Double Dutch + Eskimo Salami

Patricia and I were in plays together in high school in San Francisco. We went to university together in Los Angeles. We both lived in New York at the same time in the 80's and she came to visit me in Glasgow, Scotland about 20 years ago. And then she moved to Amsterdam and we figure that 20 years ago is about the last time we saw each other, or even spoke. Amazingly we have had a long history and POOF! (ahem?) we don't see each other or keep in touch. It happens and it is okay, of course.

But what is better is today we met for lunch in New York at Taralucci e Vino by Union Square. I have to say you never know how these "This Is Your Life" meetings all this time later are going to go, and it was just like yesterday. In fact, Patricia has perfect skin. Seriously. I think it is the same sheath she had on 20 years ago! She looked great and it was HER! And as an added bonus I got to finally meet her partner of 20 + years, Ym (pronounced "Eam"). I took to her instantly. She was funny and charming. A total delight of a visit. I am so glad we got to catch up. They are both blog-shy and I hope this is not too painful for them!

Patricia and Ym

Patricia is a professional singer in Holland and she gave me a CD she had recorded. I am so excited to hear it. You can check her stuff out at http://www.patricia.dds.nl/. Multi-talented woman she is. And Ym is a painter. She showed me some of her work in a portfolio. It is amazing stuff. I loved it all, but especially the folk art. Someday when I have money I think I shall fly to Holland and be painted in a folk art way with my bagpipes. Tasteful, huh?! I would promote Ym's work as well to my 5.3 readers, but she won't cough up the website. I will GOOGLE find her, I will!

We walked to Union Square and said goodbye. 20+ years and a 2 hour lunch and it was all moments in time. I am so glad for it.

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Tonight my pal Sean and I went to a screening of "The Visitor" at the IFC. It Thomas McCarthy's new film. He wrote and directed the amazing "The Station Agent." I really enjoyed and lead actor Richard Jenkins was there. He was great.

After the screening we walked around the village and had some yogurt meets whatever you want concoction at the London-transplant Eskimix. It seems like the a faddish place that won't be there in a few months. But whatever store in the Village has benches in front makes it all worth it just to watch the world and super models go by.

Sean took me to this storefront that looks like a pet shop but is really an art installation. You MUST check out the website and see the video of the big cat! And all the rest. Amazing. http://www.thevillagepetstoreandcharcoalgrill.com/ It was set up just like a pet shop. There was a leopard lolling on a branch in the window, but when you go inside you realize it is just a leopard coat. And there is a bunny applying the makeup that it usually dies for in animal testing. And there are hotdogs feeding on French's mustard in aquariums where you usually see turtles and garter snakes. There is even a chimp masturbating while watching Discovery on TV. Ahhh, culture!

Wanking over primate love on Discovery. Something for everyone.

Fish sticks in a bowl.

Chicken McNuggets on a farm. Eeeeee-eye! OHHHHH!

Sausage Aquarium. Keep in mind all the meat animatronically moves. Gross!!

So today in New York, I met up with a friend I had not seen in 20 years, I went to a screening and got to hear Richard Jenkins speak, I hung in the Village with a good friend and watched an animatronic ape masturbate to Discovery porn. I know this can happen in any city, but not really. New York has that special way of unfolding itself in the moment and at the moment. And at the moment, in my life, I am here and grateful to able to receive its bounty.