One trick that can help when you’re having trouble writing is to change your surroundings. I tried that trick today with a trip to the Utica Public Library. Full disclosure: I also thought I could write about it for Mohawk Valley Living, my favorite magazine. They’ve liked pieces I’ve written about other libraries. For another reason, a friend had told me the library was worth a visit because of its architecture.
So with lots of reasons, I set out. I had one errand first, a stop at First Source Federal Credit Union to make a deposit in my Mad Money account. This stop was a little bit sad for me, because I used to walk there with my dog, Tabby. They did not mind if Tabby went inside; they usually gave her a treat. Well, Tabby is over the rainbow bridge now, and I mustn’t neglect my Mad Money account. That task didn’t take long, and I was soon headed down the highway.
And decided to detour into Frankfort, to get a cup of coffee at my new favorite store, The Locavore. Yes, I am trying to hydrate for the Boilermaker 15K so ought not to drink too much caffeine. On the other hand, I was feeling down and dull and wanted a pick-me-up. I had previously had a Locamocha there which was delicious but wondered if I shouldn’t try something new. The lady there recommended a Bulletproof, which included, I think, butter and coconut oil.
“It’ll fill you up,” she promised. “You can skip lunch.”
As a matter of fact, I had already eaten lunch, but I thought maybe I could forgo an afternoon snack. I really liked the Bulletproof. It was indeed substantial. I happily sipped it as I drove down 5S to Utica. Soon I was on Genesee Street, looking around nervously.
I love riding on Genesee Street when somebody else is driving, so I can look around and admire the different buildings. Driving is a little nerve-wracking when one is not used to it, which of course I am not. Additionally, although I had noted that the library is at 303 Genesee St., I did not know how far down that was or even on which side of the street. Predictably, I could not see any numbers till I was practically there, and when I did see them of course I was in the wrong lane.
Just to give you yet another excuse to laugh at me (as if there is any shortage of that), I drove around the block at least three times looking for a parking space. First I couldn’t figure out how to get into the parking lot. When I found the entrance, the parking lot was full. At least, there may have been a space in the last row, but the painted arrows told me not to go that way. At last I found a space by the curb out front.
Do you hate posts that take you to the doorway then sign off? Well, just in case you do, I’ll leave off at the curb, sipping the last of my Bulletproof before heading in to see if the change of locale will help my pen. Spoiler alert: It didn’t, but it was worth the drive. And I thought the drive would be worthy of a Non-Sequitur Thursday post.
Mohawk Valley Girl 