A Perfect Spring Day In The City ...

Is it possible to have a more perfect Spring day, in The City no less?? I doubt it.

From the minute I walked out my door (see above) it was clear that this was going to be a lovely day. The humidity was gone. The blues and greens were getting stronger. Here and there splashes of pink and yellow. Just lovely.

There was no traffic whatsoever driving to the West Village, and my secret street with the perception filter on it (no, I will not tell you which one) was as quiet and easy to park on a Saturday afternoon as it is on a Tuesday night.

I was fashionably late, showing up for a noon party at the Vagabond around 1230. My friend Tempest, whose birthday we were celebrating, showed up only five minutes before I did, and the other dozen or so people were even more fashionable than I was. Guess this is how my IAF crowd rolls ...

It was great to see Ellen and Delia, to sit and talk about Virginia and knitting and Icelandic music, ahead of Delia's big surgery on Wednesday. There were interesting new people to meet, as always, and Tempest really seemed to enjoy the shamanic book and card I gave her. Such a fun time.

We had agreed beforehand that I would drive her home, up to Inwood, so we could continue the festivities at the Cloisters, before walking the few blocks to her place. This is the part of the entry where I show you gorgeous pictures of the Cloisters. Look away if you are allergic to beauty.

I wish I could share with you what it sounded like as we sat under those skylights. An early music vocal ensemble called Pomerium was rehearsing in the Fuentiduena Chapel, voices soaring to heaven. It was everything good about the world. Without a doubt, that 20 minutes was the highlight of the day for me.

After all these years of going there, walking down to her street meant actually walking around Fort Tryon Park for the first time. As with so many of the city parks, this one was lush, with a marvelous view of the Hudson, and full of interesting trails. This won't be the last time I go there.

When we got to her place, I was honoured to have her share her sacred space / altar with me. We even did a little ritual, involving relighting one of The Lady's candles from a Fire Tempest had done with us at the 'Seed last year. It was short but potent, and actually quite emotional.

I was getting hungry after not eating since bagel breakfast with Bug, so after she walked me back to the car and I subsequently drove her back home, I headed back over the bridge, as always wishing I wasn't, filled with gratitude for that place, and the marvelous people I meet every time I go there.