Writing Weekend

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”     Sylvia Plath

The Blue Room @ The Algonquin

Excited for a nice long weekend, I got onto my Bolt Bus late Thursday night after work.  Arriving in time to wish Kristi good night, I continued with my sleep as well.  Friday was a treat as we were able to spend it together.  We “Lunched as Ladies” at the Blue Bar at the Algonquin Hotel in Midtown.  It is pricey, but I had a Blackboard Eats code (www.blackboardeats.com.  Free to join, it will offer codes to restaurants in different cities.  I don’t believe Boston is part of it.) for 30% off, so our $90 bill became $60.  We thoroughly enjoyed our calamari, quesadillas (huge), and homemade potato chips and onion dip (Remember when onion dip was a staple of entertaining? I haven’t made it for years, may have to do it again).  The Algonquin is one of NYC’s famous older hotels, a National Historic Landmark since 1987, and was a haunt for many literary notables. 

 From it's website: From its inception, manager (and later owner) Frank Case created a vision for The Algonquin as New York’s center of literary and theatrical life. His enduring fascination with actors and writers led him to extend them credit, in the process luring such luminaries as Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. and John Barrymore.
 
Famed women flocked to the hotel as well, as The Algonquin was unconventional early on in accommodating single women guests. Over the years, these have included Gertrude Stein, Simone de Beauvoir, Helen Hayes, Erica Jones, and Maya Angelou.

Three Nobel laureates visited on a regular basis, including Sinclair Lewis (who offered to buy the hotel), Derek Walcott, and most memorably William Faulkner, who drafted his Nobel Prize acceptance speech at The Algonquin in 1950.

Friday evening we went to the Metropolitan Room (W22nd between 5th & 6th Aves.) for a jazz cabaret. Kathryne Langdord gave us a lovely evening of entertainment.  I was able to get those tickets for $4 each through Play by Play!

You know when you’re playing on the internet?  You get lost for hours, and sometimes find really interesting things, but can’t remember, or have no idea how you found it?  Well, that happened to me a month or so ago, and I found the International Women’s Writer’s Guild (www.iwwg.org).  From its website: The IWWG, founded in 1976, is a network for the personal and professional empowerment of women through writing and open to all regardless of portfolio. As such, it has established a remarkable record of achievement in the publishing world, as well as in circles where lifelong learning and personal transformation are valued for their own sake. The Guild nurtures and supports holistic thinking by recognizing the logic of the heart--the ability to perceive the subtle interconnections between people, events and emotions- alongside conventional logic.

Sculpture found on Park Ave

I gave myself the gift of going to the IWWC Spring Big Apple Conference.  It was amazing.  I met so many incredible Women.; all writers, all supportive and encouraging of each other, with no selfish agenda.  I felt like I had been on a major retreat.  In Saturday’s workshop, “Mother May I?  Woman and Words Since Betty Friedan,” we were led and guided by Eunice Scarfe, a published author who teaches at University in Canada.  At lunch that day I simply went to downstairs to the restaurant, Smorgas Chef, and thoroughly enjoyed Swedish meatballs, & lingonberries, chive mashed potatoes, julienned vegetables, and gradd sauce, with a lovely glass of Rose.  I was joined by another enjoying the Conference with me.  She is the Director of an Opera Theatre and has worked all over the world!  I went home exhausted.

Scandinavia House

Sunday the day began with a book fair of published IWWC authors.  It was enjoyable speaking with these lovely Ladies, and I purchased a few of their books.  Then Amy Ferris lead us in another great writing workshop, “Righting your Life by Writing Your Life”; an amazing morning.  Amy Ferris is an author, editor, screenwriter and playwright. Her memoir, Marrying George Clooney, Confessions From a Midlife Crisis (Seal Press) is off-broadway bound.  I had lunch with another interesting Lady who is an NPR broadcaster in Baltimore, is giving away her Yoga school started many years ago before yoga became the fashion, and is thinking of teaching in a Masters of Science Program of Yoga at the University level.  The afternoon was spent “pitching” your book ideas, projects, to as many as eight agents.  I met with seven, and got some great, thoughts, suggestions, and guidance.

Sunday night, before I headed out for the evening, I was pleasantly surprised to have some crackers, cheese, and wine with Kristi  Then I again treated myself! to Rita Wilson’s Cabaret at Under 54, sight of the venerable Studio 54 from the 70’s.  The Cabaret is located downstairs where the VIP Lounge was.  So I enjoyed the space of the famous Andy Warhol, et al and all their bacchanalia!  Standing behind me in line were Ed Burns and his wife, Christy Turlington (beautiful).  And, yes, Ms. Wilson’s Husband, Tom Hanks, was in the house, sharing his wife’s crooning with Dianne Sawyer, and I believe Harvey Weinstein!  Fun, and the food was delicious!

Outside The School of Practical Philosophy

Monday, I chilled, cleaned, then went into zombie mod when Katie called, and my Niece texted asking if I was okay.  The Marathon Bombings had just occurred, and my office is less than a block from the Marathon finish line.  They forgot I was still in New York  I started my Philosophy and Sustained Happiness course that night.  (right on our street, 79^th, just a few doors from Central Park!).  I wasn’t much of a contribution to the class, but I’m glad I went, and will make up for it next class!

My Ladies really weren’t comfortable, or happy, with my plan to head home on a very late bus, in light of the confusion and chaos Boston was that night.  So, I got up very early Tuesday morning.  I would have made it to my noon patient, except our whole neighborhood in Boston is part of the Bombing crime scene so we couldn’t go to the office.  It’s Wednesday now, and we don’t know when we can go back..Please pray for my Hometown, most especially the Families of the Angels killed and hurt.

 

New Friends...

                   "Do not delay, the golden moments fly!"  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow         


PilPil from Bobbie B on Yelp

After yet another grueling week (five day weeks are truly starting to “kill” me), I crawled aboard my trustworthy Bolt Bus and fell asleep.  I arrived at the Hx3 hungry, dropped my bags and went across to Sojourn for a bite.  It was a scene so I just ambled around the ‘hood.  Everyone is thrilled that winter is over as the streets and restaurants were teeming.  I finally saw a small, new place, tucked around the corner from 2^nd Avenue on 78^th Street, PilPil, a Spanish Tapas Bar.  After Rollo de Carne con Asparagus (beef roll with asparagus and mushrooms in a Rioja reduction) and a lovely glass of Sauvignon Blanc, I contentedly went home.

Saturday I happily went back to Jake’s letters for a few hours.  Then I took a long, slow bus (major construction on 2^nd to finally complete?  the 2^nd Ave MTA line) to Kip’s Bay Library on 3^rd Ave and 31^st St.  I am beginning to have a love affair with the NYPL system.  Besides the main branch on 5^th Avenue and 42^nd Street which is magnificent, there are branches in each neighborhood which offer an abundance of free lectures, courses, and events (including exercise and yoga).  I had read about this particular one “Create your ultimate life vision.” which definitely spoke to me.  Polina Solda, www.shestartsover.com.  led us in a really great afternoon of learning, sharing, and reaffirmation.  Following the discussion, I joined two of the Ladies and went a few doors down to 16 handles for yogurt and more getting to know each other, very interesting Ladies.  We exchanged emails and decided we’d like to get together some more!

From there I meandered up to Herald Square to see the Macy’s Flower Show (34^th St and 6^th Ave).  From the Macy’s website: Drenched in a spectacular palette of colors, this year's show evoked the inspiring architecture and vibrant spirit of southern Asia. I am so glad I did.  It was beautiful!

By then I needed real sustenance, so I headed south to the Madison Square Park area to try and finally eat at Eataly (www.eataly.com. ).   Built at the height of the recession, this Mario Batali, Joe and Lidia Bastianich team has proven that “if you build it they will come.”  (Kristi’s former boss, Dave Pasternak of Esca, is the “fishmonger” at Eataly).   If you can stand crowds and confusion (it is New York City, remember), I believe this has become one of New York’s must-sees.  There are many restaurants as part of this venture which don’t take reservations.  That night the wait was 1-2 hours.  The beauty of traveling solo, as I’ve said many times, is sitting and eating at the bar.  While waiting a few minutes for that bar seat, I started chatting with a lovely young Lady who grew up in Montreal and graduated from McGill a few years ahead of Katie.  As luck would have it, we got seated next to each other at the bar.   Another wonderful dinner at La Pizza & La Pasta (Gnocchi with braised lamb ragu and a gorgeous glass of Sangrantino from Umbria) shared with another awesome new friend!  (We also have shared emails with the plan to meet again for dinner.)

My day wasn’t over yet.  I had plans to meet Patients, one of my favorite Couples, at an art opening at the Jonathan Levine Gallery in Chelsea, 529 w 20th St between 10 & 11^th Aves., 9^th floor.  Josh Agle’s (Shag) work is very retro, 60’s Mad Men-ish with great colors, very cool.  The exhibit “Thursdays Girl” is up until May 4.  (Most works are already sold for $3-25K!)

Since I was on the West side I decided to pop into Valhala, 9^th and 54^th, to have a glass of wine with Kristi, who I hadn’t seen yet this weekend, while she was working a rare shift.  Finally time to head home.

Avery Fisher Hall

Sunday I read, made a pasta sauce, and then went over to Lincoln Center (for the first time).  I had found $6 tickets on Goldstar, another great site to get discounted tickets to events in Boston, New York, and other cities. (www.goldstar.com).   I had a very enjoyable afternoon at “Calling All Dawns.”  (Although the trains and buses getting to and from were frustrating…getting to know the true joys of being a New Yorker!)

Came home, ate, read, and caught my late bus back to reality.  I gratefully slept the whole way once again.

 

Easter

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” 
    Pope John Paul II

Empire State Building

Having been away from Manhattan for another couple of weeks, I happily got back on my trustworthy Bolt Bus after work on Thursday night.  And, score, it wasn’t crowded so almost Everyone on board got two seats to themselves!  But first I was able to pop into one of my Boston favs, Les Zygomats which is just a block from South Station, and have a glass of wine with a lovely cheese plate.  Kristi was up and working when I got to Hx3, so we had a nice chat and caught up with each other.

Friday we woke to sunshine, and mild weather.  Finally, another brutal winter is just about over.  I feel it more and more each year.  I love four seasons, but snow and ice is not as much fun as it used to be.  I will admit it, I’m aging and I’m truly trying to do it gracefully.  (Although Grace is definitely not my middle name..)

Kris went off to her busy day.  I went around the corner to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf armed with more of Uncle John’s letters.  I spent a wonderful few hours, laughing, crying, learning more and more about my family, real faith, and Jake’s life as a Chaplain in the Air Force.  This project of love is starting to take on a life of its own.  It’s funny though as the weekend progressed, I slowed down on my reading as I know what’s coming.  Papa’s death.

Enjoying the Holi Festival

At the Holi Festival

One of my most trusted go-to’s when I am researching NYC happenings is Time Out New York.  Before I left the apartment I read:  The riot of color that accompanies the Hindu spring festival of Holi hits New York this weekend. The exuberant festivities (we're celebrating the triumph of good over evil, here) include traditional South Asian music, dancing and playing with powdered dyes—symbolizing the return of color in spring after the drudgery of winter (and what a dreary winter it was). Think of it like J'ouvert (daybreak)—the celebration that begins the West Indian–American Day Parade on Labor  Day—but at a more civilized hour.  So I went to: Holi at Solar One. This solar-powered, ecologically minded center on the East River holds a free, family-friendly paint-throwing party to mark the the Hindu spring festival of Holi. If you're heading to the fete after work, make sure you ditch the suit; the colors may (as in, probably will) stain clothes, but at least you can be confident the powder's not toxic—Solar One made their own from rice flour and food coloring.

Walking down to the East River to find Solar One, I passed one of the many nail salons of New York City, and decided I owed it to myself, and my piggies, to treat them after the long, hard winter.  As I’ve mentioned before, mani-pedis are one thing that can be had easily and relatively cheaply in NYC!

On the UN lawn

The UN

After experiencing my first Holi festival, I decided to walk.  And walk I did!  The festival was on 23^rd Street, and I meandered all the way home to 79^th Street.  Taking my time, and thoroughly enjoying the weather, the sights, just “being” in one of my favorite places on the planet.  As I found myself in my old neighborhood of my Winter in Manhattan Odyssey, I came upon the restaurant where Kristi and I celebrated after the infamous Co-op board interview for the Hx3 last summer.  Grata (1^st Avenue @ 59^th Street) had a sign out front for Happy Hour 5-7pm listing wine for $5.  I owed that to myself as well as it was now 6:30, and my stomach started rumbling.  I then learned that part of the happy hour was 3 small plates (tapas) for $18.  I contentedly ate my Shrimp in garlic sauce, Mussels marinara, and brought my Ravioli di Zucca (butternut squash ravioli in pink sauce) home for Kristi.  It was an extremely pleasant couple of hours eating, chatting with my bar-mates, and reading the friendly Bartender’s Wall Street Journal.  Meandered the rest of the way home happy and content.    

A work of Viorica Stan

Saturday afternoon I met Rafael of New York Gallery Tours on Greenwich Street in the West Village (I always get lost down there as the southern tip is not laid out in a grid like most of Manhattan.  Oh, but what a neighborhood to get lost in.  Recently, my Nephew asked if I had a favorite neighborhood in Manhattan.  So hard to say, as I love them all..but if money were no object, I think I would live in the West/ Greenwich Village area…hence why it’s probably the most expensive!) As always, Rafael gave us an interesting afternoon, and my Photographer friend Robin and her Daughter were also on the tour so it was an even greater pleasure.

Hugh Morris

One of the Galleries we went to was Westbeth, which is an artist’s colony started in the 60’s.  Before that it had been part of the Manhattan project!  I will be doing more research on that little colony.  We were very lucky as Hugh Morris and Viorica Stan (Husband and Wife) had a show up and they graciously spent time chatting with us.  We were even invited back to the closing reception that evening.  I was tempted!

On the Highline

The tour ended very close to the Highline Park and Chelsea Market.  So, I meandered through the Market picking up a few things for an Easter Basket.  (Yes, I still love making them for my Ladies!)  I needed some sustenance so I popped into a cute little place, Gaslight, right on the corner of 9^th Ave and 14^th Street .  I felt like I was in a quiet Grandmother’s living room from the early 1900’s.  I enjoyed my spinach-artichoke dip and sauvignon blanc before heading out to walk the whole Highline!  Then I was bone tired.  I crawled across to the East Side to grab a bus home.  (The 6 train has been down on weekends for repairs for awhile..ugh..Am I sounding like a New Yorker?!)



Entertainment in the Park

Sunday, Easter, I walked across Central Park to meet my friend for brunch at Nice Matin (W 79^th & Amsterdam).  It has a great menu, hard to choose.  We had a lovely visit and chat.  I have mentioned how surprised I am at how many French bistros, restaurants, etc I am finding.  Well, a group of them actually call themselves “Culinary Tour de France".  I have been to a few.  I think I will make it a point to visit them all!

View at the bus stop

 

Finally, time to head back to reality.  Caught a bus across town to pack up and head out into the rain to catch my bus.  That was interesting..

Ladies' Night Out!

                         "The best thing to hold  onto in life is each other."  Audrey Hepburn

I am blessed.  I have a wonderful group of Women in my Family who sustain, nourish, entertain, and love me. We had a wonderful, all too quick, night away to Portsmouth, New Hampshire this weekend.  I have been driving through this small city on the ocean for years, but have never stopped in.  It’s actually quite nice, and I will go back to explore again.

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn right in the center of Strawberry Banke.  Arriving at different times during the afternoon, we all happily valeted our cars as we were able to walk everywhere.  Everyone walked over to, at various times,  Popovers, a very cute, great bistro where we had a light repast before our planned dinner later in the evening.  Then we all meandered the streets popping in and out of the great little shops and boutiques.



My Ladies with "Nonnie"

The Ladies

At 5:30, we descended on the Auntie’s suite for cocktail hour, or two.  It was so wonderful to sit, be, and laugh with these Ladies, three generations of them.  Finally at 7:30 we walked over to a wonderful small restaurant, Rudi’s. for an amazing dinner.  The Auntie’s don’t eat much.  My Mom says that she has almost no appetite anymore.  The lesson I learned there is that I must continue to enjoy my dining experiences now, while I still can!

Scallops @ Rudi's

Lamb @ Rudi's

Eleven Family Ladies gathered around a table eating, drinking, sharing was anything but quiet.  But, I do believe no one was bothered by us; even when I, not so proudly, l poured my full glass of red wine all over my poor Auntie.  She only drinks coke! (Although I did buy her a treat at the NH Liquor store.  During our wonderful trip to Ireland nine years ago we introduced her to Bailey’s Irish Cream, so she had enjoyed a taste during our cocktail hour). 

Cava's

Walking back to the hotel arm in arm, I had been forgiven immediately, Auntie did try to kill the party by asking if we would miss them (She and the other Auntie, my Mom), when they were “gone”.  Oh, my, hard to even contemplate….We deposited the ‘Ties at the hotel, and seven of us meandered the streets looking for a nice place for a nightcap.  We found it down a quaint alley in the form of Cava’s Wine Bar.

The Aunties/Matriachs

Finally calling it a night, we went back to the hotel.  Having a lovely late night chat first with the “Ties", then with my Sister in Law, led me to a great night’s sleep.  Sunday morning found some of us at breakfast, and some going for a brisk walk.   My Ladies and I were the first to leave as Kris had a bus to get to the Big Apple to catch.  A very quick, whirlwind night, but so very worth it.  Thanks Ladies, Young, Old and In-between!

Another Winter storm..

                                "Any place that we love becomes our world."  Oscar Wilde

Scene upon waking Friday

With yet another storm approaching (so much for the easy start to our winter), I packed my bag before heading to work Wednesday thinking I may try to leave that night as the thought of another 3-4 days stuck behind a wall of snow alone was not at all enticing.  As soon as I walked into the office, my Boss asked if either I or my Co-worker wanted to take Thursday off due to the impending storm.  After conferring with her I took him up on his offer and changed my bus ticket.  Sleeping yet again the whole ride down, I arrived rested and hungry.  I walked across the street to Sojourn and had a lovely light dinner of lamb meatballs with a delicious Sauvignon blanc.  And, I spent a fun few hours chatting with neighbors.  One very friendly David, invited me to his place to watch TV.  I thanked him, but declined.

Another view from home

Slept blissfully late on Thursday and then went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to do some more reading and writing.  After a few hours, I walked the couple of blocks home in the mild rain, stopping along the way for dinner provisions. Kris and I enjoyed chicken stir fry, and the quiet together.

Friday we woke to about an inch or two of snow, and it continued all day, but not really accumulating too much. (Thank God I escaped the two more feet at home..). We went to the East Village and had a perfect winter afternoon lunch, french onion soup, cassoulet with a lovely bottle of red wine at Lucien, yet another great French bistro on1^st Ave @ 1^st Street. I then went shopping and poking around Soho, finding some great treats for the Ladies @ Ina and Variazioni NYC #3 on Prince Street. I brought the loot home, and Kris had a new outfit for her Girls' Dinner with Friends followed by a party in Brooklyn.

Sardi's

The Lottery Guy

I headed right back to the theatre district and tried my luck in the Book of Mormon lottery again. Still unlucky in that department, I walked down to 44th Street to the Theatre to see if any tickets were available. Lucky Guy is Tom Hanks' Broadway debut in Nora Ephron's last play. Sold out for Friday night, I decided to really treat myself, and bought a ticket for Saturday. Since Sardi's was right across the street, I decided to have a glass of wine and spent a lovely time chatting with some of the workers. I then headed back to the UES and went into Sojourn for a salad, and met yet another neighbor to have a nice chat with.

Saturday morning I took my time reading, etc. In the early afternnon I met a friend at the FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) Museum where there was a great, if somewhat crazy shoe exhibit. Crazy in that most of the shoes seemed totally un-wearable, but they were works of art. Enjoying the show at the same time was Tim Gunn and a Friend so we politely said hello and chatted for a few minutes!

Then my NYC Friend shared some of her favorite spots in Chelsea, since it’s her home base.  We had a wonderful cup of coffee and a sweet at La Maison du Macaron on W23rd Street.  We meandered around Chelsea a bit and finally decided to have a light dinner of salads before my play at Rafaella Café on 9^th Ave (between 23^rd and 22^nd).

Off I went to see one of my favorite actors in his Broadway debut.  Nora Ephron was also a favorite.  Who doesn’t love her chick-flicks?!  The rest of the cast was great as well.   Joining Tom Hanks were Maura Tierney, Peter Scolari, Courtney Vance, et al.  I am sorry to say that while I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I wasn’t blown away!  From the theatre I just started walking. 

Sited while walking

Randolph's Bar

While reading the Boston Globe earlier in the day,  Kevin Cullen, had written about Randolph’s Bar in the Warwick Hotel near the MOMA in Midtown.  He claims it is still the picture of understated elegance and the historical haunt of Elvis and the Beatles (Paul McCartney is still seen there when he is in New York City).  So, since I found myself heading on that direction, I decided to check it out.  It is indeed very nice, and I had a couple of nice hours chatting with some locals.  (It is amazing, trust fund Ladies truly do still exist..).  Lining the halls are pictures of the rich and famous who called the Warwick home: Cary Grant, Irving Berlin; and many who stayed when in New York: Liz Taylor, Audrey Hepburn.  William Randolph Hearst built the Warwick for his paramour, Marion Davies!

Another pretty site

Cafe Mogador's postcard

Sunday, Kris and I met a great friend of hers in the East Village for a true NYC institution, brunch.  We had a long luxurious one at Café Mogador on St. Mark’s Place.  I had eaten a winter lunch here myself a few years ago.  It’s Moroccan in theme and very good.  Kris then went off to do some work at her favorite coffee shop downtown.  I went home to read, write, and relax.  (I am hooked on reading my Uncle’s letters to my Grandmother!)

One year later...

                “And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise.  The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”    Sylvia Plath

                I wrote this a year ago.  This morning on what would have been my 21^st anniversary, I woke to a simple text on my phone, “Love you.” from Kristi.  I decided to re-read this.  I remember when I wrote this last year I was trying to be Erma Bombeckish, not too heavy, not too light.  I like it.  What I love most is seeing how very far I’ve come in a year.  Thank you, God, Family and, Friends.

Tuesday night as I got home, there was a text on my phone from one of my Bosses, “Have you arrived home safely, did the fire affect you?”  It dawned on me that on leaving the office there had been a lot of police and firefighter activity in the Back Bay, and when leaving the city I noticed that the Bay Village neighborhood was dark.  While reading the Boston Globe the next morning, I saw that there had indeed been a huge fire in an NStar building, knocking out power to much of the Back Bay.  I was headed into work early that day to see a favorite patient as a favor.  Turned on the TV to see if I could get info and it wasn’t working.  Texted same Boss to find out if he had any info…we had no power in the office..This was not a day I wanted to be idle.  It should have been my 20^th wedding anniversary.

                Back to the TV first to figure it out…determined to do these things myself now..although as a favor, my ?, what to call Him now, well, still technically my Husband, had returned and exchanged cable boxes and clickers.  In a bid to lower some bills, I had just recently dropped the land-line phone (isn’t everybody?!), and changed what I had on my cable- internet services (never watched HBO anyway, and didn’t need the superfast internet highway connection..).  Called Comcast, whereupon it was discovered that my clicker needed to be replaced..

                Okay, so what to do?  I finished the paper lazily with coffee and breakfast.  Decided I needed new “accessories” for the bathroom.  It was a dreary rainy March day, but I headed out, anything to keep busy.  Five stores (Ann & Hope in Randolph, Burlington Coat Factory as Comcast was right next store and exchanged clickers.., Marshall’s, Home Goods, and Bed Bath and Beyond in Braintree) and four hours later, I arrived home and “happily” replaced new bathroom cup, toothbrush holder, shower curtain hooks.  The new, clean, stain-less steel shower curtain rod brought me to my knees, or rather the fetal position on my bed.  I could not budge it to extend it.  Fought with it for awhile, and walked away, content with the other new things to brighten up my bathroom and day.

                Next thing to do on a yucky, nightmare day?  Watch trash tv, hopefully mindless, not romantic, movies.  Sat down with my new clicker…and you have to program the gd thing all over..I tried, really, I did.  You simply should not have to have an MIT degree, or be a man who loves this s…, to watch TV!  I caved, and called my Brother, sobbing…OMG, I hated doing it, and bless his soul, He came right over, and programmed it for me!

                Truly, I don’t remember much more of that day, thank you God….I got through it;  the first in the “year of firsts” in the death of anything, always brutal.  As far as the shower curtain rod, I left it for a couple of days.  Tried again on Friday, was headed back to the store to return it, and tried one last thing…I caved again to a man..asked my neighbor to try.  Thankfully, he really fought hard, but did manage to get it open.  Saved me a trip to the store at least…

OMG, it’s the little things in life that make your day, or break you…

 

Film Festival

"Life's like a movie, write your own ending.  Keep believing, keep pretending." Jim Henson

Bocca East

My poor body screaming after a five day work week (thirty six! years of Hygiene are really taking its toll..), I again, most thankfully, slept most of the way to New York City.  Arriving to our Hx3 around 9pm, I dropped of my bag and meandered the neighborhood looking for a bight to eat.  Sojourn was mobbed, as was JG Mellon (haven’t eaten there yet, always mobbed, purportedly have one of the best burgers in NYC.  I’ll keep trying.)  I finally made my way back to Bocca East (2^nd & 78^th).  I now only will go where there is a seat at the bar as I’m always certain to have at least a small chat with someone.  I enjoyed an awesome Anitpasti Freddi: Tagliata di Tonno (Seared Yellow Fin tuna, braised fennel & Balsamic reduction, followed by with an amazing blueberry cheesecake, enjoyed with a lovely Montepulciano di Abbruzzi wine.)  I had a lovely short chat with a couple, “He” has Dryads Green Gallery (Masterpiece American Paintings), and “She” recently retired to join her Husband in NYC.  They raised two “kids” in Northampton, Massachusetts.  “She” was a clinical psychologist and taught at Worcester State.

Bar Veloce

Saturday morning I had my tea and was catching up on emails and I checked out the seat filling group I joined, Play by Play.  I noticed First Time Fest happening this weekend.  After researching it a bit, I decided to go to a film on both Saturday and Sunday.  This was exactly the type of thing I came to New York for!  I headed down to the East Village a few hours early to get a bit to eat.  Walking by Momofuku, I thought, “Delicious”, unfortunately, it was closed until dinner.  Kept walking down 2^nd and came upon a cool looking place, Bar Veloce, on 2^nd and 11^th.  An interesting wine caught my eye, Vino Arancione (orange wine), so I had a glass.  Enjoying it with a wonderful bruschetta prosciutto di Parma (fig tartare, rosemary, and pine nuts), and Piatto mozzarella di buffalo, basil, and tomato.  (Their napkins were dental bibs!)

 From the First Time Fest Website:

Summertime Two actresses are unknowingly cast in the same role; and that is just the starting point for one of the most enchanting and witty romantic New York roundelays in recent memory. Talented debut writer/director Max Weissberg follows furtive attempts at friendship, love, and sex among eight people including Julia, an actress who lands the role of Anya - daughter of a Russian arms dealer - and an unconventional director who thinks she must truly become Anya. This graceful, multilayered film knowingly examines the nature of performance in our "real" lives. Filmmaker Bio: A directing fellow at the prestigious American Film Institute, Max Weissberg honed his craft at Lenfilm Studios in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he assisted on several productions. Upon his return to the United States, he co-produced the documentary Hotel Gramercy Park, which premiered at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival.

At the Q&A following the film, Max Weissberg explained this was a love letter of sorts to actors and NYC in the summer.  Great afternoon and evening!

Sunday I did some more reading and writing.  I am now hooked on the letters from my Uncle to my Grandmother.  It’s a true love story, and I’m learning a lot about my family and real faith.  I then headed out to my Sunday film.

From the First Time Fest Website:

For his impressive directorial debut, Philip Seymour Hoffman chose an intimate ensemble piece, Jack Goes Boating, a four-character romantic drama about the tentative, budding relationship between a shy limousine driver and an equally shy woman whose co-worker is in a troubled marriage with Jack's close friend. The film was based on a stage production by the Labyrinth Theater Company with essentially the same cast; Amy Ryan was added for the film. This is an actor's film in the best sense. Hoffman's sure-handed, intimate direction closely follows the emotional undercurrents of the story. And his lived-in, convincing portrayal of Jack happens to be one of his finest screen performances. Filmmaker bio: Philip Seymour Hoffman is one of the greatest screen actors working today. He won an Academy Award for Capote and has been nominated three times for Supporting Actor, for The Master, Charlie Wilson’s War and Doubt. He is also an accomplished stage actor, with Tony nominations for True West, Death of a Salesman, and Long Day’s Journey Into Night. Q&A with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Ryan following the screening.

Jack Goes Boating

Great fun!  Both actors were wonderful.  I had time and was in the neighborhood, so I decided I owed it to myself to go to one of my favorites, Union Square Café.  I thoroughly enjoyed their lasagna with nice glass of red and a luscious White Chocolate & Lemon Mousse (Blood Orange, Yuzu Syrup, Grapefruit Sorbet).  My bar-mate followed my lead as well.  Interestingly, “She” was a Psychologist (theme for the weekend?) who lived primarily in Southern California, had an apartment in the City and comes often to see her Daughter and Twins, and thinking of selling her farm in New Hampshire. ?!  But, you know what, she has to stay in California to be near her youngest son who is bi-polar and struggles with substance abuse issues as a result.  Everyone has their “stuff”, or crosses to bear. 

Slept almost like a baby all the way home.