Some thoughts...
Sunday,
June 30. Left the apartment at 9am and headed downtown to the Museum at
Eldridge Street to attend a special ceremony in honor of my friend
Tobi. The beautifully restored sanctuary was filled with love and
spirituality, the speakers all eloquent and I was glad to be a witness
to this important event in Tobi's life. He then gave a short tour of his
current exhibition downstairs and even though I've known this talented
artist for over 40 years, I always learn something new about his
art-making process and inspiration when listening him speak about his
work.
My friend Xing Fei had joined me at the museum and we
headed off to more adventures on the Lower East Side. First we located
an address on Allen Street as I wanted to see where my Dad had been
born. The original building was long gone but I'm glad I finally got to
see the place of his birth over 100 years ago.
Further
down Allen Street we found the Zhengjuesi-Cheng Chio Buddhist Temple
where Fei had worked on the interior sculptures and wall murals as a
young art student when she first came to the United States 40 years ago.
This women's temple was filled with color, light, and spirituality as
well. Two different religious institutions just blocks away from one
another.
All this walking meant it was time to eat. We headed over
to Division Street's Dim Sum Palace, a noisy, bustling restaurant
filled with happy diners. All my friends know I'm not an adventurous
eater, but the steamed vegetable rolls, scallion pancakes and jasmine
tea I ordered hit the spot.
Heading
back to the F train on East Broadway we crammed ourselves onto a
sardine-packed train. A nice young man offered Fei his seat and as she
had a long ride back to Queens it was most welcome. Lots of people
coming from or heading to the Pride parade. An older gent got on the
train all sparkles, colors and tattoos, and he was one among many on the
subway today. When I exited at 23rd Street the sidewalks were packed as
Sixth Avenue had been closed off for the parade and many more
celebrants were thronging the neighborhood.
Made it home tired but happy and as I was opening the door to my building I spotted this beauty.
3pm, a cool apartment and a welcome shower to wash away
the heat and humidity of a New York summers day. A mere 6 hours but what
a wonderful way to spend them. A day in New York, is there any wonder
why I love this town, even with its many challenges, and how it never
ceases to provide inspiration for my paintings. Can't imagine living
anywhere else. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new month and more
memorable days ahead.
