another death.....

Just heard from Robin about her oldest brother Frank, who died on Memorial Day weekend. Never met him---he was an airforce pilot---very sad. Otherwise, a long night last night, but got through it---took a walk down Amersterdam at 1A.M. last evening (Sunday) Amazing how many people were still in the several bars that dot the avenue. Did not go in, even though I saw a woman sitting alone in the bar on 83rd Street. I couldn't; stomach was still full---better stay away from cupcakes. Otherwise, long and dogged walks in yesterday's sun---ran right into Gay Pride parade (or tale end of it) as I was hitting the subway---made it through the crowd and got home. Totally tired, but feeling better now. Lucky to be tucked away in a quiet, small traffic part of the city---otherwise---anyway, had a good lesson with Alex today, also finished reading Jhumpa Lahiri's short story "nobody's business", blew me away---feeling mellow right now, will probably get a hair cut.......

about the poet....

Enid Dame---read about her going up on the subway to tutor Alex (who is improving by the way; I am very pleased about this). She was born in June of 43; died in December 03. Seems to write very strong and serious poetry; interesting that she was in Towson State while I was at Hopkins---could I have known her....? Or anyone that I knew....,? Why does that seem important now.....? anyway, missed Almost Maine yesterday, really angry about that, yet solved dit by going into Prospect Heights, found Plan B a nice friendly baseball bar----but filled with (it appears) the usual suspects---still, a good place to know and perhaps to return to...then the journey, down Vanderbilt to DeKalb (remember this is from Vanderbheilt and Park Place) ---first time seeing the area dark---some really beautiful houses and spaces there...then DeKalb to South Oxford, to Lafayette (long block) then Lafayette passed BAM and finally boarding the Nevins Street subway back to East 14 street. Body felt really strong this morning, because of the walk---also two smoothies. This is an interesting week for baseball---some really important games (thank god interleague play is over!) and some chances to visit Trenton...well we will see.

A strange day........

Strange because there is no tutoring today; so the day is mine---which means what..? Brooklyn, Standings, South fourth, baseall all day...a movie, a play....? The wanderer. Feeling both exhilirated and depressed, had a good time with Natalie on Wednesday.....saw John Byrne yesterday on the train, he was really great but...dealing with the Supreme Court Gun Decision, and also with the horror of the Bloomberg administration here...the oppressiveness...incredible!
So where do we go from here...to talkin broadway.....a trip to the DC area....who can say, just bought my first stock in a long while, see what comes of that...baseball I guess today, and if I am bored, a movie or a visit to a music bar or maybe feast on Ms. Lahiri's short stories, or.........

still no

still no word from Friends, re my request for a little more work---what will happen...? Anyway, had a very good session with Alex today; he seems to be reading much better---I really enjoy being "in the heights"---good feeling from the people in and around his building. Lots of things to see this weekend, what will I get to? Do I want to see one more Balanchine program, or the Brick Theater's film play things? And what about Top Girls....? Time will tell.

on the moment.....

well, tomorrow morning is the phone call that you have been waiting for. What will Karan say, and what will you ask for, cityboy. Just a chance to be at the school and participate a bit more. Help out in the learning center---you could do that. Will it happen?That was before all this tutoring happened, which is tiring, but will help out a lot. Certainly enjoy traveling around Washington Heights, love the buildings that I pass, really bring back great memories and feelings. Otherewise, gave up my chance to go to Trenton today, it is David's birthday, and also I have to talk to the SETS teacher for Chelsea. Will see Zack's play tonight...stay tuned.....

so what now.....

received a phone call from Odalis (from Karen's office) yeterday afternoon---nice message-will finally get my interview, but this morning I found out it would be by phone. What can you suggest, cityboy? Well, could help out at learning center, ironically enough, that was my fantasy about making myself more useful by doing off the cuff tutoring, wonder if that will be accepted...? Really could use a little more consistency re time there, that is all I want, not more income per se. Well, we'll find out....Otherwise, again so many conflicts re what to do this weekend---wanted to see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, but now....should see some movies, etc., but...all v ery elusive, you know. Had a nice walk down Wadsworth Avenue after Alex canceled--would like to wander around Brooklyn listening to music some time tomorrow, but the picnic in Central Park----unexpected you know---and hate to go into a movie on a nice day---so, your move, dude........

Finally---

not much time today---so, finally made the phone call to FRiends--no response yet; somewhat sorry I did it---maybe should have left well enough alone, yet when I am there, feels silly that I am still "spaced" by dates. Anyway, many members of the faculty, urged me to contact administration, and after some ambivalence (which was stated here before), I did. Otherwise, a weekend of ups and downs, the plays at EST were really dissappointing---yesterday's afternoon walk from the Brooklyn Museum was interesting, found the Frank White cafe on Atlantic Avenue, a real no man's land---yet very nice, wonder how long it will remain.? Also walked dowon Fulton to Franklin--and a bit back---took the A train back to BAM. Well, will stay home tonight and make some things clear about tutoring......later......