this morning....

first thoughts after waking up were kind of scattered, I became slightly alarmed. Looking at it now, I realize that this is the first Monday morning, not counting vacations, since mid September, that I am not either going to Friends, or waiting for a call to sub at Friends. Yes, a lot of energy now exploding out----lack of structure works both for and against. But this is the way it will be for the next three months, I think. Now, with no sessions planned for the day, actually with nothing planned until the BAN meeting tonight at 7, I am feeling a kind of excitement that my time will be so free. Nice to feel that just everything is open.
   Since Saturday's post. Afternoon, went to meet my friend Mike at Atlantic Commons in Brooklyn---arrived on time, only to find out that he was not there. The Commons is a building that houses activist organizations---to my great surprise there is a coffee shop downstairs (this is new) While I was waiting for Mike, watched the Met game with a Met fan barista and sipped coffee. Mike ultimately had to cancel, but had fun anyway and then wandered over to BAM because the play that I wanted to see did not start until 8. At BAM got a schedule of their new film festival and tried to figure out if there was any time that I could go. Really busy schedule--what can I say. Just made a reservation for the Kitchen on Saturday where Cindy Hopkins is doing her new one women show. She is always passionate and interesting and it will be good to touch base with her husband and collaborator Jeff---an old friend from my early days at South Fourth.
 Raw Bacon from Poland at Abrons Arts was the play that I saw on Saturday evening---an intense work about an explosive Iraq war veteran trying to cope. For downtown theater a very traditional play---Joel Perez, who played the veteran gave an amazing performance--really frightening at times.
Being there was a good experience---at times the play made me think of  how unfair it was (and is) to send these kids into a situation totally manufactured by people like Bush and Cheney. They are beneath contempt for starting this war. I was happy for Ben, a friend of mine, who directed the play.
Not much else to say about it, afterwards went to La Flaca, ate with the owner Bob, who told me there are some problems with his landlord---the trust that owns the building his restaurant is in. I will learn more about this tomorrow, but I hope things are all right, he has really made the place into a wonderful hang out.
 Yesterday afternoon went to New York Theater Workshop to see part 1 of Sojourners a play in two full parts about Nigerian immigrants in America. One of the few plays that I have seen recently where I don't know anyone involved, but the Times review and other review snippets that I have read, made it sound really interesting. Again, a brilliant set of black actors bring the play to life, I found Act I a little too obvious---Act II gets stronger until a very strong ending. I admired it---but did not in any way feel a need to see the second play---which was being performed later in the afternoon.
Afterwards, spent a little time at Standings watching the Yankee, Met and Rockies game, talked a little baseball and then returned to La Flaca for a raffle to help a friend of Kelly, Bob's live in girl friend, recover from Cancer. Again enjoyed my stay, left to see if I could watch the TONYS at Times Square, but could not find a screen, went to a bar next to the Lyceum Theater where I had a beer and watched the show---but could not stay longer then a little after 9. The show dragged, and those commercials are hateful and endless. Sorry I missed the Bandstand and Natasha and Pierre (especially) numbers, but was tired and went home.
  Tonight, BAN meeting which will be over around 9. Unlike other meetings while school was on,  I do not have to get home immediately after---should try to find a place to watch the basketball game and end of Mets game. Will I? We will see. report tomorrow...