Archive 1975-2

Robert Flinkman
Cascadillia, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
pastel on paper
18" X 24"
1975
copyright 1975 Robert Flinkman

October 12th, 1975 Monday

I'm back, not much to my pleasure though. I had a nice time with Ethan and his friends, quite a party, too!
The trip up was really beautiful, such vivid colors on the trees! They appeared to me like flames. I imagined painting them. The bus was full to capacity - people also standing in the aisles. It seemed some people also shared my ideas.
I had quite a bit of luggage - my pad of paper - 18" X 24", my bag with pastel box and some books - (plus my slippers) and my folding suitcase. There was no doubt in my mind I would take a cab. There was one, just one, at the Ithaca bus station.....The trip to McFaddin cost me $1.70. I gave him $2.00. I was glad to get there. The first thing Ethan said to me was, "How you doin', friend?" I knew from there I would have a good time. We talked of this and that.
......Well, the party began around 8:30....The guest of honor came, John. He had short cut blonde hair, done for the Texas border, he said. He had a small build, quite a jovial face. Ethan prepared gin and tonics. As it seemed , he makes them really quite well. I just had vodka on the rocks, sipping slowly. I only had two glasses, quarter filled.....John went to Europe - we talked of that. Later another fellow came in - Elias(?) It was strange - he knew John's girlfriend! They both met in the Dominican Republic!! John was crazy! Will he surprise her! John never met Elias before! Such a small world! The party broke up around a quarter of twelve. It was then decided to call George. I had thought of it before and sent him a postcard. I now regret both actions. Mark answered (what was he doing back? He did go home). I got George out of the shower! It was funny, Ethan making side remarks about my drunkedness. I kept on asking George if he was dripping wet. He was surpised at that.
I got a nice pastel picture of Cascadillia done - a scene with the bridge which goes toward college town. I got a bit done - pushed myself - I worked one time for an hour and a half. I came back, rested, studied( I did also in the morning), I went back for about half an hour.