Once again, Evan and I have been named to the list for "Style Makers" of the Fortunate 500 in our fair town. It's always a humbling and pleasant surprise that invokes a bit of reflection...
One aspect of our good fortune lies in our neighborhood. Despite the fact that our family of 4 currently lives in an 800 sq ft bungalow that was built in the 1930's (more on the "Project" later) and we don't have a back yard for the twins to play in...it is urban living at its best. We live less than 100 yds from the most happenin' street in town.
Our evenings go something like this: after dinner and before bedtime, we take a family walk.
-We check in at my boutique to see how they did for the day and as we pass by the other shops, we wave and share news with their employees. Creed & Zelda like to run into the salon next door and visit the girls.
-On up to Jo's where the employees will give Creed his nightly banana and we chat with whoever's around...followed by a tour around the outdoor bar at the San Jose and a hello to the fishes in the fountain. No time for cocktails as there's music across the street at the Continental Club - that means dancing on the sidewalk to some country swing.
-Up to Gueros where the garden is filled with diners waiting for a table and more music! We dance to Ponty Bone or Los Flames - Zelda jumps and smiles and Creed runs and drums.
-Back down the hill to the terrace of Mars where Olivier Giraud is playing guitar with Paris 49 - we get our French fix of music for the evening.
-Another stop at Jo's where the Vampire Weekend/Spoon wannabes - i.e. hipster guys in skinny jeans are playing music before they show a film in the parking lot. Creed likes to say "Mosh pit!" and imitate them with his air guitar.
-A final stop at El Sol y La Luna where a wonderful cumbia band with a mariachi guitar invites us to dance with the other patrons....
So yes, we are fortunate...we may not have a swing set or walk-in closets (at least not yet!) or our own swimming pool, but our kids will grow up with music, friendly faces and a neighborhood filled with adventure.
Showing posts with label Continental Club. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Continental Club. Show all posts
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Most people are just afraid...
of offering help to strangers. I don't think it's because they don't want to...it's more that they just don't know how.
I was in my shop this weekend when I looked outside and saw a blind man in the street. Not on the sidewalk, but actually on the street walking along the bumpers of parked cars. Traffic was slowing down, carefully avoiding him but no one was stopping. As I turned and saw him and headed out the door to ask him if he needed help, a car slowed and rolled down their window. Finally! I approached, asked where he was going, and offered my arm. He was looking for the Continental Club...2 blocks from my shop but on the opposite side of the street. As we walked to the corner, we chatted about the area and I described the direction he would need to take as we waited for the light to change. Luckily the crosswalk has a beeping green light, when it's safe for pedestrians to cross. I asked if he had any sight, he said he was totally blind. He was from the UK. I told him about Zelda. I imagined her someday navigating the streets of a European country trying to find her way. I wanted to chat more but the light started to change. At that moment, there were 2 other gentlemen readying to cross - very "euro-chic" in their expensive jeans and slicked-back hair. I was trying to explain to the blind man that he needed to cross the street and then, turn right and immediately cross again when I suddenly blurted out "Here are two gentlemen that will help you across and point you in the right direction". The "Euros" looked shocked and then nodded. I said good-bye, went back into my shop and then looked out the window to see the "Euros" actually helping the blind man cross the second intersection and then direct him up the street to go and hear some afternoon music at the Continental. Sometimes you just have to ask if someone needs a hand.
And frankly, I don't know how often I would help a stranger in need before Zelda came into our lives. I am sure it wasn't as often as I could have...
I was in my shop this weekend when I looked outside and saw a blind man in the street. Not on the sidewalk, but actually on the street walking along the bumpers of parked cars. Traffic was slowing down, carefully avoiding him but no one was stopping. As I turned and saw him and headed out the door to ask him if he needed help, a car slowed and rolled down their window. Finally! I approached, asked where he was going, and offered my arm. He was looking for the Continental Club...2 blocks from my shop but on the opposite side of the street. As we walked to the corner, we chatted about the area and I described the direction he would need to take as we waited for the light to change. Luckily the crosswalk has a beeping green light, when it's safe for pedestrians to cross. I asked if he had any sight, he said he was totally blind. He was from the UK. I told him about Zelda. I imagined her someday navigating the streets of a European country trying to find her way. I wanted to chat more but the light started to change. At that moment, there were 2 other gentlemen readying to cross - very "euro-chic" in their expensive jeans and slicked-back hair. I was trying to explain to the blind man that he needed to cross the street and then, turn right and immediately cross again when I suddenly blurted out "Here are two gentlemen that will help you across and point you in the right direction". The "Euros" looked shocked and then nodded. I said good-bye, went back into my shop and then looked out the window to see the "Euros" actually helping the blind man cross the second intersection and then direct him up the street to go and hear some afternoon music at the Continental. Sometimes you just have to ask if someone needs a hand.
And frankly, I don't know how often I would help a stranger in need before Zelda came into our lives. I am sure it wasn't as often as I could have...
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