Codfish and George Bailey

Lunch and a play. Very different feel about it than dinner and a movie, but taking myself out on a date was fun nonetheless. The day was cold but far from brutal and I needed some time away from the cottage after spending all morning writing. I went to the Black Dog Tavern for lunch. Those nine words seem so easy, but unless you're a woman and single, you can't appreciate their impact. If you're a man, single or married, fuhgetaboudit, you can never understand. If you're a woman but married and decide to take yourself out to lunch, you still know you are alone by choice and it's often a welcome change. But, if you're a single woman, you're there alone. It takes either lots of confidence or not caring at all. I'm happy to report that for me today it was the former. I took along "Writing from the Heart" written by Nancy Aronie who guided the writing workshop I attended on the Island when I first arrived two months ago. The codfish sandwich and a Pepsi looked the most appetizing, and I wasn't disappointed. The fish here (needless to say) is always fresh, light, and delicious. After taking my time enjoying my lunch and reading, I strolled along the dock watching the ferry unload its two-legged and four-wheeled cargo.

At 3pm, I went to a matinee of The Vineyard Playhouse's adaptation of Frank Capra's movie It's a Wonderful Life. The Playhouse performed it as a "live radio broadcast" version, so it was much like a staged reading with the actors at the microphones with their scripts in front of them. Sound effects were provided by a synthesizer and a variety of other objects. The production was brilliant. It amazes me each time I attend a live performance just how talented people can be. It doesn't matter that you see behind the scenes, you get carried away in the story and suspend disbelief for a couple of hours.

Coincidentally, I also just received the DVD of the movie version in the mail from Kathy (who often acts as my own personal Netflix). I'll watch the movie soon and as I always do, I'll cry at the end and sing "Auld Lang Syne" right along with all George's friends in Bedford Falls.