brilliant brilliant day.

the talk went off w/o a hitch , then went for lunch at the blue plate diner with yuka, and her husband paul, and elijah (kid, named in part b/c it is an anglo name easily pronounceable in japan. (tuna melt, cesar to drink, beet cake)

after lunch, a few minutes in their hotel room, then 124th street, we only had a chance to go to high street (including elephants, carols sweets, notables, etc), then ikea.

a couple of things--the conversation flowed quick and easy, with some pretty quick intimacy, excellent laughter, and some kind of domestic tourism that always makes me feel incredibly grateful.

paul is a neurologist, and his discussion of mental illness in relation to shrinks was invaluable...yuka was gentle, and v. v. funny--& the kid, the kid was masterful--curious, often quiet, i dont kow, at 3 months, it was pretty cool.

b/w yesterday and today--i am feeling comfortable with my place in the arts scene, what e ver that is.

(also bought elijah two books, both tin tin, because kids need tin tin.)