April 5th on the LIRR towards NYC

Monday after an extended vacation, is like living through a fog. Come to think of it yesterday morning, Easter Sunday began with a fog. We woke up sort of late, enough time to make the 9 AM service, but entirely missed the sunrise service at Cedar beach. I’m curious to know who was there, how many attended? Joe and Diana met us at church and we sat upstairs. Afterwards, we had a delicious brunch at Lombardi’s on the sound and posed for our portraits on the deck overlooking the Long Island Sound.
This was Dr. Rev Diane’s last Sunday before a three month sabbatical, and we vowed not to speak to her during this break, but of course I thought, she doesn’t know about Killer Commute, but she will. There’s that loss. The feeling that I can’t speak to someone, or see something ever again, like seeing an animal on the verge of extinction on display in a zoo – there is a sense of panic. This is different. She will be back in July in time for the chicken BBQ and I sound just like a country bumpkin. She will know about the novel in her time. I remember when we were in Guatemala; she told me she needed a break. Breaks are good. Being a church leader must be hard, like being the sole parent for hundreds, offering guidance and spiritual nourishment. I hope she enjoys this time, gardening and fining peace amongst the soil and herbs. Maybe she’d teach us a few things when she gets back?

April 3rd 2010 on the Bridgeport Ferry

We’re pulling out of Bridgeport of the ferry. It’s a little chilly. The sun is out, but a good steady breeze is washing over us. Joe and Bella are up on the top deck with me. We’re coming back from a day at the Eric Carle museum, and spending an hour in Amherst, Mass. The hour was spent in the Amherst bookstore which sells used books in the basement. I found two novels – both signed by Richard Elman, Lilo’s diary and another old one. Both were inscribed to the same person back in 1969. I don’t think there are many of his books that we’re not signed. Richard was my mentor, my adopted father for a few years and I was the son and struggling writer he felt sorry for. Our relationship was more of a friendship and I miss him to this day. I’d rather not think of the last time we saw each other.
I wanted to get in an entry since I’ve completed going through the suggested edits the editor has made and was surprised by how much she missed. For that reason, Ali is going over mine as well and then I’d send them off to the editor. It still needs to pass through the copy editor.
Thinking back to Amherst, and this is a town I could vacation in. Not just for the Eric Carle museum which we visit – twice a year, but for the history and the charm of this New England town. I remember visiting Carla Eve while she was a freshman up at Hampshire the fall in ’84, and how I wanted to go home the next day since Carla broke up with me. She apologized for being so insensitive, years later.
This wind is too much. It’s too chilly for me and I may make an escape from this.
So, back to the novel, Killer Commute is still on for a June release. I’m thinking it may be a July release.
There are too many people up here. I need a quiet place.