today is the....

day of all days, the day that we single people dread, the day you have to be SOMEWHERE---New Year's Eve. Yet despite a little sadness in the early morning after waking, as I sit here in the library, I am feeling very invigorated. Just went through schedules of COIL, American Realness, and Under the Radar, trying to at least look at the schedules of what I want to see---trying to balance that out with the possible subbing and tutoring that I will have during that time. It is going to be intense! Also, your banana bag people are doing something at Bushwick---friend Sarah is involved with something happening at Abrons (after Realness festival) dealing with Mourning Becomes Elektra, and just got invited to another project at Dixon Place. Would also like to see what The Changeling is and also possibly (but not probably) King Charles III. (Don't bet on it!) So things are moving along, just have to get through this evening. Just found out that two very good friends will be bartending at South Fourth after 9, and then at some point will visit Bobby and the group at La Flaca. Lots of unknowns here, could be an interesting group of people at the bars, but then again, could not, and cityboy, you know you get bored very easily. Can't go to a coffee shop and read on New Year's Eve, can you (well, I guess you can, but will there even be one open?) Well, let's let the day speak for itself.
Last night, after sessions, returned home, went to Lincoln Center---would have liked to have seen a Sirk film, but arrived a little late for one and did not want to spend two hours waiting for the next, so I got a ticket to the Mizoguchi film, had only seen Sansho the Bailiff, a magnificent film, about 44 years ago (Richard Goode, my friend, recommended it to me and my then girl friend Susan and I saw it at the New Yorker).
This film far more staid and controlled---I found myself outside of it for most of the time, respected it but not very involved, it killed time, but not much else. Actually left about 15 minutes before the film ended.
Tired, went home and right to sleep.
Will finish at 2, not sure what happens between then and arrival in Williamsburg in the evening. May walk around possibly visit the Heights, a place I do not go to often. Something else may evolve. will report on this and tomorrow's party at the Singer's on Saturday.

Wednesday morning....

feeling very refreshed, not much to report since last post, after sessions yesterday, felt tired, stopped off at friendly internet place on 148th and Broadway, then hungry so went to Wallace's across the street, had my basic frank and a beer, no contact---returned home and essentially slept, just very tired.
 For today, hope to have some 'culture" in the evening---maybe one of the Sirk movies or even possibly Philharmonic if I can get in on Senior ticketing. Tomorrow is the big deal--New Year's Eve, the amazing elephant in my room. Can go to two bar parties---South fourth and the La Flaca, lots of people I know will be at the latter, but still, mostly it is a question of just getting through the night,waiting for the god damned bell to drop, a little celebration and hugs and then heading home.
Will, (can) tomorrow be different..? Well, one never knows.  
   Once January begins, world will be full of things to do and see. The three theater festivals---and don't even ask me what else. What about politics? People are picketing Gracie Mansion today, and many Wednesday's to come to protest his lack of compassion for those being threatened by gentrification. That part of it is not attractive. How far do I want to go..? Next BAN meeting is the second Thursday of January---will see then.
  Not much else to say, feeling pretty upbeat about my life---will continue...

pain seems to....

be subsiding, probably a result of my carrying that heavy bag back and forth to Boston. Feeling better now, though some stiffness in the back. Lots of events in the next two days.
Trip back from Boston arduous, but a little better than the trip going. Only took Amtrak to New Haven, really needed the break---had a decent pizza slice,  then trip back to NY via the Metro North train a little bit more viable. Took subway back to apartment, had no real problems, then went out and bought a banana shake, really needed it before going to sleep.
Very tired on trip back, probably result of my not sleeping very much Sunday morning. Slept well enough yesterday, not feeling particularly tired today.
So, was the trip necessary..? Well, yes in the fact that it enabled me to experience Natasha and Pierre again---certainly love the music and the energy of the whole piece, will give me something to discuss with theater friends (that is always important). Also, remarkable coincidence of meeting up with Bill and Nancy and later having coffee and sharing things with them was also important. Neither of those things would have happened if I had rejected the trip and spent the two days in NYC.
But a lot of restlessness. The hotel was far enough away from Harvard Square that on Sunday, once I got to Harvard I was stuck there for about two hours before entering the theater. Spent a lot of time wandering through the COOP, that brought back memories from the past (Bonnie, Susan) and was too restless to just read something to pass the time. Reaquainted myself with Harvard Square and the blocks surrounding it---stores very familiar to me have gone but atmosphere, filled with kids, remains. Spectators at ART always amaze me. The majority of them seem neither young or old, almost all in the middle aged zone, very different from NYC, where audiences seem either completely under 40 (downtown theater) or sixty or over. At ART it seems like there is just a tremendous supply of middle agers in the surrounding areas to come see their work.
  So trip seems to be a mixed bag, maybe I am simply so enmeshed in my NY city experience that traveling just doesn't work. Or maybe it is Boston. Want to go to DC possibly in the winter, and of course, there is Baltimore, always feel comfortable there.
That seems to be all for now, have the rest of the day to live through, report tomorrow on how it went.

moday, around 11--

preparing to leave Boston (Cambridge) simply waiting for the 3:20 train, so hotel that I stayed in (nice for the price) has internet, so here I am.
Some pain in the back and legs, a little slowness getting up, this is new, is it because I carried the heavy bag with me through the stations?  Have to carry same bag in the station on the way back  then to New Haven and then on the subway home. Doable without taxi's.
Better be---you know how determined I am not to use them in NY. Well, let's see what happens.
Trip to Boston has its ups and downs. Very restless on the Amtrak train. Believe it or not, bus might have been perferable. Something taught and focused about the bus ride. Train was not filled, a sense of coldness, alienation seemed to be present.No problem with the ride itself, very efficient. But a lot of time to let my mind wander.
Finally arrived, long walk from T station to hotel---almost disastrously lost my way, but was saved by meeting a couple who steered me on the right direction. Hotel itself is very nice, did a lot of television surfing before leaving for Harvard Square. Can't imagine having that many channels in my home, might go crazy, or apathetic---is it necessary, but so many people consider that normal.Eventually left for ART, very early, of course. Spent about two hours wandering around the square, lots of time at the co-op , broswed what seemed like one million books---finally went to the Loeb to see Natasha and Pierre. Looked around, so no people from NY whom I might have known, ambivalent about saying hello to the three actrors in Natasha whom I had met previously---none of them knew me well, however, this was not necessary. Out of nowhere arrived Bill Brown, my classmate from Hopkins and his wife Nancy. Spent the intermissions talking with them, then we all went out to Ihop in Harvard square to get a bit afterwards (actually I was the only one who ate, they just had decafs) then they drove me back to the hotel. A really nice couple, the conversation was very relaxed and friendly; their take on the musical was different from mine, since they don't go to the theater alot, were amazed by the interactive staging, which, of course was very "normal' to me. May see them in NY when they visit; they are both retired, seem to have as much money as they need, live a very (what seems to me) relaxed life going out, visiting friends,enjoying grand children,  seems to work for them.Glad that I ran into them.
   But its was really for the musical, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, that I made this visit. How was it...? Much more expansive then the production that I saw at its second performance at Ars Nova. A bit too much "pizazz' for my taste, but understand why they are doing it. Glad that part of Andre has been expanded. Still love the music, loved the marvelous esprit of the cast, they seemed to be having a great time. Ending of the piece is really beautiful, though, to be frank, I missed Dave Malloy himself in the piece as Pierre.Something about his presence at the piano, both playing Pierre and conducting the others, that made perfect sense to me. Will miss that in NY as well. But this is why I chose this visit, wanted very much to reaquaint myself with this piece, did not want to wait until production comes to NY (did not even know it would when I decided to go) so, despite some strangeness in my mood here (some memories of past visits coming back as well) I think this is what I was supposed to do.
Will return to NY this afternoon, lots of sessions scheduled for the next two days, hope I will be in good shape for those, will see how things develop...

so tomorrow....

I leave on my one day trip to Boston. Now it is becoming more real to me, must start to plan packing stages and such. Still not sure how I feel about it, probably need the trip more than I can imagine, for it should stimulate my imagination which is very important. Return early Monday evening, (it will be colder so remember to pack your sweater) and continue sessions Tuesday into the week. No real plans for the rest of the day, should be some preparation and maybe a movie. Think I need to be with people in the evening, so perhaps the Dive Bar on 96th and Amsterdam or something like it. Might end up in Brooklyn, but not sure.
Wednesday evening, saw 45 years, the movie with one of my idols from college, Tom Courtenay and Charlotte Rampling. Movie for someone my age is full of memory's of their early work juxtaposed with their current physical presence. A good solid movie, Courtenay's break down at the end, totally unexpected but brilliant---Ms. Rampling is brilliant all the way through. Some holes in the plot, but will talk about that some other time. Glad I saw it, afterwards, went to La Flaca, Bob was there, as was his former roommate Ed. I had had some good conversations about life with Ed before he left for Florida, so it was good to see him , also about eight years ago, he had told me about his twin girls, who had serious health issues after they were born, and the courageous and passionate doctors who helped Ed and his wife and the two girls through it. Now here were the girls, looking great, at La Flaca. Really nice to see. Also nice to see Jenny, who was working there that one day. May spend New Year's Eve at La Flaca, not sure about that at this point.
Yesterday, a bit of a downer, city is so strange on Xmas day. Passed AMC Lincoln Square at about one, amazing how many people were heading to that movie theater. They must do enough business on Christmas to justify their existence all year. Did not go there, and given the choice between a Douglas Sirk revival and the new Macbeth, chose the latter, an intense and sometimes bloody, but beautiful to look at response to the play. Lots of good insights in the movie, some changes but basically faithful to the material. Having a camera and a large cast means you can focus on some things a play director can't, in this case children, running around the castle and in the armies, adds a certain kind of depth to the vision of the play. Acting very good, Michael Fassbender really becomes a heartless animal in the second part of the movie. Left. somewhat exhausted, but glad that I saw it.
Evening, Dada Woof, Papa Hot, Peter Parnell's play at Newhouse. Lots of talk about aspects of the gay middle aged experience. Some of it extraneous, but the two scenes at the end were very moving. My friend Johnny P played a supporting role, always laugh when he is on stage. Great credit should go to actors Patrick Breen and John Hickey for navigating roles that move quickly from slick casual to fierce emotions. A necessary play...? Possibly, any way, saw it for free, gave me some things to think about.
As I said earlier, not sure about the rest of the day. May post from Boston, if I can find a computer, otherwise will tell all on Tuesday...

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.

just replied...

to Facebook friend (and nice person) Tess, re her post that she "doesn't get" why people are so down on DeBlasio. I explained in a "private" message, that as the months of his term have gone on, he has constantly supported rapid gentrification and development in emerging gentrifying neighborhoods mostly in Brooklyn. Community groups in the Bronx are frightened by his "affordable housing vision"  Again, I think it is a question of how much a person allows themselves to know, how informed on all the issues they want to be.
She lives in Manhattan, so how much she understands about the Brooklyn problems, or even the Chinatown problems near where she lives, is not clear. Anyway, hopefully some interesting discussion (remember not to crow because you are more informed than most) will come out of this.
Last night, did go to the Met, saw La Donna del Lago and basically enjoyed it.  Cast took what could be silly emotions and really played them for passion, very impressive commitment by the five leads. Singing was really wonderful. The opera contains some beautiful music, all of it of course in the same style, which can be tiring to the ears. Yet there are moments when one really hears stunning originality from Rossini, and other moments that really look forward to Verdi's Trovatore or even Aida. Did not meet any one that I knew, which was a bit of a downer, also too tired to hang out or check out a bar afterwards. Nevertheless I enjoyed myself, felt that the choice was meaningful---something very nice about being at the Met.
Today, some sessions in the afternoon, then would like to check out the Brooklyn Public Library, the one at Grand Army Plaza this evening, pick up a few plays that have just been published that they have in the shelves that nyc libraries don't. Not sure where I will end up..tomorrow, Christmas Eve, may be totally open, would like to catch up on a few movies, but it should be a beautiful day, nice time to be out..we will see

last night....

did go to Jack for Xmas show ( a really short show, but fun in its own way). A good choice, many people I knew were there. After the performance, wandered around the hall and had good talks with several friends, all women, two out of four directors, whose work I really like. Nice place, Jack, always love going to Brooklyn, always find some member of the downtown theater group (for want of a better word for it) to compare notes with. Left feeling fulfilled, then looked at watched and found to my surprise that the whole event, the show and the conversations hadn't taken more than an hour and fifteen minutes, so here I was all psyched up from some groovy theater conversations, but now completely on my own. What to do, or really where to go from there. Around the corner the "Hops" bar was not crowded but for some reason did not go there. Hunger came on, had to eat, but where..? I was at  Greene and Washington and so opted for either bus or subway to Black Swan, on Bedford, right off Lafayette. Got bus easily, arrived at a crowded bar, did not want a table, like the bar energy, ordered buffalo wings, but only because least expensive salad was $14.00. (Where have you gone, Black Swan well prepared $10.00 Caesar salad?) So the wings came, watched football (NFL game of absolutely no consequence) and basketball (Knicks, but on small tv). Staff was very polite, owner stopped by and said hello, but really nothing happened, no interesting conversations struck up with other bar attendees. So we go from one extreme to another, the world at Jack, where I am welcomed and have many people to talk with, but alas, when the conversations end, my friends who admire me go there way and I go mine. I like Black Swan, am basically comfortable there, but very few conversations in the last couple of visits. Still, sometime will visit an older bar, even though I know it is a bit barren, then taking a risk on a new one. Anyway, stayed until about 9:30, then home via the G, A, and 1. Went to sleep soon after.
Today, it is time for the Met---would like to see the Rossini opera La Donna del Lago---anxious to hear some Rossini music that I have never heard before, want to let it seap all over me, as I absorb it in the Family Circle.  Yet today I received an e-mail from Save our Streets Crown Heights, about a demonstration around 6 at Dean and Schenectedy. Should really make that a priority, might have time to return to the Met, but it that is a stretch. Should I abandon my Met plans to show my support to an organization that I admire...? For some reason I can't do that, at least I don't think I can do that now.
Would like to contribute to SOS, however, and maybe I can find another way of doing that soon.
That's all---holiday moves closer, just reserved a free ticket for Dada Woof Papa Hot at Newhouse for Christmas night, so structure in place, maybe a movie too or a long walk. Will figure that out when the time comes....let it happen

long weekend.....

did go to Xmas Assembly at Friends, different feelings about it, sat with a few from the class of 09 (my favorite class, so far) but not sure what my relationship is with them now. That's the question, an encounter with someone of 17 is so different then an encounter with someone 24. Saw a few of the 15 graduates, that was nice, then left and had a coffee and chocolate chip cookie at the second avenue place near the school.
Returned home, and waited for my trip to Brooklyn.
That evening, did go to the Brick to see How to Get Into Buildings, a quirky play that leaves one distanced, although its language has a potency to it that is meaningful. Nicest part of the evening was being recognized by Mike I, long time friend of Sibyl K and long standing member of ERS. Was quite surprised that he recognized me, but felt really good about that. After the play, walked over to Graham Avenue, and toyed with either going into Basik or Mother's which did not look very crowded and seemed friendly, but opted for Pizza place on east side of Graham, had a really great slice, and then felt too tired to "hang", so went home.
 Saturday evening I had hoped to go to Bushwick Starr to see Flako's all spanish piece, but the four sessions that I had left me extremely tired, could hardly move as I returned to the apartment, really sad about that, slept a bit, could do nothing else, then decided to try the Dive Bar on Amsterdam and 96th, glad that I did, had a nice hummus place, good and friendly service from the bartenders, (good, especially since they were pretty packed and moving all the time), and a good talk about football and Brooklyn neighborhoods with the guy sitting next to me at the bar, who turned out to be a cop. Mission fulfilled (somewhat)  
  Sunday, a long day which began with my trip to north Bronx for a session, and continued with a long trip to Vinegar Hill (a nice group of streets near the water in Brooklyn, might be fun to explore at some time)  to hear Ron Singer read some of his work (nice) and then a determined search to find something to do in order to remain in Brooklyn. Found a nice Pizza place in Dumbo, cheap pizza and seats where one can actually watch some football, then off to BAM area, where I ultimately committed to seeing the movie Spotlight, however it was to begin some two hours after I made the decision. so had to improvise something for that time. Ended up in bookstore on Fulton, a few blocks east of BAM, spend a decent amount of time there browsing until it was time to return to BAM and the movie. Movie was a good choice, it is very action packed and well paced, enjoyed all the performances, particularly Michael Keaton's kind of newspaper everyman, a complete reversal from his Birdman performance. Movie really moves well, I wonder if it slights the pain that the victims of the predatory priests felt because it focuses so much on the five reporters, trying to make the story happen. Anyway, it was a good choice for the night, very tired after it ended, walked over to Nevins Street station and luckily a 2 was coming in. That was it.
Today's evening plan is to attend Christmas play at Jack, if I can get there in time, and if there are tickets available. Should be fun---this is my group. That will be all for now, two weeks of "independance' coming up---no worries about being called to work or responsibilities of getting up early. New found "freedom"?
We will see....

Friday morning....

last day of Friends, did not get called to work, but will go to the holiday assembly around 2. A cold chill this morning; finally, some kind of winter weather is in the air, but it is supposed to be warm again next week. Spent the morning before coming to the library thinking about the many students I am now tutoring----should be a busy Christmas vacation.
Yesterday, not much, pretty tired, continued reading Anne Roiphe's novel, which I am almost finished with---still basically enjoying it---returned home, Sheila then came over and cleaned the apartment, reminded me that she has been doing this for 30 years now (that's amazing, but true) as she asked for a little more money. Did give her a $5.00 bonus this time. Maybe I should add the five to the fee, will see, feeling kind of open to giving, so might happen. Returned home to cleaned apartment, tired but really did not want to bring food in and hang out at the apartment, instead went to Greek Diner on 95th and Broadway, the best of the few diners left between 72nd street and 96th street. Like the place because it always seems filled with people, all from different class (and race) stratas. Had the usual, blt, and coffee. Nice night, still needed some sugar, toyed with the idea of going to coffee place across the street from the Thalia, but decided not to. Missed a bus around nine, then waited on 97th and Broadway for the next 104, it took twenty minutes! Amazing, they used to come almost once every three minutes, how things have changed. But the night was very mild, so it was no problem to wait. Returned home and fell asleep soon afterwards.
Today, what will happen after the assembly? What grads will return...? Whom will I see...?  and what happens after that. Tonight, a few choices, all (thank god) in Brooklyn. There is the play at the Brick presented by New Georges, am familiar with the work of many of the actors, but don't any of them personally, still friends of mine who do know them might be there---also there is a benefit party at
Mayday Space in Bushwick, will possibly head there after the play, which should run about a little over an hour. Will I have enough energy for both...? We will see.
Tomorrow evening should head to the Bushwick Starr for Flako's piece. More info tomorrow...

sad day....

when the jury in the William  Porter trial is locked and so a mistrial is declared. Also just listened to the Lehrer show on WNYC.  For the first time really heard first hand accounts of how responsible people are locked into the shelter system  The DeBlasio administration is giving them a head up by creating the link system, but all the other DeBlasio policies favor gentrification so strongly that it really does not matter. Really sad.
Yesterday, four sessions, really tired today, returned home with a little energy but could just get myself to Bourbon Street bar, a bar that I know nothing will ever happen in (or at least has not happened yet). I go there because it is easy to watch sports, hoped that the Knick game would be a little more interesting than it was---but left after third quarter with Knicks substantially in the lead.
  Yesterday took out a new book by Anne Roiphe, about an elderly shrink---interesting so far, am familiar with the themes of her two past books. She creates an upper class world of intellectuals all living on the upper west side, sometimes I feel she sees them as empty, other times i feel she embraces their entitlement. Still, no awareness that the city is filled with "others", that poverty might lurk only a few blocks away.
This brings up the whole issue---are works of art that avoid the issues of poverty or race and class really avoidances. Even if they are "serious" within themselves. Don't know, simply feel a "cut" there,
What happens today...? Not sure, now I find out that a friend has an 11 o'clock show at the Flea theater. Tonight might be the only time that I can go. Should I?  All this running around, where is it getting me?  Still, nice to have so many options. Anyway, shall report on more tomorrow or Saturday.

At last! Here I sit...

in the Lincoln Center Library at around 11, (the library is all but deserted, as many people who use it seem not to be aware of the new early opening time) for the first time since Friday, 12/4---in the other seven work days I have been at Friends, lots of hard work, and some frenetic middle school classes, but all around good feeling. Last night attended double concert at the Vineyard---really good on both levels, the jazz group really excelling.
Today, interesting sense of freedom, of courses the vacation is coming up, so will have a decent amount of time free to catch up on...what...?
Rest of the week shifts into view, there are two plays that I would like to see: both in Brooklyn, one at the Brick, I think called How to Break Into Buildings, and the other at Bushwick Starr (always enjoy going out there) a Spanish play that Flako Jimenez, who included me in his last year's project at the Starr is directing and performing in. Saw Flako Monday, briefly when he appeared in a short scene from a work in progress at Dixon Place Little Theater. Attended that even though I was tired from a full day in the Friends Library followed by a tutoring session at the Lincoln Center Atrium.
Yesterday, called to work a half day at 8:45 A.M., surprised, had already planned my "non-Friends" day, when the call came. Returned to apartment at around 2, then back to library on 145street for two lessons, then back to Friends for concert---how did I do it...? Especially since at 6:25 found myself on a subway N train at 34th and Broadway that was not moving. What did I do? Got off and simply walked the next 17 blocks down Broadway---checked out many new restaurants and bars on that stretch, what do they say..."if you build it they will come. definitely true re bars and restaurants all over. Another symptom of  our "progressive" mayor bonding of the "two cities".
Holiday coming up, need a rest from all my "activisim", but will I get one. Should be interesting to see how these next two weeks play out....

Why am I so....

excited about traveling through Brooklyn? Let's move back a while. Have been working at Friends for the last four days, and also have one period of work tomorrow. Lots of energy expanded, yesterday, after working there, had three students in two hours. Quite a lot, eh, cityboy? Yet today, able to walk a great deal.
The walk that I am referring to took place around 5:40 P.M. in the darkness as I traveled down Marcus Garvey boulevard, one of the longest north south Bed-Stuy streets. The event that I was going to was a vigil at Gates and Marcus Garvey but it never happened. Still the walk, from Fulton to actually Van Buren and then back to Gates was fascinating. On most of the east west streets that Garvey borders on, lots of beautiful Brownstones from one end of the block to another. Remember that most of those blocks have about six more west-east streets before they meet up with Broadway..
First part of the block, say between Fulton and Halsey has a few signs of gentrification, a yogurt shop and what looks like a new bar, also, somewhat in the middle of nowhere one finds a new Mexican restaurant on one of the corners. However, after Jefferson Street shops seem more to represent the "old" less gentrified Bed-Stuy. Still, streets were for the most part very quiet, not well traveled, and I felt pretty secure. After I saw that the vigil had not developed, thought about following the street all the way north to Broadway, but hunger and need to hit library for computer use, made me jump on the first bus down Gates avenue and take it back to the BAM-Fulton area. And has that area been built up in the past few years. Amazing!
Just heard that Councilman Steve Levin, against the wishes of many of his constituents, has voted for the sale of the Brooklyn Library in Brooklyn Heights to be replaced by. of course, a luxury high rise. Sure, Levin got some "concessions" from the developers, and added a few things that were not there before, but in the main, the developer makes a lot of money from the deal. So we will see how this all plays out, does it mean the end of Levin's political career?  Will he go the way of Christine Quinn..?
Time will tell, it will be interesting to see how the fallout from this commitment by Levin plays out.
Rest will be figured out later....

greetings from the...

Bronx. Here is Bronx Central Library on Kingsbridge Road---after a session (and a very productive one) on Gun Hill Road. Walked all the way west on Gun Hill to Jerome (quite a hike!) then south on Jerome (seems to be millions of  99 cent stores on that block) until Bedford, to get a nice BLT at the one diner around there that I really like. Very crowded and frenetic place, yet were able to bring me a blt and coffee with great service. Left a very generous tip. Could hardly walk after that, but took number 2 bus about six blocks to Kingsbridge and the Concourse and then walked southeast to library. From the window one can see the old Central Library a block away on Bainbridge Avenue. That is the library that I went to often when I was attending Bronx Science. Memories of the Bronx then, a time when it was mostly white. Most of the areas I traveled in today where all black and hispanic---basically all working class. Gentrification in the Bronx.../ Don't bet on it---it still seems a long way away. Will probably return to the apartment after this is over, then not sure what will happen after that.
Yesterday night: respected my need to see a movie, saw Brooklyn at the AMC Lincoln Square, a movie factory that is packed for the Saturday 7 o clock or thereabouts show. Movie starts out slow and is very deliberate, but is really meaningful as it moves towards it ending. Left feeling very moved as the heroine has to decide which of the two men who want her she will return to (it is the fifties, so moving on without either of them is not a possibility---still, there are hints of her individual strength towards the end of the movie.
Experience itself was strange and a little alienating---too tired to find a bar to hang out in afterwards, went to sleep quickly, but felt a little barren this morning. A play or any live performance is still more meaningful to me than a movie. Yet I want and need to see several more. Today..not sure, time is running out on the Frederick Wiseman doc In Jackson Heights, though I don't know if today is the right time to see it. Well, we will just take it as it comes.
Rest of day not clear---some good football games on at 4 o'clock, but must go to an all sports bar to see them. That, a movie, South Fourth...? Lots of unanswered questions, as we wend our way to the evening...

a weird dream....

yesterday evening, still haunts me---essentially the dream had me interacting with a middle aged man, someone I sort of knew, who lived in the east nineties. He has a very dull personality and seems uninterested in getting into an exciting mode. But here's the thing: he is (in the dream) an heir to the Oscar Hammerstein II fortune, so he has no financial problems, just lives on his money. Surprised that such a person would seem so defeated by life or live life so blandly. Other parts of the dream:
as a child, driving with Mr. Hammerstein and his son to pick up something at the Saint James theater, where the original King and I played; watching a play by a friend of my friend Sybil, and then being told by the friend after the performance that someone I had criticized was someone whom she had worked with on this production for three years. Finally last image, going into my apartment with a friend, only the apartment I am entering is 2E and 620 Thwaites Place, the apartment I was raised in!
Makes sense? Woke up feeling kind of barren, but after a session, and waiting for another, feel better now.
Last night, Anniversary party at South Fourth, had a good time, caught up with some people, ate a little too much, generally very glad that I went. Also I am reading an interesting group of short stories by a young writer named,Andrew Malan Milward. Only reading the first, but it is very interesting. Will see what happens with the others.
Tonight, no plans---maybe will finally catch up on one of the movies I wish to see, maybe Brooklyn (in Brooklyn..?) or Spotlight or one of the lesser known ones. Not much else to report as the day moves forward, more to come in the next few days...

pretty normal....

day today, as I sit at the computer in the Lincoln Center Library which has now wonderfully chosen to open at 10:30 A.M. All to the good.
What else..? Yesterday evening was spent at the BAN meeting, a lot of ideas discussed, group is continuing, I offered to help Coby with some data entry during christmas (don't think that I can do it until then)  some annoyance with two of the participants who insisted on something that is happening in the future without adding any doubts to it. Did not confront, maybe another time. My life with BAN still seems undefined. I am not part of their struggle, yet I want to stop the "horror" of aggressive gentrification. Really admired Imani last night for including in the struggle young white people being priced out themselves. Anyway, will see how this plays out.
Afterwards had to do"something" ended up going to bar on Amsterdam and 80 Street called Bourbon Street---a souless place that I do attend at times, because it is not too crowded and has plenty of tvs to watch sports. Pretty crowded yesterday at about 10, mainly due to $1.00 budweisers. I bought one, then gave the bartender a two dollar tip, as a result, she was really nice to me (always tip bartenders a little more than they deserve---you never know what that will result in) watched football game, left thinking Lions would win, returned home to hear on radio the last sad moment in which the Packers took the game away from them. Bar is convenient, but the people there are less interesting than the ones at the Dive Bar on Amsterdam and 96th street. So why did I not go there..? Too tired to take bus there and back. Returned home, awakened around 3 by drip from upstairs radiator, which had been gone for a few days. Woman who lives there has been away for at least two weeks. no keys to super or landlord, so super will have to turn off the heat during the day; only way to stop the leak. It will probably return late at night, leaving me with an annoyance as tomorrow approaches.
Tonight, after session, might see a movie, but at some point will head to South Fourth for their ninth anniversary party. Can it really be nine years (or 8 and a half for me as a regular) since I discovered the place. Many good times there, have made a lot of friends. I go there less often now, probably because so much of my afternoon work is around 145street in Harlem. Looking forward to it.
Not much else to report, busy day tomorrow, will see what happens...

not a lot...

happening today, as I "recover" from yesterday's marathon. Body tired, moving back into shape, did my laundry and picked up a smoke detector in the morning, have a session (maybe two) and then a meeting of BAN this evening.
Yesterday after library, simply returned home, collapsed, spent the rest of the night in bed.
Not much else to report, weekend is a bit vague at this point, but will definitely try to go to the South Fourth party tomorrow night. Possible play at Brick on Saturday. And what about all those movies that you claim you want to see..? Any time...?  Also a new student who lives in the Bronx, just a few subway stations from where I was raised> Will take this trip on Sunday.

That's all for now....

a long...

but very meaningful day--am writing this blog entry on a day that I usually don't---a day I subbed at Friends. Called about 7:45 to cover a History tenth grade class, got there around 8:20; Kristen, the History chairwoman was pleased. Not that much subbing in the last few days; some of my issues appear to be unfounded---should look at things a little more realistically, Some days there are very few absences. At any rate, felt integrated into the community, accepted, and have at least one more day this group to work. Am comfortable with this. Calmer, definitely After day at Friends, did one and  half hours of tutoring at 145th street library.Finished with that now, tired, but invigorated. Time to go home, will report on night and whatever tomorrow...

restless.....

that is the only way to describe the way I feel at this moment. Not sure if there will be any sessions for me this afternoon, not sure what the evening will bring.
Yesterday, continued with plans for the Boston trip, now everything is in place but the departure, did buy my ticket ($25.00) for Natasha and Pierre last evening, so that is set. Train seems too expensive at this point, probably will settle for bus ride to Boston, will leave early in the morning, hopefully to avoid traffic, though on the Sunday morning, after Christmas Friday, things should be very quiet.
Last night, too tired to really go anywhere---the drip from the ceiling has debilitated me, probably also long walk on Sunday. The result was that I was stuck in the apartment, apart from a short visit to Barnes and Noble in the early evening. Feeling at odd, but things turned around when I tuned in to Exploring Music with Bill McLaughlin on WQXR. First a Haydn string quartet (excerpt) then the first movement of the Mozart "Dissonant" quartet---and then, well an incredible choice, the cavatina (slow movement) from Beethoven's Opus 130--a beautiful piece, so plaintive and filled with longing---I was blown away and transcended listening to it. McLaughlin coupled that with the last movement of the Opus 59, number 3--a virile and tough work, totally the opposite of the Cavatina What a great juxtaposition! Felt revived and well defined---at least for a while.
Tonight, should get myself out at any cost. Interesting movie at Lincoln Center film, a movie with Tom Courtney (remember him from the Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner) and one of the other elderly british female stars. Hasn't been reviewed yet, which makes it more interesting. May try to see that, or possibly play some trivia in Brooklyn. That is how things stand now, will report later...

lots of action....

not all of it good. But on a whim, just made a Cyber Monday reservation for Sunday evening December 27 (my parents' anniversary, by the way) at a nice hotel in Cambridge---so that means I will try to definitely see Natasha and Pierre that evening---was ambivalent about doing it, but impulse was strong. Not really in a mood to think of trip to Boston at this time, but here it is, now it is just a question of deciding whether to take the bus or Amtrak to Boston and from Boston the next day. Still amazed that I made that reservation, however it is extremely reasonable, so I acted quickly.
Bad news: apartment leaking through ceiling, tenant upstairs is away, no one has her key, rough night last night will probably continue for at least a day until landlord is available, super, as such can do nothing, because he has no key, A disgrace! But what can you do. Can't ask him to turn off the heat today, with it being very cold.
Picked up check at Friends, no work for the next two weeks, but that could change---try to deal with feelings about that---let's not jump to any conclusions.
Saturday night: Lulu at Met, climbed up all those stairs to Standing Room, but stamina was strong. Tough opera to listen to, but got through it, by third act was very tired, but the first scene, one that Berg only left outlines for, seemed very long and uninteresting. Lulu singer was great, as were Alva and Schon, production which everyone likes, seemed a little bit askew for me---screens and projections cut down on playing space, so there was at times a cramped feeling about the whole thing. Glad I saw it and got through it.
Yesterday---long voyage through Brooklyn. Went to Cobra in Bushwick to watch Giant football game in relative quiet, yet was bored---stayed through first half ending, Giants looked pretty bad---donut (delicious) gave me good walking energy, walked down Willoughby to Broadway, then came the decision, decided not to take DeKalb bus into Fort Greene--instead, took a bus trip that I had been thinking about taking for a long time---the Ralph Avenue 47 bus--though the eastern end of Bed-Stuy, nothing out of the ordinary, some beautiful Brownstone blocks on cross streets near Fulton, never realized that even east of Malcolm X Boulevard, streets could be so beautiful, up into Crown Heights, then Brownsville, moved around a lot and then found Ralph Avenue again. Thought that I would get off at Church, and take that bus into Ditmas Park, but missed Church and went all the way to Flatlands, then took 6 bus which left me off near Brooklyn College, a western trip, Wonder if I could walk the whole way, a really long walk, it is even long to Glenwood and Utica.  Brooklyn so vast! At Bedford and the college, decided to walk into Ditmas, and so the trek to Newkirk began, several blocks until I hit Newkirk---turned west and passed Flatbush, then all residential until the plaza about six blocks later. Starving by that time, went to Milk and Honey, a benign coffee shop-restaurant on Newkirk near Coney Island avenue. Nice meal, then walked north on Coney Island Avenue to Corelyou, a long four or five blocks (Longer than I remember from past walks)---passed about four bars on Coney-Cortelyou, they have increased since last visit, wanted to try one or two of them but opted for coffee at Connecticut Muffin. Stomach not ready for a beer. Would like to make a return visit and try out one or two of the bars---had to go home to check on apartment, really hated to leave Brooklyn, but no word from super, so I did. I was tired anyway, blown out from the long walks (actually three of them) and went to sleep quickly, got up around 10 and had trouble falling asleep again.
Not much else to say, after sessions today (one or two) wills see what is happening and how tired I am

just got....

my Standing Room ticket to Lulu for tonight. Thought that at 11:45 they might all be gone, but actually have place number 2! One more session today, but feel full of energy, sure that I will have the stamina to watch the opera. I will let you know more....
Yesterday, These Paper Bullets a great disappointment, I left after Act I, had a feeling I would not like it from the beginning, but was prepared to be surprised. But this is simply a 1964 update of Much Ado About Nothing---the book follows it slavishly---and that combined with the topical references fo the time seemed totally dead for me. Cast full of energy, many Yale School of Drama recent graduates, I am sure they enjoyed this "romp" after all the serious stuff that they must prepare there, But vision falls flat----there is something so obvious about all of this, sad that an important Drama School devoted to new works, would consider something like this meaningful. Worse still is how the production---originally performed on the Yale Rep Stage, a much larger stage than Atlantic's, seems to overwhelm the adequate space provided at Atlantic's theater. Left after first act feeling very annoyed, proceeded to Burp Castle where my old bartender friend Rachel was taking Erin's place for the night. Have not seen Rachel in about 5 years, she has changed a lot; not much chance to catch up as a number of her friends were in and around the place---Rachel very manic---sort of unstoppable, I left after my one beer, sure that no further conversation would ensue.  A little disappointed, but hey, those things happen, had to check her out.
Not much else to report on this still mild November Saturday. Must return to Harlem for another session before the opera---tomorrow looks totally free, not sure how to spend the time. Football or maybe the Brooklyn library to write another blog. We will see...

No tickets....

in family circle for Lulu tomorrow, probably the only chance I have to see it. Have to get a Standing Room, not really what I wanted but...should check this out  a little later, though I don't think they go on sale until tomorrow. What if it is impossible..? Don't know, will really feel disappointed---anyway will try later.
Wednesday, saw Incident at Vichy, was very disappointed, Richard Thomas gives an amazing performance, but some of the other actors are really poorly cast. Play is not paced very well...memories of the original production, which I saw almost 51 years ago to the date of this performance, are still very strongly in my mind. Miss Hal Holbrook, his performance of the major was devastating, also Will Lee, who played the silent Jewish man, much more manic and frightening then Jon Hadary, who is doing it in this production. Don't often agree with the Times critic who did not like it, but in this case I feel that he is right. After the play, went, for the first time in a while, to Lansdowne Road, sports bar deluxe, found the adorable twins (waitresses) was warmly welcomed and, despite the noise, had a good time. Will try to return there soon, yesterday, rejected the opportunity to go to a movie in the morning, long wait for time to leave for Prospect Heights, filled mostly with reading, a few walks, not much else, needed to clear my head---sometimes emptiness if best, Arrived at the Schwarz-Baums at around 5, everyone was there, a basically good time that got better in the interaction after the food was eaten. Stan's (my cousins' husband) mother was there, she is 94, yet totally coherent and focused, similarly her brother, six years younger, still seems very brisk. She and he emigrated from Germany in the early thirties, his wife just got out in time, that seems to have dominated her vision of life from that time on, can you blame her if she is not the most compassionate person in the world? How can you compare her world view with yours, raised from day 1 in relative security in the Bronx several years later. That's the problem---so many people coming from different points of view---can that be transcended..?
   Anyway, today a beautiful day, two students, will go to Atlantic tonight to see Those Paper bullets, and English musical apparently based on Much Ado About Nothing. Heard it is a lot of fun, afterwards will try to go to Burp Castle about 20 blocks away, and say hello to visiting bartender Rachel, whom I knew and liked several years ago. Should be interesting...
Will report on all this (hopefully) tomorrow...

interesting day....

yesterday, still feeling tired from Monday's marathon, nevertheless, walked from home to CPW and 81st in order to get to library on time. What else..? Well, read A Memory of Two Mondays, the Miller play that at one point served as the curtain raiser to the original A View From the Bridge. I never gave it much thought, but amazingly, it happens to be a beautifully written play. A complete contrast (with a few exceptions) to the play taking place in Red Hook  that is performed after it, there is no one central character, rather it is about the comings and goings in an automobile manufacturing plant in Chelsea in early 1933. A big cast, with a lot of interesting character sketches. Interesting to contrast the casting in this one with the casting in View. Van Heflin, who played the original Eddie Carbone in View plays a harried married man who is underpaid at the factory, and who has a brief affair with the young sexy woman worker in the piece, who, of course plays Catherine in View. But most amazingly, there is Gus, a 68 year old mad man, full of angry energy, his id almost uncontrolled, chasing all the women, and who comes the closest to challenging the authority of the warehouse. The actor who played him is the actor playing Alfieri in View---so one goes from the id to the super ego. What is amazing is the A Memory of Two Mondays should run about an hour---it really takes it time. So the evening of the two plays must have been at least two hours and 45 minutes long. Would have loved to have seen it--of course, I was only twelve when it opened, and could not.
   Returning from 145 street, felt tired, but had to see something---too tired to travel, and the two  movies most interesting to me at this point, Brooklyn and Spotlight---seemed too intense. First tried to see The Mirror, by Tcharkovsky, but sold out at Reade, did not want to wait on stand by line, next tried Philharmonic but was told, kind of abruptly, that no senior tickets for this Rachmaninoff concert were available. Since that is the only way I will go, that was out. Went to Lincoln Plaza where Ingrid Bergman bio was playing, started right at the moment I arrived, I did not think twice and bought a ticket. Not deep but interesting movie, took the time and I am very familiar with the territory, Bergman emerges as a sincere woman who could not understand that leaving her children to make a movie might be upsetting to them. She was a woman of complete duality, she needed a family, but thrived on rejecting them when she was at work. Interesting conundrum, but that aspect of the art---who the artist bonds with and how much of the art they share, has always fascinated me. Extremely tired when I returned home, went to sleep immediately---leak did not return until around 2 A.M.
By the way, did not attend Thanksgiving Assembly at Friends, at the moment I was too zonked to get on the subway and go there. Will definitely attend Christmas Assembly, as I always do, work or not.
    Today, after library will see Incident At Vichy, then maybe to La Flaca for Thanksgiving party, maybe somewhere else. Tomorrow at the Schwarz-Baum's for the annual Thanksgiving---maybe a movie in the morning. That is all for now...

frenetic Monday.....

after Sunday, when, because of problems with radiator flooding, was practically confined to the apartment. Horrible time sleeping Sunday evening, with drip coming from upstairs (lady living upstairs is probably on vacation---did not leave a key), and probably anxious about all the activity planned for Monday. As for that day, had a nice day subbing at Friends, ended up in the library, where I got a chance to interact with many. After that, home, a little rest, then to BAN meeting; it turned out was about the structure of the leadership---did not realize that that was what it was going to be---not that important to me---left a little early, then off to Clinton Hill,for much looked forward to party at Jack. There I payed my 25 dollar entrance fee, then during intermission interacted with the "usual suspects". Good to see them, though things are getting a bit predictable. Not a big fan of running in place, nevertheless important to touch base. On Fulton, did not take C train which is a block away from Jack---do not like to take that train after, say, eight, instead, a bus appeared on Fulton, which I took to Nevins Street station. Train in Brooklyn was pretty empty, a little nervous making, but the trip was ultimately fine. Gee, I love going to Brooklyn! Returned to the apartment feeling much less anxiety than the night before, water still dripped down from apartment above, but slept fitfully during the night.
Today,will go to Thanksgiving Assembly at Friends, then might have a student, if not, all the world lies in front of me. Which means what...?  Will struggle with the alternatives, should really see Wiseman's documentary on Queens, have decided to wait until Saturday evening to see Lulu (this is pretty definite), Rest of the week pretty well set up, Incident at Vichy on Wednesday, Those Paper Bullets (another musical on Much Ado About Nothing---do I really need it?) and hopefully Lulu on Saturday---truly my last chance to see it. Thanksgiving with the Schwarz-Baum's on Park Place on Thursday---about the 25th year of that. Incredible! Will report back tomorrow...

I am in...

the picture on Brokelyn that was taken Tuesday morning, around 8, when I was one of the earliest arrivals at the protest. Not one of the greatest pictures of me, not what I like to think of myself physically, but just will have to deal with it. Picture on my Friends Seminary identity mark is much better. Yesterday, looked in library mirror and liked what I saw, nevertheless, disappointed in picture, oh well, let's drop it and get on to other stuff that is more important.
Feeling better this morning, had a good session with one of my students, realize how much I really enjoy working with children, maybe Saturday morning energy has a lot to do with it, feel like I could have four more sessions, unlike during the week, when, even if I don't sub at Friends, I seem to be tired after one. (There may be other reasons for that---atmosphere at Hamilton Grange library is very warm, sucks the blood out of one). Anyway, feeling quite rejuvenated, in spite of problems mentioned yesterday.
Yesterday evening, went to Burp Castle as planned, finally got a chance to talk with Erin (previously mentioned in this blog as Megan) amazed that she had no inkling of Tuesday's past protest. She lives in Bushwick where the us  a lot of anti-gentrification action, nevertheless she was unaware. Had an nice conversation with her and some bar patrons, she mentioned she has a new boy friend, described him to me---how did that make me feel?  Somewhat alone, after bar visit went to Fresca, where I convinced myself that I needed a gelato scoop, did I really..? Anyway, it was good, love the stratciatella, but possibly was not needed. Walked up a crowded (actually very crowded) second avenue to 14th where I grabbed a crosstown bus that took me to seventh avenue and the subway home.
Reading an anthology of short stories  part of Pushcart best of small presses, two rather muted but interesting pieces so far..Also have read two early stories by Capote, they are somewhat rudimentary, but still have great eye for detail. Will continue reading some of them. Feel much more in a short story,rather than novel zone at this point in time, need the conciseness, don't want to deal with the long continuity.
Tonight, two choices: immigrant stories at Bronx Documentary Center, have not been there in a while, should go, and it is free, or possibly Catch at Invisible Dog, where my friends Michael and Abby are trying out a short piece. Last Catch I went to in April of 2014, I was disappointed in the vision and work, and also my relations with my friends there was brief. Probably should go to Bronx Doc, the seriousness of the stories appeals to me, and Catch can be awfully superficial. Then can hang out some place, (maybe Dive Bar, where I had a real good time last Saturday) either in Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Tomorrow, not sure, might be nice to have a "wandering" day throughout Brooklyn, just sit back and relax and watch some football in a quiet bar.. Well, will let you know...

Trying to find...

a reason for what I just found out. I will sub on Monday, but sub job for same teacher was given to another of the subs on Tuesday. Why? Finally time to confront this, it has been going on for a while, I think I will talk to the department head, whom I like and respect a great deal, and maybe find out what is going on.
Has left me in a foul mood, been a difficult week, first the protest (pictures from that came today, of course I did not like the way I looked) , then the "flood" problem, dealing with Hector, not working at all at friends, and finally "this". Lesson quality with students has been good, so there is something positive to be said. Looking forward to Monday, at least in the evening, so I can be with theater friends, possibly Catch on Saturday as well, although I would like to go to the Bronx Documentary project. Two alternatives for Friday, two for Saturday...a lot of rage.
Yesterday, rain prevented much action in the evening, also tired, glad I got the Pushcart Press book, best of 2015 from Library near Lincoln Center--nice short story by Frederick Tuten, a contemporary of mine. Hope to read more interesting material from there.
Not much else to say---have to keep my feelings in until Monday--possibly I will get work for Tuesday and the situation will be somewhat moot, but if not, will continue on the plan.
Weekend, as I have said before, filled with options, well it is a nice day...continue...

just got my....

first sub assignment in five days at Friends, this is a one period assignment on Monday, it may morph into something more, but the short day is fine with me. Monday is the day of the Steering Committee at BAN, then the party at JACK (do not want to miss that) and possibly some tutoring. Don't want to overload and be much too tired for the party. So one period is fine.
Yesterday no post, because water in my apartment was the first priority. Hopefully it is fixed now, but on Tuesday, walking into apartment only to find shads and shads of water on the ground was very disturbing. Took some time to work it out, but looks like it is okay for now---the weekend should be the test. Speaking of that, the weekend is very open---not sure where I will end up on the weekend evenings.
Yesterday, sitting in the library waiting for my student, pondered the difference between passive and active. Reading---passive; writing....active. Some ideas for short stories pop into my head but are out as soon as my "real event" happens. At least that is the idea.
Found a copy of A Memory of Two Mondays, the companion piece originally for A View From the Bridge, very anxious to read it. Want to see what Miller's other vision of life was at that time. Play is rarely revived any more. Will be interesting to see why.
Tonight---will I finally get out..? Movie, karaoke at South fourth, something else...? We will see..?

at the protest....

Tuesday morning: got up early---some indeciseveness, but left around 7 for the Brooklyn Museum. Arricved there about 35 minutes later and joined the group that was already there. Everyone very nice, grabbed a sign and stood facing Eastern Parkway north. Nothing to worry about, we changed, people going to work accross the street watched us, atmosphere very mellow, not predatory, police polite and uninvolved. Stayed about 2 hours, left for a coffee at Brooklyn Library nearbve, returned and then went to BRIC to use the bathroom. Returned then (walked up Washington Avenue from Fulton Street to the Museum) and listened to speeches scheduled for 12.
A good experience, glad I decided to do it, I was there early when people were really needed to carry posters and confront people going to the subway accross the street. Very cold, though. Good to be involved, will probably continue with this.
Last night, rushed to John's speech, he gave a nice one, although I wish he had told how he and Friends Seminary bonded. After that walked to work space for BAN, put together some posters with some others, then had a blt at 23rd and seventh greek place, not a bad BLT, was able to watch some of the football game. Tired after that, came home
Nice to be in the Brooklyn Library now; they have many plays in published form that I might like to read, but should try hard to finish book on cities.
Later for more...

just got word that....

there is to be a protest today against some very aggressive predatory harassment of tenants in four Clinton Hill apartments that have recently been turned over. Today at 1. Should I go? Can make it if I hurry and have a quick bite---should really go, even if it means that I have to return to Manhattan this afternoon for a session, or maybe two. It is not that far by train to Clinton Hill, can make it unrushed if I start in half an hour. Should I? Will I?
Yesterday, saw movie called Class Divide at documentary festival in Chelsea, Very depressing movie about highline and its effect on housing prices in Chelsea played off against the life of several families living in the Housing Project across the street from the new and exclusive Avenues School. Well made, but still does not deal with certain points. Have never been on the highline---seems uninteresting to me. Afterwards, grabbed a terrible piece of undercooked pizza nearbye, then headed to Williamsburg, checked in at South Fourth, had nice conversation with Bill and Alison, and later Merlin, my actor friend. Full of energy as I returned to subway station, almost walked a little more, but worried about possible heat damage in my apartment (it did not happen) made me take the subway back right away. Beautiful night to move around in, though.
Today, after possible visit to Clinton Hill, have a session on 145th street, then off to Friends to see John Byrne's talk, then to BAN to help with the flyers for tomorrow's action.
Bill, the artist whom I met at South Fourth may also come to tomorrow's action, I will go (with some trepidation) if there is no work for me at Friends.
That is it for now, silly heat over reach problem in apartment caused smokedetector to go off this morning,(I did not even know it was loaded), but I could not stop it without totally dismantling it---kind of traumatizing for a moment there. But it is over now, will report on more tomorrow

frightening story...

from Paris, yesterday and today. What can one say, or do?
Rest of life---tired, had a good tutoring session with a new student yesterday, then rested a bit, wanted to go down to Burp and see Megan, but too tired, instead went to Greek diner on Broadway and 94th street, had a blt, then went to Dive Bar on Amsterdam and 96th. Turned out to be a good move, had a great discussion with a couple: Alex, who just moved to Greenpoint, and his girl friend Stefanie, who actually lives only a block away from the bar. Talked a lot about gentrification, history of the city, how things have changed, etc. Hope to have contact with them again some time.
This morning--tired, not sure what I will do between now and trip to Dixon Place for Jessie's play this evening---would like to just fall into some movie, but don't know if I will do that.
Tomorrow I am scheduled to do some flyering for the protest on Tuesday, (wonder whether events in France will have any effect on this)---also may try to catch a movie at the Documentary festival at one of their venues.
A sense of exhaustion, both mental and physical has set in. Seem to be careening from place to place---so many responsibilities, but this is what you wanted...yes?  Have to find someplace to get some lunch soon...will report on rest of the weekend at next juncture..

picked up....

check but did not work today at Friends, actually no work scheduled for the future. There is, however, a talk that will be given by John Byrne, Monday early evening, which I will try to attend.
Time is pressing. After the talk, should go to work session for BAN, but my ability to do that will probably depend on my not being called to work. Only so much energy in the day.Same thing with the week after (Monday) when I have the BAN steering committee meeting and the party at JACK (Do not want to miss that) which will not happen if I get work at Friends (well, at least one will not happen).
Yesterday, restless all day, finally after a good session with student Robert, got to BAN meeting, mostly plans for Tuesday---I was fairly silent--figure I will go if no work---more and more there seems to be groups bonding over this event. Really good---still not sure what role I will play, hate to give out flyers at train station, hope it does not come to this, but actually had a meaningful time on September 18---perhaps I am being a little too under-confident about this. Meeting almost ended at 8:30 but a new person walked in about then and was included in the conversation. This person was valuable, I understand that, but I was annoyed---anyway, I left soon after of my own accord. Dying for some coffee, went to Greek Diner on 23rd near seventh, where I knew I could have my coffee and watch football, but was annoyed by very loud waiter-jet fan, who was making obnoxious comments while I was trying to chill out and watch the game. Also, had a nice piece of canteloupe (healthy) and coffee, then the bill came: $7.25! Amazing! For a canteloupe and a cup of coffee? And movie prices in the neighborhood have just gone up as well. As I was walking down 57th street this morning, thought to myself: there are really things to hate about the city. Never have really felt this way before.
Today, first session with a new student who lives off  Lenox in Harlem. Looking forward to it. Afterwards, lots of possibilities---black performers at Bushwick Starr, not sure how interested I am in that, but also thought that I should visit my friend Megan who bartends at Burp Castle, the non-sports bar next to Standings. Have not checked in with her in a while, want to tell her about all my activities with BAN and other things. But that is if I don't go to Bushwick. Should I see a movie first...?
Ah, problems, problems---will report tomorrow...

second time around......

tried to make a blog entry a few minutes ago, library computer lost it, shall try again.
Yesterday, heavy day at Friends, followed by a trip to Brooklyn to work on statement of purpose for BAN
At Friends, two kindergarden classes, lots of movement that had to be controlled---pretty hectic, then a fourth grade class that Jason Harris ran very well---tired after all that, but left for Brooklyn for four pretty intense hours with about four other BAN members. Made some good points, felt very focused, like being considered a "leader" of the group, though understand that it is really a people of color leadership project. Very comfortable with that.  Day of action the 17th gets closer and closer, am far less ambivalent about participating----lots of groups seem to be getting involved, should be an interesting day. Wonder if there will be petitioning outside the museum this weekend---really do not want to do it myself, though, even if I only talk to two or three couples (or singles) from the neighborhood, its seems as if they are sympathetic. So many people living around there just don't seem to be aware of what they can do to help. Will see what happens at today's meeting, which, ironically I may be late for (some tutoring).
Will probably try to see Jessie's play on Saturday, a lot of interesting movies around, and then there is the DOC festival at IFC and environs, with what seems to be some great docs. Will I see any of them..?
Oh, would love some coffee at Coffee on Bergen.\
BAN member at whose house last night's meeting was lives in southern Crown Heights, near Empire Boulevard. She bought her house there in the early nineties, when, as she said "nobody wanted to live here". Paid about 200,000 now worth over 1.5 million. After meeting totally full as far as eating goes, but walked a bit in her neighborhood, like it there, and then took B to Atlantic, had to stay in Brooklyn for  a while, not ready to return to Manhattan, went to big coffee shop on Fulton, across the street from the bookstore---read the BAM schedule and had a cafe Americano. Finally walked down Fulton to Nevins station and took the train back to UWS.
Better stop here and print...will tell more tomorrow or soon....

body strapped....

after heavy work day at Friends yesterday--fifth and seventh grade--fifth grade boys difficult---left feeling exhausted-----thought there might be a chance to attend Bushwick Starr party last night, but by 7, realized that this was impossible, body just much too tired. No work today---will be back at Friends tomorrow, but body still somewhere in the netherworld. Trying to keep up with so much.
Kind of exhausting.
Have a tutoring session today, at least one, after that would like to do "somethting" maybe trivia at Cobra or a movie, not sure---also have to work on coping with downstairs neighbor whose smoke screws up the vestibule and sometimes comes up through the ceiling into my apartment. Timid about calling the landlord's rep---should not be, but am. Other people in the apartment house are passive as well. Gentleman downstairs refuses to open door dialogue with people, handyman, the only real representative from the building manager, refuses to knock on his door, he has us all intimidated. When I am gone all day, as I will be tomorrow, no problem, but on days when I am at home have to pass through the odors many times. Should have the courage to contact building manager.
Not much else to say--will report on whatever happens next time...

at the bookstore....

on Bedford and North 6th, looking at all the books I might find interesting to read...ah, I thought, if only one could simply read forever...lose oneself in the vision of others. What heaven! But I have come to this place from somewhere else, helping to petition outside of the Brooklyn Museum, to protest a realtors convention planned for November `17th at the Museum. Lots of people interested, good conversation, but this seems the opposite of the passive if pleasurable idea of reading. Perhaps it is just a sense of well being, of being able to function in both worlds. Still, always see myself as the dreamer at heart---wasn't it in your Freshman year at Hopkins that you read the Scarlet Letter and imagined yourself a literature professor at some college for the rest of your life. Remember that vision---how things have changed!
What a day, after museum took 3 train to Utica, then Utica Avenue bus through Crown Heights, then down Bed Stuy and finally over Broadway through the end of Bushwick and then Williamsburg. Then, after a stop at East River bar (a fun stop) find myself at the bookstore and now at the friendly
computer store in the same complex.
 No work yet for tomorrow, that means it is possible to go to Bushwick Starr party in the evening.
Well, we will see....

After three days at...

Friends, kind of physically strapped, but feeling good---spent a lot of time with eighth graders and have a really great relationship with them. Also feel good that Brooklyn Museum is not defending its renting out of its space to the realty summit that will take place on the 17th, but is reassure the public that hosting the meeting does not mean they support the realtors vision. Lots of resistance, it is really building all over, several demonstrations scheduled for that day, feeling more and more relaxed re being a part of it. Tomorrow may go over the the museum to help flyer---not today or tonight, too tired,and want to see Eliza's performance at Abrons  Arts tonight.
What else, not much, after the two tutoring sessions (very strong) on Tuesday, returned home and decided to do nothing, just clear my head in preparation for the four period day at Friends the next day. The next three evenings have been similar--simply returned home and slept or relaxed---much too tired to get out, missed a play that I had already paid for on Thurdsday---had a friend in it whom I never see unless she is in a play, but just could not go--body could not make it. But very strong Friday morning for work at Friends. Just need that rest if the work continues on a day by day basis.
Next week, only  one day so far, probably more, but am economically much stronger due to all the work I have been getting. Can relax a little. Would love to see some movies, but don't know when the time will come. Party at Bushwick Starr Monday---will make it if no work at Friends, if there is: not sure. Will stop at La Flaca before (after as well) Eliza's project. More reports soon...

This may be...

my only blog this week, since I am booked at Friends for every day through Friday. That does not mean I can't blog, seems like when I am there, I don't want to think "blog-like>" Anyway, get to the point. Last night's BAN meeting, very strong, lots of preparation for the 11/17 action outside the Brooklyn museum. And where is cityboy in that action? Still ambivalent---two other members (both white) spoke of success with their flyering outside the Brooklyn Museum, where the action is to take place. Real Estate Industry leaders and others will meet in a "summit" hosted by Eric Adams, Brooklyn's Borough President. Why should a tax payer owned museum sponsor a forum for private industry, particularly a private industry that, as far as I can see, is champing at the bit to expand its luxury housing vision in Brooklyn at any price. And why is the borough president supporting this?
The two flyer giver outers reported a sympathetic response from those who passed by, and they will be there next weekend, yet I am still ambivalent about joining them. Why? Don't want to be seen as a
"rebel"? Too far out..? Please, cityboy it is your right, don't you realize that?
What about all the movies you wish to see...oh, come on, get off it. Are not there other ways to participate in the fight against gentrification? You teach people who need your services, is not that enough?
Well, let it be for now---for the next three days, you will just be rapped up in the world of Friends; probably will figure out how much time is available on the weekend and see if I can contribute. At least that is how it stands now.
Sunday, rest of day---actually took subway at Brooklyn Museum (but missed my fellow BAN members) to BAM, went to see (as planned) A Face In the Crowd---amazing movie, great restoration, Andy Griffith is filled with venom, amazing to see how he could use his instrument to be manipulative and vicious, a truly great performance. Left, felt hungry, tired, did not feel strong enough to head to G to go to South Fourth for end of Sunday hang out. Had a hummus sandwich at a nearby middle eastern place and then went to the "hot" coffee place on Fulton, Stayed there briefly, then went home. Planned to sub just one afternoon period, but then got the call from H Wilson asking me to sub for Kerry---arrived at 7:30 to find that she requested seven papers to be printed and zeroxed for first period class. Could I do it? Yes, though not without a lot of anxiety. That seemed to center my whole day, got through rest of it---then home, then to the meeting of which above...
Tonight, not sure, see how tired I am after second tutoring session---active or passive...?

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.

Saturday afternoon at...

Lincoln Center Library, sitting at the computer. Had to practically fight my way in---children and their parents everywhere, all over the center, almost no thought about how adults just wanting to use the library can navigate the space, This year Halloween seems to be completely hyped up in the city---really appalling--as if the city could simply forget its problems for a day because it is Halloween. A long way from the sixties and seventies, when the day was seen as kind of meaningless fun for a small portion of the community.
A little calmer now, but really frustrated by all the child traffic at the center, on the subway, etc. lining the upper west side.
So Wednesday was a restless day, and once tutoring was over, returned to the apartment tired and feeling some stomach cramps. Went to sleep very early, only to find a message around 10 from the music teacher at Friends, asking me to take her classes the next day. Had to think about it for a moment, then accepted. Figured that even if my body was cramped and tired, I could make it through, even if it meant three classes of second and first grade students. Immediately fell asleep---woke up around 3 in the morning, all of a sudden no pain, no fatigue, felt as if I was shot out of the cannon, could have gone to Friends then. Amazed at the contradictions between the two mornings, Wednesday, no work, fatigued, Thursday, work ahead, body strong and head excited at the challenge ahead. Turned out I actually worked in the library as well that day---so that and the next day at Friends turned into a long and productive haul.
Today, body really does need rest, when time in library is over, will probably return to apartment and take it easy for a while---will see A View From the Bridge tonight--really looking forward to it--not sure where I will go after that, probably somewhere to watch the rest of the world series game.
Tomorrow, I think I will see A Face in the Crowd at BAM. Fascinating movie, love Andy Griffith in this kind of role (using his naive charm to be controlling) saw it first right before my 10th grade year at Science (oh, how I wanted a girl friend that year!) and then during a summer when I was in college it was broadcasted on TV. Now I feel really drawn to it, there are three showings at BAM tomorrow, probably will go to first or middle on. Anyway that is the plan now, open, of course to change.
     Just ordered tickets to Perfect Arrangement, the play playing at the Duke, closing next week, I wanted to go on Tuesday, but had to pick Thursday because TDF did not have Tuesday on its list. Want to see Jennifer, an actress who I have known for about 20 (maybe longer years) never see her "in the world" but always have a nice discussion with her when I see her work. So I am checking this out.
That is all for now--hope I can negotiate the Center a little more easily when I leave then when I came in.

here we are....

Wednesday morning, just received instructions from Josh whom I will be subbing for on Friday, have to read The Custom House. part of The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne, good, for that is the only reason that I would read it. Want to be prepared to run a good class.
Yesterday, library quite the opposite of Monday, very hectic, spent a lot of time "shushing" students, a much more frenetic day there. Left feeling very tired, proceeded to BAN meeting, only to find out it had been canceled, not a problem for I was very tired, needed to get home. Some part of me considered that if I knew the meeting was off, I could have gotten a ticket for Tanheuser at the Met, which began at 7---however, in view of the fact that I was exhausted, probably would not have been a good idea, really sorry that I will miss it this year. A few minutes out of the BAN space, realized that I was not carrying my library book Saint Mazzie that I had brought to Friends. Panicked, did I leave it at BAN? Did not think so, probably left the library without it---still, very disconcerting, I never lose anything---on the 1 train back to home, felt very annoyed and angry.
Thought of going to a bar to watch game one of World Series, but was too tired, just returned to the apartment, and actually fell asleep for most of the game. A quick smoothie run at around 12:30 was the only voyage I took last night.
Then a depressing dream, do not remember much of it except that traveling home, I had to go through Charles and 34th in Baltimore, the street that faces the Hopkins Campus. Returned to apartment (this is still the dream) realized that I had forgot my keys, panicked, the  awoke feeling weird.
What does it mean...? Well, the Hopkins part probably is a statement of how much those four years there impacted me, and how the memories and acts of those years still "haunt" me. Have to deal with the fact that some of those I interacted with profoundly at that time are now dead, or probably have forgotten much of the content of our encounters--unlike myself, who remembers much in detail. Henry Roth, the novelist, was able to reconstruct his whole childhood and teen-age years while in his eighties. Amazing!
Today, a few lessons, then a possible trip to BAN to help make some flyers for an action tomorrow, which I do not want to participate in.  Still, need to make a contribution.
Otherwise, not sure how much time I can give to my "art" projects, that is seeing the plays that my friends are doing, during this very hectic time. Glad I have tickets to A View From the Bridge on Saturday evening--other plays like Barbecue at the Public and Perfect Arrangement that an actress friend of  mine is in might have to be skipped. And what about my planned return visit to Cindy and Jeff's project at the Bushwick Starr---can I do it?
Stay tuned, as the next two weeks play themselves out.

some problems....

at Friends, will not go into it now, better to discuss it with someone I feel is appropriate there---great day there yesterday, however, on the go from 8 to 6---much too tired to go to Bushwick for my friend John's reading yesterday evening, which is what I expected. Had 4.5 periods, two movies for French, and the chem classes with the 10th grade and 11th-12th grade. Good to see everyone, then 3 hours in the library, had some good conversations with some of the students, one particularly rewarding one with Annie L, had not seen her since last summer--really good to touch base with her finally and share some info. She, like so many of the other seniors, is dealing with this crucial time while she figures out what to do about college entrance. Remember that time in my own life, lots of pressure from parents and peer envy. Wish I could be more supportive and dialogue with the students, but  they seem to know what is happening, and accept my (somewhat superficial) support. Going back to run the library again this afternoon, really looking forward to it---then will be back for a full day again on Friday, including a more abbreviated library session.
Weekend: on the way to meet Robin at her hotel restaurant, quite by accident ran into Pete, former bartender at All State, amazingly enough he told me there was a reunion at Malachi's of much of the former All State crew. Had a nice dinner with Robin, then off to the bar---really glad Pete told me about the reunion, had a really good time there, touching base with many whom I knew well during my 15 or so years there as a "regular". Nice conversations with Kerry and former bartender Gabrielle, as well as my Facebook friend Tess. Felt really upbeat returning to the apartment.
Sunday: a tale of many neighborhoods, went to Cobra to watch football game, stayed for first half, interest was not held as much as I expected---then to where...? All Brooklyn before me! Decided to take the bus on Dekalb and Wycoff, it goes through the seven streets of Bushwick, then through bed-stuy, Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, with all the gentrification going on it is still a fascinating trip though the streets of Brooklyn. Got off around DeKalb and Cumberland, surrounded by the beautiful (and now very expensive) brownstones of Fort Greene, a little off put by all of it, had a pizza slice on Fulton, then walked into Park Slope, stopped at Coffee, a great place for a pick up on Bergen near 5th. After that walked a bit more, but decided it was time to return to the Manhattan.
Saw the movie "Nasty Baby" at IFC, a movie about gentrification (at least that is one of the issues the movie brings up). Not a great movie, but very skillful, some beautiful camera shots that define the house that the two men live on (ironically enough on Adelphi Street in Fort Greene, where I just had been). Ending very violent, not sure I buy into it, but glad that I saw the movie.
Returned home early after that, decided just to rest, so that my energy would be high for the day coming (Monday, it was)
Today, after library, looks like another BAN meeting, will see how I fit in to the current plans for the next day of demonstration....

all dressed up....

with nowhere to go...seems to be the situation at this moment; still somewhat tired from my work this week---yesterday, one session, over at around 7, not much energy to give after that, slept for a while, then up---very unpleasant two guys at store where I buy my food, around 11:00, problem did not escalate, fortunately, still a bit shaken by it.
Afternoon is free, meeting my friend Robin for a meal at her hotel this evening around 7. She will have seen two plays, will give me a report---wonder how she will like Fun Home, one of them.
Until then, not physically prepared to sit through a play, would like to lose myself in a movie, maybe Nasty Baby at IFC, though probably should check out the more relevant Taxi, which is there and also at Lincoln Plaza. Two movies at my favorite movie theater, the Bunin-Walter Reade in Lincoln Center not showing anything that I am dying to see.Stomach still recovering from a full blown ache yesterday, that might add to my wanting to be at a movie, where I can leave or use the bathroom when I have to, rather than a play, where I am physically locked in until intermission or end. It is also a beautiful fall day, if I wern't a little fatigued, might consider exploring a section in Brooklyn (might still do that anyway) but probably will remain in Manhattan.
Tomorrow is open, should rest because Monday, I both sub at Friends and supervise the library at Friends from 3 to 6, After that there is the reading that I am invited to in Bushwick (think I mentioned that yesterday) but will only go if I have the energy for it. For tomorrow, plan is to find a low key bar or coffee place to watch the Jet-Patriot game, and then maybe see my friend Ellie's project near Pier 12 on the far west side.
That is all for now....will reveal how the weekend turned out at some point soon...

In two days....

my life changed...on Tuesday received phone calls offering me two jobs at Friends for the next two days. Both were subbing for tenth graders; I saw that group three times this week, really getting to know them, an excellent adventure. Many of them I know from my marathon two weeks replacing Lianna as an English teacher in 2012, back when they were sixth graders.So, when i left Friends yesterday, it was with great relief, yes, the three days out of four there left me tired, but my budget is much closer to being balanced then it was before the week began.
New pay period began today, next week have booked three library days, and for now, two sub assignments. For the week after, which ends the pay period, I have already booked one. So things are looking up, that plus the tutoring should make me pretty comfortable in the weeks to come.
Not a lot much more to discuss, on Monday, John, a playwright friend of mine, from the Bushwick Starr is having a reading of a new play of his, would love to go, but with the work during the day, and the library committment until 6, wonder if I will have the strength to travel to Bushwick after all that.
On Monday night, tired from the subbing and three hour library assignment, I nevertheless pushed myself to Joe's Pub for the Half Straddle benefit. Had good time, the presentations were dynamic, but also (as is often the case at benefits) a little bit self congradulatory----the combination of the day work and the night "partying" (if that is what you wish to call it) left me pretty fatigued the next day. That is what is on my mind when I think about Monday, really hope I can do it, for John is a really nice guy, and I would like to be supportive of his work. Plus always enjoy being part of the Bushwick Starr 'community".  But rest is important to, let's see how the weekend plays out.
Rest of day fairly open, may have two sessions, not sure about plans for tonight---should do something and also check in on the Roya- BlueJay game 6. Hope the Royals win it, think that that would be a much more interesting match up against the Mets.
Still would love to see Rocco and His Brothers, this time around at Film Forum, but wonder if that is possible. This afternoon will probably head to Lincoln Center library to do some browsing, maybe read a bit of Tanner on Shakespeare before heading to Harlem.
Will report back later...

Summation:

Saturday, Clare canceled meeting, giving me a little more time to relax before heading out to Bushwick for Cynthia's performance, still got there early (of course) and had to wander around in the cold before getting to the Starr. Cindy's piece was interesting, not as fully realized as her Saint Ann's pieces were, also almost a play with the way her husband Jeff is included. Some moments about taking care of one's partner that I found very moving, made me want to "take care" of somone; think I will try to see it again, particularly if it is extended for a week, still will I have the time..? So many things happening, one simply replaces the other.
Afterwards, went to Heavy Woods, got a sprite and watched baseball on their enormous but very effective screen. Like the place, waited for some others who had seen the play to show, but they didn't. Nevertheless, the vibe was fun, might want to watch other stuff there at some point.
Sunday, a day of travel, visited Liz Y at her studio at the Navy Yard, stayed a while, still marvel at her ability to put colors and jagged edges together, left and began my long trek down Flushing Avenue, finally stopped at Flushing and (I think) Washington, a new coffee place there, looked inviting but since I was going to Bushwick to have coffee anyway, could not stop in. Bus took forever to come, then an interesting ride up Flushing Avenue (the very northern edge of Bed-Stuy, very hasidic) and off at Wycoff to watch football and have coffee at Cobra.
Remained there for about an hour, read a few Times pieces then decided to move on, probably to South fourth. Got the DeKalb bus, took it to Broadway, would have liked to walk a bit more, but it was cold, and I was underdressed, so got on J to Marcy Ave stop. Remained at South fourth for about three hours, the usual good cheer, watched the Mets on their way to their second win, had a nice conversation with Lisa, who lives in Sheepshead Bay and has four dogs. (She had one of them with her, a very friendly one.) Had to leave around 9, although Lisa would have enjoyed continuing the conversation---could have remained there with her and a few others, but left...why...? That was it for Sunday.
Monday, got a surprise phone call from Kate, asking me to replace Chris for the day at Friends. First actual teaching sub in a while, will have two next  week, so did that, enjoyed it, worked with two 10th grade groups on  groups on Beyawolf; then to the library for my scheduled three hour turn.
There, had some discipline problems, thing I handled them well, maybe some follow up. returned home absolutely exhausted, but decided to go to Half Straddle benefit at Joe's Pub---did so, not much contact, will discuss more at another time (maybe).
Time to return to the real world, Some lessons today and a BAN meeting, will see how it all turns out.

exhausted....

after yesterday's"  marathon". Worked in library until 4:30, then up to Robert B's for a lesson, then home, totally exhausted, asleep by 8, woke up about 12, feeling dehydrated, had to go out to get some grapefruit juice, then read a little, then back to sleep, woke up around six, body very tired. I guess it comes from a lot of the shelving that I did in the library the first hour of work. Also could not find one laptop to return to cabinet, wonder if it was already taken out by tech staff, or if I completely missed it. I must have scoured every inch of the library trying to find it before I left but to no avail.
Frustrating.
Today, had a session that ended a little after 11, now at Lincoln Center, tempted to see something this afternoon to kill time and relax, and take my mind off things, but decided not to.Very booked up for the next few days, now that i am working in the library on Monday. But I have to do it.
Today, will try to take it easy until about 5, then will leave for Buswick, conversation with Claire,  and the Cynthia's play. Will probably hang out afterwards as well (usually do) also hopefully watch some of the Met game.Tomorrow will visit Liz Y at her art studio near the Navy Yard, and then the other interview in Bushwick. Monday and Tuesday, I won't even write, already set.
Need a cup of coffee, but have already drank two today---maybe my body just needs to rest.
Will keep you posted....

a little disconcerted...

after viewing a picture that might possibly be from last week's Bushwick Starr gala, that has me in the corner, looking very uninteresting. Of course, that could be someone else, or another gala that I did not attend. Oh well, let's get on to better things.
Yesterday, a great day, three sessions (hard work) nice to know that my students and their parents truly believe in me---then off to BAN meeting, a good solid meeting, made what I think were some meaningful contributions, arranged to be interviewed Saturday before Cindy's play, by Claire (we will discuss advertising in new buildings in gentrified neighborhoods) and then on Sunday by Russell. Left the meeting feeling very hopeful about things, you see, and there is the contradiction, if I was subbing at Friends yesterday, definitely would have been too tired to attend the BAN meeting, which led to appointments which will make my weekend more interesting.. Anyway, will work in the library today from 2 to 4:30, which should be fun.
Next four days seem very busy---decided not to plan to see Hamlet in Bed on Sunday, even though a free ticket is available, simply because might need some time to rest. Before Bushwick dialogue, will probably attend Liz' open house in the Navy Yard rooms that she does her work in.
Not sure about this evening, fatigue factor might play a role in decision, might want to see a movie, on the other hand, Royal-Blue Jay matchup is an intriguing one---plenty of bars will be showing it.
That is all for now, will report tomorrow how the whole day evolved...