Saying goodbye to this city is not going to be easy. So, I'm taking as many pieces of it as I possibly can back with me... even if my wallet cries.
October 5th, 2014, 3pm
It was really quite embarrassing when the nice man who was selling these maps at the Brooklyn Flea Market swiped my Discover credit card through his Square and sheepishly told me that it had been declined. I promise I have money to pay for all this old stuff, I thought as I fished in my wallet for another card.
Let’s just say I wasn’t paying chump change for this haul. I had managed to rack up $480 worth of old maps, pennants, postcards and magazines. My sister’s fiance questioned why I even wanted to buy any of it, but when you’re this close (27 days and counting) to leaving the city you’ve lived in for 7 years, you might want to hoard everything that reminds you of it too. I wouldn’t say I’m scared shitless of leaving, but I am a teeny bit terrified. So, let me have my few little pieces of New York.
Managing to grab my Chase card out, I handed it over with a smile hoping that I hadn’t somehow maxed this one out too. (I really should get ahold of my finances!) I swear I held my breath until I saw the green check mark that declared my transaction had been approved. Whew! I signed on his iPhone screen and happily left his stall, my bag of New York memories in hand.
Other moments in New York
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Espressoing
in New York, United States -
A few more days
in New York, United States -
Goodbye
A final Hi meeting
in New York, United States -
meditation, Creativity
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
in New York, United States -
Web, development
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.
in New York, United States -
subway, music
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.
in New York, United States -
Feminism
A woman should do exactly as she pleases no matter what a man may think.
in New York, United States -
Travel
As the Dalai Lama once said, "It is a time when there is much in the window, but nothing in the room."
in New York, United States -
stars, Grandma, Love
"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."
in New York, United States