in library Monday....

morning---thought possibly that I would be called to work today, in light of the cold, but did not happen. Actually it is not as bad as it was yesterday evening...and it is also Day 3 after the holiday at Friends, so I guess all the teachers wanted to come in.
   Rest of the weekend:
  Saturday, followed the plan and arrived at the Public about a half hour before The Bitter Taste ended, joined the group at the talk back immediately. Most of the conversation had to do with the political ramifications of the piece: this is not surprising since that is so strong. Some good comments by a woman from a Black Mothers group from Queens---I liked what she had to say. The director was sitting in my row (very self effacing) and as the forum ended I mentioned to her that I admired the theatrical vision of the piece---she was very appreciative. Then went to the Public's "Library" , the second floor landing at the Public that is open to all, and waited for the performer to come down, in hopes of talking to him briefly. He did, and after he made his way through numerous well wishers, I spoke to him for a couple of minutes and talked about the "arc" of the play, and how well thought out I felt it was. He was very responsive, and seemed to feel that my comments were valuable. I thought there would be others at the library interested in discussion, but did not find anyone, so left for the next moment in my life---but where? Finally decided the best bet would be my friend Bobby's restaurant, La Flaca on Grand Street (Manhattan) so I headed there. That was a good idea, watched some of the hopeless wild card game on their TV (hopeless because neither team had chance of beating the Patriots, whom the winner would play next week) and spoke briefly to Bobby, who had work to do. Will see him tonight at the La Flaca end of year party.
   After that, debated whether I should return to the Public and see another Under the Radar project, or check out a movie---it was too cold and snowy to think about venturing into Brooklyn, so decided on a movie at IFC---blocking the name now, but it was about a couple in their early thirties, living in California, who are about to be married after six years of living together, and were trying to deal with the ambivalence they felt---which included being attracted to others. Went because the lead was a graduate of Friends from 05---I did not know her that well, but her work interests me---the movie had some intense and serious moments and a lot of good looking people in it, but it also seemed to live in a vacuum---like a lot of other late twenties---early thirties movies it just took for granted that the life that these characters lead was totally of interest. Another male "hero" who has made one movie, and is blocked in creating the next---sounds familiar?  A lot of territory that every movie made about that goes over. Nice to be at IFC, always like that theater.
  Sunday, first at South Fourth, watched a little football and a little conversation---then off to the Brick Theater, about seven blocks east on Metropolitan (walked all the way there in the cold) to observe a forum of young directors talking about their experiences and about taking credit for what they contributed to each of their productions. Kind of interesting---I made a comment at the end, which the panel seemed to like---a good experience. Planned to head back to South Fourth to watch the Giant game there, but even half a block in the intense cold seemed impossible, let alone trooping down Metropolitan---better idea was to go to Cobra Club, my Bushwick "hang out" since it was steps from Jefferson Street station. That is what I did, watched the Giant "debacle" on their big screen in relative privacy, and then returned home. So ended the day.
  Tonight the party at La Flaca, might decide to check out "the Fever' at Under the Radar before, but not sure. Will report tomorrow or soon after.