When I first moved into the apartment I live in now I was disappointed that it was in the back of the apartment building (I was tired of apartment hunting and was going to take the place if it was at all acceptable.) None of the apartments in the front of the building were available. I wanted an apartment in the front, an apartment with a view of busy Centre Avenue in North Oakland two stories below. I wanted to see the people and the motor traffic. I wanted to see the action. Being a writer, I thought I needed the stimulation of human movement to inspire me to write.
The apartment in the back that I rented has a view of trees and hedges and backyards, lots of greenery. I’ve seen Woodpeckers, Robins, Cardinals, Crows, Blue Jays and huge wild turkeys up close. I’ve watched squirrels play tag in the trees and on the roof tops and watched them search for food in backyards. And in winter at night in the distance are the spot lights of the Cathedral of Learning of the University of Pittsburgh that stands forty-three stories high against the black sky.
And my writing has been revitalized.
