Good news, you get to read an idiot story. Until the Wise Madness market research department tells me otherwise, I will assume that the thing My Gentle Readers most want to read about is me being an idiot. My supervisor agrees. She also supervisors the production of Gord’s Gold. I don’t mind the supervision, I can use that, but I could do without the allergic reaction.
I’ve been watching the Tune Supply virtual Irish Sessions for months. I love them and have come to consider the leaders, Caitlyn and Chris friends. A month ago, they announced that they would go back to doing live sessions at Mary O’s. I immediately put it on my calendar. I always mean to go to more Irish sessions, and this feels like the one for me. It’s even easy to get to, a short distance from Rockwood Music Hall, an hour on the subway. Thursdays Nicole Atkins concert was rained out and here was my chance to not just hear live music but to meet friends in person. I was also looking forward to having “THE JAMES BOHAN BURGER w/Bacon, Pineapple, Irish Cheddar, Ketchonaise & Hand Cut Fries.” Guess which ingredient I planned on leaving off. Pineapple no more belongs on a burger than it does on a pizza. I love pub food. The trip down there had a small delay, so I got there at 8:05 instead of 8:00. That’s no big deal at a session, they go on for hours. It’s not like a concert. My original plan was to get there early so I could introduce myself to Caitlin and Chris. I’d recognize them immediately as I see them on my computer screen every week. They only see me as a thumbnail on my posts, so I did not expect to be recognized.
I got there, walked in, and asked where the session was. “That was yesterday; the sessions are on Thursdays.” I knew that but put the wrong date on my calendar. Did I mention that I’m an idiot? My first reaction was dejection and self-anger. I left and started walking back to the subway. After walking a few blocks, I realized I was walking in the wrong direction. I turned around and when I got back to Mary O’s my brain had a change of state and selfcare kicked in. Just because I missed the session that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the pub food. There were some outdoor tables and the people at one of them referred to the server as Mary. I asked if she were the eponymous Mary O. It was! I had corresponded with her, and she knew who I was. I was rewarded for my change of heart before I got my food by meeting the delightful Mary. I chose a table on the sidewalk and watched the world go by as I ate and listened to the Met game. The James Bohan Burger was as good as it sounds. The Mets not only won but they scored 10 runs in one inning. After dinner Mary took some pictures of me to send to Caitlin and Chris. I then kept up with the selfcare by getting a walk in. Instead of heading to the nearby Second Ave stop I walked crosstown from Avenue A to 6th Avenue to catch the D there. It was a beautiful night and I got to do more people watching. I used to often go to the Village just to walk around and I still enjoy it. I even took a detour through Washington Square Park.
I had good timing as it just started to rain as I got near Sixth. It was at the gentle summer shower phase where it was still pleasant to walk. I think it got worse once I was inside. I know there was a rain delay at Citi Field.
I got home around 11 and after taking care of a few things recorded Gord’s Gold and sent it to Folk Music Notebook. Today I have to notify the artists. I started with an idiot story, but this ended up being a genuinely nice evening. I’m upset I missed he session, but I’ll go back next week. Caitlin and Chris are in Alaska for the summer, so I won’t get to meet them until September. Anything worth doing is worth waiting for. So much of happiness is perspective. It’s worth the effort to look on the bright side of life.
Wise Madness 