so here we...

are, back in Manhattan at the Lincoln Center library. Can't believe that less than two hours ago, I was around Grand Army Plaza at Flatbush. But how did I get there? More interesting story. Decided to visit Jimmy, great barista--all purpose adult at South Fourth, since I rarely get there during the day. Payed my visit, then thought the Brooklyn Library would stay open until 3--took the slow route from South Fourth to get there, that is, Broadway bus to Utica, the south on Utica to Eastern Parkway. Then 3 to Nostrand, when I got off and walked to the library, only to find out that it was closing in about 25 minutes, no time to use the computer. So I returned to the city, where the libraries (including this one) are opened until 3.
    Loved the bus ride, the 42 bus goes down Broadway until Utica begins, then south on Utica. Fascinating trip, looking at all the architecture and the changes that are happening along that route.
Then the walk from Nostrand to the library, west on Eastern Parkway. Somehow felt incredibly relaxed and happy to be there--all cares and rage seemed to disappear. Would have liked to stay in Brooklyn, but only place I could get my e-mail was here, so I returned to the upper west side. Corresponded with my facebook friend Tess, who had returned my message with a harsh defense of DeBlasio. A little unsettling the first time I read it, it is actually tamer than I thought, but I responded in what I think was a mannered and polite way, hopefully some good will come out of this.
Reading a great book, Tales of Two Cities, a compilation of mostly essays by writers about gentrification et. al. Great essay by a woman named Sarah Jaffe, about living in Crown Heights. Also a very moving essay by DB Gibson, gives a horrifying account of a family in Bushwick under siege by a vicious landlord. Feel privileged to be outside of all that, in the safe comfort of my West Side apartment. But what is to be done...?
What about the rest of the day? Return to Brooklyn, go down to IFC to see 45 years. |Sunday I leave for my short trip to Boston, almost seems like a fever dream, not sure why I did it, but must go. Probably need the break. Library closing soon, will report again on Saturday.