#80: Comfy Cozy Summer Nights

I love the things that make seemingly “separate” people stop in their tracks and come together: a good musician in the underground subway system, the spotting of an elusive wild creature in nature, puppies. A sunset is one of those things; It never seems to get old and it works every time. I love Amanda’s description of how it plays out. I just wish I had been there with the sisters!

- Jaime 

Amanda Posa       amandaposaj@gmail.com 

Comfy Cozy Summer Nights

A few weeks ago, my sisters and I spontaneously decided to hop on the NYC ferry to Rockaway Beach. It was our very first time on the ferry (some real New Yorkers we are!). After the beach and some very authentic New York deli sandwiches for dinner, we were a little sleepy. So we were a bit disgruntled when we got back to the ferry as the line to board wrapped around multiple blocks. 

But after an hour, and a visit to the friendly milkshake truck that accompanied us on this winding line, it was time to board. As we made our way up to the top of the ferry and peaked over the railing of the ascending steps, we were astounded by the amount of people flooding the deck - I wondered to myself if it had mattered that over 200 of us were huddled together in front of the "75 persons max occupancy" sign. 

It was a bit of a zoo.. people having to get out of other people’s ways, others falling over their own feet and the sandy towels and bags, my pregnant sister trying to seek refuge from all the swinging beach chairs and elbows. It was all rather hectic. There was no personal space for anyone. I was worried some eventual aggravation would develop from every one during this upcoming hour ride. 

And then the sun slowly began to set gently against the water. And as if the setting sun there in New York was different than in any other place else in the world ever, everyone stared in awe and took out their phones and devices and cameras for pictures. Couples grabbed one another by the waist. Others fell into each other’s embrace. Friends squished together even more so to capture their laughs and smiles and the essence of the coral pink background. Strangers were asking other strangers to take their photos. 

And then eventually, the phones and cameras were put away. And there was a new awareness of quiet. People settled in the closeness of one another and sat down, even if that meant on each other's lap. They looked out at the East River, and then at one another. And there was this growing consciousness of serenity and community and intimacy and connection while we all enjoyed the restless yet tranquil waves and the luminosity that danced over them for awhile.

No one, at any single instant, seemed to mind the sweat and congestion. We were all just very joyful in the little moments, and maybe even comfortable AND cozy in some unconventional fashion. Or at least that’s how I felt. I guess I can’t speak for the couple hundred strangers around me... but something really tells me... they felt that way too. 

Amanda's first-person bio:

I am currently in my third year at the University of Florida. I am studying Education and Sustainability Studies as I have a deep passion for both teaching children and for caring for the environment. I seek work, people, and environments that align with my core values of empathy, compassion, and conscientiousness. My biggest joy is when I can be of sincere help to someone or something that needs me. Whether that means putting in great efforts to go green, supporting the earth and its resources, or opening my ears to listen and arms to hug someone who needs support, I always find my motivation when I see betterment due in part by my actions.