Throwin' In The Towel!

The last couple of times I've come to New York, I've had the same feeling: Bittersweet melancholy. And I don't mean melancholy as in "depressed", but rather melancholy as in "soberly thoughtful and pensive". Two of the people I was going to see had to cancel, so I decided it would be nice to go to Brooklyn to see my old stomping grounds. I don't know if nice is the right word. More like thought provoking...

Now, I had gone to bed at 4 a.m., so naturally, I rose at noon. It took awhile for me to get out of the house, and as I was walking to the train, it dawned on me that my top priority should be getting HaHa to some place with water. That was in the plan yesterday, but she feel asleep in the stroller before it could happen. I knew that Prospect Park would have water, and it was just blocks away from my old apartment, so it was perfect.

I got off at Union Street and headed to the park. Along the way I passed familiar and unfamiliar things and I was both happy and sad when I saw my ex-boyfriend's schizophrenic brother on a stoop. He looked the same, and he behaved the same, and this was all at once comforting and upsetting. Nearly ten years had passed since I'd left, and here he still was, smoking cigarettes on a stoop, and asking for food. At the same time, he helps neighbors out and everyone knows him, and he is a sweet guy. He let me and HaHa in the house to see "Grandma". It was extremely emotional and sweet. She is 97, and she is amazing! I am in awe of her generous spirit and sharp mind. She said that she feels well except for her knee, which started to bother her after my ex's dog, which she helped take care of, died. She makes 97 look very appealing, and I hope that I can age like her. She even cooks for the family still. Amazing! She had made escarole and beans and squash for dinner. She's Italian to the core!

Lest I write a small novel here, I will have to save part two of my bittersweet melancholy story for tomorrow. HaHa just put herself to sleep at 1:00 a.m. Heaven help me! The girl appears to be a night owl like her parents! Tonight, I will do everything I can to be in bed by 2:15 a.m.!

Outfit:

Shirt: Hand me down from cousin. Torrid.

Skirt: Thrift store. This skirt is definitely old, and I love it so! The color can't be beat!

Shoes: zoe & zac. I only brought these and my fit flops.

On Union street we passed this stroller which must have been a memorial to a child who died. A reminder to appreciate all my blessings.

HaHa enjoyed playing with other children for the first time in days. She really made a lot of friends. Young and old. She waled around the park saying "Hi!" to everyone. She's been doing that on the Subway too!