This weekend was Gay Pride weekend, one of San Francisco's high holidays. Rainbows, visitors, and parties were everywhere. Normally, the GF and I take opportunity to enjoy all the celebration, party with our friends, or just soak in the gay atmosphere. However, this year she is taking a vacation in New York City. So I was unpaired.
Singled out though I was, I have great roommates who are always willing to involve me in their shenanigans. Yet I felt the need to excuse myself and wander the city alone. Saturday was rather practical, as I picked up boots from the cobbler and did some exchanges/window shopping at REI, among other wanderings. I caught a bit of a Giants game while in an empty bar, and stocked up on good beer before heading home for a little Netflix. I felt satisfied.
The next day was more complex. Lazing around in bed for most of it, I threw on my kendogi and hakama to do some wandering. I added a cloak and my walking staff for good measure. I've found pleasure in wandering about in non-binding, well draped clothing. It also turns a simple walk in the park into something more unique. Luckily, it's summer, so the sun was on my side. I got out of the house at four, and was bathed in late afternoon sun until I returned.
The premise was fairly simple; go to the park, walk, stay away from people if possible. Of course, not only is it Pride (although that was mostly happening downtown), but one of the radio stations had organized a free concert in the park. It was over when I arrived, but I met people leaving and I saw the stage being taken down. Fortunately for me, Golden Gate Park is a huge swath of green. By heading away from the populated area, I could find peace and quiet, with only the occasional jogger to meet me. At one point in my journey, I stood still for several minutes, just listening to the song of the birds. I saw a hawk being pursued by a small blackbird. Later the same hawk would fly not ten feet away from my head. I journeyed aimlessly, only wishing that I could return to my house on foot. After an hour or two, I bussed and trekked through the city and home, but it wasn't nearly as satisfying to rejoin the concrete.
Throughout the weekend, I spoke little. I sent out a few messages from my phone to certain friends. Mostly I had audience with the thoughts in my head. As it sometimes seems they are receiving constant stimulation, it was refreshing to allow them to breathe a bit. Now that they've rattled around my head, I find myself wanting to speak about them to people, to my close friends and compatriots. I'm ready to be social, truly social. But it was a good weekend to be alone.
I'm still here,
LT
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