As I walked around the city today a feeling of lonely isolation mixed with open communication. Weird. I took a walk and shared a seat for an afternoon break with the girl I bought a jacket from at a consignment store. She’s a dancer, moving to Ireland to pursue her dreams with her boyfriend in tow as a “keeper” and “life-partner”. A 28 yr old with a great head on her shoulders and a vested interest in her happiness.

I was slightly uncomfortable inside with an ease swarming around. It was a strange place to find myself as I waited for her to take her break watching the rain come down outside. What was I feeling? Why was it uneasy? I guess the thoughts of Bra-Girl came up… After all, a connection is just that.. a moment shared between one another.

We sat in the coffee shop on 7th speaking of yoga, grocery Co-ops, dance, architecture, travel and life. It was a nice respite from the solo walking day I was encountering already. The half hour was up and we exchanged info and split ways and with my new jacket and umbrella in hand I set off to the East Village in search of this Chinese shop she suggested for a fastener for the new purchase. I popped into a few shops, grabbed a water break and searched for a place to recharge my phone. Another disconnect of sorts to be without phone battery. No way to get in touch even if I had people to be in touch with.

After being kicked out of Best Buy, I found myself on the stroll again. Silent sprinkles forced me under cover, further isolated from the world. It was a muggy rain so plastic boots, a rain coat in one hand, new light jacket and umbrella in the other I covered my head to keep the mane tamed.

From East to West I wandered, checking my phone from time to time to see if anyone was reaching out or responding to my attempts. Knowing only a handful of people in a new cityspace has advantages and opposite depending on the moment. This was not a time I was looking to make new friends though the idea of siting at a table all alone was not appealing for a Friday night. I was full of energy in my body but in a bubble as well. So how do I get myself out of this mood??? Find a crowded place and sit next to someone. The energy of a place alone will shift mine and since I’m not shy.. a conversation may be in the future.

Otto Enoteca Pizzeria  on 8th st/5ht Ave was the destination. Though my stomach didn’t want Italina in the slightest, I’d walked by this place too many times to not pop in. It was chalk full of smiles, wine and a bar for me to set my sights upon. Unfortunately there were no seats for me so the host was going to seat me alone. 45 minute wait to sit alone in a crowded happening Mario Batali New York restaurant on a fall Friday night. Um… sushi. There was an all you can eat sushi place a few blocks and at least if I was going to sit alone I could be at a window and really be alone. Boooo. This was not my idea of fun in the city that never sleeps.

A nice looking guy standing behind me was also waiting for a table and suggested that I join him and his sister so as not to dine alone. Oooo… THIS could be interesting. some guy and his sister, which may or may not be interested in having some strange woman take up space at her table. Thanking him, I got myself a drink and offered one for him as well. He declined. I had still not made up my mind. sitting at a table with strangers? Brother and sister strangers? Well…

She arrive and introduced herself, he had explained to her I MAY be joining them and she seemed wonderfully nice. Dressed up and energetic… I gave it a go. He paid for the drinks and we were off to share space.

He was wonderfully kind at times, complimenting his sister and her accomplishments and others pushy, driven and outspoken as he checked out women walking by. He doesn’t like to ask questions as the “middle” child states, “people will tell you what they want you to know”. This is good advice, I guess, though recently I have been making a point to ask questions of others so they are not always directed at me.

She’s just out of med school, a pediatric doc and he’s in finance. I didn’t delve as that’s all he gave me. They went to the same college and grew up just outside of the city with an older brother. She comes in to stay on his air bed and he wouldn’t have it any other way as she’s his best friend. Now THAT was super sweet. He held her drink when we walked to the table, her umbrella outside, paid the bill and was as proud as someone could be for a loved one. ALL wonderful qualities with Blue eyes and height to match.

She texted me both their info as we walked outside and he said “now you know 2 more people in the city.. almost doubled your ratio”.

I texted her back and FB requested, today, thanking her for allowing me to crash the party and I left him a VM, also thanking, and then asking to take him out for a thank you drink. Maybe I’ll hear back.. maybe timing was more than we think.

thanks for allowing me some company New York City peeps!!