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I apologize for my absence from the blog in the past several days. Life has a way of intervening. Here's a short one for you; a couple of larger ones are on the way!
--
As we pull up to Third and James, southbound, a couple of folks get on whom I recognize. "Heeyy," I say to them, beaming. We sit for the light nearside Jefferson. Across the way is Triangle Park, that open-air bedroom and bazaar, populated with denizens of all stripes and smells. I hear a roar coming my way from over there: "YO, NATHAN!"
It's him, another buddy, arms extended in a full-body wave. I don't know his name, but I'm equally thrilled to see him again– black skullcap rag, fluorescent jacket, construction green, with working boots and a crusty smile. Another friendly face from the bus. People remember when you're kind.
I roll forward and get stopped at the next red light, only sixty-odd feet ahead, facing Yesler. In my right periphery is a dark-skinned figure in white, shouting up at me. "Aaay! Aaay!"
It's Sho Luv.* He's letting his hair grow out, blossoming into a full-bodied 'fro that would make anyone jealous. I open the doors and respond in kind. This is what red lights were made for. "Mister Sho Luv! Heeey, man! I see you on every end o' town! It's like there's ten uh you, jus' hangin' around all over!"
I forget his exact response, but he was as excited as I was, high off the elation of seeing and being seen. He wasn't interested in a ride, or a transfer, or anything; the man just wanted to belt out a hello. I said something about him having magic powers, and at the green light we went our separate merry ways.
A older fellow inside the bus marveled, saying, "you got clout. You got clout on every corner, huh?"
I smiled before saying, "a little!" As we completed the turn onto Third South I added, "good people everywhere, you know?"
"I know tha's right!"
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*Mr. Luv is the gentleman in the linked 358 post with whom I discuss South Gate, right before talking with the researcher about funding for tuberculosis. His name isn't mentioned because that was the first time we spoke, and as such hadn't formally met yet.
--
As we pull up to Third and James, southbound, a couple of folks get on whom I recognize. "Heeyy," I say to them, beaming. We sit for the light nearside Jefferson. Across the way is Triangle Park, that open-air bedroom and bazaar, populated with denizens of all stripes and smells. I hear a roar coming my way from over there: "YO, NATHAN!"
It's him, another buddy, arms extended in a full-body wave. I don't know his name, but I'm equally thrilled to see him again– black skullcap rag, fluorescent jacket, construction green, with working boots and a crusty smile. Another friendly face from the bus. People remember when you're kind.
I roll forward and get stopped at the next red light, only sixty-odd feet ahead, facing Yesler. In my right periphery is a dark-skinned figure in white, shouting up at me. "Aaay! Aaay!"
It's Sho Luv.* He's letting his hair grow out, blossoming into a full-bodied 'fro that would make anyone jealous. I open the doors and respond in kind. This is what red lights were made for. "Mister Sho Luv! Heeey, man! I see you on every end o' town! It's like there's ten uh you, jus' hangin' around all over!"
I forget his exact response, but he was as excited as I was, high off the elation of seeing and being seen. He wasn't interested in a ride, or a transfer, or anything; the man just wanted to belt out a hello. I said something about him having magic powers, and at the green light we went our separate merry ways.
A older fellow inside the bus marveled, saying, "you got clout. You got clout on every corner, huh?"
I smiled before saying, "a little!" As we completed the turn onto Third South I added, "good people everywhere, you know?"
"I know tha's right!"
--
*Mr. Luv is the gentleman in the linked 358 post with whom I discuss South Gate, right before talking with the researcher about funding for tuberculosis. His name isn't mentioned because that was the first time we spoke, and as such hadn't formally met yet.
It's always super great to hear your feedback! I was just talking with a friend about how we like that this blog combines the art world with the street world and lets all my art/school friends have a window into what's going on on the bus. I try to let lingo from both universes seep into the blog, and am happy you like it!
Looking forward to the next one. :)
I feel unreasonably lucky. Every day I get to go in to work feels like a privilege. Sometimes I tell people I feel like I've been retired or on summer vacation ever since I completed University, and they look at me funny. But I do think so! Thanks for reading, and making it such a joy to share all of this!
At some point i hope to occupy the chat seat for an extended pierod of time to pick your brain to find out the secret of how you remain so up-beat under any/all circumstances.
Your vibe is intoxicating, and i desire to find out how i can get some of the same juice for myself ? Just what is your secret ? I must know ? Man you cant keep that all for yourself. You have a gift that MUST be shared and spread all over creation so that the world can be a better place
Charlieparrot
Blessings to you, this and every day.
You're too kind. The answer to your query is, of course, the simplest one: there is no secret! It's a mystery to me as much as I'm sure it is to you. I simply work at it every day, asking myself what the best or healthiest way to consider the issue at hand, for the sake of my sanity. In large part though, any answer I give will be a supposition, and I feel least qualified to know the answers to your questions. Mainly I am just very thankful to take part in this strange and delightful human comedy we call urban life.