Our son had a sleepover in the neighborhood, and we actually went out and about.

We drove over to Wahoo, near where I used to live in Decatur, but by the time we got there it was an hour’s wait to be served. So we ended up at Cafe Lily, where I had a giant delicious crabcake with avacado and orange and melt-in-your mouth lamp pinchitos with haricort vert (those wee green beans) and Japanese sweet white potatos. The Monterey Crosspoint Pinot Noir was a wonderful complement to the meal.

The co-owner Angelo made us feel as though we were transported out of Georgia altogether. He not only went out of his way to make sure that we were pleased with the meal, but also sat down with us and shared a glass. He also introduced us to the charming chef and co-owner (and son!) Anthony. Outstanding meal, great company.

When we finally got out of the restaurant, it was after 11. We had made plans to meet our friend Robert C at the Eyedrum Gallery, but we were tired and sleepy and not at all sure the place would still be open. We missed the entrance first time around, and wandered a bit in the somewhat rough couple of blocks nearby, but finally found the place. It was worth it.

I love the Eyedrum Gallery because it supports imagination and art at the ground level, providing a space for visual art, music and sound, media performances, and even lectures (I gave a presentation on viruses in fiction at their previous location and was flattered that someone there recognized me, and remembered it). Philanthropists should write a check immediately – this is more vital to the community than any number of shows at the High Museum.

Everytime I go there, I feel more attached to the participants and the crowd – it’s not my “scene” but I always feel very welcome there. One young woman wore a rooster hat, and somehow, it looked good. Where else in Atlanta can one find such experiences?

There were three openings, including the George and Helen Spelvin Folk Art Collection. Some of the materials were interesting – but I found the descriptions of the artists more interesting than the art on this particular occasion. My favorite opening was the “Certification of Ingenuity; Preliminary Assessment Forms: Findings presented by Peripheral Association Research Association” – showing forms of re-use and on the spot problem-solving. Each photo objectified a moment of problem-solving, using materials meant for other uses. It was serious. And funny.

The highlight of the evening was the “cake-sitting.” About two dozen people appeared with cakes and individual scripts, walked around the audience a bit, then proceeded to an area of chairs. After a countdown, they all sat on the cakes. I am probably too easily amused, but I loved it.

I also ran into an Emory grad student that I probably should have been in touch with years ago. He’s still trying to finish his dissertation, and is taking almost as long as I did to do so. We swapped stories and grinned at each other, and staggered about the room while contemplating student loan debt. It was fun.

This is a long-winded post, I know, and it has nothing to do with politics or religion or mommyhood or any of my usual topics. It’s just that the evening refreshed me and reminded me too that there’s more to life, and more life around. I need to get out more.