"aint if awful the heat"...

that is a quote from Langston Hughes, from his libretto for the opera Street Scene---can't help but think of this now, as the Wednesday morning heat seems almost unbearable. What to do>>? Very few cooling places on the upper west side---the library has strong air conditioning, as does the atrium, where I might head, but very little else. If I want to read in the afternoon, will be tough to find a place.
 Yesterday, attended a coming out for my good friend Sarah's husband Alex for a novel that he has written at Greenlight bookstore in Fort Greene. Did not expect the bookstore to be as crowded as it was---had to stand---not that difficult, but I expected a more "intimate" group. Alex read, then was interviewed, then questions. I hope to read the book at some point. Did not get a chance to chat with Sarah, then made my way to the Gotham Market, where Trivia was in session. Did not participate.
Walked around a bit, waited until hunger set in, then went to the bar adjacent to the market and had hummus while I watched the Yankees go deep on a Ray relief pitcher to take over the baseball game.
   Fairview, which I had seen a week and a half ago was letting out, and just by accident I had two interesting conversations with two actresses from the play who were staying around for a drink.  I did not express my frustration with the playwright's vision to either, but both conversations were kind of vivid--interesting that I am capable of just making something like that happen---like that.
 Today, no plans yet---do I want to try to see Coriolanus tonight---probably will not have trouble getting in---going to be kind of hot, or do I....well, you know the plentiful options that cityboy find available to him.
  Another trip to Baltimore..? Not likely, due to my financial set up, am planning one to DC in mid August. Also, reading some excellent short stories by Ms. Eisenberg, from her latest group of them. Was skeptical at first---I saw her as simply representing a "privileged white liberal" class, but her stories have vision and power. I was moved by one which beautifully expresses the gap between the parents and children of my generation (I would say between ages 65-80)---will probably finish them off today---will report soon on this and my "adventures" of the night.