As I have so many times in my life, I am off again on a mission to New York, this time, it isn’t to sell a book idea, or to run a TV news show, it is to help my daughter get some rest and sleep and to get to know my granddaughter. A mission of love all around, it seems.

Maria is taking me to the train this morning, she isn’t coming on this trip, I’ve rented a room in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn and will return Wednesday afternoon. My idea is to help my daughter, I am certainly eager to look at the intense eyes of my granddaughter Robin.

I hope to take her for walks, help feed her, change her dirty bottom, and bond in the mythic ways of the grandparent. My daughter and I both recognize the geographic, financial, emotional, cultural,  and other obstacles to this relationship, we intend to overcome them with determination and honesty, and, of course, love.

We live very different lives in very different places now, and that can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how we deal with it. I keep my eyes and heart open. I am bringing the monochrome camera and a portrait lens – that’s all, and an overnight back. I will not be blogging from New York, I never blog when I travel.

Maria is driving me to the train station, I love the ride down the Hudson to New York, it is both restful and beautiful. I am reading a new novel called “Nix” by Nathan Hill and I will bring earphones to I can listen to music on my Iphone. I will miss Maria every single minute.

We all need some time off sometimes, you and me both. Keeps the mind fresh. I am excited about the trip, it feels good to me. I am never at ease staying in the homes of strangers, but hopefully, this will be a place I can stay whenever we come to New York.

See you tomorrow.