It’s now clear that I made a mistake last night; I didn’t go to see Sophie Buskin at Rockwood Music Hall. Usually I know enough to override the depression feedback loop. It wasn’t like on Friday when I was out all day and wanted to rest. I didn’t leave the house yesterday and I have no plans until Saturday. That’s far too much isolation. So today I’ll force myself to go to my Post Office Box, just to get out of the house. I’m not expecting it to be full of holiday cards. There was a time, not that long ago, that I sent out scores of homemade cards, even then my box was not full.
As you can see I’m not in a good place today. I’m doing my best; I’m listening to the Roches We Three Kings. That’s the best Christmas album there is. Where can I watch It’s a Wonderful Life? I’m feeling George Bailey. I’m looking forward to watching Avengers: Infinity War on Netflix tomorrow. Not a Christmas movie but maybe what I need. It’s something I don’t feel the need to share with anyone. I did one positive thing, I invited a friend to see the Christmas Model Train exhibit at the New York Botanical Gardens with me. I live 10 minutes away and I haven’t been there since I moved there. I always frequented the Queens and Brooklyn gardens and had no trouble going alone to either.
I stopped and gave all my attention to Good King Wenceslas; that lifted my spirits. I love a good story song; I can imagine every scene and heartily agree with the conclusion.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
wealth or rank possessing,
ye who now will bless the poor
shall yourselves find blessing
Too many Christian men, wealth or rank possessing, need to be reminded of that. Even when I’m feeling down let no one say that this Jewish atheist makes war on Christmas, even when I say, “Whee Festivus!” I know how to keep Christmas well, if any man possesses the knowledge. As Tiny Tim observed, “The Flying Spaghetti Monster bless us, every one.” The editors made Dickens change that; this is the original.
Wise Madness 