(Image by Marti Bofarull. View additional fine art prints by Bofarull here)
As mentioned in this previous post...just sharing some former journal writings…originating from New York City.
“A Moment” December 10, 2004
5:15 p.m. in New York. It’s cold, dark and wet. Looking out my office window I see the tops of umbrellas swarming the streets.
I hear an orchestra of squeaking bus brakes, continuous horns and sirens. In an hour or so I’ll begin to bundle up for the 15-minute walk back to the apartment in Murray Hill. I’ll choose the “Walk Home” playlist which I recently created on my iPod to drown-out the city sounds. Joni Micthell, Paul Simon, The Counting Crows, Wilco, Paul Westerberg, Modest Mouse, Dizzie Gillespie and Nina Simone will encourage me along with their lyrical prose.
Each night I take notice of a newly-discovered storefront. Occasionally I’ll warm-up midway with a quick pull of whiskey at the Black Sheep Pub. And, as has been the case most evenings, I’ll stop at the 38th Street Market and pick-up some fresh fixins’ for dinner.
En route I’ll slowly linger at a favorite newsstand, and maybe pick up the Post or the latest Rolling Stone. When I finally reach the apartment and ring the doorbell (I require Gia to keep the chain locked, even though it’s a safe borough), I’ll hear Ethan behind the door proclaiming, “Daddy’s here, Daddy’s here!” A kiss from G, and then Ethan will reach his little arms toward the sky in my direction, requesting, “kiss, kiss, kiss!”
The rest of the night will provide warmth and security from the grit of New York City. Christmas tunes and soft melodies will bellow through our warm & love-filled abode, as outside the opposite is in perpetual motion…further illustrated by trash-filled back alleys, harsh bright lights and muffled sirens.
After everyone is tucked-in for the night, I’ll savor a few seconds saying goodnight to the Empire State Building within view from our master bedroom window…and then start over again in the morning with my “Walk to Work” playlist (this version with the sounds of Elvis Costello, The Kinks, Jonny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, The Pogues, Mark Knopfler, Milt Jackson and Joe Pass).
