Transported to Another Time, The Innkeeper Got Away In More Ways Than One ..................4/21/12

      Hello fellow denizens of this inn,

The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco

How was your end of the week, day?  For me, it was sunny, invigorating, diverse and entertaining. I'm still dressed up---my sports coat is on---having just got home after being in San Francisco. I was disoriented while there: the
weather was one distraction: it was warm, at night, an unusual occurrence, for that city which is usually chilly at night. 

      Many people strolled through the hilly streets, cable cars clanked their bells rhythmically, its occupants stood, hanging on the sides of these creaking vehicles of yesteryear. Many riders were tourists taking in the view of this city by the bay as they were pulled "halfway to the stars."
       Speaking of which, I hadn't seen so many women wearing skirts and high hills in months. Some of those skirts could have passed for tunics.  Yep, that diverted my attention, too.  Wow.  lol  (And smiling).  Spring has sprung.  :)  

My Gratitudes for Saturday:

1. I had lunch with a woman I met the previous Saturday.
        The time went well. I'm thankful when conversations flow and humor punctuates the time shared. While having lunch, my guest served me, getting my silverware, my glass, water and  napkin for me. The cafe was that type of place.
         She did it with a gracious smile. I believe we reflect our character with every breath we take, in every action we take. I was impressed. 

2. Tonight, for her birthday, I took a friend out for dinner in San Francisco.
      After that, we hunted for a parking space near the Fairmont Hotel, our ultimate destination. The music we wanted to listen to takes place there.  Finding a spot to wedge our car in the crowded city was an experience.  I swear, I believe it would be easier to find an eyetooth in a worm than to uncover a parking space in that lovely but car-congested city.
    The roar of different taxis zooming up to our car, their drivers laying on their horns if we didn't move fast enough, provided plenty of laughs for Anne and I.

This is where Anne and I celebrated her birthday and heard live music. 

3. I love listening to live music.
    Eric Shifrin, the pianist and I are friends. There's something about jazz played on the piano that I love. There was a time when, for years, I'd hear him and his trio at the Fairmont every Saturday.
     A couple of years ago he was voted the best piano player in San Francisco by San Francisco Magazine. I eventually hired him when I needed excellent jazz music to entertain clients for a special event, when I directed an organization.

4. The sights, sounds, refreshments, the company I shared and entire environment at the Fairmont Hotel made for a fantastic, relaxing ideal evening.
5. I nurtured my soul, spirit, eyes and ears. I decompressed from stress by allowing my inner child to get caught up with the wonder of an evening spent in San Francisco.
Transported to Another Era Today
An Unexpected Tranquil Moment While Writing The Ancient Way
        In preparation for tonight's event, I wrote a card for the birthday girl, Anne. It's been awhile since I actually wrote for a person the ancient way, using cursive handwriting. Did you know that many young people don't know how to do that?  With texting, computers and smart phones, today's generation knows how to print, but not how to write cursively.  Surprising, isn't it?

       When I was a kid, it was mandatory. I have scars on my body from the wackings of rulers by the Sister of Mercy, to prove it.
       It took me forty-two minutes to write what I scribed upon Anne's card. I found it a meditative, and calming exercise.
       Time slowed down as I penned thoughts with my good, not my writing-notes-to-myself writing. The pen caressed the card. I became aware of the ink rolling onto its surface. That's not as common event, nowadays. It's becoming a lost art.
      Writing cursively is not like using my laptop---goofs remain, I can't delete them.  Making the strokes of each letter slowed the pace of those minutes as I wrote, investing in the friendship of my friend. At that moment, I felt more alive.
       I  was aware of my breaths as I expressed myself, choosing what to capture on that card. The pace of my day screeched to a halt.  I was in my body.
       My consciousness slowed down to where I became aware of each stroke I placed upon the card. I felt serene and in touch with life. I was giving of myself to a friend.
       I felt so transported to another time, that I used the word "score."  Not dashing off thoughts with a mechanical keyboard made me sensitive to my thoughts and feelings as I expressed in ink my appreciation.
       Snail mail and birthday cards are occasions becoming more rare. I'm glad I invested in the time. I discovered it wasn't for her sake that I wrote it, but mine.
So, How About You? 
1. What is getting your attention, right now? I told you about my distractions. What events remove you from the everyday humdrum of life?
2. How many of you have been to San Francisco? If you have, please share one of your experiences.
3. I know many of you don't live in the Bay Area. What city do you go to, when you go out on the town? Please tell me about your favorite neighboring city.
4. Today I took care of me and spent time with a friend. What are you doing to nurture yourself. I'd love hearing your ideas. Your thoughts might inspire others and me to do the same.
       Thank  you for dropping by,