High school writing

I continue to go weekly to Manhattan Bridges, a high school on the West side midtown of Manhattan, as a volunteer to help kids wi5h writing essays for their college applications. At the risk of repeating myself, I like this school because it houses immigrant kids from Latin America, and few enough that they don't get lost. The majority seems to come from the Dominican Republic; I've met some from Ecuador and Mexico as well. Some have been here for years, but most seem to have arrived in the last 3-4 years, many without good English or any English, many from a family with divorced parents, in which case a mother or father may remain in the native country. Though they dress well, these kids are just about none rich. Given that what they write are personal essays, to open a window on themselves, remarkable stories emerge. One I heard this week was from a girl who had just given birth to a baby daughter only a couple of months ago--and here she was back in school and looking hardly different from other seniors. Her family wanted her to abort the child; she was resolved to keep the baby, and did. So many bumpy tales! Some kids in that school impress as industrious and up to the challenge of writing (not easy to begin with) in a language not their first. And some hang their heads and more or less stay awake. Not so different from teenagers everywhere. I've preached that as long as they're willing to work, I'm willing to help. Nothing in my life today--not even my own writing--gives me as much satisfaction as the day I spend at Bridges, especially when I see a light clearly turning on. Those kids are deserving.

Leaves changing

"Autumn in New York" goes the song that evokes a mood perfect for the season--lovely, melodic, a touch sad. The jackets have come out of the closet and gotten buttoned. Scarves welcomed around the neck. Soon gloves too--or already in use. It's not like any other season, a time both exciting for what happens in the city and melancholy for the days that have shortened. The sun shoots its rays only around corners, sends warmth but intermittently and not to be depended on. Yesterday a friend invited me to an exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art, and I planned to leave early enough to take the 5th Avenue bus, a rare event. I boarded at 77th Street and for twenty-five blocks was dazzled by the colors in Central Park. That park which is so well cared for rewards the city with outrageous bursts of yellow and orange and brown leaves--not much green left at all. I wanted everyone to see them, knowing their show will close soon. This was happening in New York City, not Vermont Vermont not needed.

Birthdays

November brings Scorpio time and clusters of birthdays unlike any other season. (Why do I know so many Scorpios??) It's a brisk time, fall here for sure, time turned back an hour and very early sunsets. For me the month is happy and somewhat melancholy, since mine is one of the Scorpio birthdays. If you weren't watching time passing, you're thrown a clear reminder. My great nephew Jeremy was born a few days from mine on the calendar, just as I was turning 60. So I will always know how old he is--me less 60. That's a substantial gap, but he's smart and good and if I'm glad of that marker with anyone, I'm glad it's he. My niece Elissa's birthday is also a few days from mine. She isn't 60 years younger--thank goodness--but younger enough that I remain (by her choice) "Uncle" Stanley. It's a loving title, makes one think there should be an Uncle's Day. It's great that birthdays come--and go--hut do they have to come so fast? In a week I'll mark off another year. I remember when I was in college that friends and I used to have a symbolic calendar burning party at the end of each month. We actually celebrated time going by? Were we nuts?

Writing help

I write, and though not officially a writing teacher, I help others do the same. They fall into two groups, age opposites. At the older end are some seniors who gather on Friday mornings at a neighborhood center on Manhattan's East Side, and who come to write a "memoir." This collective has gone on for a couple of years, writing under the most elastic definition of memoir--most anything about their lives. None of the people are professional writers, but all have gotten bitten by the bug, writing short pieces for their children or grandchildren, or just themselves. Everyone reads aloud, and offers friendly criticism. They have clearly improved. The other group are high school seniors whom I try to guide in writing personal essays for college applications. These are not wealthy private school kids; they're from immigrant families, mostly Latin American (and often undocumented). They are destined mostly for city or state universities--some quite good. They face the double challenge of writing--who ever thought that was easy--and in a language not their first. I warn them that they almost certainly won't get the work right the first time, and they moan and finally get into the groove, some at least. If they persist, produced come strikingly good stories. The teacher has gotten his pay. On a tax return nothing to declare but satisfaction.

Frick collection

The Frick collection on Fifth Avenue grows ever more incomparable. It boasts paintings of Vermeer, Rembrandt, Hals and others on loan for a few months from The Hague in the Netherlands. If you're a member you waltz in; if not, you need a timed reservation and pay a steep entrance fee. But it's an exhibit you don't want to miss...gorgeous.

Examples for volunteering

Years ago my friend Len Graivier, a pediatric surgeon in Dallas, was asked to help on the March of Dimes. He did that for a long time and was joined by his wife Pauline who went on to be nationally recognized in the organization. Len died last year but Pauline has continued with M.O.D. and the two are being honored this week with a major fundraising event in Dallas. They set an example for me as people generous with time and energy and smarts, supporting an organization that continued long after the initial concern with polio ended.

Brooklyn Historical Society

On Saturday I went to Pierrepont Street in Brooklyn Heights to the Brooklyn Historical Society for a lovely program of vocal music of Benjamin Britten. The late 1800's building is grand, of the sort certainly not built today, with plenty to see and a library open part of the week. Worth the visit, it deserves to be known outside Brooklyn.

Al Hirschfeld Drawings

Anyone who's lived in NY for the past half century (plus plenty of others) knows the line drawings of Al Hirschfeld, who recorded with his wry and astute pen persons from the world of theater and music and film, but mostly theater. Week afrer week, they would appear on the front page of the Sunday NY Times arts section, and bring to life people you wanted to "see" of that time. They were witty and sharp and went on seemingly without end. Hirschfeld lived almost a hundred years, and the NY Public Library has just opened an exhibit of his work in their Lincoln Center branch. I met Mr.Hirschfeld about 15 years ago and asked for his autograph to give to my niece Elissa who, growing up, would sit with me and search the artist's drawings in the Sunday paper, searching for the "Nina" (his daughter) whose name was always planted somewhere in the work. There is a plaque on the front of the house on 95th St. between Park and Lexington where Hirschfeld lived and worked. He famously drew in a barber's chair on the top floor, a chair part of the new exhibition. It's a wonderful exhibit at the library--joyous, nostalgic. Not to miss.

Great book (not mine!)

Early this year I heard of a new gay men's book club that meets once a month in the East Village in Manhattan. Would that survive, I wondered? Enough gay readers to meet seemed like a long shot to skeptical me. But there are, and the club does survive. We gather in the art gallery of Jon Tomlinson. Jon is the shepherd of the group, and I've told him that he must send out strong positive vibes, because every month a core of 10-12 men attend with smart, thoughtful comments on the book chosen the previous month that they really have read. The books are gay-themed and not. I like the discussions, the comradarie and the obligation to finish a book in time for the meeting. (There was one Communist-era Russian novel that I couldn't "do" and confessed my stopping halfway through.) This month's book is "Necessary Errors," a new, first novel by Caleb Crain, published by Penguin Books. It focuses on a young gay American who goes to Prague in 1990, just after the end of Communism, his exploration of the city, his romances and attachment to a group of five or six other expatriates from different countries. Crain is a gay man who lives in Brooklyn (says Google), and he is a superb writer. The New Yorker gave the book a great review, so mine is less notable, but I add my kudos and hope the book captures lots of prizes.

Long time not here

The year 2010 last post? Ay!! It's now October 2013, walking is slower but brain is still working. I've celebrated an 80th birthday and soon it will be 81. The book referred to in 2010, "Ten Ways to Your Cat's Happiness," came out that year, makinq No. 5 for me. In print in the next couple of months will be my sixth book, "Life Up Close, A Memoir." For it I've reverted to non-fiction and included 23 essays, some old, some newer, several published in magazines. The chapters are fairly numerous but the lengths fairly short. It will contain a dozen or so photos, mostly old, and a terrific cover by Daniel Gabrielli, a talented designer. Publisher will be Dog Ear Publishing. I won't wait another three years to be back here.

Thanksgiving - Chanukah

It's the weekend of Thanksgiving, and I've visited with my nephew Arden and his lover Dru, here from California. We've grown closer with time, and as I age this becomes more important. Even my great nephew Jonathan, Arden's son, now in his mid-thirties, and I have started to know each other. Lacking my own lover, these connections grow in value,
This is also one year when Thanksgiving and Chanukah almost intersect; the Jewish holiday begins in a few days. Both celebrate important moments, and (I'd like to think) narrow any gap between secular and religious events.
I'm really enjoying my new connection with Jonah Rank, first-year student at the Jewish Theological Seminary, who comes here as a "Chavrutah," teacher/study partner. We read and freely tear apart Biblical stories, so far some from Genesis that do read rather like soap operas. It's not yet clear what benefit for my own life I should get from these tales, but I believe there is benefit and I accept them as wonderful narratives. Jonah too becomes a supportive young player in my aging life.
Days have now gotten colder and daylight shorter, a sure sign of oncoming winter. I search for joy.

Birthday

This week was my birthday--not only mine, but several people I know--all Scorpios, good luck. For me it was number 78, a combination of two digits that sound nice together even if they sound certainly old. Not for the first time do I marvel at how quickly such events arrive.
I've begun, tentatively, to look into retirement-type places. It was the suggestion of my loving niece Elissa who I know was NOT trying to shovel me into a grave, only too help me avoid being caught short if the need should arise for a change. I've seen two such places here in Manhattan, one preferable to the other, and it is--bottom line--a place that is do-able. I'm not ready for such a move, don't need to make such a move, but I see that putting the idea on my radar is a good thing, and not easy. A lot of mental moving will be needed before any physical move follows.

My New Video Interview

Ten Ways to Your Cat's Happiness: A Novel from Suraj Das on Vimeo.

Hey guys, please check out this new video interview about my latest novel, "Ten Ways to Your Cat's Happiness"

High Holy Days

Last year, and this, were the first in decades that I attended services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. They were at a Reform synagogue on the Upper West Side, a large congregation with services that employ considerable Hebrew. A dynamic rabbi, superb cantor, and exceptional choir (some prayers sung a cappella). Moments of tears and some of laughter, and I walk out uplifted, not at all like the feeling when I was young and obliged to attend synagogue. I'm pleased to re-find, or maybe just find, such satisfaction, something my mother said would happen (and which I ignored for years).

Author interview video

The world turns...and I worked this week with a young graduate of the NYU Film School, who is doing an author interview video, I being the author. I'm paying to have this done through iUniverse, which has published my new book. They will send out the video to sll kinds of places with a press release, hoping it will generate reviews of the book. I can also use the video on my site, You Tube, and wherever.
The young filmmaker is Suraj, Indian background, and he came here Thursday with pounds of photographic equipment. We filmed for several hours in my living room and then, at my bedroom desk. He asked questions, I supplied answers. His voice will be deleted from the video
Suraj, who isn't yet 25, has already gotten an NEA grant to do a film and landed the job to do me, with a film company. He is strikingly determined, inexhaustible. Did lots of takes and re-takes. We managed to persuade my cat Sis to participate. The next day Suraj and I traveled up to the Columbia University neighborhood, which is featured prominently in my book, to do outdoor shots--many, many.
I spoke w/him today, and he is sounding pleased with what he has. I hope to see it, maybe in rough cut, before it's done and sent in. The whole thing needs to be boiled down to about 2 minutes, which is too bad because he certainly has TONS of material!

New website, new book

This has been a crazy time. Together with a talented designer, Adrienne Weiss, I have finished a lot of work on a redone website, now online at www.stanleyely.com. It prominently features and has links to my new book, "Ten Ways to Your Cat's Happiness: A Novel," from iUniverse Publishers, designated an Editor's Choice book.
The book is also now out. It runs a little over 200 pages, which seems short considering the time for writing (about two years), editing, proofreading that went into it. I've received a sample of the paperback and hardcover versions, and save a little printing issue on the paperback, they look fine. The cover is wonderful, designed by Anita Merk of Flyleaf, and it contains five really cute line drawings (of cats) done by Aleks Gryczon. It's for sale at Amazon.
Marketing--the hard part--begins. I've written to dozens of people, enlarged my presence on Facebook, hired a designer to do a promotional post card, and committed to doing a book video/press release with iUniverse. That hasn't started yet, should soon--and I hope will generate enough notice to justify a significant expenditure.
The whole project, in fact, is proving expensive, but I think all worthwhile investments. It's the best book I've done--and for sure the last novel!!--so I want to give it its best shot. We'll see.........

Uncle's Day, I say

Today is June 20, Father's Day in the U.S.A., and a worthy institution. I'd like to put in a bid for an Uncle's Day too, especially for those of us who aren't fathers.

I'm uncle to several guys and girls and, to many of their friends too, to whom I'm forever known as "Uncle Stanley" (last name unmentioned). Uncle's Day doesn't need to be cause for gifts or contributions to some swell charity, just an acknowledgment that uncles too can have a positive impact on a niece or nephew.

Lacking a good relationship with my father, while he was alive, I now have a good relationship with my Uncle Morris, age 100, nearly 101. He will be the last of his generation in my family, and I've come to sit in awe of his longevity and clarity of mind. He's become a sort-of-fill-in-Father.

Come to think of it, I should have called to wish him a Happy Uncle's Day today.

Barbers and Shavuot

Recently I've been going to a Russian/Israeli barber, Russell, who got pinned with an American name. He works near the high school on the West Side of Manhattan where I go to volunteer. He's funny and likeable.
Yesterday two bearded young Orthodox Jews were in the shop when I arrived, come to lay tefillin on Russell and his partner in advance of Shavuot, which celebrates Moses' receiving the ten commandments at Sinai, and which began last night.
Russell is no more a devout Jew than I, maybe even less, since he asks me questions to which I have no sure answer. But there he and his partner were, being wrapped in the straps that are attached to two leather boxes that contain Torah passages--performing a hallowed act of faith and devotion.
What a town this is, I thought! Just needing a haircut, I find two bearded Hasidim helping two young Russian/Israeli guys celebrate a serious old Jewish tradition--in a Manhattan barbershop!

Writing moving on

An online literary magazine, "Perigee," to which I submitted an article, published it last week in an April issue. It's, of all things, an Army story, called "I Grew Up With Running Water." If interested, please go to the site of perigee-art.com., then to Non-Fiction. Take a look; I think you'll enjoy the piece.

My novel, "Ten Ways to Your Cat's Happiness," is moving along. I've received really complimentary feedback of a revised manuscript from iUniverse, with, however, the suggestion for line editing. So I've agreed to pay the publisher for that, and it's underway now. That may move the book to classification as Editor's Choice which may or may not be significant.

The cover design is almost done, and illustrations for the book also. I like both very much. The website designer out West didn't work out, so I've started again, with a local designer (which I feel better about). With luck, the site will be done before long and the book out by early summer. This will be my fifth book, and the best I've done. Can't wait to find it between covers.

Springtime here

It's already mid-April, and Manhattan glows with tulips, daffodils, and lots of trees in welcome bloom.
I received the manuscript of my book back from iUniverse with compliments and lots of suggestions, and after some discussion with one of their reps chose to do correcting on my own. Now that version has gone back for another editorial evaluation (this one I pay for). I've worked so much on that book, more than any other, and I'm satisfied with where it is. I hope they are too, and that they don't ask for further editing, at my expense (though that's sort of doubtful).
At the same time, a book cover design is underway, and I should see ideas soon. Likewise designs for a build-up of my website, being done by a designer in Minneapolis. (Strange as it seems, I struck out on finding someone in New York.)
Awhile ago I developed a lot of pain in one leg, result of spinal stenosis. I got a cortisone injection a couple of weeks ago, which had very good results. While the pain was going on, I decided to cancel a trip to the Galapagos, which would have ended just now. I regret missing that amazing part of the world, but I didn't want to undertake walking on rocks and marshy lands if walking wasn't good. Being home these weeks has been productive.
I'm hoping the new (or just updated) website will help me make better use of this blog, its links, and the internet altogether.
Meanwhile, happy springtime.