Day off today. Decided to take the train way north and check out that new coffeehouse in Rogers Park, Scenes Cafe. A big, empty, but comfy place. I had some Earl Grey. And then I sat for about 3 hours and finished reading the Bud Powell book written by Francis Paudras. It really shattered me. I felt solemn and melancholy as I turned the last page and put it in my backpack. Luckily I had brought my Discman with me & I started playing “The Amazing Bud Powell: Volume 2.” My sadness faded away and the sheer beauty of his music made me feel all right once again. I listened to it as I walked back to the el. So he’s not dead after all.

But the book makes me curious about Francis himself. He committed suicide in 1997. It makes me want to know more about what led up to that. All these people passing, these giants. And who are the giants of my generation? Do they really compare? I know I’m not the only one to feel out of my time.

I don’t know what book to read next. I think maybe I should take a breather for a few days. Not sure what to do with myself tonight. Rent a movie? I don’t feel like writing more.