'The driver has to ask one man repeatedly to take a seat. He resists being ordered around, but finally gives in and sits down. It’s just a Santa Cruz thing to question authority. He’s wearing an unusual outfit of rubber flip-flops, short shorts, and a big puffy winter parka with a furry hood. Apparently, he’s already defied the fashion police. You have to start somewhere, right?'
Thanks for letting me come along on your bus ride. The buses in your town may not be running often enough, but they surely make up for that by the wonderful diversity of the people who ride them!
Ah, what an adventure! I once rode the bus system to a job in downtown Boise, Idaho, for about five months. Yep, some definite 'characters' that still come to my mind!
This tracks with my memories of riding public transportation in the Bay Area during the 1990s, except the weirdness seems to have ramped up since then. I’d ride the 1 California bus to the Embarcadero, then a short walk to catch BART to 19th Street in Oakland. I used to inoculate myself from the weirdos by burying my nose in a book. I got some great reading done. Big books too. I recall finishing The Winds of War, Catch 22, Ana Karenina, The Stand. People tended not to bother me when I was reading. The worst mistake I found was to make eye contact when someone was looking for a seat. Weirdos usually interpreted that as an invitation to sit and relate their life story to me.🤪
That's better now. I don't have to be concerned with the people fomenting in your mind all by themselves. Your little grey cells are not a cauldron stirring to see what rises. They're already out there bumping into you, falling on your pages. (sigh of relief)
That definitely sounds like a character-rich environment. I will be looking for these people in your future stories. You are a keen observer and a good listener--essential qualities for a writer!
There’s a ‘Reacher Novel - though aboard a subway car - that pertains - you may find it intriguing (i certainly did !) - am of similar persuasion ie a ‘student of people in public’ & have many many photos as a result - It’s a fabulous ‘Topic - or better said, in your case & in my opinion - ‘a great way of being’ .. !
Will drop a sample or two off in yer general direction ! Yes, I take very seriously ‘peoples’ privacy.. and endeavour never to ‘invade via camera & curiosity - much less stare or gape .. !
Did you hear me just scream? Once they are gone, they are GONE from ground and mind. No they will not get honored with paper and ink. IF ever you think of renting.... go lay down, eat a box of icecream, drink a whole bottle of your best and sleep till that thought goes away. I'm not in the mood to make a cauldron. Ah... warm milk and a binky. )))
Yes. Santa Cruz does shape who you become, and you’ve described it better than I’ve ever been able to…. Only fellow ex-pats nod and share that knowing look with me.
I wonder, does the person with the pink pig mask, fringed parasol, and absolutely no skin showing, still stroll the length of Pacific Avenue?
I forgot about the accordion lady! Reminds me that “The Starving Musician “ on Ocean St. had bumper stickers that read ‘Play the accordion, go to jail!’
'The driver has to ask one man repeatedly to take a seat. He resists being ordered around, but finally gives in and sits down. It’s just a Santa Cruz thing to question authority. He’s wearing an unusual outfit of rubber flip-flops, short shorts, and a big puffy winter parka with a furry hood. Apparently, he’s already defied the fashion police. You have to start somewhere, right?'
This man is definitely a character. :).
Thanks for letting me come along on your bus ride. The buses in your town may not be running often enough, but they surely make up for that by the wonderful diversity of the people who ride them!
What a cast! Around where I live, it's mainly the Trumpers who stand out in public.
Public transit like this is awesome. Not everywhere has it.
Ah, what an adventure! I once rode the bus system to a job in downtown Boise, Idaho, for about five months. Yep, some definite 'characters' that still come to my mind!
This tracks with my memories of riding public transportation in the Bay Area during the 1990s, except the weirdness seems to have ramped up since then. I’d ride the 1 California bus to the Embarcadero, then a short walk to catch BART to 19th Street in Oakland. I used to inoculate myself from the weirdos by burying my nose in a book. I got some great reading done. Big books too. I recall finishing The Winds of War, Catch 22, Ana Karenina, The Stand. People tended not to bother me when I was reading. The worst mistake I found was to make eye contact when someone was looking for a seat. Weirdos usually interpreted that as an invitation to sit and relate their life story to me.🤪
That's better now. I don't have to be concerned with the people fomenting in your mind all by themselves. Your little grey cells are not a cauldron stirring to see what rises. They're already out there bumping into you, falling on your pages. (sigh of relief)
What a wonderful day. Reading. Walking. Jotting down notes. Eyes open, taking it all in. Doesn't get much better than that!
That definitely sounds like a character-rich environment. I will be looking for these people in your future stories. You are a keen observer and a good listener--essential qualities for a writer!
There’s a ‘Reacher Novel - though aboard a subway car - that pertains - you may find it intriguing (i certainly did !) - am of similar persuasion ie a ‘student of people in public’ & have many many photos as a result - It’s a fabulous ‘Topic - or better said, in your case & in my opinion - ‘a great way of being’ .. !
Will drop a sample or two off in yer general direction ! Yes, I take very seriously ‘peoples’ privacy.. and endeavour never to ‘invade via camera & curiosity - much less stare or gape .. !
Excellent, Sharron! You ARE a "keen observer" --these characters are truly come to life. Can't wait to meet them again in one of your stories. Hugs!
Sharron, you're a breath of fresh air with this fly-on-the-wall documentary of your bus journey characters - an absolutely terrific read!
What a great place to gather material for your stories. Pure genius.
Did you hear me just scream? Once they are gone, they are GONE from ground and mind. No they will not get honored with paper and ink. IF ever you think of renting.... go lay down, eat a box of icecream, drink a whole bottle of your best and sleep till that thought goes away. I'm not in the mood to make a cauldron. Ah... warm milk and a binky. )))
Yes. Santa Cruz does shape who you become, and you’ve described it better than I’ve ever been able to…. Only fellow ex-pats nod and share that knowing look with me.
I wonder, does the person with the pink pig mask, fringed parasol, and absolutely no skin showing, still stroll the length of Pacific Avenue?
I forgot about the accordion lady! Reminds me that “The Starving Musician “ on Ocean St. had bumper stickers that read ‘Play the accordion, go to jail!’
Not everyone likes it, I guess.
Thank you for your stories.