Halfway to the stars

[horizon_greene]

A few months ago, my sister asked me, "If you could do anything in the world for your 30th birthday, what would it be?"

To which I replied, "Watch Lincecum pitch at AT&T Park."



We stayed at the Hotel California, celebrating its 100th anniversary in the heart of downtown and checking in guests with complimentary tequila shots.


Then, a late-night bottle of chianti, burrata, and dessert down the street at Kuleto's.


I'd never seen the city look so beautiful as it did that weekend, by the way. Bright sun, clear skies.


The streets overflowed with cherry blossoms.


Swans nested on the grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts, thoroughly barricaded.


There are no words for how lovely it was.








Incredible produce at the farmers market at the Ferry Building—ramps, all sorts of interesting mushrooms, asparagus.


We used our purchases to make dinner at Em's apartment.


Then, rushing to AT&T Park, champagne-fueled and giddy, and settling into our seats just in time.


The stars (and the pitching rotation) aligned. It was 4/20, two days left in my twenties, and Lincecum was throwing warm-up pitches to Posey—a sight unseen in many an age.


Tim was spectacular, magnificent, and watching Posey catch him—watching Posey tell him what to do—was the icing on my proverbial birthday cake.


The next day, we wandered the city randomly.

Alamo Square, to see the Painted Ladies.


On a whim, we found the Full House house.


Haight-Ashbury, for punch and barbeque at Hobson's Choice.


Bloody Mary bar, too.


Then the Castro, for pet stores, a dream of an open house, some Hot Cookies, and more cherry blossoms.


I can see why people write songs about this city.

<3

Comments

[sophia-helix.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you! I'm finishing the last story in "In the Stretch" first, but I have a pretty detailed outline for a long Fire Season story that bridges the gap between last season and this one. I do keep distracting myself by emailing sketched-out current-season scenarios with Cecilia Regent, though -- you're right, there is too much food for inspiration/tinhat speculation so far. Like what happened after that home game two weekends ago...

[horizon-greene.livejournal.com]

Like what happened after that home game two weekends ago...

Wait, what what what is this.

[sophia-helix.livejournal.com]

It is imaginary boyfriend semi-d/s land, aka how does Buster bring Tim back down again at home after they've played a whole game with Buster calling all the pitches and running the pace on Tim (inspired by Schulman's description of what he thought Buster did differently as Tim's catcher in that game, which was borderline slashy and had a definite d/s vibe).

[myalexandria.livejournal.com]

I love a good slashy beat reporter story.

and happy birthday horizon-greene! I will probably go reread the hooker fic again in your honor :)

[horizon-greene.livejournal.com]

There are few things better :)

And thank you! It was a really special birthday.

[horizon-greene.livejournal.com]

I can't for the life of me find the description in question, but...yes, that sounds delightful. That type of dynamic would make a lot of sense with those two.

Hopefully Posey will catch Lincecum tomorrow as well.

[sophia-helix.livejournal.com]

Oops, it was Carl Steward. Basically saying Buster ran the game and kept the reins tight on Tim. To which I say "...mmm."

[horizon-greene.livejournal.com]

Also, this:

“When you get a rhythm going out there and you’re not shaking too many times and the catcher’s on the same page as you, it’s not even a question of what he puts down,” Lincecum said. “It’s just where he’s going to want to put it and when he does, it’s like, `Yep, OK, here we go.’"

This makes me think so many things. Where he wants to put it, indeed.

[sophia-helix.livejournal.com]

That boy and his quotes, bringing joy to the hearts of slashers everywhere.