Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 8/3 - Hearts

NETNY, channel 30 on Cablevision in NYC, runs a program called Reel Life on Friday night at 8PM. It is similar to Sneak Previews, but reviews films from a Catholic rather than a lay perspective. This week’s show featured an interview with Dolores Hart, who at the age of 24 left Hollywood and became a nun. At the time she was engaged. Her intended never married. They remain friends to this day. Hart, the product of an Italian-Irish background, is the niece of Mario Lanza. She has 17 titles listed at IMDb, among them two films with Elvis. She is now prioress of an abbey in Connecticut and is referred to as Reverend Mother. Here are quotes attributed to her: “I have struggled with this call to vocation all my life. I can understand why people have doubts, because who understands God? I don't. When you are dealing with something at this level, you are dealing with mystery.” “I'd done two movies with Elvis Presley. I'd been around Hollywood for a while - and saw how needlessly competitive and negative it could be. It never held my interest.” When asked how she could go from kissing Elvis to becoming a nun, she said: “How much closer to Heaven can you get?” A person like this rekindles faith in humanity. Kudos, madam. Here are pics:

As I was on my morning walk at 6AM, I encountered a shirtless long-haired young man who had a guitar strapped to his back. He reeked of booze and was in the company of one of the local drunks who panhandle under the el. He began smarting off to me, assuming I was Russian. I was prepared to defend myself. “You look strong,” he said. “Do I look strong?” I said he did and kept walking, my head turned slightly so that I would not be surprised by a sneak attack. Fortunately, his attention was snared by a barking dog leashed to a pole in front of a convenience store. I hope he didn’t confront the drivers at the car service next door. They might not have tolerated his slurs. At least he’s young enough to be redeemed, although I doubt he would opt for the priesthood. And I might have met him at his worst moment, a rare instance of inebriation. Life never ceases to fascinate.

Sometimes you get it right. It was drizzling after lunch, so I decided to visit my sister, who is rehabbing a broken hip. I have been doing this Sunday, closing the floating book shop early. When I left the center I spotted some patches of blue in the distance. I decided to head to Bay Parkway. Rather than set up with all my wares in front of the Chase Bank at 85th, I decided to bring only my books, a crate of best sellers and some DVDs and CDs to the busy corner of 86th Street. It worked. My thanks to Johanna, a book seller herself, who purchased Killing, and to Frank, who bought a DVD of Pope John Paul II. It was a much needed shot in the arm after a seventh straight week without a web sale of any of my works.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx