introducing the players

What really characterizes New York for me is the people. I suppose you could say the same about any city, but there is a certain je ne sais quoi here that makes it more noticeable than, say, London, Paris, or Rome (or Mobile). Each of the latter—yes, even Mobile—has such deep history and resplendent beauty that can be focused on instead of the masses of mere mortals that roam the streets. The people that make up New York, however, simply cannot be ignored. In my short two weeks here, I have seen and met so many, many crazy people that I am astounded and even suspicious when I meet a normal one. What are they hiding? These are the characters I have read about or seen in movies but never actually believed existed. From the man I pass every day on the way home from work on the street corner in front of Madison Square Garden demanding “A penny? A penny? A PENNY!” to the monomaniacs in the crosswalks, these people are crazy…plain and simple. I have begun to realize that I am in the small minority of people whose mamas taught them to stay to the right side of the sidewalk, that it is rude to holler at people as they walk by, and that Affliction t-shirts do not qualify as business casual (Jersey intern). I have seen knock-down-drag-out-fights and intense make-ups, hair and clothes that would make Gaga cringe, and enough tangible lunacy to sink a ship.

I have encountered many of these nuts at my author events. The first of this week’s events was a huge ordeal. It was for the release of a new cult self-help book/DVD/CD called The Gift. There were over 700 people who came to be photographed on the red carpet and hear the authors speak. The Gift is basically a charismatic movement lead by a guy who “wandered around and partied” for 23 years “searching” for his true self, his Gift. (after a certain point it’s not a spiritual thing—it’s freaking lazy. Get a job.) Early in the book, the author says that he does not endorse a higher being, but that instead the Gift is what we long to find within ourselves. For the rest of the presentation/book/DVD, he talks about the “Gift” in the same way that most of us think or talk about God, all the while denying his existence. The disillusionment present in not only the speaker but also the audience who devoured his words and immediately ran outside to purchase his rhinestone encrusted paintings and self-help books was truly disturbing to me. I didn’t get back to the office until after midnight, and as I walked home on the quiet streets I thought about how very, very thankful I am for my family and friends and to know that as long as I have y’all, I will never be as lost as many of the people I met that night.

After such a long, emotionally draining night, I was thrilled to find that my next event was at an old Episcopal church on Wall Street. It was exactly what I needed. The event was with a children’s author, and I finally met some people with whom I was more connected (so what if they were 4 years old). The Trinity community center was a bright, open space where anyone can drop in and hang out. You know how in commercials and advertisements they gather a wide spectrum of races and ethnicities? Well as it turns out, that is an accurate depiction of life in the city. I had more children from different backgrounds sitting on my knees, reading me stories, and telling me secrets that day than I could possibly keep track of, but it was definitely my best day of work yet.

Today my event was at the Society of Mechanical Engineers. The book was really interesting—it was about the first steamboat built in America. I loved that the author was truly passionate about the subject. He had studied and researched the steamboat and its captain for years. The joy that emanated from him as he talked about his book was contagious! This made me realize even more how phony The Gift and its author are. Talking to him, it was easy to tell that his primary concern was the profit garnered by book and merchandise sales. The author of Steamboat Coffin had no need for breathing rituals (to get rid of evil spirits) or cheesy sob sessions punctuating his speech. His simple passion for the subject was sufficiently engaging. The attendees of the Mechanical Engineering Society were similarly enjoyable company; all the old men wanted to discuss their steamboat experiences with me and said that if they were my age they would like to take me dancing in the city. They were so precious!

After work, Emily and I went to a place called High Line Park. We got ice cream and walked on a boardwalk that is suspended about three stories high and runs next to an old railroad line parallel to the river. It afforded us the most beautiful view of the city lights, and is definitely my favorite place here by far. I am going to wake up early to see my boy Kenny Chesney in a few hours, so I will catch up with y’all later!

P.S. The ultimate “Gift” is love. Spoiler alert.