What a wonderful way to start my morning. I read a lot ( whenever I can) to move outside my day. To be free for a while. To just relax and enjoy. I just read your whole Metro series. Ah that felt so good. Your writing transported me to the bus and allowed me to totally (almost) escape to be somewhere else. What a beautiful observer of people you are with the gift of being able to convey what you experience that then actually transports your readers to a four dimensional place - yes, time too. Thank you. I needed that so badly this morning. What a special way to start my day. 👍😀
Oh Ruth, you are so kind. It makes me really happy to hear you’ve read all the bus rides and found value in them. Yes, we all need to escape, seems like now more than ever, doesn’t it? I appreciate so much your subscribing to 🌿Leaves and taking the time to comment. It means everything to me.
I grinned at this part "students with wires dangling out of their heads" and then I sank into my seat on the bus to observe your two fabulous characters and their lovely interaction. Wonderful, just wonderful. I enjoy your writing so very much, Sharron. x
What a lovely story and observation, Sharron. I’m of the mindset that they continued conversing/seeing each other, and who knows, maybe they even fell in love.
Careful with all those romantic ideas, Justin. I may have to send you every book Jane Austen ever wrote... I like a little happily-ever-after myself... just not the Hallmark Movie kind. ha ha ha
It is always a treat to read your writing. You have a way with words. It is good for the soul to avoid judgement of others based on sensory details. By practicing non-judgement, we overcome this world and experience the world of the spirit.
Yes, it is difficult and I often fail. I was happy to read that you try to practice non-judgement with the people you observe on the bus. You are making the attempt.
The Metro is a terrific place for people watching. My mission is to observe and describe without judgment, without coming to conclusions about people I haven’t met. I often fail.
Me too!
For fun, I start up conversations with people who are actually just sitting there, undistracted by headphones and iPhones. Very few in number, these days. Really appreciate your views of our world.
Great vignette, Sharron. What surprised me most is that the poodle didn’t go after the parrot. My little Joe is only part poodle, but there isn’t a bird in the world he doesn’t want to eat.
Also, my question is when I spot something, like a flag or a person's garb, or one of the many things I encounter through the day, why does that trigger a negative or even a shocked reaction? Driving through a small town and seeng it festooned in American flags and it's not the 4th of July. And I can't really put my finger on why I'm triggered.
I don't know why that is, but I do know the symbol of the flag no longer means what it once did. It now waves from the back of pick-up trucks as a symbol of hate, bigotry and sedition. Might as well be a swastika. Pardon me. I didn't mean to say that.
Don't apologize. We are moving rapidly into a frightening world. Shalom Auschlander wrote about this very thing last week, how frightening the world was becoming to him. Those pickup truck flag bearers are all over the place. I've seen one here. I don't know whether he was passing through or what, but it triggers my Flag Code Karen attitude seeing the flag rippling over the exhaust pipe. Is this an organized group of people doing this or just Joe Redneck building a larger following. IDK. I told Shalom, however, that I'm seeing a lot fewer Trump flags and signs so far this year that in 2020. Then, they were all over the place as were the MAGA hats. I take heart in that. Maybe people are becoming a bit more sane or exhausted by the hate. There will always be those, however, who have to flaunt their rage.
Thanks, Sue. I read Auslander every week. He is so irreverent. He makes me laugh before I cry. Regarding the flag waving haters, it seems their lack of education, their ignorance, leaves a large hole that is easiest filled with rage. No thinking involved. Much in the way zombies drool... Glad you see a glimmer of hope.
Beautiful, Sharron. I hope your imagined scenario for the boy and the girl comes true. We are all so different yet have so much in common. Tell me, Does this bus stop at the 7-Eleven? As you know, It's my favorite people-watching place.
The Speedee-Mart on this route. Should do as well, right? You got your slurpee machine and the wrinkled hotdogs that have been sitting on the rollers since 10 am. The Ho-Hos and the Slim Jims. It is where the elite meet to eat and there are lots of conversations to eaves drop on, that's for sure.
A treasure to hear about your adventures, neighbor. Fwiw I saw you at the bus stop early the other morning, as me and Dory were heading to the beach and your youthful exuberance was entirely palpable ❤️
Another slice of life on the bus. You see, in individual stories, while others only glance at the cover. I love these people! Thanks for taking us with you on the bus.
Expressions, expletives, emotive gestures. Stars all in their own individual ways; swept into the streets, carried by buses and kissed by the storms captured by your conceived eyes that see the waves toss the heat of day aside. Sandals scorch the sands. Rhythms rhyme with time. Your words send me movement and energy to get through another day. Encouragement all from a ride on the bus that passes by.
I always enjoy the ride and the colorful characters of Santa Cruz. I bet SC is crowded these days with folks escaping this run of excessive inland heat.
Exactly so, James Ron. Santa Cruz is bumper-to-bumper, shoulder to shoulder. Restaurants jammed. The beach has so many umbrellas you can not see the sand. One wonders where they are putting their cars. I can't blame them. Supposed to be 100˚ today in Santa Clara Valley. Anyway. it sure helps out our economy over here on the coast.
What a wonderful way to start my morning. I read a lot ( whenever I can) to move outside my day. To be free for a while. To just relax and enjoy. I just read your whole Metro series. Ah that felt so good. Your writing transported me to the bus and allowed me to totally (almost) escape to be somewhere else. What a beautiful observer of people you are with the gift of being able to convey what you experience that then actually transports your readers to a four dimensional place - yes, time too. Thank you. I needed that so badly this morning. What a special way to start my day. 👍😀
Oh Ruth, you are so kind. It makes me really happy to hear you’ve read all the bus rides and found value in them. Yes, we all need to escape, seems like now more than ever, doesn’t it? I appreciate so much your subscribing to 🌿Leaves and taking the time to comment. It means everything to me.
I grinned at this part "students with wires dangling out of their heads" and then I sank into my seat on the bus to observe your two fabulous characters and their lovely interaction. Wonderful, just wonderful. I enjoy your writing so very much, Sharron. x
These bus rides are fun for me. I hope they are fun for my readers, too! This is an apt little town for producing characters!
I don’t imagine for a moment that you will ever run out of bus-ride subjects for these stories, Sharron!
What a lovely story and observation, Sharron. I’m of the mindset that they continued conversing/seeing each other, and who knows, maybe they even fell in love.
Careful with all those romantic ideas, Justin. I may have to send you every book Jane Austen ever wrote... I like a little happily-ever-after myself... just not the Hallmark Movie kind. ha ha ha
It is always a treat to read your writing. You have a way with words. It is good for the soul to avoid judgement of others based on sensory details. By practicing non-judgement, we overcome this world and experience the world of the spirit.
Easier said than done! However, a worthy aim for sure! Thank you, KC
Yes, it is difficult and I often fail. I was happy to read that you try to practice non-judgement with the people you observe on the bus. You are making the attempt.
The Metro is a terrific place for people watching. My mission is to observe and describe without judgment, without coming to conclusions about people I haven’t met. I often fail.
Me too!
For fun, I start up conversations with people who are actually just sitting there, undistracted by headphones and iPhones. Very few in number, these days. Really appreciate your views of our world.
Thanks so much, Buzz. Glad to hear from you! I hope you are well and getting some free, fun time this summer.
Great vignette, Sharron. What surprised me most is that the poodle didn’t go after the parrot. My little Joe is only part poodle, but there isn’t a bird in the world he doesn’t want to eat.
He's a good boy, just following his instincts. Parrot is delicious. Tastes just like chicken..?
Always love your observations. Thanks
Thank you for reading Leaves, Yael. I appreciate your comments so much!
What a sweet potential love story.
Also, my question is when I spot something, like a flag or a person's garb, or one of the many things I encounter through the day, why does that trigger a negative or even a shocked reaction? Driving through a small town and seeng it festooned in American flags and it's not the 4th of July. And I can't really put my finger on why I'm triggered.
I don't know why that is, but I do know the symbol of the flag no longer means what it once did. It now waves from the back of pick-up trucks as a symbol of hate, bigotry and sedition. Might as well be a swastika. Pardon me. I didn't mean to say that.
Don't apologize. We are moving rapidly into a frightening world. Shalom Auschlander wrote about this very thing last week, how frightening the world was becoming to him. Those pickup truck flag bearers are all over the place. I've seen one here. I don't know whether he was passing through or what, but it triggers my Flag Code Karen attitude seeing the flag rippling over the exhaust pipe. Is this an organized group of people doing this or just Joe Redneck building a larger following. IDK. I told Shalom, however, that I'm seeing a lot fewer Trump flags and signs so far this year that in 2020. Then, they were all over the place as were the MAGA hats. I take heart in that. Maybe people are becoming a bit more sane or exhausted by the hate. There will always be those, however, who have to flaunt their rage.
Here's the link to Shalom's post: https://shalomauslander.substack.com/p/the-flag-of-fuck-you?publication_id=1664787&post_id=146320573&isFreemail=true&r=1gbs2n&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Thanks, Sue. I read Auslander every week. He is so irreverent. He makes me laugh before I cry. Regarding the flag waving haters, it seems their lack of education, their ignorance, leaves a large hole that is easiest filled with rage. No thinking involved. Much in the way zombies drool... Glad you see a glimmer of hope.
As long as I stay in my house and don't venture into the world too often, I can drum up a shred of hope. Not much, but there it is.
Beautiful, Sharron. I hope your imagined scenario for the boy and the girl comes true. We are all so different yet have so much in common. Tell me, Does this bus stop at the 7-Eleven? As you know, It's my favorite people-watching place.
The Speedee-Mart on this route. Should do as well, right? You got your slurpee machine and the wrinkled hotdogs that have been sitting on the rollers since 10 am. The Ho-Hos and the Slim Jims. It is where the elite meet to eat and there are lots of conversations to eaves drop on, that's for sure.
Hi Sharron,
Just curious - do you think they continued their acquaintanceship - or did they go their separate ways?
Oh, I have no idea, but I am partial to a happily-ever-after story...
A treasure to hear about your adventures, neighbor. Fwiw I saw you at the bus stop early the other morning, as me and Dory were heading to the beach and your youthful exuberance was entirely palpable ❤️
Awww. Sweet. Thank you. Patrick
Another slice of life on the bus. You see, in individual stories, while others only glance at the cover. I love these people! Thanks for taking us with you on the bus.
Relying on bus travel is challenging, but the people are fascinating. Thanks for your comment!
Expressions, expletives, emotive gestures. Stars all in their own individual ways; swept into the streets, carried by buses and kissed by the storms captured by your conceived eyes that see the waves toss the heat of day aside. Sandals scorch the sands. Rhythms rhyme with time. Your words send me movement and energy to get through another day. Encouragement all from a ride on the bus that passes by.
Thank you, Richard
Your powers of observation are superb, Sharron. I’d read a book of these!
Wow! Thank you, Barrie.
What a keen observer….. and commentator.
Thanks Wade. I imagine the buses in other towns have similar stories.
I always enjoy the ride and the colorful characters of Santa Cruz. I bet SC is crowded these days with folks escaping this run of excessive inland heat.
Exactly so, James Ron. Santa Cruz is bumper-to-bumper, shoulder to shoulder. Restaurants jammed. The beach has so many umbrellas you can not see the sand. One wonders where they are putting their cars. I can't blame them. Supposed to be 100˚ today in Santa Clara Valley. Anyway. it sure helps out our economy over here on the coast.