Mornings on the “6″
I like to be alone in the mornings, take breakfast on my patio with chicory coffee and cream, “Ceci-Cela” croissants, the “New York Times.” An above-the-fold article, sugar, half-and-half in the mug, yeast and warmth in the air from “Vesuvio Bakery” several blocks away…
The waking hours are hopeful.
The overnight shift didn’t allow me these quiet, expectant moments. Sometimes I’d walk from the Midtown headquarters to Grand Central, trying to feel everyone else’s expectation and promise. But, I was already numb—the dark hours blended into the morning light. Gray.
Chignon unraveling, eyes dry and reddened from the dank, newsroom air, I boarded the subway for home. Professional New York was just beginning its day as I ended mine, heading home to an apartment with no curtains. Six fitful hours of sleep awaited me—my reward—until I had to wake up and do it all over again.
Hssssss. The “6” train opened and disgorged passengers…
September 16th, 2005 at 1:30 pm
Hey, you have a great blog here! I’m definitely going to bookmark you!
I have a Debt Consolidation Program site/blog. It pretty much covers Debt Consolidation Program related stuff.
Come and check it out if you get time
September 16th, 2005 at 1:34 pm
Belle,
I’m not selling anything. I’m a Southerner in the city, too. A writer. Like you, I started a blog when I moved to the city and wrote a lot in the beginning; I’ve been slacking off, but reading your posts has held me accountable. You seem to have amazing drive. Keep it up. I enjoy your work.
Alecia
September 16th, 2005 at 1:49 pm
Howdy,
I have work to do - I do - but I kept on reading your blog. Still at Fox News Channel? I miss my newsroom days at times (newspaper reporter in Atlanta, I was).
Keep on writing. Now let me get back to work, dammit.
Take care, APJ
September 16th, 2005 at 2:07 pm
Thanks for the e-mail response. I shall return to read the second part of this post. I love the way you discribe the sights of your travel home.
it is so easy to read this I feel like I am there……
September 16th, 2005 at 2:14 pm
I just love a nice warm croissant in the morning. Ah…pure heaven!!!
Connie
September 16th, 2005 at 2:16 pm
Hi, i’m from Mexico. I Love NYC. And when i found your blog and read all the wonderful ways you have for describing sets and situations, just plain became addicted to this site. So, be sure to visit my blog whenever you want to. Although it’s in spanish, you might enjoy it ’cause every once in a while do some material in english. By the way, i’m an associate producer in a radio broadcast, news area. Funny, isn’t it?, see ya!!
September 16th, 2005 at 2:47 pm
I like a hint of hazelnut in my morning Jamaica Blue…
September 16th, 2005 at 2:57 pm
Y’all need to try the blueberry pancakes at “Clinton Street Bakery.”
Oooh la la! The best part is the butter-infused maple syrup.
September 16th, 2005 at 3:04 pm
All good, but how about the good ole’ Waffle House every now and then??
September 16th, 2005 at 3:24 pm
i love the writing. since i’ve been on bedrest for about a month at 8 months preg with broken rib, i’ve managed to devour ( in an order i can’t remember), east of eden, play it as it lays (3rd time), this side of paradise, blink, 2 girlfriends guides to pregnancy, the history of love and well, you get the point- alot of writing- yours is the best. absolutely up there with the best. luck to you doll, me
September 16th, 2005 at 3:54 pm
Good luck with all your endeavors, whatever they may be, in the city. Keep the world posted, you have interested myself at least.
September 16th, 2005 at 4:19 pm
du fresne does up some fine pork belly and black-eyes at WD-50…
September 16th, 2005 at 4:31 pm
I’m incredulous about how much you remind me of my first college girlfriend. She was a southern belle with a gift for writing. It brings back fond memories.
She wrote the prose & poetry I wished I could; she read the books I meant to; she figured out the tough physics problems that I, well I guess I got those, at least.
She was the first person I knew who had creative as well analytical brilliance. Rare combination.
It’s good to know people like that in life; thanks for the memories!
September 16th, 2005 at 4:39 pm
This is a lovely blog - you write beautifully, and make New York come to life in my mind.
Congratulations and keep it up!
September 16th, 2005 at 7:55 pm
The 2/3 is all screwed up for the weekend again…
…I hate the 6 train…
…I hate most of the trains…
…and the MTA…
September 16th, 2005 at 7:56 pm
i love your writing even though I don’t like writing ,I like to read.Actually I love to read.I’m going to keep on reading your blog.Because I enjoy it so much.
Keep on writing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 16th, 2005 at 8:00 pm
I love your blog!!! Just came across it after I updated my own, and I couldn’t stop reading.
I am a lifelong NYer in my mid-20s…it’s fun to read about NYC life from a transplanted Southerner’s perspective.
Keep writing!
September 16th, 2005 at 8:02 pm
btw, I am going to link to you on my own blog. stop by one day!
http://beautyaddict.blogspot.com
September 16th, 2005 at 10:59 pm
have to run to an appointment on the Upper West Side… will continue this afternoon!
September 16th, 2005 at 11:58 pm
I like the night myself, in this way….
I like to stay up painfully late some times just doing crazy things. 2, 3, 4, 5.
Its not insomnia, its just a strong desire for life. For living a bit more right away, and then sleep comes after all.
R2000
September 17th, 2005 at 1:29 am
Hey Belle,
I came across your blog while searching about, I find it very clever, & a fun read. Anyway just thought I would drop a quick line.
Chow!
September 17th, 2005 at 2:20 am
I cam across your blog and I just wanted to say that you have a fabulous blog and a pleasure to read. Keep up the good work and good luck in your future endeavors! You deserve it.
September 17th, 2005 at 2:46 am
btw, I hope you dont mind if I add your blog to mine. I’d love to be able to read your blog more. I quite enjoy it.
September 17th, 2005 at 7:09 am
So glad I checked this out! Your writing is amazing and so refreshing to here the account of a female 20-something who’s words and phrases aren’t laced with cutsiness! Completely new to New York, loving it but still feeling as though I’m fighting a battle to live it, I hope in a couple years my journalist life in Soho will be more like yours!
September 17th, 2005 at 10:15 am
Your blog causes obsession. I congratulate you on your writings. How I would like to have a croissant now! Your description of the Big Apple makes smell, taste and feel the foods, sounds and music of the city.
Once in a while, have a nice big burger. I love your city for its high couture, fashion shows and nightlife.
September 17th, 2005 at 11:51 am
I’m glad I chanced upon your blog! I’m addicted after a few lines..
Keep the beautiful writing going Belle!
Btw, I’ll be adding a link on my blog to share this wonderful find with my friends. =>
Cheers,Veria
September 17th, 2005 at 2:19 pm
Belle,
i don’t know if i’ll be noticed in the all the comments that pple have posted. But i am 24 and single, and don’t even have a gf.
September 17th, 2005 at 2:19 pm
I’m as old as a bottle of prime Tennessee whiskey (aged 25 years) and still single. I need to “get on home” and find a nice Southern boy—a doctor, maybe an insurance salesman. At this, I dig in my heels and set out to date every inappropriate man in Manhattan…
ROFLMAO.
September 17th, 2005 at 2:27 pm
I think it’s quite funny that at only 25, you describe yourself as an ageing debutante. I guess it’s because the original purpose of the debut was to get you married off before 21.
Anyway, I hope your attempts at html are succeeding.