Care: (verb) Feel concern or interest;
attach importance to something.
I spent a day recently doing my best Holden Caulfield impersonation. You know, basically getting lost and visiting some of my favorite NYC haunts, like Macy’s and the West Village. I also went to a couple of restaurants with bars that offer conversation, as well as a bite to eat.
I know that NYC has a reputation for being kind of cold and impersonal, a reputation perhaps earned by its sheer magnitude. I’ve never had that impression of the city, though. To me, it is a place filled with people going about their lives, yet still willing to be engaged if approached with sincere interest.
One of my more recent favorite things to do while in Manhattan, is walk the High Line. Since I was consciously moving at a leisurely pace, I walked the current entire length, 30th Street to Gansvoort, and I enjoyed every step. It is a beautiful public space and it never would have been developed if residents didn’t care. Isn’t that awesome?
My feet magically found their way to a place that I absolutely adore – Lupa. Now, I’ve been to a number of Batali joints, maybe all of them in NYC other than Del Posto, but this is the spot I return to again and again. The food is certainly a magnet for me, but ultimately it comes down to the quality of care and attention I have received without exception at every visit. I’ve been here with my former husband, one of my children, with the girls, and solo and I have never felt anything but comfortable. This particular day, though, was even more special.
I sat at the bar a few seats removed from an attractive couple I took to be in their mid-60’s, or 20 years older than myself. As I sipped my lovely glass of rose, I couldn’t help but be interested in them. They were sweet with one another and possessed both a steadfast comfort and a romantic buzz. What a fabulous combination, huh?
We started to talk after I heard them discussing their attempt at baking marijuana brownies – a big disappointment, they said. We shared some laughs about their illicit baking and the conversation started to flow…parenting, inane drug laws, music, travel. I asked if they were married and they smiled and confirmed they had been married for 30 years, his 2nd marriage, her first at the age of 40. He kissed her behind her right ear fondly. They still had a sizzle between them that was glorious to see. They were retired, spending their time traveling, painting, living. My heart was lifted. They told me about their experiences at Burning Man. Yes, Burning Man! How amazing are they? I was inspired.
When they departed the restaurant, we exchanged names. And hugs. I believe all three of us felt we had learned something from each other, as if we were infinitesimally changed from who we had been prior to our interactions. By showing a little interest, by caring, the world was now a different place.
DelSo 