30 May 2008
by 
14 CommentsOne of the things I’ve always loved about the idea of living/staying in the city is street performers.
Right now there is a saxophonist playing down in the street outside my window. He’s very good, playing a sweet jazz that is calming and enjoyable but not intrusive. A part of me wants to go down and drop a big tip into his case but another just wants to relax here, listening.
Street Performer from the corner of 7th and Flower, if you ever come across this post, I truly appreciated your wonderful music today.
I decided to give the Book Expo a miss today. My mind still whirls from the incredible experience of the Writer’s Conference yesterday and I’m kicking back in my hotel room, inspired and creative.
The city is a magical place to be a writer.
When I glance out of the window I can watch workmen on the roof across the street. Their bright shirts and hard hats reflect the sun and their sure feet walk the sloping roof and batton walkways with a confident gait. One leans down on one knee over the edge of the building to take another plank from the workman below him. No ropes, just a sureness of foot that experience commands.
Traffic shuttles through the streets below. Buses have a familiar lurch and squeel and horns blare from time to time as busy drivers scuttle about their business. Where are they going? What does this day bring to them? What life do they lead?
It is so nice to simply sit, listen, and ponder. Isn’t it amazing that doing this, right now, is considered working? Sometimes I imagine this as the life I could have had, a lonely writer sitting up in her one room apartment above the city streets, writing, and listening to life passing by down below.
Instead? This is my vacation, and I’m choosing to work because writing is deep in my heart and soul. Instead, I have so much more, and this as well. I am truly blessed.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
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What a vivid, inspiring post, Rebecca! I can just ’see’ you sitting up in your room, gazing out your window (like a little girl peering out at onto the school playground daydreaming–instead of doing her studies–only you’re working as you gaze out!). I can faintly hear the soft music you describe…
Girl, your writing is captivating! I long to one day read your novel(s).
Enjoy your vacation, absorb all the inspiration you can, and keep us posted! Indeed, you are blessed, and we are SO blessed to be able to experience this with you. You’re such an inspiration, such a special friend. You deserve all the best!
Keep shining!
*smiles and hugs*
Michele
Oops! Excuse my typo: (at onto the school playground)! Sometimes I type faster than my brain works!
*giggles*
Lovely post, Rebecca. Enjoy the rest of your break.
Fantastic post, Rebecca. I felt as though I was sitting next to you, watching the busyness of your city unfold as you did.
And yet, how amazing to think the magic of a place is as individual as the writer herself. Your scenario – especially with the jazz musician – sounds lovely, but my ideal circumstance is with virtual silence. Someplace peaceful, with little to draw my attention away.
Hope all is well!
Been missin’ ya, Rebecca!
Hope you’re on your way back to blogger land with a fantabulous post!
*smiles*
Michele
What a great post, you truly set the image with your words. I find inspiration in both the city and the country when writing…just different directions of inspiration
*pouts*
Did you fall out your window, Rebecca? Inquiring minds want to know.
We miss you! Can I get anyone to second that?
*trying to smile*
Michele
Of course I’ll second that. Hope all is well, Rebecca, and that you are just busy with other exciting things.
Great post. I wish my city was so alive.
It sounds like you’re enjoying your vacation here in the U.S. Like you, I’m intrigued by city life and I actually have a big old crush on New York even though I’ve never been there. So much to see and do, and the interesting people! I do live near a major city so I’ve been able to spend a lot of time in the urban atmosphere and I’ve been to L.A. several times. It’s really something!
You’ve captured in words that lyrical jazz tune that portrays the movement and chaos inherent in jazz, the same one that soothes us without intruding. Beautiful.
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