Yesterday afternoon, a "triumph"! Bought sneakers at Payless (159th street and Broadway) for reasonable price, felt good, really had abused the old ones. Stopped at Columbia Library for a book---could not find anything that turned me on---ultimately took out Ann Beatie's most recent short story collection---I loved her short fiction in the late seventies---really captured the ennui and thwarted vision of the "bright" kids of the sixties, now transitioning into their late thirties, and still trying to find some meaning in their lives. Very meaningful to read in the summer of 79. Now--these new stories---hope that they work-will probably stop off at Library near Lincoln Center and try to pick up another to read on my travels as well.
But on returning to the apartment, felt tired, and immediately all plans to visit Brooklyn and do some flyering went out the window---ended up going to Dive Bar on 96th---thought that was the best of the choices around here,, but immediately sat next to a very obnoxious older man----made statements that were infantile and annoying---finally he and his wife left---really frustrating. Thought that i might be able to talk to Olivia, the waitress whom I spoke with after seeing The Crucible, last Tuesday, but she was busy, and just wasn't worth the effort to stay around in the hope that things might calm down,---also, I hate their men's room with a passion---it is really rudimentary---strange that such a solid bar and restaurant should have such a garbage men's room---but that is how it is. I left, took a bus to Lincoln Center---stood outside the Lincoln Center outdoors venue---heard one of the really good bands from South Africa-and walked around. Amazing juxtaposition---the newest luxury building on the corner of 63rd and Amsterdam is right across the street from the Amsterdam projects. Talk about rich and poor! Stood around for a while, watching people go into the newer building (They did not seem so rich; maybe it is cheaper than I thought) and listening to the music. Pretty fatigued, managed to keep things going until around 10, and then went back to the apartment.
Today, I had hoped to go out to Bushwick---say hi to my barista friend Joanna at Cobra Club and then use the library out there---but that did not happen. I have been invited to hear a musician friend of mine named Tommy, he lives in Greenpoint, play at Sunny's the cool bar in Red Hook. Since I had such a good time there after the play last Saturday, jumped at the opportunity to go---so that is the plan. But I think I was overwhelmed with the idea of going to Bushwick in the morning, and then Red Hook this evening---also want to take it easy before what looks like a very busy weekend. But once my library stay is over---not clear how I will spend the time. Have avoided mid day movies, but maybe now, just to make the time pass, might be necessary. Might have lessons to teach tomorrow, have to check, but ironically when I don't have lessons planned, seems like too much time on my hands---will try to work that out better next week.
Last night after Dive Bar, did stop at Barnes and Noble, looked at the New Yorker, strong article about police shootings in the Comments section. At one point, I was thinking about the possibility of a movie, maybe Lisa Miller's or Woody Allen's new one, but after reading about the girl friend of the man killed in Minneapolis talking to the cop, just as her boy friend was shot, I was shattered. Could not see myself getting involved in a movie simply dealing with the "problems" of white people. Seemed cheap and insensitive.
Tomorrow the meeting at the library on Linden Boulevard then maybe the Shakespeare play at the Brick, if I am not too tired. Sunday, the whole day at the anti gentrification forum---then possibly the
reading of William's play at Bushwick Starr. Will definitely go to Monday's reading there. So that is it---will report tomorrow on trip to Red Hook.
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