Because of winter’s cloudy skies, Indy doesn’t see many sunsets this time of year. But last night, after a day when the temperature reached the sixties, I drove off exploring into the most beautiful sunset yet. Off the bridge on the highway near the Columbus exit, the sun sank flaming orange into the horizon and all around the color filled half the sky. Lincoln Brewster sang,
You remind me who I am,
I’m made new.
I set my GPS for Starbucks downtown because I wanted to get some good sit-down time with my journal after walking the streets a bit. The buildings rose around me and traffic crawled. Over the storefronts were chic lofts that must rent for a small fortune. People of all descriptions were out looking for a good time, talking and laughing, friendly on the sidewalks.
Parking was surprisingly easy and cheap! I got out of the car and took a deep breath. Finally – I had made it to Massachusetts Avenue! Or “Mass Av” as everyone abbreviates it. But setting out on foot in a new downtown area, especially alone, feels so awkward every time. The best way is to just DO it. Jaywalk a couple times ’til you feel comfortable with traffic. Amid the honking horns I began to feel more relaxed.
The streets I explored had a bit of everything. I popped into a fashion boutique and talked to gorgeous Christina. “I just do PR and marketing, especially online,” she said, but laughed and admitted she shouldn’t underestimate her worth when I pointed out the difficulty of truly great marketing.
My favorite found thing was an exploding clock in an artists’ shop… Out of my budget for now, but such a beautiful piece of handmade artwork!
The evening wore on and finally I turned into Starbucks with my journal. Sitting at the counter with the bubbly Jackie (relaxing with a book after catering for 250 the night before), I could watch the city go by. There wasn’t any hurry or urgency, just strolling and socializing. Indianapolis reminds me of the south in that respect. It may be colder here, but it’s not unfriendly.
You’re cool, Indy. You do laid-back even on Saturday nights downtown.
