The courts closed at 7pm, but we decided to go for it. We grabbed our rackets, raced to the nearest subway station, and made our way to the park.
We arrived right at 6pm, just in time for the last hour of play. I expected such a prominent landmark to have a sophisticated system, but it was quite chaotic. After walking in a few circles, we found the tiny office (near an even tinier proshop), paid for our permits in cash (no cards accepted), were shown our court location on an old boxy computer monitor, and were approved to play.
Playing tennis in Central Park was a highlight of the weekend in the city. I loved taking in the sights of the skyline behind us and the diverse crowd at the courts. Thanks, NYC, for making this place open to the public.
Espressoing
A few more days
A final Hi meeting
The local neighborhood bar has a quiet time between six and nine. It is a place that specializes in coffee, beer and seasonal menus. There is just enough of each for a satisfying snack and effective buzz. After the time when the laptop lids close and before the social gatherings start -- there is a sort of twilight*. Often this time is a fugitive ground rife with creative inspiration and meditative work -- of the kind that results in personal reward.*twilight may refer to civil, nautical or astronomical variety depending on your social or terrestrial condition
A man positions his mouse on the edge of his browser window. He clicks, holds and drags the viewport first left then right. The content of a video game promo micro site responds and adapts to the available space. To the man, this is more delightful than the game itself.
A man laboriously moves his piano down three levels onto the subway platform. Classic vocals and strided chords -- he played so well I swore he was blind. Oblivious to the heat on that August stage, he was most in touch with his audience -- whom he elevated with his music.
A woman should do exactly as she pleases no matter what a man may think.
As the Dalai Lama once said, "It is a time when there is much in the window, but nothing in the room."
"No one understands me," she said. Her grandmother was silent for a minute. It seemed she was searching for an answer in the star speckled sky. "But no one understands anyone in this world, darling. We are all unique. It is what gives us a sense of wonder."