All Right! All Right!

Blog soundtrack:



Usually, when I travel to New York, it’s to listen to the wonderful James Maddock or to drown myself in vintage clothing for the day. If truth be told, I also go just for the experience of going. My approach, and it is probably my approach to life as well, is always to have my eyes wide open with my heart welcoming whoever and whatever might come my way. I think living your life should be like writing a book, a really good book. And, each time I go back to NYC, I go forward somehow.

Before every trip, I hope it will be just as enjoyable as the last time. It’s kind of like going away to a beach house for two weeks each Summer; you go back with your memories, yearning to leave with the same good feelings yet a different set of memories. And, my trip to New York City always brings with it the past journey.

While sitting on a stool waiting for James to begin to play, I closed my eyes, and instead of thinking of my last trip or the past week with all its frustrations, which were really minor upon reflection, I thought, “Will he play my song? Is Sam here? Why do I always get stuck next to the groping couples? And, I really hope I meet some new people tonight, because I’m just dying to hand out my killer calling cards!” Every so often, I wish I had a crystal ball; however, I now think 25% of the fun in life is living for what unexpected thing might come next instead of what came before.

As it happened, James played my song as his last number. After the show, I found Sam sitting in his usual corner and chatted with him for a bit. (Oh, the groping couple left after the first hour.) And, then wedging myself between people and saying “Excuse me!” about 25 times, I made my way into the bar, where I searched carefully for those who would be lucky enough to receive my card and, more importantly, meet me!

Who were those lucky individuals you ask? They were Charlie and Adam, friends of James. (Note to Charlie and Adam If They End Up Here: Yes. If I meet you, you do end up in my blog!) Both musicians, Charlie was currently an aspiring actor while Adam taught ESL classes. Charlie was a Brit, and Adam, an American, had just moved back from 20 years of living in the UK. They were wonderful guys, but wonderful aside, they had me, a total anglophile, with those accents.

After a while, they asked if I wanted to go off to another music venue with them, and I said I would love to. But, before we left, I had to laugh as Charlie put on his North Face jacket and pulled out his hat with ear flaps, and then Adam put on his coat, hat, and wrapped his scarf around his head until all I could see were his eyes. Apparently, this cold snap was something not common in the UK.

My laughter was greeted with remarks about me being a Geordie, given that I had divulged that my maternal grandfather (John F. Smith) was born in Newcastle. Of course, being a New Englander all my life, I had somehow developed some sort of immunity to the bitter cold. I am known around town for going to the gym or for a pedicure and then going directly to shop whilst wearing my shorts or flip-flops when it is below 40 degrees.

Anyway, three bands and three beers later, we departed in our different directions. I don't know whether I'll see Charlie or Adam again. I hope I do, because enjoying their company was certainly a great way to spend a Friday night. And, the company of friends is wonderful, whether they be your friend for just a night or for a lifetime.

When riding in the cab back to my hotel, I thought that a huge “gotcha” in life can be when you yearn to or try to recreate something that was, instead of just letting life happen as you know it always will. What occurs might not be exactly what you want to happen; however, whatever happens will always lead you to someone, somewhere, or something else.

On Thursday night, I had gotten together with all the people I worked with a my former place of employment; sadly, most of us are still unemployed, but happily, we all remain close. They were the best group of people I ever worked with. Until recently, it was hard thinking that I would never work with all of them again; however, I do so hope I have the chance to have co-workers like that in my next job.

And, as I have learned most recently, events aren’t relationships; people will come and people will go, and you have to accept that and keep moving forward. Sometimes it is what it is; however, sometimes it is what it was and nothing more. The goal is not about meeting anyone in particular; it’s about meeting yourself whereever you are and feeling good about where you are.

As the conductor took tickets this afternoon, a young man who was collecting trash came up the aisle. As he squeezed by the conductor, she asked, “How ya doin?” He replied in a rhythmic singsongy upbeat tone, “All right! All right!”

I then asked myself the same question.
“How ya doin’, Jean?”
I answered, “All right! All right!”
And, for the first time in a long time, I really meant it. ♥

And now, back to our regularly scheduled life…
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There’s no place like home. ♥

Oh, and NEWS FLASH, this Ask the Goddess question just in!

Dear Goddess,
Did you get Iz a pink purse?
I.M. Katz, Sudbury, MA

Yes. I got her a pink backpack purse, and she loves it. She's been wearing it around all night!