February 8, 2010 - In New York still and the wonder and magic of this place continues to fascinate me as it always will. Some of my most difficult memories will always be associated with this place, some of my best songs, but also the constant reminders of magic here. I am reminded of the opening of the book "Veronica" by Nicholas Christopher - one of my favorites - which describes where Waverly street meets itself (it winds around and actually intersects itself at its west end in the Village), and I associate NYC with the magic of that book - sort of a northern continent magical realism. And so yesterday at brunch with friends Michael and Kyle, I mention it - the magic of always running into someone I know, or some moment (like yesterday's entry). And as I wandered the street, looking for a movie or a place to plant my seat for a bit, I look up and see a man walking my way, ear buds in but looking at me oddly. I start to turn away, but he says: "excuse me, are you Tom Begich?" Stunned, I stop. After all I do not live here. "I am..." I respond, only to have him say: "I'm Michael McHale - I knew you at Oxford." (For those who do not know, I was there from 1989 to 1990) - twenty years on, we see each other again. Admittedly we had reconnected as avatar's over Facebook, but really, the odds are pretty crazy. I do love this place. (Michael owns Michael McHale Designs - fascinating lamp structures. Take a look.)