I’ve been feeling a bit off today. Could it be all the wine that was drunk last night at the party? Nah, it’s just that today reality has set in. You see, the party we went to last night was a good bye party for one of my best friends, Christine. Next weekend she and her husband leave for New York to begin a new life adventure, and while I’m extremely excited for them I know I’m going to miss my friend.
Christine and I go way back. We met in high school English class, and probably my first memory of her is when we read Romeo & Juliet out loud in class and she had to read Juliet’s part. She was good. See, even literature played a major role in our friendship.
From then on, we’ve shared laughter, tears and triumphs. Our own adventures have involved everything from going to poetry readings (she introduced me to the poetry of Pablo Neruda) and book singings (we met Ethan Hawke) to traveling around Europe for a month. I know we’ll find a way to share more adventures and this won’t be the first time we live in different cities but it still doesn’t make it any easier.
I know that with her endless curiosity and zest for life she will conquer N.Y., and I’ll be eagerly awaiting her stories and beautiful photos, at least until I go visit her. For today I just want to share this New York poem for Christine and wish this wonderful couple all the best in their new home.
This is the quiet hour; the theaters
Have gathered in their crowds, and steadily
The million lights blaze on for few to see,
Robbing the sky of stars that should be hers.
A woman waits with bag and shabby furs,
A somber man drifts by, and only we
Pass up the street unwearied, warm and free,
For over us the olden magic stirs.
Beneath the liquid splendor of the lights
We live a little ere the charm is spent;
This night is ours, of all the golden nights,
The pavement an enchanted palace floor,
And Youth the player on the viol, who sent
A strain of music thru an open door.
~ Broadway by Sara Teasdale
It’s at times like this that you realise just how integral good friends are to our lives, isn’t it? But you clearly know that real friendship transcends all separation. And you have wonderful visits to look forward to as well.
Aw, what a bittersweet post.
She sounds like a wonderful friend. It’s too bad that she will be leaving far away from you, but fortunately these days it’s easier to keep in touch. Still, I understand how you’re feeling 🙁
PS: How cool that you met Ethan Hawke!
Awwwh Chica, I tell you I felt really off yesterday myself. I love that poem!! Although I am excited about New York and everything it holds there is that sadness of being away from the people I love.
I had to laugh at some of the things you mentioned. Romeo&Juliet and remember that laurel crown of flowers she made me where to really take on the part! hahaha. The trip around Europe (too many hills!) and well, we have so many wonderful stories and memories. I am truly blessed with our friendship.
I know we will both continue to have wonderful experiences and even though I won’t always be able to share them with you in person you know I always carry you close in my heart. I look forward to our future visits, adventures and stories – I know we still have plenty of good ones coming!
Can’t wait to see you tomorrow night….
Now, you have a good excuse to visit NYC some more and pick up a lot of good books. You and Christine can go to the 92nd Y to listen to some literary greats and also the Merc Library
http://www.mercantilelibrary.org/index.php
Awww, I’m sorry to hear that you’ll be in different cities, but I do feel sure you’ll still talk and share your lives often. My friends and I have had to adjust and it sucks, but we make the best of it we can.
Hugs!
Ann Darnton – Absolutely! And, I am already thinking of places I want to go visit with her. I guess I better let her get settled in though 🙂
Chrisbookarama – 🙂
Nymeth – She is the best. We went to Ethan Hawke’s book signing for his novel The Hottest State. It was hilarious. I think everyone there had copies of his movies for him to sign and we were the only ones there with the book! ha,ha..
Christine – Oh the hills! I almost forgot about those.. ha,ha.. I may just have to bring some pictures tomorrow to do a bit more reminiscing. Can’t wait to see you!
Isabel – Ooh, I’ve not gone to that library – Christine did you get that 🙂 I am looking forward to seeing other parts of NY aside from the tourist spots.
Andi – Thank goodness for email right! A lot of my friends have moved so it sucks but luckily we had good solid friendships so even though we may be miles apart we are still in touch and still as good a friends as ever.
Aw, I’m sorry your pal is moving away. I’ve been on both sides and it’s always a bit harder for the one not leaving. When you move, there’s so much excitement about the unknown. When you stay, you’re already established in your life and routine, so the absence is felt more intensely. I’ll be thinking of you. Thank goodness email and cellphone calls are more prevalent now than ever before. Take care, Iliana. Hugs to you.
I understand how you feel, Iliana. It’s always sad when our good friends are moving away… but like what Nymeth said, it’s fortunate that these days it’s easier to keep in touch.
How exciting for her……and sad for you…. But, now you have an excuse to visit NY.
MISS YOU!!!!
Les in NE – Thank goodness for email and cellphones right! I think I just am feeling a bit of the “everyone is leaving me behind” thing. Thank you for the hugs – I can always use those 🙂
Melody – I think I also feel it more intensely as we get older. Somehow it does become harder (at least I feel it has) to make friends. Everyone is so busy, etc. so when your best friends move away you think you’ll be all alone. I still have friends here but I just want to keep everyone together 🙂
Nancy – You are blogging again?! I’ve missed your posts tons. I hope you are doing great! Oh and you bet I’ll be going to NY 🙂
This sounds like a friendship made to last, so I’m sure you’ll remain close. But good (old!) friends are so special – I know you’ll miss having her close by.
I love the poem – it’s perfect for the occasion.
It’s sad when really good friends move away. While there’ll always be visits, emails, phone calls…it’s never quite the same from hopping into a car or cab and heading over for a visit, or meeting for coffee and a chat. But the distance will make it stronger and more precious.
And now you can say, you’ll always have NY. 😛
Sorry to hear your friend is moving away–that’s always hard. Most of my friends moved after college. On the upside, now you have an excuse to visit her in NY! 🙂
ravenous reader – Indeed – we’ve been friends for 23 years now so I’m looking forward to many more years of friendship!
Kisane – Exactly, it’s those less planned get togethers that are so fun that I will miss. But now there’s NY to look forward to!
Danielle – I know, I can’t wait to go back and visit some of bookworm must-sees in NY! There is one little bookshop I just love.
How sad your friend is moving away. But now you have an excuse to visit NYC frequently 🙂