What really happened in the New York Vintage Bar where  Talkies lounged around on soft sofas  and observed people slipping behind the flowing curtains to disapper behind closed doors?    Did anyone take a picture of the flowing curtains?   We do know that the curtains on Broadway were still and Talkies could not enjoy the shows for which they had tickets.  Talkies waved to those on the picket lines and cheered them.  Some stopped by the Actors' Chapel and lit a candle.  Some chose to dine at a local deli, Cafe Edison, where the chopped liver was divine. (Thanks to Jen Alex for recalling the name.)

Alas, as all know by now, theteach's camera died.  (Unfortunately she forgot that her cell phone has a camera built in.)  But before it did, she was able to snap a few candid shots.  She did not capture everyone who gathered, but others who kindly took over when her camera failed have provided additional pictures.

It was as though we were sitting in someone's living room.   Ted was as charming as ever, welcoming  each of us as we arrived.   Dawn and her man were there to greet us.  Siting in the corner were Anita, Paul, and Nancy. Looks as though they were enjoying themselves.   Laughter filled the air, as Art and Carol demonstrate.  Kevin and Kate look more serious than they were.  Soon it was time to walk to the Renaissance Diner..  

Before we left Carla continued her tradition of presenting each of us with a journal.  This year the cover  of a bridge over a waterfall.  The quote: The question is not what you look at, but what you see. (Thoreau)

Theteach thought about the names of the places Ted chose--Vintage Bar and  Renaissance Diner.  Thinking of vintage as classic.  Perhaps it is a good term for this talkie crowd.  In some ways we also are the renaissance talkies.  Ted and crew presented on Friday a panel about "bridging old school and new school literacies."  Here in this room at the Vintage Bar, a group of teachers, always looking for new ways to present timeless information and skills, shared experiences.  

Later at the diner, we once again introduced ourselves.  Our group was small, with new faces and younger voices joining us.  Of course Fran delighted in reminding us that she has the distinction of being the oldest Talkie in the group.  She may be chronologically older, but she navigates the streets of New York as though she were but 1/4 her age.

We brought to a close another year of Talkies gathering, both virtually and face to face.  After our New York visit, we returned to virtual gatherings, recalling the night as well as the various conference events.  This week Kim reminded us how vital the Talkie family is to all of us.  She shared the tragedy of a  student/friend who was killed in a car accident.  Kim told us that she had taken the journal Carla had given and "offered it as a place forstudents to write messages. They wrote to the parents, to the brothers (one graduated last year, the other two years ago) and to Lauren. We also have been putting in pictures, song lyrics, really anything the students want to share. The journal will continue its rounds tomorrow because everyone hasn't had a chance to write. It's good for the students, and I know the parents will appreciate it."

Another talkie reflected that her doing this allowed us to share in the grief.  When we least expect it, we touch one another's lives and come to understand the meaning of chosen family.  Long live the Talkies!!