On Katharine Hepburn's Block
Sitting in "Nations Cafe" on 49th and 1st. I asked if this has always been a restaurant and was told since 1962, thought it used to be smaller. (A customer, a woman who lives across 1st remembered it opening then.)
On the same side towards 2nd is Katharine Hepburn's Turtle Bay brownstone she purchased in 1937 for $27,500.00. I know this because I'm re-reading her autobiography ME given to me by my grandmother for my 25th birthday, inscribed "To Teri with Love, Nana, October 4, 1991." I have always been attracted to who Katharine Hepburn was. A good actress, yes, but more than being a fan of her work I think I'm a fan of how she lived and how that translated into the roles she played. I've read so many biographies about her and one constant is her strong sense of who she was and where she came from without question. Without question.
Tour buses keep passing by and I wonder if the Hepburn residence is a POI.
Katharine Hepburn didn't go to therapy. I think she got it out on stage and in front of the camera. I do that. Cathartic moments through the work. (Was Katharine Hepburn here at Nations Cafe?) Her driver, Charles Newhill - "Mayor" of her block - was he? Am I walking in her steps?
My grandfather, Elmer Clark, lived and worked in Manhattan on Wall Street in the '20's. Pre-dated Katharine Hepburn a bit. They may have crossed paths. When she first arrived and was going on castings. She drove then. Wrote in ME that one could in NYC back then. It was a different time. Oh, and the $27K she bought 244 East 49th with? There's a 2010 Internet listing to lease the place for $27K a month. Just about the same price Katharine Hepburn bought the apartment for in 1937 will by 1 month, 4 weeks rent, today. (That would be about what one 13-week contract recording about 18 audio books - 180 hours of recorded material - would buy me - 1 month in Katharine Hepburn's Turtle Bay apartment.)
I'm seeing LION KING again in 1 hour and 10 minutes. Taking Molly who lets me stay with her in Queens when I visit. (I think I may be outgrowing these visits...really? Why do I think that?) LION KING is a very God-experience for me. I don't see much theatre anymore since moving to Ohio. I'd rather spend my money seeing the LION KING again and again than on something I most likely find mediocre.
LATER
On way into city - will go to Benetton and see agent.
What do I know or believe after 4 days in NYC? What is true or truer for me?
- It's not becoming to discuss money.
- It's not becoming to criticize or become negative.
- I would definitely speed up my aging process if I lived here.
- I miss acting on the stage.
- I miss acting Shakespeare. Seeing Shakespeare. I'm good at it.
- It's good to miss Sam and for Sam to miss me. Sam gets along with his Dad just fine without me.
- It's important to go away for me. I feel more like me.
- I'm thankful for my home. I have so many thanks. I'm blessed.
- I need to work. I need to perform.
- I don't believe actors in bad productions aren't trying their best (I blame the director.) Romeo and Juliet on Broadway is the director's fault.
- I can have hopes, wishes and dreams, but I can't chase them. (Let go, let God.)
- One way God reaches people is through me when I'm performing (especially on stage.)
- I am very, very open, very compassionate. Very aware.
- Despite daily pounding on my emotions, my true self prevails.
- I am stronger than my enemies.
- I'm not getting older, I'm outgrowing. Growing out.
- I don't want to live in NYC (at least not on a permanent basis.)
- People are on the whole good.
9/24/18 tlc
