready to explode. Yes, it exploded, but right in your face, cityboy, and you are out about 100 dollars--of course you could easily make that back---but still at this time, with finances still very up in the air, not the greatest thing to happen to
your vision of yourself as as stock picker.
That said, yesterday turned out really well---great time at Friends, really great to see all the returnees, so many hugs, so many "up" feeling, I really love the place, even as they do create the 3 period half day, which has resulted so  far in my losing 100 dollars (sound familiar) still, even in this haze of anger that I am experiencing now, the energy and good feeling of yesterday afternoon was infectious.
Dentist appointment went about as expected---the flossist suggested I needed mor work, which would of course cost me more, but the Dentist deflected it---I guess they figure I can hoist on my own petard, not the greatest feeling, but it did cost less, and I got a real good cleaning.
After much deliberation, cityboy decided to get a standing room ticket for Die Frau, and found himself blown away. The whole experience left me breathless---god, what an orchestra sound---god, what an intense vision of an opera. Ran into Richard and Marcia there---good to see them and compare notes. Hope I can spend some time with them later in the month---still would like to describe more of the excitement I experienced at Frau, more to come possibly.
Rest of day, some tutoring, then not sure, may venture to Indian Road to sample their Trivia night, possibly go to south fourth to be "among friends" Will be determined as we go along.
Tomorrow the usual Thanksgiving with the Baum's, always fun--usual wait during the day, will cityboy stay home or try to find a bar with the football game on---there is still a lot of reading to do as well, remember it is expected to be very cold tomorrow, so movement may be inhibited. Let's find out....

so what is...

happening, today, have already bought much needed new shoes, then off to Friends for check and will probably stay for Thanksgiving Assembly. Then to Dentist (the money is there) and then....well again it is improvisation time. Only interesting Pinter movie at Lincoln Center is at 4:00, while I am getting my teeth cleaned.
Yesterday good session with my student Nyesa, then off to 145 street, an interminable wait for bus, then bus was stalled in traffic, finally got out at eighth avenue and walked (yes walked!) to 149nth and Brodway for a nice (somewhat overstuffed) BLT at Harlem Pub. Then Pub, which in the evening is usually filled, was pretty mellow, and though I did not speak to any one, I enjoyed the vibe.Will return, possibly at 2A.M. some time to see what it is like---CItyboy, can yous stay out that late, and can you take in anything at that time. Well, it sounds interesting---rest of the day will be decided by how I feel after dentist....

the quote was printed...

some nice feedback from my friends, it is also on my facebook HOME page.
Yesterday. the two coffee shops, hung out, had fun, some good conversations--got home early too tired to see Zach's project at Galapagos.
Long night----feeling strange today, emotionally tired, physically everything seems to be going through my stomach--should buy some pepto bismal---tutoring this afternoon at 3 on fifth and 139 street--not sure after that--tomorrow, if there is no work will pick up check, see Thanksgiving Assembly, get teeth cleaned, and then.......

cityboy is....

what...flustered, because he can't tell if his comment will be printed in tomorrow's second section of the NY
Times. That is certainly on his mind, but what of the last two days. Two basically good days at Friends, amazing how many good relationships exist there for me. Still, a long and tired night yesterday, leading to today, after tutoring session at library near Lincoln Center, will meet Sybil for a short coffee, then go to see Assembly's Reading at NYTF. After that...? Possibly Invisible Dog, maybe something else, then tomorrow, a cold cold day, will cityboy continue his travels between the two coffee bars he frequents and intereacts in on Sundays?
Thursday night, waiting on the rush ticket line of the Public, ultimately got off the line, could not conceive of myself seeing one of those plays. Why? Too much like circus imagery---everything coming at me. Not sure of difference between one or the other. Also tired, although I only subbed one period, (still a fun period).
Anyway, returned home listened to Mozart on the radio...will see how today progresses....

cityboy is...

over the top! So much seems to be happening in so few minutes. Where to begin? Stock I bought yesterday which moved up quickly seemed to explode downward today, taking my money with it,,,now has stabilized, so no catastrophe...but for a moment.....two tutoring sessions today, then.....another jaunt to Bronx Documentary Project in South Bronx...? That would keep things interesting.
What about that Times recollection, will it appear on Sunday or thereabouts.
Everything else kind of frenetic at this point...not much happened yesterday, good session with tutoree Nyesa on Monday, followed that by trip to Lansdowne Falls, the bar that is impersonal but has great bar-waitress people, got a chance to talk to Sinem, the vivacious bartender who had (along with her twin sister made a
nice commercial for Discover Card, very well placed, whoever thought of using the two twins was very crafty, and they looked incredibly poised on screen. No other voyages....rest of the day waiting for tutoring, let it all happen....

a crazy day...

for cityboy, first he is asked to sub for middle school, when he is already subbing for one teacher on a shorter schedule, then his first student cancels, tired, but must wait for second student---now sits in library.
Fun weekend, another Saturday evening that ends at  Brazenhead, impersonal bar where not much happens to you, still lots of room on a Saturday evening---if basketball was on you would have had a better time, yesterday the usual rounds in Williamsburg and Brooklyn---had a good time with Harolow and Noah, basically a productive day, with a scary stop around Myrtle Avenue when you got off the bus a little early, and confused Myrtle el with Broadway el. Can wonder around that neighborhood for a long time. How much time before it gets cold, anyway, let's get on with the rest of the day....

Is that you....

cityboy. He goes down to Transition center on Canal street to speak his peace about better education in the poorer schools. Makes the video, but Oy! Is that what you look like? Face is kind of old, isn't it---not anywhere near your vision of yourself, but still perhaps the vision will win out! Nevertheless, dissappointing to see an old man's face---can't possibly be yours, cityboy...this vital, energetic being that moves from place to place, nevertheless, people seem to find me attractive, per se---so where do we go from here...?
Last night, went up to Harlem for Maysles Cinema showing of Continuing Ed, fascinating film about trying to teach poor students---high school founded on compassionate principal, doesn't always work needs some pruning, nice way of me coming to terms to with my own vision of myself as a teacher of poor children.
Very important movie, like My Brooklyn, LIke Zoned Out from several years ago.
Today, after tutoring Kyla, probably go out to Brooklyn to visit Austen, this will be hard to negotiate, since L train does not run into Brooklyn at all this weekend, same goes for tomorrow, on my journey to South Fourth---so there will be a need for inventiveness as we use the other trains and buses to move around, and of course on foot, just took a nice walk (today is a beautiful fall day!) from Canal to Leroy Street and body seems to be working well, after two days of being fairly tired.
Tonight, Debate Society work in progress, wonder if I will meet anyone there I know, should be a number of
"usual suspects" in the audience, afterwards not sure if I will go out or what.
Monday, back at Friends for at least a half a day.....

cityboy is...

tired...physically, that is---after two long days at work and also tutoring yesterday---returned home around
7, out like a light, woke up, as usual, around 2, lots of energy---stayed up around two hours, then back to sleep, then woke up with "nothing in the tank". Happy no subbing today, though i don't know when the next day will be, no advance commitments, still, plenty of tutoring and a decent amount of money in the bank---making things palatable for the next few weeks. Today, not sure, would love to do some moving around, but am I able to do so...last day for Frederick Wiseman's doc about Berkeley, should catch it, but not sure...looking forward to the weekend...

last two days....

extremely busy, with school, did not expect to tutor at all, but had one on Thursday, and one on Friday, also
FUREE meeting on Friday as well---did not expect to feel as strong as I do today, but I do. Also, leak from radiator and excess heat in apartment---no response so far---well I guess that is par for the course.
Otherwise, comfortable with all situations, will sub at least two days next week, and probably have a decent
amount of tutoring---that should keep me comfortable. Not sure about the rest of the day...many options, that is if no water in the aparment....

today...calm....

body very relaxed at this moment===next two days (actually 4 out of 5 at this point) will be at Friends. that's good. Today, should be relaxed for the two tutoring sessions I have one with Michaela at 4 :30 and one with Terry's daughter (first time) at 5:30.
Yesterday, finally visited La Flaca, saw Bob for the first time in a while, things seem to be good for him and the restaurant, very nice to touch base with him and rest of La Flaca staff. Stopped off for coffee at Bean before heading home; read a little and finally returned. Today woke up at usual time, waited to see if I would work---kind of relieved that I was not called, not overwhlelmed by today's tutoring schedule. After that...?

and yes, today...

is totally "free'---a little bit at loose ends, will cityboy finally catch up on a movie? Where should he be tonight, at another art event, following the election, watching the two basketball games at La Flaca, possibly?Just wrote a nice statement on franklin avenue blog, wonder if I can take this idea any further---feel it is important. But why has no one thought of it before.
Yesterday, two tutoring sessions---tired at the end of it, tired through most of the day, but did okay.
Came home and slept---today....one the move, I hope.

how far can....

you go, cityboy? No subbing today, but two sessions of tutoring, including one in an unknown zone on
140 street and fifth avenue. Are you pushing things a bit, cityboy? No pay until 11/15, that will be sufficient, but until then you are still acting like you have to budget with a vengeance. Stale pizza yesterday, because of same? Woke up okay, then  slept a bit around 9, surprised that I was so tired, but that is the way it is. Two sub days planned, Thursday and Friday, perhaps more...?
Yeserday, traveled between my two "bars", South Fourth and Cobra---good conversations at all places.
Fun to watch football at Cobra. On way there, tempted to walk up Stuyvesant Avenue in Bed-Stuy, such a yearning to do so---but walked the south-north length of Willoughby in Bushwick instead. Good walk, lets felt strong. Not sure about tonight, tomorrow may be "free"...would not mind that, I think....

three days later....

cityboy is exhausted---three straight days of tutoring followed by three tutoring sessions in harlem, followed by sleep! Not much else---but seem to have stabilized finances for a while.Tonight will see Sibyl's play, late, not sure about the rest of the day, don't want to go on one of my monster walks---might be too tired for
late show---also still feeling kind of lethargic---seems like the body needs a day to recover from the intense work it put in over the lst few days. So what does that mean...? so far....nothing...? Tomorrow, have a little more financial flexibility than last Sunday, but amazingly enough, may do the same thing---enjoy making it my
"hang out" day, and now with those wings at cobra club on Sunday evening.....wow! Anyway, we will let it all play out....

what a difference a....

day makes! Two calls from Friends, possibly three days of work, at least two. So there you go---cityboy is living on a different planet. Almost too relaxed. Where do we go from here...? Not much else on the mind, probably will check out a movie today--at least I feel I can afford it. Next three days might include subbing and tutoring, so it will be a little hectic---but do-able. Yesterday, not much until a session with my feisty student Brian---then a trip to La Flaca---Bobby is out of the country for a while, so I did not get a chance to see him, and then over to the Burg to hang out with Andrew and Lana---always nice--amazing I have known Lana for over six years now---the friends I have made at that place! So where do we go from here....? Not sure---but must plan for work tomorow...

Good and...

Nice day yesterday, felt strongly about the play Roosevelvis; great to see Libby and Kristen afterwards and feel their appreciation for my being there. Had fun hanging out at both South Fourth before and Cobra Club
afterwards (great free wings on Sunday night!). Today, saddened by no work but called Julie B and recommended Roosevelvis to her; she seemed excited---really nice feeling from talking to her. Really nice feeling talking with Kathy at South Fourth yesterday afternoon  as well. Which means what...? Quality of your relationships seems to be at a strong point. But what about.....Don't know how this will all be resolved.
Do I just wait it out? Last Tuesday left Friends on top of the world, thought I did a great job with the tests---but since then, not a word. Where to go from here---who to talk to---not sure.
Today, tutoring Brian, that irrepressible dude, then not sure what the rest of the day holds. Should give yourself some credit for holding expenditures way down, don't you think cityboy...?

so he did....

go to the Bronx last night---amidst much trepidation re the trip---but the two blocks between 149 and 151street posed no problem, and even the walk back at around 10 by himself was very easy---lots of
families walking on Courtlandt Avenue. Really love the place---terrific energy---some good conversation before the movie began. Movie strong in its feelings but kind of obvious, did not think
the discussion was really good--but overall glad I visited the Bronx Documentary Project, and hope
to get more involved in their activities. Mike seems like a really good man.
today, off to Brooklyn, fairly soon---then Roosevelvis---then we will see...

beautiful Saturday.....

morning---lots to do today. Had good session with Kyla yesterday---she is an incredibly sweet young woman---look forward to being her tutor. Afterwards went to Lansdiown Falls---the usual, noisy, busy, yet waitresses were incredibly nice to me. Strange place, Lansdown, not a neighborhood bar by any means, encourages the usual loudness you get from the "bridge and tunnel" crowd, yet staff in incredibly personable---and salads are really terrific. Returned home to sleep, awoke early, the usual problems, then  slept again for about an hour, surprised that I would go into a deep sleep around 8A.M., but did, slept very soundly, tired when I woke up.
Today's plans: go to Brooklyn this afternoon--or even right after this library session---and return book there, then stop at Cobra to see my friend Austen and hang out. Tonight, even more interesting, will go to Bronx Documentary Project in the heart of the South Bronx, to see documentary---nervous about visiting that part of the city at night--nevertheless, I must go. Tomorrow another Brooklyn trip and will see Roosevelvis---looking forward to that. Will report in new posts.

another day......

you get the picture......this afternoon first lesson with Kyla, a new student. Could lead to other students, have to wait and see. If the tutoring picture increases then perhaps a little more financial stability. still no attempt to send my resume to other schools, What are you waiting for, cityboy? Well, let's see how this goes today, don't want to overload myself. Meanwhile, restless with lots of energy in the morning. Luckily the library opened at 10 today.
Tomorrow, probably Bronx Documentary Project in the evening, Sunday, the usual but with Roosevelvis in bewtween. Should be fun. Not much else to say. Writing project: a seventy year old man looks at gentrifction. What does it mean to me, having seen how the city has changed so much over the past few years. Actually what is the fifty year picture that goes on in my mind. sounds interesting, maybe you will do it. ,also that monologue that you were thinking of. Maybe you should give it a try....we'll see.

nice time.....

at merrily last night---glad I went, even if physically I was pretty tired. Love that music---totally enraptured by certain moments in ACT II. Production was nothing new, some interesting attempts to solve the narrative
problem, different from others that I saw---but all directors are left with the contradictions of the piece. Still, this morning, after I was not called by Friends, the songs, Our Time, and especially Good Thing Going, could not get out of my head.
Today, tutoring, at 3 and 5, then not sure, ought to check in with Bob at La Flaca, have not been there for a while. Weekend looks good with trip to Bronx and The Team play on the agenda. Will I ever get to the Met?
Will I ever take the Ralph Avenue bus into Brownsville? Important questions, right, cityboy. Well , it is your city...you know...later

some thoughts on

seeing the movie version of the Donmar version of Merrily---how do I feel about it? Do I really want to live through the piece again? Do I have anything new to take from it? There are so many personal feelings that the musical evokes in me---I remember screaming at someone I did not know after seeing it in 1981 at the Alvin, when he disparaged it. Yet with the City Center Encores production I felt like it had come to an end for me---so here I am, this evening, experiencing it again. Probably can write a bit about it on the Sondheim
web site..Should be interesting...don't take anything for granted.....

after two days

at Friends, feel more upbeat and wanted; really proud of myself for yesterday's work, proctoring four full period spelling and vocab tests--really felt like I was on top of things, but will that change anything? Time will tell; four days in seven if pretty good. Also a spike in my tutoring---a positive one, that is , is making things look up. Just half to "play it by ear" again, If the tutoring improves, less pressure on me to sub---let us see.

Finished O' Brien's memoir, and enjoyed it very much. Probably did not have much in common with those people, but still understand what they were trying to do. Beginning to read his notes about the Cherry Orchard rehearsals, many of those people are very clear to me. Still make me want to direct Chekhov.
So where are we now...? Tonight, perhaps, Merrily, if I can coordinate with Kim and Clint---if not.....

interesting contrast....

between today and yesterday. Felt "raw' and uncentered yesterday, today after proctoring the PSATs at Friends for four hours, with a bunch of kids that I really like, feel strong and valued. So what is to be done?
Monday and Tuesday as I sub for John Byrne, should be telling-hopefully more work at Friends will open up. Would not be so bad to sub at another school, you might be very well liked somewhere else, Cityboy, but the issue is the Friends kids, --they really like me, I feel faithful to them. Well, give it a little bit of time, now that you are in good spirits.
Tired now, need some rest, but would like to simply bop into a movie, and stay as long as I wished--still not there yet---tonight will make an attempt to see kendra's piece for david dorfman, hopefully I can get a senior ticket---would have liked a comp, but not on AE. Oh well, $15.00 is not so bad.
Tomorrow an easy day, probably tutor Michaela, then off to Bushwick to hang with Susan and her gang, then back to South fourth for more interaction as the football game is shown. That's it for now....

so its been....

three days, on one of them cityboy worked at Friends, tomorrow will proctor PSAT and then Monday and Tuesday sub for JB. Still a lot of raw feelings about not being called---see how this week works out, a little more financially stable at this point.
Wednesday subbed a full day, then tutored, afterwards had nothing left, missed Allison's surprise party.
Yesterday, not much during day, kind of sore from all the activity the day before, but went to FUREE pot luck---had a good deal of chicken, then met Frank and later Michael at Soda--had a good time. Walked from FUREE (388 Atlantic Avenue to Soda---Bergen and Vanderbuilt past the  Barlcays center, then went home from Vanderbuilt to Fulton to Lafayette to Train Station. Long walk but felt very energized, could have walked into the slope or further, body really wanted to continue.
Not much else to say at this point; have to find a copy of Of Mice and Men for Monday's class. Will let the rest happen....

cityboy is

mostly relieved...after having gone to Friends to pick up and deposit check---everyone seemed glad to see him---felt welcome---does seem like there are fewer subs that have been hired so far. So maybe it is just a matter of time before the work will come in. After deposit, walked from 24th street and third avenue to library with just a few short breaks. Got Jack O'Brien's autobiography to read---should be interesting. Just checked with unemployment----processed claim yesterday evening, not recorded yet, but should be by tomorrow. A little hassled over doubt, but that should take care of itself.
Sunday-Monday, went to DC and back---seem to be active every minute, very little time for repose, yet now feeling terribly up because I took the trip---enjoyed watching Frank in the play, wandered a bit around the fourteenth street corridor, mostly built up, apartments and bars and restaurants for only one type of person. Nice to go out to Chevy Chase, even if the trip was long, (well it wasn't that long, really) enjoyed seeing the suburban city, very placid, reminds me of my dreams of my youth, yet in all fairness could never
consider living there---seems to be that is the place for "adults"---still feel that way after all these years. Nevertheless, Paul and Kathy's house was very guest friendly, loved the shower, best I have had in years, ditto the bed, slept very comfortably, almost wished I had an extra day to spend there---but had to return to NYC. Bus and local train trips were long, with very minimal stuff to read (too cheap to buy a New Yorker, huh cityboy)---but finally made it---ate a bit and went to sleep almost immediately, awoke at around 11, two trips out, then back to bed---must be feeling good, otherwise, how could I take the walk from Friends easily.
Tonight Mayoral debate, not terribly interested, figure they know what they will say--want to get to election day and get started on new administration quickly, don't know plan for tonight but next few nights are pretty sealed up---wait to weekend to have some extra time.....

short time for ...

post, ended up doing "nothing" yesterday night, too tired to go to Williamsburgh, too cheap (or penurious) to go to a movie---finally went to Bar Thalia at around 10:00, which was pretty empty so there was no pushing and shoving as per the usual Friday night bar scene (good) but a kind of sterile atmosphere (bad) anyway, it killed some time and served its purpose---keeping things cheap. Woke up at 3 with the usual angst, but by early morning it was obliterated, and am feeling pretty together now. Will visit Brooklyn this afternoon, also got info from Allison about where her parents live, should not be that hard to get to from Studio Theater. Will try to make contact with Allison's step dad later.
Not much else to say, leave tomorrow morning around 7, slightly cramped traveling, but must be done. Today just prepare....

cityboy confused.....

should he see Forsythe at BAM, which would cost nothing, or Omar at NYFF, which would cost 15 dollars, which he really doesn't have---or should he just hang with the gang at South fourth tonight? Or should he...well you get the point. Maybe other options will intrude, making this "saga" more difficult.
Finally settled where I am staying in DC on Sunday----Alison's parents seem very nice. Still have not talked to them yet.  Trip kind of rushed...but it is paid for, and I said that I would do it so.....
Next week already filling up, at least in the evening--Wednesday, Thursday and one weekend day kind of booked---should be fun, see how we can fit in tutoring. Of course still no work---hate to bring that up, but
the fact remains---managing money well, actually very well, but how long....?
Take a breadth, city boy, you need one---tomorrow will visit Liz's studio in downtown Brooklyn, then probably up to cobra club to say hi to my new friend Austin.....after that......

a little more.....

relaxed: sent e-mail to Hassan about no subbing, he got back to me quickly---I am still wanted there (at least in his department)--very decent of him. So a little less anxiety (much this morning). Yesterday, fate hooked me up with Alison and Bill, now it looks like I will spend  Sunday at Alison's mom and step dad's house. The DC problem, essentially, solved. Also found out that Calhoun School problem with receiving resume was really a deficient address on my part, nothing more. So I can re send it if I wish to (Probably early next week). Not much else, one or two tutoring sessions today---tomorrow and Saturday basically prep days for
trip to DC.

what now....cityboy

What now indeed! yesterday, felt good after two sessions of tutoring----went to South fourth, watched baseball, felt wanted, again glad that I discovered the place. Today, of course, no work
found out that my resume to Calhoun had not gone through, yet saw Ben, had a really good talk about
theater with him felt very specific---then walked to library on sixth, stopped there, walkled down seventh to Grand Army Plaza, then up to Central library.
Disappointed in Frank's plan to put his mom up at his Washington apartment, left on my own, slight chance that Abby's parents' friends will be available, otherwise will try airbnb---toyed with the idea of canceling the trip, but it looks like I will try to make it happen. Rest of day (today, that is) unclear,
may end up at South fourth again to watch important baseball game, maybe Bob's place, maybe my friends at Lansdown Falls, maybe simply exhaustion. Will see, found interesting new book in Brooklyn library..let it happen...

exhausted.....

and it is only noon; just finished and sent off first letter and resume to a different school; how many more of them will there be? Do I next appear at Friends for Johns' classes in two weeks? Unbelievable! What do I do? Cut your life into two pieces, cityboy---you are still very popular in the social set you move around in...
stilll....
Yesterday, good time at South Fourth and Cobra---Saturday, finally discovered Poets House in Battery Park City. The "City" itself is like a playground for the well to do---at least that was my impression of it.
The Poets House is amazing! All poetry! Read for a while, found some good poems that I might want to read to students at one time or another---then wrote my own---wonder if I will ever read it to anyone, or even look at it again. Just a figment of the moment? Oh, what a story Cityboy could tell, if he ever wanted to.
Rest of day, unclear----George seems to have dissapeared, so guess I will have afternoon free. Not sure about tonight, tons of options---baseball playoffs still going strong. My brother must be overjoyed about the Pirates....anything else...?

cityboy is hungry...

for a freebie. Love to see something this evening, but money is tight, trying to figure out what is viable and for
free. Meanwhile, on Lincoln Center film web, it is announced that there are 25 dollar seats for the new Ben Stiller Movie, the Secret Life of Walter Mitty, that old Danny Kaye movie. Should I go---use my credit card, no I actually can use my debit card, but so expensive. still, cityboy, you are a part of the city intelligentsia, aren't you (well I suppose so) and you have to show your face (such as it is) Ah, decisions, decisions---still have no idea if you will see your money from tutoring Noagh, if all had gone as planned, Mitty might be a drop in the water, now....
Last night, another great night at Prelude, sorry that I could not go to afterparty, but was bushed, still some good conversations with people, nice work from Abby and Michael--early piece on Uncle Vanya evoked some feelings from me about my own participation in something like that---thoughts that were gone soon after, still being at Prelude was a great event for me---only did not come up with any comps.
What next...? Well, lots of options--paying and non-paying, finally finishing the Alexandria Quartet, ready to start a new book, American League Playoffs tonight...anything can happen....?

crazy session in....

library, trying to send attachment e-mails back and forth in prep for sending at least one out next week. Have to, it seems. Woke up this morning, looked at financial situation---not happy--even the money that I am missing will only make a small dent---it is the subbing that pays, sorry about that Bob, you just have to face it. Let's see what happens.
Change subject: Yesterday, all evening at Prelude, a good time had by all; interesting interlude (planned) with
Patrice---almost seemed a dream come true, dancing in a lonely place with an exciting young lady, but that is what they offered. I was very cool with it---played the image of the in control guy, but in fact, what choice did I have...? Anyway, did well, then went to Assembly's project, nice evolving, fascinated by how different it is from Home/Sick. Today will see Michael and Abby's piece and maybe an earlier work about 60 somethings finding an ending for Uncle Vanya. Possible.. or just an illusion...not clear..not sure if I will go to party at Littlefields (ironically, where I ended up on Tuesday) could be interesting, could feel left out; we'll see.
Weekend: saturday unclear----not sure if I will tutor---possible travel through Brooklyn that day, especially if tutoring does not evolve---Sunday, after seeing Michaela, will probably go back to South Fourth for the free pizza, although the game that they will have on is actually the least interesting game at that time. Then traditional trip back to Cobra and then back to....well, you guessed it...South Fourth. The Sunday after that, of course will be different, for that is the day I got to DC. Firmed up plans for return trip via Philly, might be fun to wander around Philly for a while, then take the slow train back

making sense....

of what is going on. Amazing feeling---revved up and want to work---but nowhere to go! Money really tight! Tough luck cityboy. Yesterday, after frustrating wait for student's mom at home in Harlem, went to South fourth, watched baseball, had a nice talk with Lana and it was good to see Andrew. None of my
so called "group" were there, but watched most of wild card game---great play on 3-6-1 double play, and left feeling good, did not go directly back to L, instead wandered down to south 6th, met Bill and Alison, a good talk with them, then entered East River---Sarah was bartending, I had not seen her in about a year, but she remembered me immediately, had good talk, then good conversation about serials with Less---former boy friend of Alison, a really nice guy, just what I needed, finally left tired, and took train back home.
Woke up this morning feeling great, but of course no phone call from Friends. Spoke to Rochelle yesterday evening, she says that teachers are just staying healthy, how I long to be there, but.....again the beautiful fall breeze seeps through me, full of energy, but until I meet with George at 2 :30---no outlet!. What is to be done...he asks himself.
This evening, check out Prelude, some interesting things, and then Assembly's project at 8:45; tomorrow, same, with 600 Highwaymen around 6. Should keep me busy in the evenings, but what of.....

glad about...

Tish James's victory in Public Advocate race; let's see what she makes of it. Still no work; yesterday night at Littlefields, nestled in the much gentrified, somewhat storybooked Gowanus, never been to the place before, did not realize how huge it was---had a good conversation with Jo--though did not stay long for the punderdome--found it basically sophmoric. Afterwards, wandered thorough the slope, ended up at the somewhat cold, but serviceable BARK, they had the wild card game on, so that was fun---must call David this morning and congratulate him on Pittsburgh's victory.
Yesterday, walked from Hoyt Schermerhorn station to Littlefields, nice walk through Boerum Hill, almost beautiful in the early fall weather, such a sense of repose, who would have thought that it could evovle from the tough neighborhood of the early and mid seventies. Love to find someone to talk to about that evolution.
Tonight, maybe go to South Fourth, since it is close to Patrick's final day.

Still no....

work, mornings are getting anxious, now, feeling somewhat more "whole" due to making two statements on different articles on the web. But what is to be done? Cityboy walks through Columbia neighborhood, grooving on the energy, the students moving back and forth between classes-yes, this is what he likes, particularly on a day like this---beautiful in itself---he longs to be at Harvard Square in Cambridge, just watching the ongoing procession---well, just jump in a bus and go, cityboy---won't cost much---and then--
next stop Washington in two weeks to see Frank's play---have to make my reservations soon.
Today, a planned tutoring session at 5, then off to Littlefields in Brooklyn to see a new friend do some comic stuff. Sounds like fun, but still wondering how to combat non-work fatigue.
Last night, after a mid afternoon sleep, felt angry, decided to opt for Landsdowne Falls, the bar on 43rd
and tenth, felt very welcomed by CC, enjoyed watching the baseball game and the football game, felt happy for David Price and his accomplishments. Getting to like that bar better and better, should go there next week during the division series.

the days get....

prettier and prettier. Cityboy's life becomes more complicated and complicated. Received summons to appear at Federal Court for Jury Duty last Saturday---NO NOTICE! Ofcourse it was freak out time.

But today, after all the anxiety, went down and was told that because of my age, it was unnecessary for

me to be there. A lot of Much Ado About Nothing. Still no word from Friends, yet in spite of that feeling very up beat as I sit here working at the library's computer.

Saturday afternoon, in the midst of my gloom, went to South Bronx to visit Mark kamber at Bronx Documentary Project, a very nice guy, nice space, had a good conversation with him; found out that his cousin.Rick is a classmate of mine from Hopkins. I am fascinated by white people, presumably with middle class backgrounds, who decide to live in almost all black and hispanic communities.. Had a long talk with him about that; he also mentioned a close friend around age 50 or so, who has lived down the block from the project all his life. An Irish guy, who has remained very involved in helping the community. Amazing!

Afterwards, took Morris Avenue bus up to Jerome and 175 street, had a much needed Dunkin Donuts coffee and old fashioned donut fix, wandered around a bit and took the 4 to 149th street. Returned home to find in the mail the above mentioned "fraudulent" summons. 

Again the two feelings; incredibly upbeat about the moment, but wondering what will be at Friends. Perhaps the situation will resolve itself, Cityboy really hopes so....

on this beautiful.....

day, cityboy is angry. Just had a student cancel a lesson at the last moment. Not fair! He will pay for it, but it forces me to go into my income, and I had not expected to do so. Naturally, I watch my bank account like a hawk, so this only makes me put more pressure on myself. Yes, he will pay me during the week or next week, but....very disappointed.
Yesterday, went to Assembly's party, very nice, was very welcomed there when I arrived. Good conversations, nice meeting Jo, a comedian whose act I might see on Tuesday, Should check out Littlefields.
Decided to see play at HERE tonight, it creates some structure for the day, and is free, which at this point is very important.
Woke up last night at 3, the usual complaints and rages, worked them through, but feel that I might be at a standstill--your life is interesting now, but...any possibility for improvement...? Not clear, cityboy, anyway, let's get on with the day, will figure out the rest of the activity, before the play tonight.

last night...

attended Adam.s reading; glad that I went, he has really made some significant changes in the play for the better. Great cast---and Marilyn Chris---amazing! just a thrill to watch her endow that material. Today, not much, no work, tonight party at Assembly, should be fun---will continue to read Clea this afternoon, things are stabilizing on the financial level.
This weekend, more tutoring, not sure about the rest of it---probably pizza at South Fourth on Sunday, then usual Sunday trip...we'll see

well, tonight...

we are going to Adam Kraar's reading of his play at Ensemble Studio Theater. Saw a reading of this play about a year and a half ago, and I hope Adam has improved it; anyway, it will be fun to see it and chat with him.
Went to sleep early yesterday, and to my surprise, awoke around 5A.M.---strange that I did not have a waking moment around 2 or three, which is usual for me. Must have been more relaxed then I thought.
This morning, wanted to work--there was none---continuing on my journey with Durrell, now reading CLea, some really amazing writing in the beginning pages---Darley's reunion with Justine---amazing how he really creates the changed perception of Darley. Haunting writing---had visitations of a short story that I might write, characters emerged and promptly expanded, then a phone call (real) asking me to tutor a four year old
(yeah, that is right!) and my reverie, so vital in the Lincoln Center atrium, seemed to disintegrate. Returned briefly as I went to lunch---seems to me the cut between creating and teaching is a vast one, at least for me.
Anyway, austerity budget continues, cityboy determined to save money any way he can (like going to readings, which are free)---next couple of nights pretty well defined---Assembly party on Friday, usual tour of Williamsburg and Bushwick on Sunday, and next Thursday and Friday, going to the "preview" of the avant garde groups at City College Center. Rest of the day will determine itself.....

was Monday's voyage.....

just a dream. Appears so, after a great day at Friends, and a good time attending Arguendo, and its opening night party. As opposed to Monday, Cityboy surrounded  by people. Striking differences. Now a little more relaxed about Friends...things in general  Where do we go from here,,,,not sure...?

as we were saying.....

great place to read, unrushed. Then cityboy travels from Newkirk to Parade Grounds. What does he find.....apartments and apartments that he could have lived in as a boy. Numerous streets where stickball must have been played, mothers sat outside watching their children, all efforts were pointed upward. The history of his childhood, played out in these streets, now nevermore.
Checked on apartment house on Newkirk: all hispanic
Checked another: all muslim (or so I assume)
Still, much gentrification if we looked closely.
Free day, today, completed Mountolive, want to voyage in and around Brooklyn south of the park.
Empire Boulevard, Church Avenue, if we could follow them east, what would we find?
Dried out now....can't put into words what I feel.
Remember Joan Lacey---the eleven year old that everyone worshipped at Camp Towanda in 53?
Once she talked to me---I felt amazed....then she sang at the talent show....
from Moulin Rouge....
Whenever we kiss, I worry and wonder, your lips may be there, but where is your heart.
Then the middle verse:
It is a very sad thing to tell
When we kiss, do you close your eyes,
Pretending I am someone else...I still remember watching her from the back of the auditorium at
camp...where is she now...? Some seventy year old...doing what....?
enough of the past...let's move on.....

cityboy---the wanderer

With a day free, cityboy heads off to Brooklyn for some hard traveling. Back in time...cityboy? For he ends up in the heart of Ditmas Park (Flatabush when you were growing upt, right?) Finds a great new coffee place on Newkirk Avenue, right accross the street from a public school---lots of room great place to read, unrusheيهفغلاخغ

yesterday...

after library, off to Brooklyn, with much time, did some reading of Mountolive at Outpost, then a long walk back to Nevins Street and subway home. Stopped off at "newish" bookstore on Fulton---browsed thoroughly---so many books seemed interesting---of well, have to finish Durrell books first, and they are terrific.
Evening 1. a play called Bad Jews---much praised by critics last year, at Roundabout, hated it---really bad and vicious writing---audience of  course loved it, left feeling angry, wanting to argue with someone about it.
Evening 2. After a slice of Pizza, went to Lansdowne Falls, watched baseball had a beer, bartender Cole, and CC one of the wait staff very warm and cordial to me---made me feel good, interesting that this is a bar with a large turnover, and volume, yet staff, which could be cold and overworked, is always friendly. Getting
to like the place, though price, at this point, is an issue.
This morning--Miguel canceled, but Noagh did not, and we had a good session, then helped the boy who is
staying at his house, Mustafa, the Egyptian, with his test prep. Enjoyed it, even though Mustafa does not pay me, but beginning to see tutoring as a very unselfish act of giving. But where do we go from here....?

beautiful day.....

but still miss going to work---hope that will change soon---cityboy gets up in the middle of the night to calculate his money situation---would like to relax with that...also there is the possibility of looking for work at another school---cityboy is not that anxious to do that, and the work at Friends may come soon and often...but...there is always the possibility that it won't...and then...need to be less passive when it comes to
cash.
Now to last night----went to Two Moons, got to say hello to my friend Siobohan---that was good, may see her in the future, had a nice talk with a teacher whose school is in Sunset Park (did not get the name) also, earlier in the day, bumped into Debbie O, and had a good refreshing talk with her. Left Two Moons feeling up and wanted--a kind of positive energy, did interact there, as opposed to Thalia trivia on Wednesday.
Next few days are pretty well structured---still reading Mountolive--find it quite amazing---very happy I committed to exploring it, can't wait to continue with Clea, which means I won't be reading much of anything else until I complete the two. Free today, until Bad Jews this evening, some tutoring this weekend, also will go to Amoralists on Saturday evening, and of course football and pizza at South Fourth on Sunday, also my usual visit with Susan at Cobra---want to see how her problems at work turned out---wonder if L is still not running from Lorimer to Myrtle over weekend, in that challenged to come up with a new way of getting from
South Williamsburg to Wycoff, though it is really pretty easy, still obsessed with Brooklyn geography, have to voyage on the Ralph Avenue bus at some point.
On Monday I made a contribution to photography studio in South Bronx (they work with neighborhood kids on projects, may decide to visit there today or tomorrow, will let all know.....

cityboy's day

yesterday finally tutored Noagh, also helped the young man, Mustafa, the high school visitor from Egypt, who is spending the year as a guest in Noagh's apartment. Mustafa given an assignment, but not much support, so it seems, from his new teachers. He seems really awed by the work. Will they make some attempt to explain things to him? Anyway, felt good after the session. Planned to go to Pete's Candy Store
for a quizoff, but ended up at Thalia playing Trivia there.
Long three hours----I was the oldest person there. In Brooklyn, I probably would have been welcome to join a group. Here, no one asked me, so I played alone. Surprised, I expected that some middle aged
"eggheads" from the upper west side would make the scene---but no, it seems like Trivia is not attractive to the middle aged west sider (or middle aged person from anywherr in NY,  for that matter). A lot of the questions were beyond my reach, simply categories that I did not know, but undaunted, I soldiered on. MC and his assistant, who will be running the Trivia soon, were very cordial to me, really tried to keep me involved. While there, I was a bit angry, but looking back on it, it was enjoyable. Important that I stuck it out.

 Today, beautiful day, no work, still trying to figure out if a "move" should be made. Sent new lease in;
walked to bank, continues reading Mountolive---really getting a lot out of it, it is the perfect time for me to
be getting involved in the four Durrell books.Would love to stop off at South Fourth on my way to Two Moons, this evening, (even though South Fourth is out of the way, by far) and show bartender Matt a couple of quotes from Balthazar and Mountolive. Not sure if I will do it. Looking forward to walking down fourth avenue in the slope, as I approach Two Moons, always looking for the "mystery" of Park Slope, or perhaps just trying to get in touch with the memories of the past. A few times before, created a short story in my mind, about a widower, around 70, coming to terms with this new freedom after his wife (whom he deeply loved) died. What does he feel. walking down Second Street from Fifth Avenue to Fourth Avenue, as he approaches the newly gentrified 4th Avenue? Interesting idea, as usual, cityboy? But will it go any further?

somehwhat jolted....

by cancellation of tutoring session yesterday; it changed my day---today it is scheduled again, hope that it happens. All sorts of bad breaks yesterday, phone calls not returned, but today seems better.In a more upbeat mood, got a call from producer of The Cheaters Club, today, answered his questions about art and life, got my comp to the play (actually a replacement comp) for Saturday.
Would love to talk to DeBlasio camp about my recommendations for school improvement. Will see if I can make this happen. There is a lot of work that can be done to change the school system. But will they have the imagination to do it?
With commitment to Saturday's performance of Cheater's Club, rest of the week pretty filled out.At least through next Tuesday. Today, will try Quizzoff at Pete's Candy Store--better check the time......

the two worlds....

pretentious title, I know, but it represents my feeling. I read Mountolive with its incredible vision and rhythym, can be easily transfixed, but at the same time I am infuriated when I hear a west side woman claiming she likes the way the city is going at this point, so she will vote for Lhota.
Still, sitting in the coffee place near 125th street reading...wanted to get more and more involved
Yesterday, bank on 125th street, walked to coffee place on Broadway and 148street, drank coffee, read in garden, then walked up to 181 street watched Fort Washington Avenue emerge out of Broadway, then followed Broadway as it moved west, making room for Saint Nicholas and Audubon, and then, I think Wadsworth. Find the architecture in the area very stimulating---long blocks of apartment houses in Washington Heights. Returned to apartment, rested, then went to la Flaca for Trivia---had a decent amount of fun---tonight---not sure. Not sure about the evening....we will see.....

messy outside.....

messy inside----have to structure my own day today----will probably be reading a lot of Mountolive---exactly what I wanted to do, as money arrives tomorrow. Still a little upset re canceling of Thursday assignment at Friends, really wanted to do that one--well it may give a little more stretch in the evening, still see it two ways---can make use of the time when I don't sub, but feel cut out when I am not called. Remember, cityboy, it is very early in the year---so its best to chill out and let things happen. But still a lot of free time on my hands, not the most that I enjoy.
Saturday, helped out at FUREE, did my bit, while others did the heavy lifting, oh well, I am older, you know, then did my "Brooklyn Wandering" bit, walked after Library down Washington until the subway.
Yesterday, a good day, a nice session with Michaela, then off to Brooklyn, a really good conversation with Kathy at South Fourth, then  to Bushwick to hang with Susan, and chat with her about problems at her new internship, then finally back to south fourth---really kept the expenditures low--good job cityboy!
Today, there is always Trivia at La Flaca, should stop by there, (also trivia other places as well) and will probably (as I said earlier) try to read as much of the reflective and romantic Mountolive as I can. Where...?
Not sure...see you later....

just received the news...

that I won't be subbing at Friends on Thursday. Sad, because I had a great day there yesterday. Just goes to show you, that for all the years I have put in, and for my strong identity there, if something goes wrong, I am victimized by it. Hopefully i will get at least one day of work this week. Not much else to say---money down, but should get through it till Tuesday. Spent the day helping out the FUREE move, Akiko, someone helping out ( a young woman0 was difficult this morning, but I did not make a fuss over it. Move proved interesting, I stood around a lot, had a good conversation with another worker called Mark, and finally left after all was completed.
Thursday night, really fun, a very low keyed celebration at SouthFourth---just what I wanted, good conversation and now self-congradulatory moments.
Not much else to say, kind of dampened by recent news---here I am in Brooklyn---not terribly hungry---let's see how I get through it....

so now it has...

happened, the arrival of the birthday. But I am still in "free fall", nothing has changed. Party tonight, hope it is meaningful but low keyed---maybe about 5 to 7 people, many of those I would have invited out of town.
Just finished Balthazar---some very striking passages towards the ending....are they true...? Still trying to figure out the intersection of art and "Politics---Reality" Wasn't it always your dream to lose yourself in the world of art and neglect all others. Then why are you so involved with FUREE, read with passion and think with passion about the Mayoral race and other races in the city?
Tomorrow first day back at Friends, should be fun...the rest....well, let it happen.....

the dreamer and the.....

angry crusader, those are the two sides of cityboy. Last night at Bibaraj party, almost lost it when an "ex-hippy" or the upper west side, told me there were some things she liked about Bloomberg. When I tried to tell her about the law passed by City Council in 2004, she got annoyed and walked away. My belief is that upper west siders, particularly those of my own age, are living in a bubble, uninterested in what is happening in other boroughs. And then listening to the pundits talking about "Change from Bloomberg" never discuss the real estate industry and its hold over our economy. Glad to see that many people are optimistic about
a possible deBlasio mayorality---I am too, though I want to see how he deals with the real estate lobby and their incredible need for power in the city.
Just go another day of work for next week---calm down cityboy.
Tomorrow, party at South Fourth, will it come off...does it matter....? How many plays (or movies) to see in the next two weeks (relax, cityboy). Tonight may do some pre-party checking in, more later.....

a view from.....

where...? Not sure---just sent out e-mails concerning my "birthday party" on Thursday at South fourth.
Good day yesterday, made a few phone calls for Ken B. at his headquarters> Couldn't commit to more--
somehow the whole thing turns me off. Today I could help him---no other structured plans save an eye examination in a few hours. Not sure---maybe go to a bar like Soda, might find some discussion about the race there---or perhaps help out.
Summary of yesterday: South fourth twice (before and after) and Cobra in between. Good conversations, a good way of spending the day, also got some decent walking in---avoided taking "steerage" bus that was
replacing L train by ingenuity--a lot of football, seems like that is all to say, we will see what happens....

the sorrows of....

Cityboy. He planned to see Scarcity tonight, then waited until the morning before reserving tickets, only to find out that there were none left. No tutoring with Miguel today, although I did give him a mini math packet to help him get started, and let him know that I have faith in him. So what is the plan? To see another play with people in it I don't know? To wander through the city tonight, simply looking for excitement. Remember, you are basically a one bar man, cityboy, and if that one bar finds you uninteresting, we are doomed. Well maybe we can change it to two, but seriously, let's consider the options.
Last night, wanted to see Henry's band, but was too tired, went to see Short Term 12 at the Center---a strong movie, a little over the top, but since I did social work, I understood it. Afterwards, tired, returned home---today, have to get some money, then find a place to watch Yankees Red Sox, afterwards have the
book Balthazar, which I really want to read, can you make a night of that, cityboy...?
Also might want to visit some candidates spaces...so you see, options are all over....or are they....?

the weekend...

begins on a promising hope---nice fall weather, a tutoring session ahead, pleased that I handled my money well yesterday, possibly some flyering for Mr. Biberaj.
Yesterday, another afternoon helping at FUREE, good fellowship, went to Brooklyn PL afterwards, then walked down Washington Ave to subway at C Train, took it home. Felt exhilirated crossing Eastern Parkway last night, wanted to take it all in--made up short story about sixth grader visiting from the Bronx in 1955 who gets crush on girl living near the parkway, o fcourse he returns many years later, impossible to mourn the change in the neighborhood, and his feelings for her...? What would she have become. Lost in a kind of space like dream....?
Today, after sesssion, maybe FUREE, want to see my friend perform in Queens venue, will he be able to do it all.....?

so are you Jewish, cityboy...?

Maybe your reluctance to "celebrate" the High Holidays, was the reason for your restless evening last night.
Slept like a long until 2, then woke up and all my troubles (financial) descended on me. Next four hours
full of calculations and plans the deal with financial situation. Oh, Cityboy, when will this come through for you? You're a good man right? Yesterday helped at FUREE, today helped Arlene, later today helped a woman find a topic in the library---this is a good man....right....? But Oy, your financial problems. Maybe by next week they will all be solved, if you get unemployment on Tuesday and your tutoreess return, all should be well. But this weekend...we will see.
Yesterday, after FUREE, walked a bit, a few bites, finally pizza, then to Pacific Standard, a bar you have visited a few times, but really don't frequent. A poetry reading in the back, you contented yourself with a light beer and watched the Yankee-White Sox game for a while, then got really tired. Bartender courteous but disinterested. No conversations, cityboy's speciality. Back to the subway, yet
wanted to stay in Park Slope, feel an endless sense of the "mystery" of the place. As you walk you create this vision in your mind....what...? You and that world go way back---to a time when one would not venture down fifth avenue. But all that has changed now.
Tonight will try to find a bar to watch Yankee game. Most important game of year for Yanks, yet bars will all advertise Football's Opening Night. Well, that is NY in 2013.....later

cityboy just got...

his first subbing assignment at Friends---feeling good about that! Otherwise, basically quiet day yesterday,
"recovered" from very active and interactive weekend. Watched baseball at the bar on 80th and Amsterdam some of the night, actually went in early---today, a different story---not sure what the evening will hold, but will help out at FUREE tonight and probably stay in Brooklyn. Not much else to discuss here today, things basically going well....

feeling cranky....

now, because of one of the comments that I heard on the Lehrer show, but the last two days have been terrific and revealing. Why is it most if not all of the time that I visit South fourth, things go well. Great conversations with Harlo, Shayla (albeit at a different bar) and ALison. Some plans for a very quiet birthday party there. Today no tutoring, just decided to take it easy, no plans, probably no theater tonight. But then what...? A new bar, hang out where I can watch baseball? Not sure---still, the Labor Day weekend is finished, the new world of fall begins....finished Justine yesterday, will try to explore the next,,,everything seems opened at this point.

a long...

night, with a strange dream, I am in a bar, drinking, female bartender, in the back room a father with two young boys one of them (about 2) says something like "Daddy hit me" I am alarmed, leave without paying, take subway to 149 street and concourse---bartender lady gets on, will I have to pay her---try to hide---wake up---strange dream---then a long night with little sleep, I guess you might call it the"long weekend blues". Play last night was very intense, did not know anyone there, left quickly, then went
to Formerly Crows, had a nice time, three women and a man sat next to me, the first woman told me of her travails in Bushwick---they left around time I did, did not want to make another stop, but maybe should have---anyway, am her now---want a "people" day, not an arts one, so no play today, maybe see some of Ballo on film tonight, but should visit South fourth and Cobra today. Hopefully some good contact----one more day to labor day, always an end, very pronounced--cook out at south Fourth should be fun, but then.......let it happen

cityboy goes bonkers.....

Amount of sites to visit on this short trip using the machine seems endless---hope i get an extension. Yesterday, had two tutoring sessions---fine---then saw the second Lucy Thurber play, God the woman can write---still exhausted and threatened by the ending----how much more of those angry threatening northern rednecks can I take? Will see next one on Saturday evening...tonight see with Michael (and Abby?) Paola's
work at Jack. I think there is still some emotional fallout from the end of the Fringe, really realize how important the structure is for me---miss the walks around the "garish circus" that is Lower East Side. Am
reading Durrell's Justine---really arrested by his writing, but don't know how long he can sustain it. This may be last post until Tuesday  (but perhaps not) because library is closed for weekend.

Feeling better.....

really enjoyed Lucy Thurber's play, Ashville, last night---great cast, terrific writing, I was very impressed---look forward to seeing the others, if I can. Before, got there early, moodly walked through the west village and its picturesque streets---Commerce, Morton, Barrow, etc. Beautiful buidlings, memories of being young, of a different place, a bohemian world of actors, writers, painters, all living on very little---bohemianism that now seems all but gone---all the actors who once lived there---those who as a teen ager I discovered playing young, vibrant people on stage, are now in their eighties, or have left us. Memorial for a time gone by---always incredibly evocative, played off against the aggressiveness of people today---not pertty.
Afterwards went to bar on Sheridan to watch baseball, got what I needed and a nice salad, but the others there were very limited. Still have not been to south fourth since Fringe, usually would return there immediately after---oh well, maybe tonight, after FUREE meeting---will spend time there (and in Brooklyn) this weekend, and definitely at the cook out on Monday.
Tonight, FUREE meeting---before, maybe go to Brooklyn and read...let it happen

Fringe is....

over---so what happens now. Glad I did it---a show of strength from cityboy. Left feeling stronger but also
"more distant" than ever. what does that mean? Will be revealed, not sure myself. Area around venue---
Rivington Street and Stanton Street in evenings---like a "garish circus". People just exploding out to the streets. Where do they all come from. Where do they get all that money to spend in these upscale bistros?
Feel pinched, financially---a juggernaut seems to be rolling down the hill---everything is more expensive. Sure, cityboy is smart and wiley enough to make it work---but can understand the helplessness many must feel with the situation. Can the next set of public servants make a difference? Where do we go from here..?

fringe will....

be over in two days, exhausted, can't wait! or so he says, actually the truth is a little more complex. Will be happy to return to a non-structured setting for a while, lots to do the next week, the pre-labor day week. Still, fringe has been meaningful, have made new friends and strengthened other fringe relationships. Fringe, from a social point of view atleast is an amazing phenomena.
Thinking about food and money in NY this morning, of course, that is because you went through a lot of money yesterday, isn't it. Well, no matter, the point is, prices seem to really be coming intense, to say the least. A juggernaut, that perhaps the next Mayor can stop. But can he...? (Or she) But of course, city boy is so canny, that he can out think any money structure problem. Or so he says. But let's see what the next few
days have in store for us.

Fringe day.....

off, yet came down to give in scripts, simply can't stay away from Fringe Central. Tonight will see at least one, maybe  two fringe plays, tomorrow, hope to see Josh Sohn's piece. Rounding the bend, coming to the end, seems to be over before it begins, amazing use of time and space, looking forward to all the things I can do with Fringe over, yet mourn the fact that it finishes so "quickly". Longing for Brooklyn travels....? Can't say, will find out next week.

First day...

of the Fringe in which I did not have a tutoring session before Fringe roll call began. Ironically, I now feel very tired, totally in need of a cup of coffee. Things are going well, yesterday, after Fringe, went to Brooklyn
bar (Cherry Tree on fourth avenue) for party to raise money for FUREE leader's health problems. Kind of frantic, had some trouble filling out on line form for donation---after three shows at the Fringe, felt annoyed, but ultimately was able to do it---no reason to stay there---did not see anyone I really knew, and I did go there to socialize, so I left, walked up Bergen to fifth, and had hamburger (very good one, I might add) at
Bark. Somehow preferred that place to a bar. Today, three more shows, then the weekend, which, with my
"slight" schedule, might enable me to see some plays. That's all.....

good night......

yesterday, best day yet at the Fringe, Vicky and I are getting along very well----she is also great with participants. Slept well, had a "positive" dream, in which I was in a library, an old english movie was playing, and everybody (especially the women) seemed to know me. Different from last remembered dream, which of course, I can't remember now, but there was a harshness to that one. Woke up with a lot of energy at
5:30, also had eaten some barbecued chicken last night, and still carrying that with me. Anyway, have tutored and will return to Fringe box office in a little while. Not much else to say, will try to attend FURIE
fund raiser after box office is over (remarkably it ends at 8:30, very early)...so we continue......

after three days...

of  box officing at the Fringe, feel exhausted, but very glad I did it. Hard to imagine the difference in my life before and after the Fringe begins every August. Before; a lot of wandering, trying hard to make structure,
a decent amount of time killing, striving to make every day interesting---after the Fringe opens; Structure, structure, structure---always a place to be, usually a good conversation to have. Already hanging out with those who I have known for the last few years, strange the way we forget each other, then come together and have no trouble "hanging".
Also good time at Luke's farewell party on Saturday. Could not believe that after three shows at the Fringe, I had the energy to make it out to Brooklyn, but I did, had some really good conversations. left sort of quickly, since I was worried about going home by subway, of course, city boy promised himself a cab ride if necessary, but money conscious sole that I am, fought hard against it. Waited on "bus island" for a bus that would take me back to Nevins street station, a really long wait, about twenty minutes. Nervous, since this is the Clinton Hill bed-stuy border, but no problems. Directly to my left, a new bar, full of well heeled, mostly white people, celebrating. Directly to the north of me, still on the island, though a good 20 yards away, was a group of black men, standing outside a night club. Nobody bothered me, nobody even remotely acknowledged my existence---exhaustion continued, cabs passed by, easily could have taken one to Nevins or one of the other subway stops in downtown Brooklyn, but waited and waited and finally a 26 arrived, took it to Flatbush and got on the train at Nevins. Returned home tired, but with money intact.
Tonight still not sure, maybe Fringe, maybe a trip out to Brooklyn to see J.A.'s new work. Not sure yet...

so it begins.....

finally, after so many weeks of waiting, the Fringe begins, and so does my box office. Party last night---the usual, today we meet at 12, already had a tutoring session with Miguel. Not much else to say, the usual anticipation, remember this is your seventh year as a box office man. Should be fun and some good bonding with the other people at the theater,(actually the four theaters that cover the space). Remember, this is the school (at least I think it is) where Harold Clurman and Lee Strassberg went to when they were young. There is the history for you city boy...anyway, let us begin!

feeling more....

whole, after Fringe orientation meeting, and two strong tutoring sessions yesterday.
Monday evening finally made the Fringe real---begins Friday---bring it on!
Still will have a lot of time to kill, due to an easy schedule---first time in four years, that schedule is so
lax. What will it mean...? Time to see other plays....wander around the lower east side, read, well, should be interesting.
Today, Michael has invited me to see an invited dress of his play at Signature---that will be in the afternoon, then possibly see The Nance, this evening---only show left that I need to see before Fringe.
There is also some trivia tonight at 54 Below, it starts late, though, don't know if I want to do it, or if I will be
strong enough at that time.
Last night, tired after the two sessions. Slept a little then not sure of what to do, ended up trying to see
Love's Labors at the park; did not get in, took B to 110th, went to Ameretta to watch baseball, very quiet there, had about an hour to myself, afterwards, walked north on eighth, to 116, quite a scene, quite a few new luxury houses, felt very safe walking down the block, bars attended by two thirds white couples, and one third black (at least that is what it seemed)---then back to 110th, then west to Broadway, wandered through that long block of 111th between Broadway and Amsterdam, then down Broadway to 103rd, finally felt ready to go home.
That will be all for now....we'll see what happens today as we wait for Fringe......

cityboy feels raw.....

this morning---a tough night, with a strange dream, that included directing a reading (and not doing much), working with children, and a few other weird images. Thought I had taken care of everything yesterday on my journeys, but still must have had fragments of feeling that did not allow cityboy to sleep well. This morning  
did a lot of calculating re finances for August. Cityboy was surprised that finances are in pretty good shape, and there is some credit if he needs it. Still, not sure about how much tutoring will prop up my finances as August progresses.
Yesterday, traveling to all my familiar places on the Williamsburg-Bushwick axis. Good conversations with many...yet....cityboy thinks he may still be holding back.
Today, Fringe orientation this early evening---should be good to see the old group again, many returning
from the last few years---of course, that is the whole thing, two and a half weeks of a group, then a diaspora,
 don't see them again until Fringe returns. Just 4 more days, cityboy....push it through, you can make it......

what a day.....

for cityboy yesterday, full of adventure, new friends(I suppose that is the best way to put it) and good conversation. Definitely a theater day---feel good about that. Thursday evening dragged my tired self out to
Greenpoint to hear JD's reading---very glad I did, most enjoyable, also a chance to wander around Franklin Street---look at what seemed to be few interesting bars---have to get out there at some point, ah but there is the rub---bars in which you don't know anyone, always seem better from the outside, once you are in, one drink and -----alienation----anyway only a few days left before the fringe, should try to see The Nance, that will probably be my only theater outing, unless Michael calls with info about his play. Lots of tutoring before the Fringe, but am anxious to let it happen, tonight a little structure provided by visiting Irene's comedy group---before that---I guess just rest---after----?????

interesting trip....

up to Westport last night to see Zach in Loot. enjoyed the play. As I rode in the metro north train at around 6, saw all the houses in Connecticut, the "trail of the dashing commuter" as they called it as I was growing up. Somehow imagined the possibility that I could live there....how...? Strange that my imagination counters my age. Tonight party for JD at Word Bookstore in Greenpoint. Never been there---rarely get to Greenpoint, and important road on my travels. Should be fun---afterwards have option to watch Megan play at Two Moons Cafe, at 10, a long way from Greenpoint, but I might do it. Tomorrow morning hang with Sibyl---
possibly...? Still a little freaked that I wasn't payed for my tutoring today...very nice kids though, hope I continue with them---looking for a decent amount of tutoring for the coming year. Nice income supplement.
Getting tired...should move on.....

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......