SKATING ON ICE

January 25, 2016 startsolo Leave a comment

I approach the ice rink.

A young man is skating very fast then deftly turns his blades sideways and stops, creating with ease a satisfactory spray of ice. Many skaters are as graceful as he, skating forward, backwards, making turns, or spinning on one leg. Others are not.

Couples abound, hand in hand, mostly teetering, but wearing smiles. Friends chat lending a hand, if need be, before a fall.

There are children, many of them with an adult guiding them along. And there are slips and falls. After a spill some shed tears and leave the rink with a defeated air, some go over to the railing and grip tight, too afraid to move any further, and some laugh, get up and continue on.

It is a microcosm before my eyes.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

SMILE YOUR BEAUTIFUL [sic]

January 12, 2016 startsolo Leave a comment

The words Smile Your Beautiful are painted in large letters on a brick wall. They are visible from the Manhattan Bridge.

If I had a beautiful, what would it be? And how could I get it to smile?

Is my mind my beautiful, my heart, my soul, my dreams, or some part of me?

Smile your beautiful.

Smile your beautiful for all to see.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

ODE TO THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

January 11, 2016 startsolo Leave a comment

My visits to libraries had always been enjoyable. Rows of books represented promise and discovery. Enclosed booths provided quiet sanctuaries and all kinds of knowledge was literally at my fingertips.

I remember going often. And then something changed.

My visits stopped altogether.

The other day I decided a visit to my local library was long overdue.

Free lessons in Spanish, Chinese, French, Japanese, Portugese, Russian, and English were given throughout the day. I applied for a card and took out a graphic novel in Spanish. I discovered a lesser known novel by William Faulkner and took that out as well. An exhibition of egg tempera paintings was on display in the lobby. Workshops in writing, computers, and fiber arts were offered, among others, all free of charge. And the rows and rows of books were dutifully waiting to be read.

Its cafe was serving fresh pie, food, coffee and tea, and tutoring, reading, writing, chatting, and daydreaming were in evidence at the tables nearby.

I hope to go often, again.

ENCOUNTERS

A RIDE ON THE SUBWAY

January 7, 2016 startsolo Leave a comment

There seemed to have been a decades long lull that has come to an end. Subway cars are once again a common site for seeking funds and hearing, “I’m so sorry to bother you.” or “It’s show time folks.”

The stories and the approaches differ, looks of need vary, but the request for money does not.

A young man, husky in build, wearing chinos, baseball hat, and sports jersey entered the car. A few moments later he announced to those around him that he would sing “The Wizard of Oz.” While he sang, “We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz, because, because, because, because, because of the wonderful things he does….” his arms swung in wide arcs back and forth and his feet managed a simple two-step flowing with the movement of the train.

He sang loudly and off-key. There were no requests for an encore.

Then he walked off the car without another word or gesture.

I was not alone in my surprise that he had offered his performance for free.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

PLAY IT AGAIN

January 4, 2016 startsolo Leave a comment

One day a year, perhaps it was Thanksgiving, the local radio statio I listened to in my tweens played The Beatles music, only The Beatles. It was a cherished day. But at some point, probably when Wings was on the airwaves, and Joni Mitchell sang directly to me, I tired of their music.

Years later if Pandora chose a Beatles’ tune, I gave it a thumbs down. I had heard enough.

There is a local spot I went to for lunch a few days ago. I like the long counter and easy atmosphere of the place. Music was playing. It sounded fresh, seductive, profound, yet familiar. I listened with pleasure to the harmonies, the complexity, the beauty, and innovation of the tunes.

It was Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

PHOTO GALLERY