ah, Brooklyn...

arrived here at around 11, not sure of what to do until library opened at 1. Had a great cup of coffee at
Coffee (whereelse) on Bergen near Flatbush, then accidentally wandered down to 4th avenue where the marathon was being run. An accidentally crossing of the street to look at some books for sale, lead to my discovering that on the corner of 4th and Warren was none other than my cousin Cara, soon to be joined by her sister, cousin Kayla. Up to that point had been restless, time not being filled, not enjoying reading the Scarlet Letter, and thinking a lot about last night's performance of A View From the Bridge, but being with the girls, somehow pivoted me back to reality, and an immediate focus. Nice block, Warren between 4th and 5th, seems to be a very friendly atmosphere on the block, some diversity, lots of postive energy as the watchers cheered the marathon runners. As we watched, the large building just built across the street on 4th avenue, probably a very expensive apartment house with terraces, loomed large in the distance. How did all this happen...? How did the neighborhood evolve from an "iffy" (for want of a better word) area, to an area filled with stores, bars, and new highrises---and what does this mean. Could any of us imagined this would come to pass? Not that it has, is this the world we really wanted..? Destiny of the older baby boomers..? We did not create it, but we are powerless to stop it. From the beginning to the end. Well, we will see.
Yestserday, after A View From the Bridge  went to nearest bar to watch end of series game. O'Lunney's was the one-expensive, for sure, but very friendly. Might try it again at some point.
The play: Well, I have lived with this play since I was 17. Intense, at times feel a strong connection to Eddie Carbone and to his nemesis, Marco. Yesterday's performance, directed by Ivo Von Howe, a man being proclaimed a genius put the play in a white square space, eliminated props (except for a very important one) and had a surreal approach to Eddie's death. Much of the acting (english actors of course) was obvious, but Mark Strong was amazing as Eddie, Also liked Michael Z, the only non-English actor who played a much younger but intense Marco. A great play, how Miller was able to get under the skin of someone so different than he (Eddie) and carry him through the whole play seems to me an utterly amazing phenomenon. Interested to see what my friends have to say when they see it.
Today, after library, have choice, there is a chamger music concert here, but want to see A Face in the Crowd at BAM. Will probably do so, and report on rest of the day tomorrow.