NYC Postnotes

***My camera fell out of my bag between Minneapolis and Sioux Falls; therefore, I apologize for the lack of pictures in the last blog entries. I am still hopeful it will resurface. A little travel tip for those reading...never use a Macy's bag when packing up your apartment after 3 months...duh. One flight attendant said to me, "We are not a Uhaul." Merry Christmas to you too - bah humbug.

***I will continue to write updates about Valarie. I did talk to her on Christmas Day. She told me to finish what I set out to do. Yes, ma'm. However, that was about the only thing that she said that made sense. I am concerned that this round of infection has affected her mental health. I spoke with her nurse who is also concerned about it, but assured me that her legs were improving. I am continuing to make plans for her SD arrival. Today I contacted Melanie Bliss with the Sioux Falls Homeless Alliance. She gave me some great ideas.

I Savored Every Bite I Took of the Big Apple

Sunday I hit Grand Central Station for one last time. I have said it before, but it bears repeating. GC is the place I go for a big breath of serenity. Yes, it is swollen with people running to their next destination, but there is something surreal about the structure. Also, during the last couple weeks of the Christmas season they have a special light show in the main terminal. People just plop down on the floor to enjoy...I joined them.

Next, I needed to go the festival shops in Union Square. I walked down Broadway and soaked up the city. My final stop was the Porto Rico Importing Company on Bleeker. This is a must destination for any coffee lover. I will include their website if anyone is interested http://www.portorico.com/ in purchasing the delicious coffee online.

I went to visit Valarie at St. Vincent's. She was still mad when I got there, but by the time I left, she agreed that I did what I did because I had her best interest at heart. I talked for a long time to the sweetest nurse named Katie. She assured me that she would check on her possessions that were stored in security. The book that Valarie wrote was not in her room. I believe it is her only copy, so I want to make sure that it doesn't get lost.

I am impressed by the care at St. Vincent's. They knew who I was immediately when I got there. Evidently Valarie had been asking for me and cursing my existence all at the same time. They promised me that they would not release her until after Christmas. My business card was attached to her chart, so that we could all work together for what was best for her. I am a bit concerned as she was not quite as lucid as she had been. I bought an Angel Christmas ornament with both our names on it. I hung it from her IV pole to watch over her. Before she drifted off to sleep, I kissed her on the forehead and I said goodbye. Hopefully we will see each other again soon in South Dakota.

My friend Benji came down to the Village to wish me goodbye. It was a lovely and relaxing way to end my time in New York. Good conversation and a great meal in my neighborhood. We ate at Daddy O's so that I could hug Kevin and Lucce goodbye. I also dropped off a Christmas card to Hercules.

I packed until 3 am and slept until my car arrived at 4. Leaving my roommates Diego and Joe was difficult. I am so glad that I slipped away in the middle of the night...it seemed appropriate. I would have had trouble saying goodbye if I had to look at the city straight in the face. Leaving in the dark was beautiful and appropriate as I had embodied the light of so many in my imagination, heart and soul.

Small Circles of Friends is A Large Box of an Island

Before getting to the theatre for our last performance (a 3 pm matinee) of Wapato, I ran down to Little Italy and Chinatown to pick up last minute Christmas gifts. I knew that going to see Valarie would not be a good idea, so I decided to take advantage of the day as the hospital took care of her.

The actors were waiting with a beautiful Christmas - thank you gift for me. It was a sparkly winter white scarf. I have treasured every minute with these women. Throughout the process, Kate and Lucy have been especially attentive to me as a woman away from her home and family. However, on this evening it was the words of Dale and Nancy that were particularly touching. Dale Soules is a tough duck; warm and fuzzy would not be two words that most would use to describe her. She said to me, "Kim, you are doing the right thing with this homeless woman. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. You see the world in the way everyone should. Thank you for trying." Then Nancy kissed me on the cheek (I had to bend way down to her 5 foot frame) and whispered, "Thank you for being the mother to all us old ladies. You are the dearest of the dear." I also need to add that I will forever be changed by the power of a wink. Lucy winked at me every night at curtain call. She has no idea how special that made me feel.

After the show, I met with Michele Pawk between her matinee and evening performance. She needed to do some Christmas shopping so I schlepped along to B & N and Bed, Bath and Beyond. We crack each other up.

We decided to grab a bite to eat at Whole Foods in the basement of the Time Warner building; I had no idea it was down there! I love their self-serve deli. Just before I sat down with her with our plastic take out containers and utensils, my phone rang. It was Doug Hughes, director of such Broadway hits as Inherit the Wind, A Naked Girl on the Appian Way, Martius and Doubt. I have been playing internet tag with him for over a month. He apologized that we would not be able to get together before I left, but wanted me to have his private phone number so that we could continue to talk on the phone and set up a time for a one on one interview in March. As I searched for a pen, Michele and he caught up...they are old friends.

While we were eating, I couldn't help notice that people were stopping and staring at Michele. We laughed hysterically as we came to the conclusion that people were trying to decide if she was a woman with an overzealous hand with make-up or a drag queen (she didn't want to take off and reapply her Hairspray make-up).

We said our final goodbyes and happy holidays. One of the greatest gifts I have had in 2007 is getting to really know Michele (and her family) better. Her friendship is priceless.

Next stop was 56th Street between 7th and Broadway. Theresa Flannery's boyfriend Ed was having a Christmas party as the housing complex he manages. This is not just any complex...it is the nyc home to names such as Sean Puffy Combs. Again, being around Theresa and her brother Mike is just easy. I enjoyed having a glass of wine on the 47 floor overlooking Central Park and Time Square with these South Dakotan and their nyc families. Her children are gorgeous, her boyfriend gracious, and Michael's girlfriend is so sweet. They made me homesick for my own family.

My final stop was the Barrow Inn to say goodbye to Natalie. I bought her a dreamweaver for Christmas. She has been a solid ear and real inspiration as she literally travels through her life via continents, eclectic employment and hundreds of friends.

I arrived home around midnight. Sunday is my last day in the city, and I want to savor every minute of it, so I headed to bed.

"A God Thang"

When I go to the library, Valarie still was not there. However there was a young Asian man standing by all her belongings. I asked him if he had seen an old woman. He responded that she had gone to Burger King, and he had promised to watch her things until she got back. I asked him how long ago she left - two hours. "You've been standing here for two hours?!" He said that when he promises someone something, he sees it through. He also said that he was quite concerned about her, that she did not seem in good health. I told him that I was sure that she was fine as I had waited for her last night, and she had not returned; obviously, she takes off periodically. We agreed that he would go to BK and check on her as I stood guard over her blankets, bags and vermin friends.

About 45 minutes later, I see them across 5th Avenue. He is practically carrying her. When they finally got to the library side of the street, Valarie spotted me, "Kim!" I said, "Valarie, what's going on? What is wrong with you?" She shook her left wrist up in the air, "I was in the hospital. See my bracelets?"

Evidently, she tried to get up on Thursday and could not walk. A bystander called 911, and an ambulance took her to Bellevue. By Friday morning, she had been discharged and brought back to the library.

The next part is a bit foggy as it went fast. I am not naive woman. I am not a stupid woman. However, I am an impulsive woman. Maybe impulsive is the wrong word as I had been thinking about what I did next all week.

Michael, this lovely young man continued to say that he really wanted to help her. I asked him how he knew her. He said that he didn't. Like me, he was just drawn off his Christmas shopping path to speak with her. He is a web designer who lives in Queens and works in midtown. I said to him, "So, if you want to hop into this with me, I am ready to commit to getting her off the street." He confessed, "In my culture, we take care of our elderly. I am in." We agreed that it was not a random act that we were drawn into the Valarie web and that we were partners in getting her off the street. It was a "God Thang."

Supposedly, Valarie has an assistance check coming General Delivery to the post office on Monday. She needs any money she can get. Unfortunately, my flight is at 6 am on Monday. Michael said that he would get her to the post office and then to Amtrak in the afternoon. I then asked Valarie, "What do you think about going home with me?" She and I had an honest conversation about whether or not she really wanted off the streets. I had made many calls and could not locate any relatives. So, if she came to SD it would be to restart her life comfortably inside. She finally said, "I think that sound nice."

I decided that I would take her back to my apartment, and Michael assured me that he would come and get her on Monday. He would have to lock up my apartment. My plan was to give him the directions as to what to do with the key via phone later in the weekend. I got his number and then went down to the street to get a cab.

It is 5 pm on 5th Ave and 42nd Street the Friday before Christmas. Empty cabs just do not exist. Phantom cabs are unmarked luxury vehicles that roam the streets of nyc trying to pick up passengers but at a much higher cost. Most wave them off. Unfortunately, after an hour of waving for a yellow cab and waving off phantoms, I gave in. "How much to get me to the West Village." $45 was the answer. No way! Typically, this is a $15 (gratuity included) ride. I tell the next phantom, "Listen, I got a homeless woman here that I am taking home to get off the streets. Show me some Christmas cheer and give me a break." Nice thought - no deal. I ask 3 more phantom cabs. Finally one said, "$25." Sold.

I do not think the cabbie took me seriously, until I told him to please pop the trunk as we has a lot of luggage. Michael and I shook everything with vigor as I did not want any mice as visitors. I know Diego and Joe would have loved one as a Christmas playmate, but there is a limit to my generosity. Once we got everything loaded up (included Valarie who can barely stand) We were on our way to my apartment. I think I actually said "I am an idiot" outloud as I sat in the backseat with my new SD travel partner. The Lord knows I was certainly thinking it.

Our driver could not believe what I was doing. He asked again and again if we were telling the truth. Valarie said, "It is my lucky day. My friend Kim is my angel. She is taking me home to SD." By the time we got to the Village, we had learned that his name was Richardo and he was from Milan, Italy. This city of nine million stories. He asked us about ours; we gave him the short and condensed version.

When we arrived at 55 Morton, Richardo basically carried Valarie to the door. He helped me with all our bags and then looked right at me and said, "This is good thing that you are doing." He was crying. He kissed me on both cheeks, hugged me hard and refused payment. God is hard at work here.

My door man Bkem acted like this was an everyday occurrence. He assisted in getting everything upstairs before wishing me goodbye and good luck. I will not see him again before I leave.

I left most of Valarie's things in the hallway as I needed to run to work but wanted to spray them for lice before bringing it into the apartment. I got her settled on the couch with a blanket and the remote and dashed to the subway. I had 27 minutes to get to the theatre.

I waited forever at the Christopher Street station. Once I got in the train, it stopped for 20 minutes between the 23rd and 28th Street stops. It was obvious the show was going to have to go on without me. There was nothing I could do. This lady next to me was really agitated by the whole delay. I said, "Do you want to hear a story while we wait?" She looked hesitantly at me but said, "Why not?" I told her about my last couple of hours and asked her if she thought I was insane. "No. Not at all. I believe that the world works in a way that if we just would listen to each other, there would be such a better balance. Thank you for choosing to speak to me. I have no reason to hurry, so being disgusted about being stuck here is silly." I told her that I did have somewhere that I was suppose to be, and that people would be angry. However, it wasn't world peace and the show would go on. We shared a deep relaxing sigh and smiled.

I ran like the devil once I emerged from the 56th Street stop...in high heels. The show had already started. Megan was thrown in to replace me at the last minute. Once I caught my breath, I told those from the Women's Project working the lobby what had happened. I was a bit disappointed in their reaction. It was almost as if they were sharing a secret that went something like..."oh, that silly naive girl from SD." I know the difference between naivete and doing the right thing. How sad that their naivete of their own potential for changing others lives may never be realized.

When the show was over, I apologized to the actors. They were so supportive and told me to get home as quickly as possible. Rebecca just masked her annoyance with a passive smile and nod.

Valarie was sleeping when I got home. I had stopped by Duane Reade to pick up lice soap and the grocery story to get dinner supplies. Other than sandwiches, this meal of spaghetti was the first and only I made in my kitchen the entire 3 months. We enjoyed hot cider together as I continued to ask Valarie questions about her past.

I got her bathed and to the bathroom which was difficult because of the state of her legs and feet. Between helping my dad after his colostomy and Valarie, I am handling the realities of the human body like a pro...if I do say so myself! :)

I called my niece Dr. Melissa as I was really concerned about Valarie. He legs were so bloated that she could not stand even the slightest touch. The skin was pulled so taunt that they looked like cellophane. Also, huge water blisters had appeared all over. Mel confirmed that she needed medical attention. Valarie insists that if she just had wheat germ oil and vitamins, it would take care of itself. I decided we would meet half way and make a decision after a good night rest...who was I kidding?

Valarie groaned and cried in her sleep all night as she was in so much pain. At 6 am I heard her calling my name. She needed to go to the bathroom. It was obvious I was in over my head. Not only does she have incontinence, but her legs were turning blue and the blood vessels above her right eye had popped. I called 911.

To say Valarie was mad at me is a severe understatement. This was the first time that I had seen any sort of mental limitations. She refused to go. She told the police officers that I had brought her to my apartment under false pretenses. She refused to go to the hospital as doctors know nothing. She did have point when she told them that she had just been in the hospital, and they told her they could not help her. I could understand her skepticism. We (the police and the EMTs) assured her that she would now be taken to St. Vincent's which is not a state hospital but instead religiously affiliated; they would take better care of her. She practically hissed at me as we all tried to convince her that we all had her best interest at heart. About the third time she told them that I had held her there against her will, the cop said, "Well, if you are going to be held hostage, this beautiful apartment in the West Village with this nice lady would be my pick."

They finally had to basically physically force her in the ambulance. It was heartbreaking.

I tried to go back to bed as I got little sleep. I decided that I would wait a day to visit her as she was really upset with me. Hopefully a little time would heal that.

Never Underestimate the Power of People, Theate and Coldcuts

Friday I had an artist interview with Chris McElroen, co-founder and director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem. I am impressed. This is a theatre that puts it time, money and talent where its mouth is. Chris is a reserved, sincere, articulate man. He, and the the theatre, epitomize social conscience artist activism. He was the perfect person to interview before heading home as he just sees the potential of positive change that theatre possess. I will be returning to SD reminded that theatre is a powerful medium in which to open the scabs of society's wounds. It may not be pretty and it may hurt, but underneath is the lifeblood that makes us all part of the human race. To read more about The Classical Theatre of Harlem please go to http://www.classicaltheatreofharlem.org/. Specifically, check out there production of Waiting for Godot that they staged in New Orleans this past year. They played to over 6,000 people (unfortunately they had to turn people away) and made over $60,000 - all of which they left in New Orleans. Beautiful.

After the interview, I went over to see Theresa Flannery at the photo studio. I hadn't seen her since our amazing Thanksgiving feast, so I wanted to wish her Merry Christmas. She is another one of those special individuals that is just comfortable to be around. She feels like home.

I told her about my "Valarie Tale" and that I was on my way to go check on her. The studio had a food shoot the day before, so she insisted that I take it all with me as I headed over to the library. Cold cuts, cheese, bread, baby carrots, granola bars, bottled water, and a very festive cookie display were are but into Macy's bags. I stopped continuously on my journey from 35th and 7th to 43 and 7th to give out food. That's the things about many of the homeless in nyc. The ones that I encountered really are just hungry and appreciated the food.

Shut up and Do

Thursday we had a noon call so to have a line through and a final dress before we reopen at 7 pm. The actors are sooooo ready to be done. They work, work and work at lines, but there is a lot of "3 more days and we are out of here." There are numerous beat changes, lines and whole scenes that make little to no sense. However, since Rebecca has never asked them for their thoughts, they just "shut and and do." I know Peggy, the playwright, would welcome their thoughts and ideas (we saw this happen last week), but Rebecca does nothing to facilitate these conversations.

We had a nice two hour break before performance call, so I finalized my "reopening night" gift bags and Christmas cards for the actors. I gave Kaipo a USF t-shirt, but I put together a bag for the women that included something that represented each of their characters and me. I included the NY Times best selling Love Eat Pray (Janice), a baseball key chain (Bonnie), Christmas bath gel (Bev) and Christmas socks (Mary Lou). They loved it.

The Women's Project had a Men's Auxiliary bake sale in the lobby all afternoon and evening. Since there was so many goodies left over, they encouraged me to take what I wanted. I put together a couple of goodie bags for Valarie and my friend Ben, who is a stagehand at the Overwhelming at Laura Pels Theatre.

After the show, I dropped off Ben's "Secret Santa" goodies and then went over to the Public Library to check on Valerie. She wasn't there. All her stuff was, but she wasn't. I waited for about an hour and a half, but she never came back. I was a bit confused because it was quite late, and she is usually asleep by now. I left the treats with a note.

Sitting watching the world go by on 5th Ave was a humbling experience. First of all....the stares. People seemed to be curious as to why I was just sitting there, but no one asked. I obviously did not look homeless, but yet I had dared to crawl over the barriers they place at night and sit on the steps. Also...the mice. They play and scrounge for scraps. I am not going to go so far as to say that I am conquering my fear of the little vermin, but I am realizing that they are just small living creatures doing the best they can...not so different from me...or Valarie.

Okay Jose!

This is my friend Jose. He works at Karavas on Christopher and 7th. He insists on giving me free slices of cheese pizza (I think he has a bit of a crush on me...) He speaks very little English, but we laugh a lot and he blushes more. He hated that I wanted to take his picture, but I waited with my camera posed until he finally winked at me. All of the other guys tease him endlessly about me, so they laughed and laughed when I waited to take his picture.