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Yesterday I tried to take some time for reading and writing and gathering myself after the train accident. I finished This Boy’s Life, which was almost as good as Old School, and I began Nathan Englander’s For The Relief of Unbearable Urges. I’m starting to revise one of my stories and I’m having trouble letting go of some sections, but I think this draft is going to be strong once I’ve put the work into it.

Tonight after work, my friend, Kim and I met up to see her favorite writer/muse, Elizabeth McCracken read at Dixon Place. Kim was beside herself with enthusiasm and this really was a dream come true for her. McCracken read and so did her husband, Edward Carey.

I was there because I’m taking an interdisciplinary study in which I am required to attend readings and write a little about the experience. But mostly, I enjoyed watching Kim meet her favorite author.

After Kim got her book signed and schmoozed, we went to Café Mogador for dinner. I know St. Marks is mostly gross, but there are some really good restaurants spotted along the street, especially farther from 2nd and 3rd. I had goat cheese ravioli with squash and Kim had a hummus platter. We drank wine and celebrated Kim’s promotion, the meeting of her beloved author, and my homecoming. For dessert we shared a baked strawberry rhubarb tart and cider with brandy.

Leave it to New York to bring my spirits back up. It’s good to be home.