the good, the bad, the interesting.....where to begin. Well, first of all, had a strong session with one of the students--that makes me feel productive. But won't have another one until next week---lots of days in need of structure spread out before me. Where to go? Yesterday, dealt with all this by taking the subway around 8:50 into Brooklyn--stopped first at the Gotham center for some ice coffe---my go to place-then walked from the center to the main library---a fairly easy walk for me though it took some tole later---and spent some time there and next door at the museum. Still enjoyed being in Brooklyn, but had to return around 2 o,clock.
Rest of the day was tired, but finally got enough energy up to travel to the Dive Bar on 106th and Amsterdam, have a beer and watch the Mets---nothing special, but did spend a decent hour and a half out of the house, which I needed. Too tired to trek down to La Flaca or any part of Brooklyn.
Thursday evening at La Flaca watched some of the debates--left with about an hour to go--everything seemed repetitive---then walked north on Clinton, checking out the many restaurants between Delancey and Houston, some watching the debates, some not. Always amazed recently at how many luxury high rises have been built in the area--watching the "destruction" of the lower east side. Could not have imagined that happening 20, or even 10 years ago, or the proliferation of upscale restaurants that are part of that area. But the walk was good--needed to do it before I returned home.
Two depressing things---one, an article in the op ed portion of the Times, about how the new machines that line our streets record information about us---something must be done about that--and a good e mail that in blatant terms, discusses the city's (under the mayor) vision of housing and how it is so slanted in favor of the wealthy and real estate people. Why must we live under these conditions, with this class of people constantly gaining favor.
This afternoon there is a march against violence in bed-stuy, will I go? Not sure---but must make my mind up soon---also plans for Baltimore in two weeks finalized now--fairly reasonable rates for travel and staying in the city.
That is all for now---lots of contrasts to deal with---will report soon.
Saturday, June 29, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
wish that I could say it was a good night....
but fatigue hit early yesterday, and after the play and the visit to the library, I simply went home and rested. Uneventful but rather boring night--could not find a radio station that was playing the debates---should go down to La Flaca tonight and watch the second group. Must get out.
Very restless in the morning---the city sprawls out before me, but can't seem to know where I want to go. Lots of ideas, though. Also, things are getting complicated re my possible trip to Baltimore two weekends from this one. Hotel rates are going up---there seems to be a decent amount of air bnb's that are available but can't seem to pull the trigger on one yet. Well, the trip is not etched in stone.
Still have a lot of feelings about the play yesterday--mulled it over a lot in my head during the time that I was home last night. Heidi talks about the duality in parents--things the next generation tries hard to confront, but that often makes no sense, or simply returns one to the original contradiction. I feel the same way---trying to understand my my parents' strengths but also their prejudices--not racial, by any means, but their lack of feeling (for want of a better phrase) for my artistic aspirations. Still, I was able to accomplish a decent amount, was not I?
The idea of joining one of the we work places for a month seems better and better--must contact Harlo about the possibility of getting a computer from her---assuming that she still has some, as she said last year.
So that is the way things stand now---trying to be frugally meaningful---hope I can make some fun out of the night--will report soon.
Very restless in the morning---the city sprawls out before me, but can't seem to know where I want to go. Lots of ideas, though. Also, things are getting complicated re my possible trip to Baltimore two weekends from this one. Hotel rates are going up---there seems to be a decent amount of air bnb's that are available but can't seem to pull the trigger on one yet. Well, the trip is not etched in stone.
Still have a lot of feelings about the play yesterday--mulled it over a lot in my head during the time that I was home last night. Heidi talks about the duality in parents--things the next generation tries hard to confront, but that often makes no sense, or simply returns one to the original contradiction. I feel the same way---trying to understand my my parents' strengths but also their prejudices--not racial, by any means, but their lack of feeling (for want of a better phrase) for my artistic aspirations. Still, I was able to accomplish a decent amount, was not I?
The idea of joining one of the we work places for a month seems better and better--must contact Harlo about the possibility of getting a computer from her---assuming that she still has some, as she said last year.
So that is the way things stand now---trying to be frugally meaningful---hope I can make some fun out of the night--will report soon.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
lots to talk about.....
last night a really good time in Willimsburg, hanging out at the East River Bar, an old bar for Wiliamsburg---easy place to "chill" Had a discussion with another bar patron who works at WeWork---he told me that for 45 dollars I could have a space for a month---do I want to do it---would need a computer---would do everything that I do in the library, plus some writing that would add to this blog. Some free association? Possibly, something to really think about. |
First time back in Williamsburg in quite a long time, headed north on Bedford after hanging out at the bar (none of my south fourth friends showed, but had a good time anyway) until a little after north 7th, then caught the 62 back to 7 train---then to 59th--then back to the bus for the last trip home. This was a terrific evening---really worked in tune with my imagination, I woke up feeling very buoyant.
Later today, got a rush ticket to see my friend Ben play the "male' in What the Constitution Means to Me---a very enjoyable and audience grabbing piece at the Little Theater. I had seen it two years ago at Clubbed Thumb---it is a very different project now. I was surprised before today that the show was so successful--but after watching the actress' incredible rapport with the audience, I can understand why. Happy for my friend Ben who understudies the male in the play that he got a chance. Most of his family was there today--and everyone was very happy.
Tired, now---not sure about the evening---library will close soon, so time is limited, will report soon.
First time back in Williamsburg in quite a long time, headed north on Bedford after hanging out at the bar (none of my south fourth friends showed, but had a good time anyway) until a little after north 7th, then caught the 62 back to 7 train---then to 59th--then back to the bus for the last trip home. This was a terrific evening---really worked in tune with my imagination, I woke up feeling very buoyant.
Later today, got a rush ticket to see my friend Ben play the "male' in What the Constitution Means to Me---a very enjoyable and audience grabbing piece at the Little Theater. I had seen it two years ago at Clubbed Thumb---it is a very different project now. I was surprised before today that the show was so successful--but after watching the actress' incredible rapport with the audience, I can understand why. Happy for my friend Ben who understudies the male in the play that he got a chance. Most of his family was there today--and everyone was very happy.
Tired, now---not sure about the evening---library will close soon, so time is limited, will report soon.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
betwixt and between...
so, of course, the morning came, and still no phone call to make the colonoscopy appointment. Why? Still nervous about coping with the day before---need some consistent friendship and support during that time, is this possible? Should I contact some place where I can find a "friend", i.e. someone I do not know but who wants to help me through it? How about a therapist, to tap a lot of the feelings that dealing with that day bring up? Should try to answer these questions---but will probably move about it slowly. I know, I know, I should "get it done", but still, there is no face to it. Well, let's see what develops.
Last night, was tired, so I opted to take the subway to Standings in the hope of watching three baseball games simultaneously (baseball immersion), but found that difficult. Had a beer, after a pizza slice nearby, watched for about an hour, but grew restless and had to move on. But where? Hunger came back again, but wanted to keep the cost down (so no bar food), ended up grabbing a pizza square on third and first (adequate) which truly filled me up. But it was only about 8:30, and I was in no mood to go home, so where..? Cityboy decided to walk, and that is what he did. One block south to Houston, then one block east to Avenue A---then came the walk north on that street---passed many bars, also stopped at a book store around 5th street---it actually looks like a gallery---and browsed for about ten minutes. Of course I could not buy anything ( not a lot of money) but did get a chance to look at Krapp's Last Tape, by Beckett, maybe the one play by Beckett that seems to be about real people and actually has a kind of plot. The play has been with me for a long time---I love its switching back and forth in time, and the reverie of the 39 year old Krapp. I first came upon it on a a Sunday afternoon in March of 60 (Imagine that!) when it was performed by a canadian actor named Donald Davis and was the first of two plays on the bill---the second was The Zoo Story, that amazing play by Albee. I remember trying to understand the Beckett--being happy that the narrative world of it made sense--and even at 16 and a half, being moved by the sadness of Krapp's love affair 30 years earlier. But it was Zoo Story that really tore me apart---with Mark Richman and Williams Daniels--I had never quite seen anything like it. Yeah, I really could identify with Jerry (at least for the next few years) . That was my senior year at Science, and of course I felt like an outsider there. I am happy that both plays have lived long enough into my lifetime and are performed a great deal
Continuing the walk, passed the park, finally around 12th and 13th street directly east of the avenue, noticing two new luxury end buildings, each with a doorman--startling to one who remembers the "sketchiness" of the old East Village. Several bars line the avenue from 12th to 14th, none seemed rather crowded---on the other hand the outdoor restaurants on 2nd Avenue between 7th and Houston were packed---where does all this money come from?
The walk ended on 14th and first, when I got in the cross town bus and headed to the 2 train, on seventh avenue.
Today, a totally free day---nothing planned; I think today I really will go out to Brooklyn this evening and check out East River bar---and see if any of the South fourth "regulars" will be there. Really miss that place, La Flaca is meaningful, but South fourth was really so much a part of my life. So, there you go, will report tomorrow.
Last night, was tired, so I opted to take the subway to Standings in the hope of watching three baseball games simultaneously (baseball immersion), but found that difficult. Had a beer, after a pizza slice nearby, watched for about an hour, but grew restless and had to move on. But where? Hunger came back again, but wanted to keep the cost down (so no bar food), ended up grabbing a pizza square on third and first (adequate) which truly filled me up. But it was only about 8:30, and I was in no mood to go home, so where..? Cityboy decided to walk, and that is what he did. One block south to Houston, then one block east to Avenue A---then came the walk north on that street---passed many bars, also stopped at a book store around 5th street---it actually looks like a gallery---and browsed for about ten minutes. Of course I could not buy anything ( not a lot of money) but did get a chance to look at Krapp's Last Tape, by Beckett, maybe the one play by Beckett that seems to be about real people and actually has a kind of plot. The play has been with me for a long time---I love its switching back and forth in time, and the reverie of the 39 year old Krapp. I first came upon it on a a Sunday afternoon in March of 60 (Imagine that!) when it was performed by a canadian actor named Donald Davis and was the first of two plays on the bill---the second was The Zoo Story, that amazing play by Albee. I remember trying to understand the Beckett--being happy that the narrative world of it made sense--and even at 16 and a half, being moved by the sadness of Krapp's love affair 30 years earlier. But it was Zoo Story that really tore me apart---with Mark Richman and Williams Daniels--I had never quite seen anything like it. Yeah, I really could identify with Jerry (at least for the next few years) . That was my senior year at Science, and of course I felt like an outsider there. I am happy that both plays have lived long enough into my lifetime and are performed a great deal
Continuing the walk, passed the park, finally around 12th and 13th street directly east of the avenue, noticing two new luxury end buildings, each with a doorman--startling to one who remembers the "sketchiness" of the old East Village. Several bars line the avenue from 12th to 14th, none seemed rather crowded---on the other hand the outdoor restaurants on 2nd Avenue between 7th and Houston were packed---where does all this money come from?
The walk ended on 14th and first, when I got in the cross town bus and headed to the 2 train, on seventh avenue.
Today, a totally free day---nothing planned; I think today I really will go out to Brooklyn this evening and check out East River bar---and see if any of the South fourth "regulars" will be there. Really miss that place, La Flaca is meaningful, but South fourth was really so much a part of my life. So, there you go, will report tomorrow.
Monday, June 24, 2019
It's back....
the "dreaded" colonoscopy issue. Just returned from an appointment with a colo-rectal surgeon---he found some hemorroids but no cancer from what might be called a superficial check, but again, encouraged me to have the procedure. New phone number to call to make an appointment to have him do it. Has to be in July--he is moving his office on September---and that means school. So what do I do? Will call his office tomorrow and see what times he has---don't want to cancel another one. Other then that, am feeling good. Well we will see.
Saturday , trouped out to the Doxcee to see their Arabian Nights project---directed and conceived by a friend of mine. Very interesting---a little insulative---some times I felt cut out of the whole thing, but also some very vibrant and passionate action. Glad I went---had a good conversation with a young Muslim director who is doing a take on Romeo and Juliet in (of all places) Fayetteville, Arkansas. We took some of the subway ride back together---thought that I would end up at Freddys, but got on a D, instead of a R, and wound up in the bar-restaurant next to TFANA. Watched the end of the Yankee game and had a hummus plate, the staff was very nice to me---then went home.
Yesterday---went to say hi to my friend Olivia at Cobra, watched some of the old timers game and most of the regular Yankee game on their TV, then went to the Flea, to see the play there that New Georges is doing. Love the artistic director Susan of that group, but I was disappointed in the play---sort of a one trick idea that stalled--it did not help that all of a sudden with about 45 minutes to go, I had to pee, and had to hold it in for the rest of the play. From where I was seated there was no way to leave the auditorium, without calling a tremendous attention to myself. That would have been funny---a destruction to my "theater cred" at the very least. Reminds me of the first time that happened, way back in spring 1980, at a performance of a wonderful play called Museum by Tina Howe, at the Public. But it did not happen--I held on, and things were cool. Had a nice conversation with Susan's son Beatty. who is graduating Bronx Science this Wednesday. Taught him the "nasty" version of the school Alma Mater, that he will be singing at the graduation. Saw a lot of friends, basically a nice night.
Tonight a lot of options, should be strong enough to travel, was toying with the idea of going up to Yankee Stadium for a game it should be easy to get in to---now not too sure. Might want to watch the game on TV with a few other games, maybe at Standings. Of course I could try a new bar without a TV---do I dare? Tune in tomorrow for the result.
Saturday , trouped out to the Doxcee to see their Arabian Nights project---directed and conceived by a friend of mine. Very interesting---a little insulative---some times I felt cut out of the whole thing, but also some very vibrant and passionate action. Glad I went---had a good conversation with a young Muslim director who is doing a take on Romeo and Juliet in (of all places) Fayetteville, Arkansas. We took some of the subway ride back together---thought that I would end up at Freddys, but got on a D, instead of a R, and wound up in the bar-restaurant next to TFANA. Watched the end of the Yankee game and had a hummus plate, the staff was very nice to me---then went home.
Yesterday---went to say hi to my friend Olivia at Cobra, watched some of the old timers game and most of the regular Yankee game on their TV, then went to the Flea, to see the play there that New Georges is doing. Love the artistic director Susan of that group, but I was disappointed in the play---sort of a one trick idea that stalled--it did not help that all of a sudden with about 45 minutes to go, I had to pee, and had to hold it in for the rest of the play. From where I was seated there was no way to leave the auditorium, without calling a tremendous attention to myself. That would have been funny---a destruction to my "theater cred" at the very least. Reminds me of the first time that happened, way back in spring 1980, at a performance of a wonderful play called Museum by Tina Howe, at the Public. But it did not happen--I held on, and things were cool. Had a nice conversation with Susan's son Beatty. who is graduating Bronx Science this Wednesday. Taught him the "nasty" version of the school Alma Mater, that he will be singing at the graduation. Saw a lot of friends, basically a nice night.
Tonight a lot of options, should be strong enough to travel, was toying with the idea of going up to Yankee Stadium for a game it should be easy to get in to---now not too sure. Might want to watch the game on TV with a few other games, maybe at Standings. Of course I could try a new bar without a TV---do I dare? Tune in tomorrow for the result.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
much mellowed from the day before...
or Thursday--maybe it is the weather---finally a truly beautiful day---maybe it is the optimism about my friend Sarah's new theater position---maybe its the fact that yesterday night was fulfilling, hanging out at La Flaca--watching most of the Yankee-Astros game with my friend Bob, also the owner of the restaurant. At any rate, am feeling good.
Also yesterday, went to Brooklyn to see The Last Black Man in SanFrancisco. a truly beautfiul movie, that centers around a young black man obsessed with taking back the house that his grandfather built but that his father lost, and now is part of a gentrified white neighborhood. Great performances of this really interesting movie--terrific camera angles as well, I was very moved by it.
This afternoon--some "mellow" time while I wait for the evening, when I will go to Sunset Park to the Doxcee, a theater on 52nd between 2nd and 3rd to see a project based on the Arabian Nights. Last year I went to three projects there---really enjoyed it---this year this visit will be my first. After the play there a year ago, a group of us went to Five Boroughs, a cool bar (but no television) on 47th street---I wonder if I will be part of a group that goes there this evening. If not, maybe Freddys on 17th, not too far away. Writing this blog reminds me that I still, at some point should go to the Red Hook bar, called Sonny's , where I have always had a nice time. But it is so far out of the way. Still, should check it out at some point---a good possible "adventure".
Tomorrow, hopefully a visit to Cobra in the late morning-afternoon, then another play at the Flea theater--where I will be joined by my friend Sarah, and hopefully find out some more information about her new job and the vision it will entail. Will report soon.
Also yesterday, went to Brooklyn to see The Last Black Man in SanFrancisco. a truly beautfiul movie, that centers around a young black man obsessed with taking back the house that his grandfather built but that his father lost, and now is part of a gentrified white neighborhood. Great performances of this really interesting movie--terrific camera angles as well, I was very moved by it.
This afternoon--some "mellow" time while I wait for the evening, when I will go to Sunset Park to the Doxcee, a theater on 52nd between 2nd and 3rd to see a project based on the Arabian Nights. Last year I went to three projects there---really enjoyed it---this year this visit will be my first. After the play there a year ago, a group of us went to Five Boroughs, a cool bar (but no television) on 47th street---I wonder if I will be part of a group that goes there this evening. If not, maybe Freddys on 17th, not too far away. Writing this blog reminds me that I still, at some point should go to the Red Hook bar, called Sonny's , where I have always had a nice time. But it is so far out of the way. Still, should check it out at some point---a good possible "adventure".
Tomorrow, hopefully a visit to Cobra in the late morning-afternoon, then another play at the Flea theater--where I will be joined by my friend Sarah, and hopefully find out some more information about her new job and the vision it will entail. Will report soon.
Friday, June 21, 2019
yesterday, a "tired" day...
found myself "moored" to the apartment, Not much energy, as stomach problems continued. Today much better, expect to move around the city---no real plans for the evening--lots of ideas, might want to just go to La Flaca or Standings and do a baseball immersion evening. Or perhaps..?
The night was hard. Somehow, between 12 and 4, hard to sleep. Tired but just can't seem to make that final jump into "sleepdom" It is then that the old memories seem to return to me in a torrent. Some seem so real, it is hard for me to come to terms with the fact that they are from sometimes over 40 years ago. Have to monitor my stomach carefully so can't just go out and have a beer at a nearby bar.
But then the daylight comes, and life seems to be about what is on the outside of the apartment, more in tuned with the world. The immediate reality is interesting and functional. Still, sometimes amazed at the difference in the two worlds. Well, this weekend cityboy is doing things on Saturday and Sunday evening, so maybe returning late to the apartment will effect a change.
Once again, not sure about the rest of the day...will report soon.
The night was hard. Somehow, between 12 and 4, hard to sleep. Tired but just can't seem to make that final jump into "sleepdom" It is then that the old memories seem to return to me in a torrent. Some seem so real, it is hard for me to come to terms with the fact that they are from sometimes over 40 years ago. Have to monitor my stomach carefully so can't just go out and have a beer at a nearby bar.
But then the daylight comes, and life seems to be about what is on the outside of the apartment, more in tuned with the world. The immediate reality is interesting and functional. Still, sometimes amazed at the difference in the two worlds. Well, this weekend cityboy is doing things on Saturday and Sunday evening, so maybe returning late to the apartment will effect a change.
Once again, not sure about the rest of the day...will report soon.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
stomach cramps dominating...
the feeling right now. Don't know why, but they are pretty intense at this moment. Have to work through them, which is possible. Maybe what I just ate, at one of the more upscale grocery stores in the west side neighborhood that I live in--these problems seem to crop out after I take out some food from there. But ever since the West Side Market left us about a year and a half ago, have had to buy some of my food from there. Must change this and remember it.
Yesterday---an odd night---tired after session in the morning, but had to leave the apartment because it was being cleaned in the afternoon. The woman who cleans for me does an incredibly good job, and when I returned to the apartment, which had been really dirty when I left it, it looked like somebody else's. But it was mine. Then ran off the Sci Fi Festival at Westbeth---this was a science project by an actor who is a relative of a friend of mine. But, unlike the first two that I had seen two nights before, this one was slow and pedantic and actually went on for two hours. Luckily, I left at intermission---but was tired, and did not want to repeat the visiting Formerly Crows and having the expensive (but very good) blt from the night before. Found a kind of cruddy pizza store and bought a pepironi slice (this may be the cause of my stomach discomfort) then walked north on 8th avenue from 14th to 23rd street. Tired, yet it was only a little past eight, but decided to go home. Was asleep by about 10--not a good night--woke up feeling kind of angry---why?---I don't really know- there are moments in the evenings when my body is tired but my mind does not want to go home. Maybe I should let my mind dominate. I think just that "nothing happened" after leaving the project may have cut me down. It is something to think about---this is my vacation; I promised myself more "energy" then when I was subbing regularly. Will try to keep my nights longer----I think I have to.
Today, want to take a respite from play watching, think that I will just go hang out at La Flaca and watch what I think is a major baseball game between the Astros and Yankees---a statement game if there ever was one. Will be nice to just relax and immerse myself in the game. Should also visit the bar in Bed-Stuy where I know the bartender---I have been planning to go there for a while, but have never made it--but they have no tv. So, what to do? Will report soon on this dilemma.
Yesterday---an odd night---tired after session in the morning, but had to leave the apartment because it was being cleaned in the afternoon. The woman who cleans for me does an incredibly good job, and when I returned to the apartment, which had been really dirty when I left it, it looked like somebody else's. But it was mine. Then ran off the Sci Fi Festival at Westbeth---this was a science project by an actor who is a relative of a friend of mine. But, unlike the first two that I had seen two nights before, this one was slow and pedantic and actually went on for two hours. Luckily, I left at intermission---but was tired, and did not want to repeat the visiting Formerly Crows and having the expensive (but very good) blt from the night before. Found a kind of cruddy pizza store and bought a pepironi slice (this may be the cause of my stomach discomfort) then walked north on 8th avenue from 14th to 23rd street. Tired, yet it was only a little past eight, but decided to go home. Was asleep by about 10--not a good night--woke up feeling kind of angry---why?---I don't really know- there are moments in the evenings when my body is tired but my mind does not want to go home. Maybe I should let my mind dominate. I think just that "nothing happened" after leaving the project may have cut me down. It is something to think about---this is my vacation; I promised myself more "energy" then when I was subbing regularly. Will try to keep my nights longer----I think I have to.
Today, want to take a respite from play watching, think that I will just go hang out at La Flaca and watch what I think is a major baseball game between the Astros and Yankees---a statement game if there ever was one. Will be nice to just relax and immerse myself in the game. Should also visit the bar in Bed-Stuy where I know the bartender---I have been planning to go there for a while, but have never made it--but they have no tv. So, what to do? Will report soon on this dilemma.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Had to make some calls to my...
healthcare provider re an appointment with a doctor for Monday---this has me a little frazzled---really am not used to dealing with medical groups---anyway, this looks like it is being worked out---just one more phone call to make tomorrow.
Yesterday; disappointed because my session with a vivacious 6 year old going to one of the charter schools in the neighborhood was canceled---actually really not canceled---the parent and child did not show up. Needed the money, but also wonder if something happened re the news that ICE was ramping up its arrests next week (at least in theory). The young girl's mother speaks no english--hopefully she is here legally and it was just a missed connection. The parent is usually very prompt, so this was surprising. Will have to see how this evolves---I truly like this little girl and would hate to stop working with her,
After that, headed back to West Street and my second visit to the Sci-Fi festival to see a project that a friend of mine, Jocelyn, had produced. A very interesting project, somewhat based on the Blucbeard legend, with other ideas thrown in, the actress performing the piece was extremely talented---had a nice talk with a Westbeth resident and former off off Broadway "presence' named Black Eyed Susan, and also will have coffee or a beer with Jocelyn in the near future. I return to the festival tonight to see another piece, this one performed by the brother of Tony, an actor whom I really respect. Although the festival has several other pieces, I figure this will be my last one for now.
And what else---just reserved a ticket for the show at the Doxcee the new theater in Sunset Park that Target Margin now has. Always liked to go out there last June, this was my last chance to go there this round of shows. In a way, I am pushing things too much---I also have commitments to see plays on Sunday (New Georges) and possibly Tuesday (my friend Ben, appearing in What the Constitution Means to Me). Am I overloading? Sometimes it seems like that, especially when I put my thoughts together in the morning but once outside, I am gun ho! So there it is!
Yesterday, after the show, needed to "hang out" in a bar---chose Formerly Crows, the bar run by the owner of South fourth---a friendly place, they got the Met game on for me, and I had a nice blt with a salad-
--but it is a long bar, not really conducive for finding new companions. Still, I liked it there---should probably
return a few times this summer. Not sure what the plan will be after tonight's performance at Westbeth; will probably find some place to watch a game or whatever.
That is all for now--things are moving fast, will report soon.
Yesterday; disappointed because my session with a vivacious 6 year old going to one of the charter schools in the neighborhood was canceled---actually really not canceled---the parent and child did not show up. Needed the money, but also wonder if something happened re the news that ICE was ramping up its arrests next week (at least in theory). The young girl's mother speaks no english--hopefully she is here legally and it was just a missed connection. The parent is usually very prompt, so this was surprising. Will have to see how this evolves---I truly like this little girl and would hate to stop working with her,
After that, headed back to West Street and my second visit to the Sci-Fi festival to see a project that a friend of mine, Jocelyn, had produced. A very interesting project, somewhat based on the Blucbeard legend, with other ideas thrown in, the actress performing the piece was extremely talented---had a nice talk with a Westbeth resident and former off off Broadway "presence' named Black Eyed Susan, and also will have coffee or a beer with Jocelyn in the near future. I return to the festival tonight to see another piece, this one performed by the brother of Tony, an actor whom I really respect. Although the festival has several other pieces, I figure this will be my last one for now.
And what else---just reserved a ticket for the show at the Doxcee the new theater in Sunset Park that Target Margin now has. Always liked to go out there last June, this was my last chance to go there this round of shows. In a way, I am pushing things too much---I also have commitments to see plays on Sunday (New Georges) and possibly Tuesday (my friend Ben, appearing in What the Constitution Means to Me). Am I overloading? Sometimes it seems like that, especially when I put my thoughts together in the morning but once outside, I am gun ho! So there it is!
Yesterday, after the show, needed to "hang out" in a bar---chose Formerly Crows, the bar run by the owner of South fourth---a friendly place, they got the Met game on for me, and I had a nice blt with a salad-
--but it is a long bar, not really conducive for finding new companions. Still, I liked it there---should probably
return a few times this summer. Not sure what the plan will be after tonight's performance at Westbeth; will probably find some place to watch a game or whatever.
That is all for now--things are moving fast, will report soon.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
hopefully....
the President's boast that his ICE forces would escalate finding illegal immigrants starting next week was just another of his outbursts---I feel frightened at what a more aggressive approach by that group would mean in this city. Nothing in the on line news services that I have looked at adds to this. Will have to wait to find out more about it.
Yesterday, went to BAN meeting--more discussions re anti-gentrification march which should begin in downtown Brooklyn according to the plan at the moment. Had a discussion with one of the members about discipline in a school whose staff she is joining. She got very heated when I talked about discipline and limits setting. Her is theory---I felt boxed in---I did not like it---this is someone I have a good relationship with---I was surprised at her vehemence in denouncing my vision. She left early so we could not continue the discussion after the meeting---I tried to not let it bother me.
The second interesting thing about the meeting was that as part of the food, a chocolate cake was there (usually there is no cake) to celebrate two of the members' grad school graduations. My stomach does not really like cake, and there was no reason why I should have taken some, but it was there., looked gorgeous, and so I had to take a bite---and another---and took some scraps from the young woman sitting next to me who had finished hers. Could not say no to this cake. Is my stomach paying for it today? So far no real problems but have eaten very little so far. To be continued.
Tonight---returning to the Sci-Fi theater festival at Westbeth to see a project that a friend of mine, Jocelyn, invited me to. Also tomorrow night. Should be interesting---I wonder if people will hang out as we did on Sunday, or after if its over, I can just go my own way. That would be somewhere where I could watch baseball. Time will tell, will report soon.
Yesterday, went to BAN meeting--more discussions re anti-gentrification march which should begin in downtown Brooklyn according to the plan at the moment. Had a discussion with one of the members about discipline in a school whose staff she is joining. She got very heated when I talked about discipline and limits setting. Her is theory---I felt boxed in---I did not like it---this is someone I have a good relationship with---I was surprised at her vehemence in denouncing my vision. She left early so we could not continue the discussion after the meeting---I tried to not let it bother me.
The second interesting thing about the meeting was that as part of the food, a chocolate cake was there (usually there is no cake) to celebrate two of the members' grad school graduations. My stomach does not really like cake, and there was no reason why I should have taken some, but it was there., looked gorgeous, and so I had to take a bite---and another---and took some scraps from the young woman sitting next to me who had finished hers. Could not say no to this cake. Is my stomach paying for it today? So far no real problems but have eaten very little so far. To be continued.
Tonight---returning to the Sci-Fi theater festival at Westbeth to see a project that a friend of mine, Jocelyn, invited me to. Also tomorrow night. Should be interesting---I wonder if people will hang out as we did on Sunday, or after if its over, I can just go my own way. That would be somewhere where I could watch baseball. Time will tell, will report soon.
Monday, June 17, 2019
so, it was quite a weekend....
ending with a fun party after a play---got to see a lot of friends I have not seen in a while. All of which has left me with a kind of upbeat feeling---lots of things happening in the next few weeks.'
Saturday: after the library, decided not to return to the apartment, instead, took the A to 181 street, had a blt at one of the diners right off the subway station--then walked east--and watched the neighborhood morph from pretty diverse to almost all hispanic, once one passes Broadway. What then? Well, five buses leave from the eastern tip of 181 street and go into the Bronx, I dared myself to take one of them---since I am from the Bronx,I was familiar with all of the streets they would pass, and ended up taking the bus that becomes the 167 street crosstown. It crosses the bridge, then goes east through High Bridge, of course, many art deco buildings that remind me of the one I grew up in. Hits Jerome Avenue at the 4, and I stayed on for another three blocks until the Concourse,where I got off. Of course, so many classmates of mine from Bronx Science 60, lived on these blocks--memory moves hungrily and quickly. A longing for what...? The past---at the Concourse, walked south to 161street, several co ops as one gets closer to the stadium, but the first houses on the west side of the Concourse looked very working class. Could one live there? Checked out a few bars near the stadium for future reference, and headed back to the apartment via the D and C. Will I make any further trips to the Bronx? Hope so, find these travels very stimulating--must move around, see what is happening.
Saturday evening, so my friend Amina's play. The Great Novel---a strange but often surprising play, surreal, inventive, strange---I really respect Amina's vision, even if sometimes her ideas fall a little flat. But she has a great dramatic sense and a real ability to surprise. Looking forward to her future work.
Although not too near La Flaca, determined that that was where I wanted to go next, so took the J over there and watched the end of the Mets game with Bob, the owner---also said hello to some actors from Pathetic---the play that I saw the Saturday before at Abrons. It got a nice review in the Times today---glad to see that.
Sunday, after a slow afternoon headed to Westbeth to see a one person show written by one of my friends in the Assembly. This was the highlight of my weekend---all of a sudden I was surrounded by many people that I had not seen in a while. The monologue was wacky and inventive, afterwards we head to a bar two blocks away, where a group of us hung out and talked theater. A very warm and friendly group; I stayed for about an hour, then left---took a long walk east on 11th street to the subway, feeling very up. Actually was asked to attend two other pieces in this festival---which I will---tomorrow night and Wednesday--meanwhile tonight is a BAN meeting---we will see where that goes.
That is all for now---a good and productive weekend, will report soon.
Saturday: after the library, decided not to return to the apartment, instead, took the A to 181 street, had a blt at one of the diners right off the subway station--then walked east--and watched the neighborhood morph from pretty diverse to almost all hispanic, once one passes Broadway. What then? Well, five buses leave from the eastern tip of 181 street and go into the Bronx, I dared myself to take one of them---since I am from the Bronx,I was familiar with all of the streets they would pass, and ended up taking the bus that becomes the 167 street crosstown. It crosses the bridge, then goes east through High Bridge, of course, many art deco buildings that remind me of the one I grew up in. Hits Jerome Avenue at the 4, and I stayed on for another three blocks until the Concourse,where I got off. Of course, so many classmates of mine from Bronx Science 60, lived on these blocks--memory moves hungrily and quickly. A longing for what...? The past---at the Concourse, walked south to 161street, several co ops as one gets closer to the stadium, but the first houses on the west side of the Concourse looked very working class. Could one live there? Checked out a few bars near the stadium for future reference, and headed back to the apartment via the D and C. Will I make any further trips to the Bronx? Hope so, find these travels very stimulating--must move around, see what is happening.
Saturday evening, so my friend Amina's play. The Great Novel---a strange but often surprising play, surreal, inventive, strange---I really respect Amina's vision, even if sometimes her ideas fall a little flat. But she has a great dramatic sense and a real ability to surprise. Looking forward to her future work.
Although not too near La Flaca, determined that that was where I wanted to go next, so took the J over there and watched the end of the Mets game with Bob, the owner---also said hello to some actors from Pathetic---the play that I saw the Saturday before at Abrons. It got a nice review in the Times today---glad to see that.
Sunday, after a slow afternoon headed to Westbeth to see a one person show written by one of my friends in the Assembly. This was the highlight of my weekend---all of a sudden I was surrounded by many people that I had not seen in a while. The monologue was wacky and inventive, afterwards we head to a bar two blocks away, where a group of us hung out and talked theater. A very warm and friendly group; I stayed for about an hour, then left---took a long walk east on 11th street to the subway, feeling very up. Actually was asked to attend two other pieces in this festival---which I will---tomorrow night and Wednesday--meanwhile tonight is a BAN meeting---we will see where that goes.
That is all for now---a good and productive weekend, will report soon.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
two performance day...
and one performance too much---it is really exhausting, by the time I got to the second play of the day, at the Public, I was pretty tired. Maybe a learning experience. Still David Cale's piece at the Public was really special, a one man show about the frightening disfunctional family he came from. Great story telling combined with some very sensitive music---the story is synthesized in a very special way. As I have said in earlier posts, I met David quite by accident when we sat next to each other at the first Clubbed Thumb play last year. He was very laid back and decent, so watching his monologue, I felt a kind of personal investment in it. Very moved at the end---stood up and cheered like everyone else. The earlier play at Ohio Space was very disappointing--totally self indulgent, and even a super performance from Juliana Kelly could not save it. Left feeling incredibly frustrated.
Today will see Amina Henry's play at he Flee. She is very imaginative so I am looking forward to it.
Those is a reparations discussion at Brooklyn Museum this afternoon, would like to go but think I will miss it---need to rest a little after last night. Cool down, cityboy. Anyway, it is a beautiful day, and it might be fun to explore a bit before going to the play. We will see.
Tomorrow another project at Bank Street---a friend's monologue---expect to see a lot of people I know there---should be fun, but it is at 8:30---have to figure out what the rest of the day should be like and also make sure I am not exhausted by the time it begins, as I am on several Sunday evenings. Well, we will figure it out--that is all for now---will report soon.
Today will see Amina Henry's play at he Flee. She is very imaginative so I am looking forward to it.
Those is a reparations discussion at Brooklyn Museum this afternoon, would like to go but think I will miss it---need to rest a little after last night. Cool down, cityboy. Anyway, it is a beautiful day, and it might be fun to explore a bit before going to the play. We will see.
Tomorrow another project at Bank Street---a friend's monologue---expect to see a lot of people I know there---should be fun, but it is at 8:30---have to figure out what the rest of the day should be like and also make sure I am not exhausted by the time it begins, as I am on several Sunday evenings. Well, we will figure it out--that is all for now---will report soon.
Friday, June 14, 2019
a two performance day....
and I think I like the idea. As I mentioned yesterday, will see Madame Lynch, a musical extravaganza at Ohio Space and the David Cale's monologue at the public. And then..? Well it should be over at around 8:30 and the night is young. But I probably will be too tired after last night's long stretch.
Speaking of that, returned home early because I was tired, but as usual, did not sleep terribly well. Has not effected me so far, but might later---just wait and see. Also, just got a ticket for a Sunday performance at Westbeth by my Assembly buddies. It is at 8:30. See something before..? Possibly.
Met one of my former students named Jake on the subway last night and we had a good talk. He is a "theater person" on his way to see My Fair Lady, and we spoke for a while, It was good to see him; this is the third Friends graduate that I have had a good talk with in the past week. More...? We will see.
Had one dream last night that included a violent man holding a family hostage, or something like that. Remember that in the dream, I found out about it and alerted the police. The dream ended with the cops knocking on the door...that is all. Somewhat stunned by the strength of the dream---how do I create such an angry character? Well, that is all for now--rest of the day should be interesting, will report soon.
Speaking of that, returned home early because I was tired, but as usual, did not sleep terribly well. Has not effected me so far, but might later---just wait and see. Also, just got a ticket for a Sunday performance at Westbeth by my Assembly buddies. It is at 8:30. See something before..? Possibly.
Met one of my former students named Jake on the subway last night and we had a good talk. He is a "theater person" on his way to see My Fair Lady, and we spoke for a while, It was good to see him; this is the third Friends graduate that I have had a good talk with in the past week. More...? We will see.
Had one dream last night that included a violent man holding a family hostage, or something like that. Remember that in the dream, I found out about it and alerted the police. The dream ended with the cops knocking on the door...that is all. Somewhat stunned by the strength of the dream---how do I create such an angry character? Well, that is all for now--rest of the day should be interesting, will report soon.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
a good night....
with my friend Shayna, as we went to a puppet work in progress show at Dixon Place. First time really "out" and woke up this morning feeling really up. Now have tickets for a at least 3 shows between Friday afternoon and Saturday night (possibly a fourth Saturday afternoon). Is this a kind of madness--right now some kind of manic energy is surging up in me. Stay tuned.
Tomorrow afternoon's play is a crazy musical at Ohio Space. Doing this on instinct---I know the creator and director but not too well---maybe will see some friends of mine---doing other shows---who can come to this one because of the time. Then right over to the Public to see David Cale's one person show. I have not seen any of his work before, though friends of mine think he is great. I am going because just by accident I sat next to him at a Clubbed Thumb show last year, and had a very nice conversation with him. Have not seen him since then but feel I would really like to show my support. Should be interesting to see two theater projects in the space of four hours.
Saturday just got a ticket for a play by Amina Henry, an up and coming afro-american playwright whom i have known since she was a barista at the Cosi across the street from my house. Her plays are becoming more and more interesting--looking forward to this one.
Not sure about tonight---playing it by ear---maybe it will be easy to get into Much Ado in the park, since most of the day was rainy. Will see, some movies to check out as well, will report soon.
Tomorrow afternoon's play is a crazy musical at Ohio Space. Doing this on instinct---I know the creator and director but not too well---maybe will see some friends of mine---doing other shows---who can come to this one because of the time. Then right over to the Public to see David Cale's one person show. I have not seen any of his work before, though friends of mine think he is great. I am going because just by accident I sat next to him at a Clubbed Thumb show last year, and had a very nice conversation with him. Have not seen him since then but feel I would really like to show my support. Should be interesting to see two theater projects in the space of four hours.
Saturday just got a ticket for a play by Amina Henry, an up and coming afro-american playwright whom i have known since she was a barista at the Cosi across the street from my house. Her plays are becoming more and more interesting--looking forward to this one.
Not sure about tonight---playing it by ear---maybe it will be easy to get into Much Ado in the park, since most of the day was rainy. Will see, some movies to check out as well, will report soon.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
a new day....
and a happy one. Glad to report that physically my body feels very loose and active. Of course, the "bad" bowel movements still exist, but my body feels lithe and energetic. Why? Who can tell. Maybe because I actually have a structure for tonight---going to Dixon Place with a friend. Otherwise not sure. I did get out last night---not exactly the way i had imagined it, but nevertheless did not return home to the apartment at 6:30 or thereabouts to stay. After my session (with an incredible 6 year old) that was very life affirming---I walked to the A train at 145th with the goal of taking it to the M and then the M into Williamsburg. Well, it did not happen. Why? Hungry, felt a need for some food as soon as possible---a better plan would be to visit Lansdowne Road and my friend waittress-bartender Mel, and eat one of their excellent salads and watch the Yankee Met baseball game. That is what I did--had not seen Mel in a long time; she was glad to see me and we compared notes---then had my salad and watched the first three innings of the game as well as the Ranger-Red Sox game (have to check that score). Could have stayed longer but I was getting tired, so I said my goodbyes, paid my check and wandered over to the food courts on 11th avenue (11th avenue, you are kidding!) between 44th and 45th. Had some delicious ice cream and watched Jason Vargas deal with some frustrating fielding by the Mets on their television. First ice cream in a long time, because of my stomach conflicts, but I think it digested adequately. Then home on the bus, and a fairly easy evening.
Am reading American Summer by Kotlowitz, which explores the horror of South Side Chicago in many chapters. It is a great book, but the stories are so telling and moving, I have to find another book to counter the rage and sadness that it provokes in me, But I look forward to reading it.
So that is it--feeling good at the library on Amsterdam and 82nd street---hope that I get some extended time, will report soon.
Am reading American Summer by Kotlowitz, which explores the horror of South Side Chicago in many chapters. It is a great book, but the stories are so telling and moving, I have to find another book to counter the rage and sadness that it provokes in me, But I look forward to reading it.
So that is it--feeling good at the library on Amsterdam and 82nd street---hope that I get some extended time, will report soon.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Life kind of slowing down.....
it seems, not a lot to report since last post. I figured that I would not be able to go out last evening, since I was still tired from my lack of sleep the night before. That is what happened, but this was the calmest of the three nights---I tried to take it very easy on myself and cool my energy.
Today will be free in the evening---this is one time I should be out. Might finally be a good idea to get to Williamsburg and hang out at East River---the bar, where on Tuesday nights, a lot of my friends from South fourth are said to congregate. If they are not there---well, will just move on.
Strange how the absence of the bar and coffee shop has effected me. Don't really miss it, but there were times when my life might have been more interesting if it was still around. And the people, some of whom I saw at least once a week---now out of my life. Is that good? I miss them, but I don't think a continuing relationship is possible again. Strange they way people move in and out of one's life. Still would love to see Harlo, Kathy, some of the others, and of course, Kim and Clint. whom I should get in touch with soon anyway. Have to catch up with them. But when? Have to....but that is the story of my life now.
Anyway, will report tomorrow---let's see if I make it,
Today will be free in the evening---this is one time I should be out. Might finally be a good idea to get to Williamsburg and hang out at East River---the bar, where on Tuesday nights, a lot of my friends from South fourth are said to congregate. If they are not there---well, will just move on.
Strange how the absence of the bar and coffee shop has effected me. Don't really miss it, but there were times when my life might have been more interesting if it was still around. And the people, some of whom I saw at least once a week---now out of my life. Is that good? I miss them, but I don't think a continuing relationship is possible again. Strange they way people move in and out of one's life. Still would love to see Harlo, Kathy, some of the others, and of course, Kim and Clint. whom I should get in touch with soon anyway. Have to catch up with them. But when? Have to....but that is the story of my life now.
Anyway, will report tomorrow---let's see if I make it,
Monday, June 10, 2019
Monday morning....
Not a great one---stomach cramps are pretty strong---so are feelings about what to do about them. Still have not set up a date for a colonoscopy. What am I waiting for? Still have not reached out to a few people who could help me get through it. Do I think it will just go away and things will revert to how they were (easy) a year ago/ Not much of a chance. So what am I doing? Just waiting, even if the signs might be stronger that cityboy should find out "the truth" re what is happening.
Weekend highlights: Two encounters with Friends graduates, both happy to see me, with some good conversations going on. Feel very valuable and meaningful when these things happen. Also two productive sessions on Saturday--feeling good about that as well.
Rest of Saturday was rest. Body felt very tired---perhaps after two focused days on Thursday and Friday-- both ended up with cityboy staying out late (but is not that as it should be?)--maybe the fatigue was justified, as the evening went on, felt better---Sunday morning awoke with all my energy returned--ready for a "free" day in Brooklyn. And that is what happened. Took the M to Flushing Avenue on the Bushwick=Bed-Stuy border, then walked the grid of Bushwick via Jefferson Avenue, something I had never done before. Interesting walk--hispanic neighborhood still very much in existence, but lots of new or redone buildings for the "newer" tenants. Welcomed at Cobra Club and stayed there for a time watching the Yankee game, then walked over to DeKalb and took the bus into downtown Brooklyn, where I stopped at the "sight" opposite the Harvey theater that has a bar and coffee and food. Always feel comfortable at that place--remained there for a while, then walked a bit, then visited the fiction bookstore, where I accidentally bumped into Simon, the Friends graduate. and had a nice talk with him. Then home, for I was tired.
Today, not as strong as I might like. Not sure what the evening will bring---must create or visit some form of entertainment, no matter how tired I am. Did not sleep well last night---lots of feelings about possible colonoscopy and also why that seems to be so difficult.
Interesting idea for a short play---two cousins in their late sixties,early seventies, one a successful realtor who believes in his own strength and vision and the other, a leader of an anti gentrification group. They were close as teen agers, even early twenties before they went their separate ways. The realtor, who believes in his own power, summons his rebel cousin to ask him to stop making anti-realtor statements. Tries to bribe him? A power struggle. Well, let's see if it can be developed. Cityboy understands that roads to him for power---not in education---were open to him if he so wanted when younger. How to two people raised the same way turn out to have such different visions of life, and where does one have the entitlement to destroy the other? Interesting? Well let's see.
All for now, will probably report tomorrow.
Weekend highlights: Two encounters with Friends graduates, both happy to see me, with some good conversations going on. Feel very valuable and meaningful when these things happen. Also two productive sessions on Saturday--feeling good about that as well.
Rest of Saturday was rest. Body felt very tired---perhaps after two focused days on Thursday and Friday-- both ended up with cityboy staying out late (but is not that as it should be?)--maybe the fatigue was justified, as the evening went on, felt better---Sunday morning awoke with all my energy returned--ready for a "free" day in Brooklyn. And that is what happened. Took the M to Flushing Avenue on the Bushwick=Bed-Stuy border, then walked the grid of Bushwick via Jefferson Avenue, something I had never done before. Interesting walk--hispanic neighborhood still very much in existence, but lots of new or redone buildings for the "newer" tenants. Welcomed at Cobra Club and stayed there for a time watching the Yankee game, then walked over to DeKalb and took the bus into downtown Brooklyn, where I stopped at the "sight" opposite the Harvey theater that has a bar and coffee and food. Always feel comfortable at that place--remained there for a while, then walked a bit, then visited the fiction bookstore, where I accidentally bumped into Simon, the Friends graduate. and had a nice talk with him. Then home, for I was tired.
Today, not as strong as I might like. Not sure what the evening will bring---must create or visit some form of entertainment, no matter how tired I am. Did not sleep well last night---lots of feelings about possible colonoscopy and also why that seems to be so difficult.
Interesting idea for a short play---two cousins in their late sixties,early seventies, one a successful realtor who believes in his own strength and vision and the other, a leader of an anti gentrification group. They were close as teen agers, even early twenties before they went their separate ways. The realtor, who believes in his own power, summons his rebel cousin to ask him to stop making anti-realtor statements. Tries to bribe him? A power struggle. Well, let's see if it can be developed. Cityboy understands that roads to him for power---not in education---were open to him if he so wanted when younger. How to two people raised the same way turn out to have such different visions of life, and where does one have the entitlement to destroy the other? Interesting? Well let's see.
All for now, will probably report tomorrow.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
rested up for yesterday evening....
for my trip to see Pathetic---the play by Julia Jarcho that is being presented at Abrons Arts.. Tired when i left, but actually stayed out pretty late. The play featured three actresses whom I knew--they were all brilliant by the way (as was the actress whom I don't know, and the two men in the play). It is a taught, focused piece---sometimes a little too mired in its own damage, but on the whole very compelling and sharp. Afterwards said hello to my three friends---very satisfying, then headed over to La Flaca for some sports watching. Hunger was strong---so, for the first time since my stomach went "crazy", opted for the houes Buffalo wings. They were amazing! Felt great eating them (still recovering the next afternoon). Watched some basketball and baseball, said hi to a few people that I knew and went home.
Interesting trip on the way home. I entered the F train station at Delancey-Essex, but the machine would not take my metrocard. The "just used" sign appeared after a few tries. Enraged, I opted not to wait at the station for the 18 minute window, but figured I could just walk to Broadway Lafayette and get either to D or F. And what a revealing walk it was! Luckily I was so filled from the wings that my body was very able to make the walk. Going west on Delancey---saw a street filled with restaurants and bars that seemed packed---my God, how many of them were there. Largest crowd seemed to be at a restaurant called (I think) the Cafe at Delancy and the Bowery, just where Delancey changes into Kenmare. An enormous outdoor group---filled to the brim. Continued on Kenmare and ran into several upscale restaurants there as well--all seemingly doing very well. Where does all the money to pay for these meals and drinks---must run easily over 50 or 60 dollars per person---come from. Finally reached Lafayette---very pleasant--turned north and ofcourse passed several more filled restaurants. Anyplace to eat for 6 or 7 dollars? Don't bet on it. Try the nearest bodega for a sandwich or a nearby pizza place. Otherwise expect to shell your dollars out. Finally reached the D train station near the Angelica---a really nice and revealing walk---should do it again.
Feeling nice and fulfilled todaydd---body kind of tired, which may seriously influence my choices for the late afternoon and evening.Will play it by ear. But as the first week of my "freedom" comes to a close a positive and meaningful light at the end of the tunnel emerges.
Interesting trip on the way home. I entered the F train station at Delancey-Essex, but the machine would not take my metrocard. The "just used" sign appeared after a few tries. Enraged, I opted not to wait at the station for the 18 minute window, but figured I could just walk to Broadway Lafayette and get either to D or F. And what a revealing walk it was! Luckily I was so filled from the wings that my body was very able to make the walk. Going west on Delancey---saw a street filled with restaurants and bars that seemed packed---my God, how many of them were there. Largest crowd seemed to be at a restaurant called (I think) the Cafe at Delancy and the Bowery, just where Delancey changes into Kenmare. An enormous outdoor group---filled to the brim. Continued on Kenmare and ran into several upscale restaurants there as well--all seemingly doing very well. Where does all the money to pay for these meals and drinks---must run easily over 50 or 60 dollars per person---come from. Finally reached Lafayette---very pleasant--turned north and ofcourse passed several more filled restaurants. Anyplace to eat for 6 or 7 dollars? Don't bet on it. Try the nearest bodega for a sandwich or a nearby pizza place. Otherwise expect to shell your dollars out. Finally reached the D train station near the Angelica---a really nice and revealing walk---should do it again.
Feeling nice and fulfilled todaydd---body kind of tired, which may seriously influence my choices for the late afternoon and evening.Will play it by ear. But as the first week of my "freedom" comes to a close a positive and meaningful light at the end of the tunnel emerges.
Friday, June 7, 2019
in a strange spot.....
as I sit in the Lincoln Center Library this morning---this is a completely free day---no sessions this afternoon----and though my mind offered me a few choices far from the apartment, I find myself at this library again. Perhaps a little tired from all of yesterday's activities, but wonder if I can take advantage of my free time and move a little more around the city. I am always finished with coffee around 8---this means a two hour wait time until the first possible library opens up. That is when I got restless. Well, let's see what happens next week. Have to pick up my laundry anyway after this session and then should get back to reading the Siri Huvstedt novel that is affecting me so much. Will have time to kill before going to Abrons Arts to see Pathetic---the play of the evening.
Yesterday---attended the after party for the Friends faculty at Brazen Fox--kind of fun--said good by to many people that I see most of the fall, winter and summer, and had some good conversations with many people. Yet I left feeling unsatisfied and a little out of things. Why? Not sure--will see a few of those faculty members during the summer, but somehow I felt a little less belonging then I had felt in the past.
Afterwards, as hunger approached, opted to go to the Greek diner on 17th and 3rd, rather than to a regular bar. At the diner,I watched the Yankee game, when it was over, I decided to that I would head down to the Metrograph movie house and catch a 9:45 showing of Lifeboat, a Hitchcock film that he made in the early forties that I had never seen. Could have taken bus or subway to Metrograph from the Gramercy neighborhood that I was in, but I decided to walk---and so I walked from 17th and 3rd, to second avenue, south on second to Houston, (by this time I figured I was close enough so I rejected a bus that was coming) then continued south on Allen (restaurants and bars packed, all the way through) to Delancey, then over to Ludlow and the final six blocks or so to the movie house. Glad when I got there---that place always makes me feel good and focused. Got my ticket to the movie---but the movie itself was a terrible disappointment---I actually left after about 45 minutes. Why? Well an interesting premise dissipates with obvious dialogue and clumsy character development. So I left. Hungry, found a pizza place about two blocks away, then headed home by subway.
Tonight the play, called Pathetic, which apparently is a reworking of the Phedra story--then will probably stop and hang out at La Flaca, which is only few blocks away from the theater. Yankee Cleveland match up is an interesting one.
Tomorrow, will improvise after two sessions in the morning. There is an interesting discussion at the Weeksville Center in Bed-Stuy that starts at 3---I could make it but will depend on what I feel when the sessions are over. No plans for the evening--yet. At any rate, will check in soon.
Yesterday---attended the after party for the Friends faculty at Brazen Fox--kind of fun--said good by to many people that I see most of the fall, winter and summer, and had some good conversations with many people. Yet I left feeling unsatisfied and a little out of things. Why? Not sure--will see a few of those faculty members during the summer, but somehow I felt a little less belonging then I had felt in the past.
Afterwards, as hunger approached, opted to go to the Greek diner on 17th and 3rd, rather than to a regular bar. At the diner,I watched the Yankee game, when it was over, I decided to that I would head down to the Metrograph movie house and catch a 9:45 showing of Lifeboat, a Hitchcock film that he made in the early forties that I had never seen. Could have taken bus or subway to Metrograph from the Gramercy neighborhood that I was in, but I decided to walk---and so I walked from 17th and 3rd, to second avenue, south on second to Houston, (by this time I figured I was close enough so I rejected a bus that was coming) then continued south on Allen (restaurants and bars packed, all the way through) to Delancey, then over to Ludlow and the final six blocks or so to the movie house. Glad when I got there---that place always makes me feel good and focused. Got my ticket to the movie---but the movie itself was a terrible disappointment---I actually left after about 45 minutes. Why? Well an interesting premise dissipates with obvious dialogue and clumsy character development. So I left. Hungry, found a pizza place about two blocks away, then headed home by subway.
Tonight the play, called Pathetic, which apparently is a reworking of the Phedra story--then will probably stop and hang out at La Flaca, which is only few blocks away from the theater. Yankee Cleveland match up is an interesting one.
Tomorrow, will improvise after two sessions in the morning. There is an interesting discussion at the Weeksville Center in Bed-Stuy that starts at 3---I could make it but will depend on what I feel when the sessions are over. No plans for the evening--yet. At any rate, will check in soon.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
much better this morning.....
feeling more relaxed after last night. What happened? Well, after a session decided that the place to watch the baseball games for the evening and also the basketball final was La Flaca. The simplest choice. So I headed there---was welcomed very cordially by owner Bob (my friend now, for 19 years), and bartender Sam (Samantha) who is always friendly and supportive. Had my blt and coke (later coffee) and watched most of the giant met game (Vargas looking great!) and the beginning of the Raptor-Warrior final. This was probably the best game to watch, but by nine o'clock I found myself crashing and it was time to go home. Still, felt very good about my choice--left feeling fulfilled, that this was the right place to be for the evening. Will probably return Friday, after I see a play at Abrons Arts. Easy trip back to the apartment.
This morning, feeling more relaxed, less pressured, also finally getting more used to the new "time concept" that I spoke of yesterday. Not a lot of activity until late afternoon, but I think I will handle it well.
Siri Huvstedt's novel gets better and better---looking forward to continuing it later today. Around 6:30 I head to the Friends faculty party which will be held at a bar on 13th and 3rd. Can't believe that this is my eleventh one. Always fun, the last time I will see many faculty members with whom I usually act on a daily basis during the school year. So there it goes. Hope to remain in contact with a few of them---maybe some "hanging out" during the summer.
That's all for now---time to move on---will report soon.
This morning, feeling more relaxed, less pressured, also finally getting more used to the new "time concept" that I spoke of yesterday. Not a lot of activity until late afternoon, but I think I will handle it well.
Siri Huvstedt's novel gets better and better---looking forward to continuing it later today. Around 6:30 I head to the Friends faculty party which will be held at a bar on 13th and 3rd. Can't believe that this is my eleventh one. Always fun, the last time I will see many faculty members with whom I usually act on a daily basis during the school year. So there it goes. Hope to remain in contact with a few of them---maybe some "hanging out" during the summer.
That's all for now---time to move on---will report soon.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
what now, cityboy?
I wouldn't call last night's events a disaster----but it was definitely something to learn from. What happened? Returned from a session kind of tired---did not feel I could travel far from the west side---but wanted to watch at least one baseball game (why not two?) and so ended up at a semi-crowded JGMelons, a relatively new location for this older bar on 83rd and Amsterdam. Just one tv, but it was showing the Yankee game so I settled in and ordered a blt. Bartender was cordial---also overworked--but did pay attention. Watched the game while waiting for the food---a long time, but obviously a lot of orders had been placed before me. BLT arrived---pretty good---I finished eating it kind of quickly. Left soon after---I had gotten my four innings in---no conversation with near by bar patrons---and decided to finish up with some yogurt. Got that and returned to the apartment in a pretty tired state around 9. So what is wrong? At this point, with no Friends work to plan for, it just does not work. Slept unfitfully, with many breaks---feeling lonely, abandoned. Cityboy, somehow I don't think you realized that once Friends was over the reality you face---planning, options, etc. is radically different.Yes, a whole world of choices has exploded in front of you---you cannot protect yourself.
So what is the solution. Well, no matter what, stay out in the evening---whether it is a movie, play, concert, La Flaca, any bar in Brooklyn---no matter---unless you are brutally tired---we go into some environment that stimulates cityboy. Not clear what I will do tonight, but if I am tired from my one session and rest of day, will not stay home.
What else? Well, the Huvstedt novel gets better and better, also I picked up a small book of memoir-essays by Alison Lurie with some very trenchant reading matter. A good chapter on being a Radcliff student in the late 40's, and one very observant chapter on Jonathan Miller directing a production of Hamlet. Good stuff.
Could read forever, but what about some memories from me---where do they go? One web site made the Science Year Book of my graduating class available to browse on line. I look to try to find the addresses of many students in that class who were living in what was then all white parts of the Bronx that have now faded into poverty neighborhoods. Can't get enough of that. Usually I then go to google maps and see what the street looks like now. Yes, a whole civilization that is no longer. Mythic? Possibly.
That is all for now, will report tomorrow and you will see if my Wednesday evening "adventure" will give me easier sleep progress then yesteday's
So what is the solution. Well, no matter what, stay out in the evening---whether it is a movie, play, concert, La Flaca, any bar in Brooklyn---no matter---unless you are brutally tired---we go into some environment that stimulates cityboy. Not clear what I will do tonight, but if I am tired from my one session and rest of day, will not stay home.
What else? Well, the Huvstedt novel gets better and better, also I picked up a small book of memoir-essays by Alison Lurie with some very trenchant reading matter. A good chapter on being a Radcliff student in the late 40's, and one very observant chapter on Jonathan Miller directing a production of Hamlet. Good stuff.
Could read forever, but what about some memories from me---where do they go? One web site made the Science Year Book of my graduating class available to browse on line. I look to try to find the addresses of many students in that class who were living in what was then all white parts of the Bronx that have now faded into poverty neighborhoods. Can't get enough of that. Usually I then go to google maps and see what the street looks like now. Yes, a whole civilization that is no longer. Mythic? Possibly.
That is all for now, will report tomorrow and you will see if my Wednesday evening "adventure" will give me easier sleep progress then yesteday's
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
yesterday.....
spent the two hours between 7 and 9 at the BAN meeting, planning and hoping to get to the party for my friend Tess at the bar in Greenpoint shortly after. But it never happened. As soon as I left the meeting (on west 24th between 6th and 7th) my body reminded me that it was very tired. Walked towards the 23rd street F train subway station but as I arrived, I realized that I just could not make the trek to Brooklyn. So I went to the nearby Greek diner and consoled myself with a cantelope (easy on the stomach) and coffee. A good idea, except that the bill before the tip was (can you believe this?) $9.75. And that is before the tip. Impossible! But you knew that going in, cityboy, couldn't you have opted for some less expensive choices? I suppose so, but my stomach was pretty full so the cantelope, from a digestion standpoint seemed pretty logical. Well, at least it did not bloat my stomach. Came home and right to bed.
Reading a really interesting novel by Siri Huvstedt called Memories of the Future. About an older woman recalling her first days in the city, about 35 years earlier. Very "misty" but so far deeply felt---also, many places around the city that I can identify with---the young woman spends a lot of her first days in the city at the Hungarian Pastry shop---a place that awed me until I had a meeting with a young woman there in 1987. Between 88 and around 96, spent a decent amount of time there, mostly bringing plays that I was reading for the O'Neill with me and immersing myself in them. Never did have the great meeting or "romance" that I hoped would come from my being there. Still pass it a lot, but don't go in now. Maybe at some point soon. But the novel makes it a presence---I am good with that.
What about tonight---might go to Brooklyn to the East River bar where some old south fourth friends are said to hang out---or maybe a stop at Lansdowne Road, to visit and check in with my buddy Mel, a an actress--wait person; I like to check in with her. Or maybe try to see Much Ado in the park...or maybe...well, you get the point Will report soon.
Reading a really interesting novel by Siri Huvstedt called Memories of the Future. About an older woman recalling her first days in the city, about 35 years earlier. Very "misty" but so far deeply felt---also, many places around the city that I can identify with---the young woman spends a lot of her first days in the city at the Hungarian Pastry shop---a place that awed me until I had a meeting with a young woman there in 1987. Between 88 and around 96, spent a decent amount of time there, mostly bringing plays that I was reading for the O'Neill with me and immersing myself in them. Never did have the great meeting or "romance" that I hoped would come from my being there. Still pass it a lot, but don't go in now. Maybe at some point soon. But the novel makes it a presence---I am good with that.
What about tonight---might go to Brooklyn to the East River bar where some old south fourth friends are said to hang out---or maybe a stop at Lansdowne Road, to visit and check in with my buddy Mel, a an actress--wait person; I like to check in with her. Or maybe try to see Much Ado in the park...or maybe...well, you get the point Will report soon.
Monday, June 3, 2019
time free.....
for now---no obligations beyond the sessions---so can do whatever I like. Strange to exist in a world where I don't have to think about possible texts asking me to sub in the future---always part of my world, during Friends' school year. Now, for the next three months, it is gone.
Interesting weekend---beginning with the Friends graduation on Thursday---my 13th in a row, wow! Remember my first in 2007, how tentative I felt about being there. Now, it is just what I do. Anyway, lots of warmth from the graduates and some graduates from earlier years. Similarly at the next day's final assmebly---a chance to wish the freshmen, sophmores and juniors a good vacation---lots of warmth and feeling. Will miss them, particularly the rising Juniors, but hope to see them a lot next year.
Friday evening--a new musical that my friend Kristen starred in called Triplight, about a rock diva from the nineties who has disappeared and who is unexpectedly found by a late night talk show host. Lots of good energy from the cast, inventive music---a basically interesting story and a nice performance by my friend Kristen playing the central character. Afterwards we went up stairs to the upscale lounge at the public called The Library and talked for a while. Liked it up there, though it is expensive---left feeling very good.
Saturday, saw Pizza Man, a play that is serving as a showcase for two waitpersons at La Flaca, the restaurant-bar that I often go to. An adequate play, but Raquel and her friend gave very strong performances---took a lot of risks---did not hold anything back. I really admire the choices that they made. Considering that this was just a four day run, and quickly put together, it was very professional. Afterwards watched the end of the Yankee Redsox game at one of the bars on ninth and 45th street. Beer was expensive ($7.00) but the screen was large---kind of an impersonal place but served my purpose. Might return there if necessary---decent vibes. My God! What a lot of bars on that street! And on Saturday, mostly filled. Where will it end? Returned home in a good place.
Yesterday. citytboy's "rest" day---took the subway to Cobra Club and hung out there with my friend bartender Olivia for a while. She mentioned that a former bartender at South fourth is leaving the city and having a good by party at a bar tonight in Greenpoint. Will I go? Well, I have the Brooklyn Anti gentrification meeting tonight at 7 on 23rd street---will have to hustle over to the bar via subway if I chooses to go. Let's see how I feel.
Afterwards, took a bus to Montrose and Graham Avenue, then walked west to the river on a very hot day. No problem doing it---hung around for a while, passed South fourth which has been empty since "the end" (almost a year now---makes no sense) and found a place for coffee. Then took the M one stop into Manhattan and watched a few games (happily) at La Flaca. A good time was had by all.
The stomach problems continue though seem controllable. Lots of blood in the bowel movements, but that does not seem to impede any other actions by me. What to do? Not sure, vacation has just begun, will figure something out soon.
Interesting weekend---beginning with the Friends graduation on Thursday---my 13th in a row, wow! Remember my first in 2007, how tentative I felt about being there. Now, it is just what I do. Anyway, lots of warmth from the graduates and some graduates from earlier years. Similarly at the next day's final assmebly---a chance to wish the freshmen, sophmores and juniors a good vacation---lots of warmth and feeling. Will miss them, particularly the rising Juniors, but hope to see them a lot next year.
Friday evening--a new musical that my friend Kristen starred in called Triplight, about a rock diva from the nineties who has disappeared and who is unexpectedly found by a late night talk show host. Lots of good energy from the cast, inventive music---a basically interesting story and a nice performance by my friend Kristen playing the central character. Afterwards we went up stairs to the upscale lounge at the public called The Library and talked for a while. Liked it up there, though it is expensive---left feeling very good.
Saturday, saw Pizza Man, a play that is serving as a showcase for two waitpersons at La Flaca, the restaurant-bar that I often go to. An adequate play, but Raquel and her friend gave very strong performances---took a lot of risks---did not hold anything back. I really admire the choices that they made. Considering that this was just a four day run, and quickly put together, it was very professional. Afterwards watched the end of the Yankee Redsox game at one of the bars on ninth and 45th street. Beer was expensive ($7.00) but the screen was large---kind of an impersonal place but served my purpose. Might return there if necessary---decent vibes. My God! What a lot of bars on that street! And on Saturday, mostly filled. Where will it end? Returned home in a good place.
Yesterday. citytboy's "rest" day---took the subway to Cobra Club and hung out there with my friend bartender Olivia for a while. She mentioned that a former bartender at South fourth is leaving the city and having a good by party at a bar tonight in Greenpoint. Will I go? Well, I have the Brooklyn Anti gentrification meeting tonight at 7 on 23rd street---will have to hustle over to the bar via subway if I chooses to go. Let's see how I feel.
Afterwards, took a bus to Montrose and Graham Avenue, then walked west to the river on a very hot day. No problem doing it---hung around for a while, passed South fourth which has been empty since "the end" (almost a year now---makes no sense) and found a place for coffee. Then took the M one stop into Manhattan and watched a few games (happily) at La Flaca. A good time was had by all.
The stomach problems continue though seem controllable. Lots of blood in the bowel movements, but that does not seem to impede any other actions by me. What to do? Not sure, vacation has just begun, will figure something out soon.
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