“I have to remind myself that some birds weren’t meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright.” -Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding, from The Shawshank Redemption.
Funny that this scene and quote came to me instantly when you announced your departure from CA.
Maybe it’s because, like Andy Dufresne, you’re bound for bigger and better things. I certainly hope so, and gawd knows you deserve them. And besides, you can’t possibly miss someone you’ve never met, can you?
So, blessings all around for you, and in the extremely unlikely event that I ever find myself in NYC, I’ll be sure to drop by the bar. I’ll be the guy ordering a virgin Sex-on-the-Beach while wearing an outfit from the discount rack at REI.
Love this and relate completely Cintra. I have just been sorting out/ downsizing my dearly beloved book collection today and will no doubt be writing about that difficult process soon. I am having to move out of a home which has provided me a sanctuary and safe haven after some challenging times. I live in New Zealand and am moving into a tiny home on wheels. Huge change and I also, like you, have wondered if I can survive this move, from what is known into a completely new way of living.
I love the positivity in your new found life. Magical thinking is the only way to get through times like this. xx
Well glad to hear you're back in a sort of Auntie Mame like position and hope it nurtures you as much as you've always nurtured us through your work and adventures.
This read like a 21st century fairy tale, about a Stradivarius so tough, she could be a hammer if need be, and stay intact! I am so glad all the suspense and panic and dread was resolved by that eternal blessing that is having good people in your life. Onward!
This is very good to hear. An employer who offers proper living wage is what people need but don't get; what a blessing! In my experience, these kinds of jobs allow plenty of headspace and thereby nourish creativity. You've been sent or called into this situation? Sure, why not? The universe is mysterious and humorous. Let's see what's going to unfold and why you're here. I counsel patience and I'm looking forward to reading some interesting posts from ya. Thrive, heal, flourish!
YeeHAW, so delighted to learn of this turn of events!! How marvelous that you're back within shouting distance of the Impossible City, adequately paid and happily housed. The new job sounds like a perfect opportunity to start a storied salon!
I am very very happy for you Cintra, and everything you are saying about writing/ life in the arts is true. So many of us have lost our jobs and our minds. It is good to get paid. It is a relief to get paid. Maybe the wine bar job will allow you to a new perspective and the freedom to reinvent your writing- I would LOVE to see you write about the people you see in Crown Heights. Keep writing to us...or don't and enjoy your life! You only owe yourself. We are glad you are happy.
Best wishes!
Meg in Marin ( there are more than 2 now 1 cool people here. I know some. )
phone in hand almost instinctively i called up Steely Dan's song "Dr. Wu" and had it play thru speakers those lyrics "i was on the edge of no tomorrows" and "katy lied, i could see it in her eyes..." and entwined sax summoning your blue buddha hand
"she is lovely, she is wise, and i'm just an ordinary guy"
right after on playlist frusciante et. al. came up doin their castles made of sand cover
I reckon the books are overjoyed to be out there, in circulation again, getting read (which is their life's purpose) rather than being passive captives.
Falling through some of the same perils, pitfalls and perfiidity in the writing trade over a half century. It is a liberating feeling to make it fit int her est of circus of life, ain't it? Cintra is great!
I ride my bicycle year-round here in Norfolk. I was in Brooklyn visiting my cousin (with my bicycle) and I thought, “If I lived here, I would biking like a motherfucker.” Get a bicycle.
Although, I do have a 1973 Chiang Xiang (with sidecar) for sale.
Girl, I’m coming to see you! You need comradeship in this crazy-ass city, especially now that it’s overrun by brojobs and trust fund babies. Are you at Liz’s Bookstore?
“I have to remind myself that some birds weren’t meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright.” -Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding, from The Shawshank Redemption.
Funny that this scene and quote came to me instantly when you announced your departure from CA.
Maybe it’s because, like Andy Dufresne, you’re bound for bigger and better things. I certainly hope so, and gawd knows you deserve them. And besides, you can’t possibly miss someone you’ve never met, can you?
So, blessings all around for you, and in the extremely unlikely event that I ever find myself in NYC, I’ll be sure to drop by the bar. I’ll be the guy ordering a virgin Sex-on-the-Beach while wearing an outfit from the discount rack at REI.
Love this and relate completely Cintra. I have just been sorting out/ downsizing my dearly beloved book collection today and will no doubt be writing about that difficult process soon. I am having to move out of a home which has provided me a sanctuary and safe haven after some challenging times. I live in New Zealand and am moving into a tiny home on wheels. Huge change and I also, like you, have wondered if I can survive this move, from what is known into a completely new way of living.
I love the positivity in your new found life. Magical thinking is the only way to get through times like this. xx
You will find things to love about your new life, as different as it may be. There will be new happiness attending it.
Thanks Cintra. I will. 🌟
Well glad to hear you're back in a sort of Auntie Mame like position and hope it nurtures you as much as you've always nurtured us through your work and adventures.
This read like a 21st century fairy tale, about a Stradivarius so tough, she could be a hammer if need be, and stay intact! I am so glad all the suspense and panic and dread was resolved by that eternal blessing that is having good people in your life. Onward!
You really are such an absolutely lovely person. Thank you Ms. De Novais, you always zen in on the heart of the matter.
PS: the painting! So gorgeous.
Second on the painting!
This is very good to hear. An employer who offers proper living wage is what people need but don't get; what a blessing! In my experience, these kinds of jobs allow plenty of headspace and thereby nourish creativity. You've been sent or called into this situation? Sure, why not? The universe is mysterious and humorous. Let's see what's going to unfold and why you're here. I counsel patience and I'm looking forward to reading some interesting posts from ya. Thrive, heal, flourish!
What amazing good fortune! And how wonderful to be able to make it so relatable and readable and hopeful
YeeHAW, so delighted to learn of this turn of events!! How marvelous that you're back within shouting distance of the Impossible City, adequately paid and happily housed. The new job sounds like a perfect opportunity to start a storied salon!
As a matter of fact, it does.
I am very very happy for you Cintra, and everything you are saying about writing/ life in the arts is true. So many of us have lost our jobs and our minds. It is good to get paid. It is a relief to get paid. Maybe the wine bar job will allow you to a new perspective and the freedom to reinvent your writing- I would LOVE to see you write about the people you see in Crown Heights. Keep writing to us...or don't and enjoy your life! You only owe yourself. We are glad you are happy.
Best wishes!
Meg in Marin ( there are more than 2 now 1 cool people here. I know some. )
Thank you so much, dear Meg. Marin is enhanced by you!
phone in hand almost instinctively i called up Steely Dan's song "Dr. Wu" and had it play thru speakers those lyrics "i was on the edge of no tomorrows" and "katy lied, i could see it in her eyes..." and entwined sax summoning your blue buddha hand
"she is lovely, she is wise, and i'm just an ordinary guy"
right after on playlist frusciante et. al. came up doin their castles made of sand cover
it all makes sense somehow
right?
you can really set a mood 🫡
ps from elvis (costello):
"welcome to the working week!"
😜🙃😚
Incredible I'm so happy for you
xoxo Jenny from the block...the E Village one ❤️
I’m pleased for you. Does it still hurt, losing your library?
I reckon the books are overjoyed to be out there, in circulation again, getting read (which is their life's purpose) rather than being passive captives.
Oh….sure. Not like I ever read these days.
I'm so glad to hear things have been unfolding in such a positive way, and that you're happy. That's awesome.
Falling through some of the same perils, pitfalls and perfiidity in the writing trade over a half century. It is a liberating feeling to make it fit int her est of circus of life, ain't it? Cintra is great!
I ride my bicycle year-round here in Norfolk. I was in Brooklyn visiting my cousin (with my bicycle) and I thought, “If I lived here, I would biking like a motherfucker.” Get a bicycle.
Although, I do have a 1973 Chiang Xiang (with sidecar) for sale.
I’m so very pleased for you and your good fortune!
A wine bar/bookstore sounds absolutely divine. Two of my favorite things. I’m only about an hour from NYC, so perhaps one day I’ll be able to visit!
Sending love and light and lots ‘o hugs! 🫶🏼🩷
Girl, I’m coming to see you! You need comradeship in this crazy-ass city, especially now that it’s overrun by brojobs and trust fund babies. Are you at Liz’s Bookstore?
Nope! New place on Bergen called “Word of Mouth.”