My Life A-BART

Chinatown and Around

2008-12-11T22:23:00.000-08:00

Earlier in the day, while seated on BART, in the sun (my favorite spot), I took a couple photos of me and my newly-returned bangs:

Enough about me...
I love the opulent shops with all the gorgeous lighting and chandeliers, while walking into Chinatown. I also love seeing these cute little guys. For some reason, I love the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" monkeys. I even had one on top of my computer for a while. I wanted to get a self-portrait of me with the monkeys, but I thought it would be a little weird...not that that has stopped me before, though...

This sassy little lady wanted to be photographed...so I obliged her. I really like this sculpture of the mermaid. Very graceful.

On the way out of Chinatown, I came across the Hermes shop and spied these 'freaks of nature' in the windows in an alley. Actually, they really are kinda cool, but I was faintly disturbed by the expressions on their faces.

I had to put a Nativity Scene in here. It is, after all, the Christmas season. This was a really nice, antique-looking set. It reminded me of my Grandma Sonnenstuhl's Nativity pieces. I loved unpacking them and arranging them on her coffee table every year around this time. I remember each piece and wish I could see them again. They were just beautiful and full of good memories.

As I left Chinatown, Santa came around the corner (Hi, Santa!) with a bag slung across his shoulder. I'm guessing it was filled with "Cuties" (tangerines) because Santa handed me an "organic" Cutie. He was really nice and I thanked him. As he was walking away, I heard him chuckling and saying something about losing a bet with his coworkers (The elves gamble?).

The next photo made me do a double take. It was a "What the...?" moment and I had to record it:

Not too long after, I was on the corner, ready to cross the street and I saw this:

I was giggling so bad while taking this photo...and you read right - the sign in the background says "No photography". The expression on the lion's face is priceless. He's pretty special.

The Virgin Records store was on my way to the main shopping area on Market and I saw these through the window...A thought came to my head: Why would someone want to carry around a bag that said "Virgin" on it? I'm just sayin'...

After my Chinatown excursion, I ducked into Urban Outfitters and looked at their ornaments and crap. On the lowest level, there's supposed to be sales...but they aren't real bargains. I did, however, find these little treasures...

I can only imagine what kind of family photos this might hold...

This would be sooooo fun in the shower! I think I'll wait until I am living in my own place before I start the shower concerts.

I didn't know you could buy the McDonaldland character dolls...at Urban Outfitters, no less.
$10 each!

Ronald looks especially creepy. So does the tree behind him. (That's my thumb in the picture).

No comment.

I was so tempted to buy these gift tag stickers...I love these two the most:

"Get ready to fake excitement"

"Something pretty for your next garage sale"

The End (of this entry).

Full Moon Friday

2008-12-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning having the worst coordination and the foggiest brain...EVER. (I am NOT dramatic). Walking to BART, I realized I was late because...well...I started out late (amazing what the difference of a couple minutes makes), and my large toe was hurting and slowing me down. I called my boss, Tracy, and left her a message. Right after I got off the phone, I got a stitch in my side. I felt rather like a more polished version of Quasimodo.

I finally limped into the BART station and my people-watching ensued. I looked around for interesting goings-on and also for eye candy...Hey! I'm only human! While sitting and watching people, I noticed a very good looking Italian guy in the seat across the aisle. Some lady in a huge quilted coat kept blocking my view. I was irrationally, but only slightly, annoyed. Whatever - the guy's eyes, and thumbs, were glued to his blackberry. This is a person who will no doubt have problems with his thumbs later in life.

Then I spied an older woman, perhaps mid-50's, standing against the go-between BART car doors. She was nose-deep in a Harlequin-esque paperback...I snickered silently to myself (meaning, no one saw - it was a "snicker on the inside"). I texted my friend Amber in Utah - I had to tell someone who would find it as amusing as I did.

As I was thinking and writing down comedy ideas, I had an epiphany - or rather, a brilliant thought come to me: cupidity - noun: Meaning "awkward in the art of love/dating"
I was giggling to myself - this time out loud. I don't want to look it up in the UrbanDictionary because I'm afraid someone else has claimed it. Dang it - I looked it up...but I like my definition better. Oh, well.

I saw a surprising talent on the BART yesterday - some woman was BART surfing (balancing on the train) while applying make-up! I didn't look long enough to see how good a job she did...but I was impressed at the attempt, nonetheless.

After work, I didn't know what I was going to do, so I did my default Friday Night activity: BART to Embarcadero and look out on the water. Sometimes I take pictures - but my camera doesn't pick up night shots well - or I just haven't figured how to work it on my camera, yet. On my way to Embarcadero, I got stuck next to some really loud Gen-Y's. I'm sure they meant no harm...but loud guffawing, and the typical "laughing and scratching" (my Mom's term I now use) that occurs between buddies after a long day at college/work started to grate on my nerves. So I decided to move to another available seat.

On my way, I saw a familiar little furry face - Samantha the Homeless Himalayan Kitty. Her owner was carrying her and I felt a rush of affection for this man and his little beloved pet. I didn't stop them, however, because he seemed to be in a hurry. No matter -I'll see him again.

Upon reaching my destination, I made a beeline for the Ferry Building. Feeling a gnawing sensation that I recognized as loneliness, I texted my friend Hector and I called my friend Amber. Amber and I talked for a long time. She cracks me up! And what's really nice is she actually finds me funny, too. I walked along the waterfront, my Farrah Fawcett hair blowing in the bay breeze. I spied a neat little scene (I thought it was neat...): a crane-looking type bird perched on a rusty ladder leading into the water. I tried to take a picture of it...I'll post the result as soon as I can figure why my camera is being stubborn.

I decided to find a place to eat - and I wandered along Market Street towards Westfield Mall. As I meandered up the street, I noticed so many interesting people...some a little too interesting, which I deliberately did not make eye contact with. One older, greasy-looking businessman started towards me with a slurred "Hi..." and the rest was garbled. I looked him in the eye (because I meant business) and said, "Don't talk to me, please" in a very neutral but firm voice. As I walked on, I heard him slurring something to effect of - "I wasn't going to say anything bad..." Then I walked into the coolest Toy/Comic Book store. In the front, they have the limoge (spelling?...pronunciation?...) boxes I adore - especially if they have surprises in them. I also some pretty rockin' replicas of battleships and war machines (dang! Can't think of the name of it...) - oh, wait - tanks. I love the look of camouflage. As I walked through the store, I looked in a mirror and was a bit embarrassed...my hair really did have that distinct early-80's flavor to it...so I dragged out a barrette in my completely uncoordinated hands (the perils of caffeine), and clipped up my bangs. Decidedly better. I left the store and continued on.

I then saw a couple that made me think this thought: "If she can find someone, why can't I?" I won't go into what she looked like, or what her deal was, but it made me wonder about it in a moment of self-pity. When that moment was over, I focused my attention on finding food.

Panda Express popped into my head. Who knows why. I usually end up feeling like an itchy Jabba the Hut after eating there. Still...I made my way to the food court, although I was getting annoyed with the people that blocked the way for people to get through...a-nnoy-ing. On my way to Panda Express, I witnessed a delightful show of PDA from some teens. It wasn't particularly disgusting...more like kinda cute. I was surprised at how unannoyed I was.

After I got my food, I sat at a table near some dark-haired cuties (whom I kind of ignored because I was in strict people-watching mode). They kept discussing music and one guy kept humming lines of a song, while the other guy imitated another instrument (I couldn't tell what it was)...I pretended I was cracking up at the Reader's Digest I was reading - but really, I was amused at the tenor (*snort*- get it?) of their conversation. Some guy came panhandling into Panda Express. He started over at the next table so I had an answer ready. I firm, but nice, "Sorry, no." One of the workers finally ousted him. After he left, she was chuckling to herself, I suspect at his cheekiness.

After the dark-haired cuties left, an adorable Filipino family -I'm guessing at their ethnicity, but it seems accurate- sat at the table next to me. I had watched them walk in because the little boys (about 8 yrs old) were twins...and the accompanying girls (about 13 yrs old) appeared to be twins, as well...They were really cute kids - sweet, too. They smiled at me.

On my BART ride home, I sat in a four-seater (where the two seats face two seats). The guy sitting there looked familiar...and decidedly attractive, although, again, I was simply in observation mode. I dragged out my notebook and started recording the events on and surrounding my ride on BART. I soon finished and decided to draw a couple of pictures. They turned out pretty well. I need to get back into it, though - a little rusty, I'm afraid. At the Walnut Creek stop, the lady next to me noticed my drawing and asked if I designed clothes. I said "No - but I've thought about it. I don't sew, though." She was really sweet and said, "Well, you should, those are really good." (Basking in the warmth of a stranger's praise...)

As I was looking around the train, hoping I didn't catch the eye of some creepoid, I did catch the eye of a friendly Middle Eastern/Indian gentleman who gave me a genuine smile and a little wave from across the train. I grinned back. He wasn't creepy. The guy in the seat across from me looked up and smiled at me. I smiled back. It was a nice, pleasurable exchange. Then, close to my stop, I went into what I'm starting to recognize as "Ice Queen" mode. Dang. I'm not a snob - I just get shy, sometimes. So, unfortunately, I completely ignored the guy from the seat across from me, who also got off at Pleasant Hill. I am such a dork.

My story of Full Moon Friday ends with me walking home in the bitingly, slappingly cold night air. My teeth were chattering but I got home, went in the house to talk to my awesomely adorable family - and headed to my room to bed down for the night...and write in my blog for the first time in, well, a long time. It's rather cathartic, really.

More to come...

10.12.07 Rockridge outing with Holly & Piper

2008-02-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

12.07.07 Outing with work buddies - Rockridge & Berkeley

2008-02-24T21:46:00.001-08:00

Dentist...overdue120407

2007-12-04T22:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally broke down and went to the dentist...not that I don't like the dentist -it's just the amount one has to pay for one itty-bitty filling: $165. Actually, from what I hear, that's pretty good. And I didn't mind paying so much because I had the money and I needed it done before it got worse. While I was waiting to get numb, I got a little bored and started playing with my camera phone. I love taking pictures of reflections so I got plenty of those in the dentist office window.

Me half-way through my dental work...waiting for the numbing needle to do its job. Dang, why not just smoke a joint -it looks like I am anyway...(Just say no! ).

After the procedure...and before the handing over of my arm and my leg.

I love my tights -my houndstooth tights (and my boots and my jean skirt and my legs)- and I got a lot of pictures of them. Here are just a couple of my favorites:

One last thing from my adventure is a cool defacing of a window at a BART station.

After Thanksgiving: Friday outing with the family

2007-11-23T23:19:00.000-08:00

Our first stop as a family was Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. The pier/the wharf is one of my favorite places to go in the evening when I want to feel calm and peaceful. The bay breeze has renewing power. Jenn and I walked around to some stores and then stopped to see the sea lions. We both tried to get some good pics using our camera phones -and I think mine turned out pretty darn good. This is something of what we heard, although it was taken from another wharf outing I went on.

While waiting for the cable car, I captured this scene with Dan and Simon and the sunshine.
I love it!

This next photo was taken off of Embarcadero at this "industrial" park.
Some people think it's ugly, but I love the way the rock looks in pictures.

In the foreground: Dan with the red beard, Dave with the ballcap, and Jenn with the sunglasses.
We were on the cable car traveling from Fisherman's Wharf back to the van off of Embarcadero and then we went to Chinatown. Jenn and I got to hang together (Saturday, too! :) ). Poor Dad was at the front of the cable car in a sea of people.

(He's the man in the way back with only his eyes showing). :)

It looks like he's trying to come up for air...lol.

And last, but not least, here's a shot of my nephew as he was
standing among the big people on the cable car:

After our outing to Chinatown, Aunt Jenn had Simon in her charge while waiting

for Dan to bring the van around for us. I love this pic -both look so beautiful!

Hanging in Oakland and Rockridge

2007-11-17T23:10:00.000-08:00

Holly and I decided to hang out one Saturday. It was fun because we took some pics on the way to her house in Oakland. She lives in a neighborhood with a lot of cool houses...and cool fauna, too. I saw this large plant and had to have my picture taken with it. I took one of Holly, too -using her phone for mine and her pictures.

While we walked along College Avenue, we saw this funny poster...what kind of weirdo names their dog "Queen Flee-Wee"? Well, the name on the dog rescue poster might have hinted toward the reason why the dog needed to be "rescued". There are a lot of unfit doggy parents out there. (Queen Flee-Wee?!!!!!)

Holly and I were "window shopping" in this cool antique furniture store. We decided to get one of my favorite pictures...a picture with faces in the reflection. For some reason, I think I always look better through a mirror/reflective "filter".

Rough day following a glorious Halloween

2007-11-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

Well, this has been a long time coming, but it's not exactly a day I want to remember...although, it is important. I walked back to my desk from an interoffice errand to find a crazy gent standing near my desk ranting about "Medical Maladies," or some such nonsense. I could tell immediately that he was not in his right mind because of the clothing he was wearing. His hat was rife with written words on paper taped with clear tape. On his sweatshirt were words written in permanent black ink and over the ink was clear tape, again. He made the comment that "Yesterday was a good day. Two people got murdered." I made the comment back: "I wouldn't say that's a good day." Apparently, I had a look on my face (I found out later that this was why Theresa got the guy out so quickly) that made Theresa want to get the guy out of there as soon as possible. She kept the guy talking until he was on the elevator on his way back down to the lobby. Seriously, she is my hero -no joke.
I felt somewhat numb but also completely unsettled. The guy didn't even look right, and security sent him -I repeat, sent him -to the 3rd floor where they send people they don't know what to do with. Holly and Theresa both had called security and it took Boomhauer (I call this security guard that to protect his identity and to describe how I can't even understand most of what he says) a good 10 minutes after the guy left the building to make it to our floor to check things out! I took an early lunch to try and clear my head and sort out what it was that was upsetting me so bad. After lunch, Theresa and talked some more and I decided to write an email about what happened and have my boss, Tracy, look at it to see if it was appropriate to send to the head of security. To say she felt bad about what happened is an understatement. I felt like comforting her, poor thing. To be honest, she was one of my biggest supports through the entire ordeal of reporting it and reading about it on company email sent to everyone in the office, to my utter embarrassment (and hers). No one else had heard what the guy said to me and I pointed out in my email ti the head of security that this guy was dressed in a manner that would have made me ask a few more questions before waving him on.
Surprisingly, I didn't feel exposed or nervous about being in the front -just more wary of people walking through the library that I didn't recognize. Everyone on my floor on the Multimedia Communications side was supportive and expressed concern for me. This touched (and embarrassed) me as it also warmed my heart to know that people cared about the long-term temp employee sitting in the "line-of-fire".

For the rest of the day, I decided to ride to the end of the line -to Pittsburg Bay Point, since I had gone to the end of the line to the south -Daly City. While I did that, I sat and listened to my iPod and tried desperately to feel "together" -but it wasn't happening. I felt so vulnerable -of course, a feeling I hate, hate, hate -when it relates to my physical well-being and lack of choice. However, the sun was golden and shining and I knew I was being watched over. In addition to the beautiful sun, a handsome young man pulled out his earbuds and leaned into the aisle to talk to me. I pulled my earphones off to hear what he had to say. He had to repeat it because I'm kinda deaf...oh, well...but he said: "You have really nice eyes." I gave him my most brilliant smile possible at that moment and said, "Thank you -that's so sweet of you to say!" Then, being the shy and awkward person that I can be, I put my earphones back on and went back to staring off into the sunset. I think he wanted to talk to me more, but he got off at the next station. I can be so dumb, sometimes. But I console myself with the knowledge that I wasn't exactly in the best frame of mind to "make friends," at that point.
I stopped in at Walnut Creek and I hopped onto the free bus that takes people around WC. I tried to get the bus driver to give me directions to a book store, but there was a bit of a language barrier -and probably a lack of patience, on his part. But I was taken care of. I nice gentleman that I sat next to took me under his wing and tried explaining where the bookstores were in town. He was on his way to have coffee with his wife at Nordstrom. Being distracted as I was because of the incident at work, I really wasn't able to grasp where he was talking about, when giving directions. He actually got off early from his stop to walk me to the street to turn down for Borders...or Barnes & Noble...can't keep them straight...I was so grateful to him and he gave me easy, straight-shot directions back to the Walnut Creek BART station. He was an angel, like the many people I encountered that day.
I went and gathered all the books that would cheer me up...the usual, Far Side, Japanese Street Fashion, name books -and settled myself on the floor in a corner by the window. Then, I heard the hokiest rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" being played on the synthesizer and being sung (I use the word loosely) rather off-key and off-tempo. This is the photo I took of myself right after hearing this. Sound staged? Well, I had my phone out and was playing with the camera and decided to record my reaction -for posterity...and my blog. Seriously, I was so disturbed.
The next photo is of me responding to the awful noise going on beyond the stacks of books.

It turns out that there was a poetry reading and photography book signing by this author that wanted to spread awareness of the plight of the homeless. (I'm a little ashamed of lightly mocking the introductory music...but only a little). I pulled up a chair and listened as the author outlined some of her experiences and knowledge regarding the homeless. She also had a former homeless woman come up and share some of her experiences. Seriously, if what she said was completely true (and I have little doubt that it is), she is lucky to have survived it. Actually, luck has nothing to do with it, but she is one tough lady. She had several little ones and had just lost her newborn baby when her husband left her and her children. With nowhere to go, and broke from securing a proper burial for her baby, she lived on the streets of San Francisco and a couple of her kids ended up in foster care. She worked as a bouncer in clubs where you have to be able to take a full-blown punch to the chest. While staying in a shelter, she was raped by someone else staying there. After all this, I was wondering why I was listening to her because it was so heart-breaking and my chest was aching as I imagined what her life was like. Then, I was surprised that I was feeling more peaceful. Focusing on someone else's experiences reminded me how blessed I am and how little I acknowledge God's hand in my safety and the placing of people and experiences in my path that help me remember.

Walking back to the BART station, I saw some cool things in Walnut Creek. This photo (below) is of a giant wooden wheel sculpture. I love the texture in the wood.

Here's a cool sign I saw outside a nice lounge and bar...I have no idea what it means.

Here was my Beethoven sighting...here in Walnut Creek at a local piano store (gasp)!

I got home kinda late, but I felt more like a human being. I explained what happened to D & V and they were such great supports to me. I'm so grateful for a home with a family that loves me and cares that I feel safe. The end of a rough day sliding into a new day.

Halloween on BART

2007-10-31T22:44:00.000-07:00

Today was Halloween! I love this holiday for this very reason: I can wear a costume! When I was 18, I stopped trick-or-treating (okay, just "treating"), but never stopped coming up with new costumes to wear. Last year, I was a Tavern Wench. The year before, I was a Klingon princess, and the year before that, I was a Librarian (No, not a naughty librarian, as so many men ask with a hopeful lilt to their voice). This year, I dressed in Japanese street fashion -inspired by the photography book "FRUiTS." Holly took me through the office showing everyone and telling them about my costume...embarrassing, but fun -and flattering. Thanks, Holly!

It's funny how people on BART were staring at me today...or avoiding my gaze. Maybe it was the pink streak in my hair. Perhaps the glittery pink leg warmers? Or was it the nose ring? Naw...that can't be it.

After work, I had nothing definite planned, so I decided to ride to the end of the line...to Daly City. I talked to this witch named Jeanne (she was dressed as a witch, but was very nice), and found out she worked for Kaiser Permanente, as well...just at a different location. She educated me a little about the area because she got off at Daly City. I liked the spooky aura of that city. It was crisp and wet and cold. She showed me off that if the fog wasn't in the way, we could see all the way out into the ocean! Now, that's a definite lure for me.

I walked along Powell to see if I could find some weirdos before having to take off for home. Well, there really weren't too many, dang it, but I did see a group of young men who did a great impression of street thugs. One caught me taking the pic...but I sped past them since I walked much faster than them being that I didn't have the waist of my jeans belted around my knees. (snicker). I just got a great visual of all four trying to run after me and what a decidedly nonthreatening and goofy sight that would be.

Next to these guys was a pirate and I was wondering at how lucky that guy was that these guys didn't jump him just for looking so...well...pretty? He was wearing the puffy shirt and I think he wanted to look like (Captain) Jack Sparrow. I wonder if his girlfriend talked him into wearing that getup. But seriously, he didn't look half-bad...and he kept eyeing me like I was some tavern wench (I was that last year, buddy!) - And all that kept running through my head was "Arrr, matey!"

Through the mall I went because I wanted some gourmet hot chocolate and a piece of dark Irish Cream flavored chocolate. I thoroughly enjoyed my hot chocolate but saved my chocolate for my ride home. As I walked by Juicy Couture, I stopped dead in my tracks and laughed out loud. The mannequin in the window display had a wedgie. I'm sure the designer for the display thought it was a good idea at the time...or perhaps they didn't have a mannequin with a butt small enough to sport these underthings in the way they were meant to be worn...It looked ridiculous. They also had the mannequin wearing a fluffy green scarf. Now, does that make sense? A scarf, a gauzy blouse, tight underwear and socks. Seeeeeexy. I love fashion but I love to laugh even more. And dang that was funny! (By the way, I didn't want to seem like a pervert, so I was very sneaky about getting a photo of this view of the model).

On my way back to Powell Street station, I had hoped to see some interesting things...I kinda did...And I also had something wonderful happen -one could call it a Halloween miracle. I walked by some guy sitting on Powell Street and he asked me if I wanted to buy some flowers for $1. I expressed my regret that I had no change. I started to walk away and he motioned me back, then said, "How about I give you some flowers just for talking to me." I was delighted but hesitant..."Are you sure?" I said. He said, "Yeah." Then he smiled. I introduced myself to "Michael" and told him "Thank you!" several times...I was unreasonably proud of my Halloween flowers. I took a lot of pics. Normally, I don't like to get flowers because they die and that makes me sad. I'd rather get a potted plant that I can kill myself. (Just kidding...I'm not too bad with plants).

Me with my beloved Halloween flowers. :)

A close-up of my beloved Halloween flowers.
I think they are tiger lilies, but not sure...and don't care!

While riding BART on Halloween, I saw several interesting people around me:

Jolly guy and I had no idea what he was but he was dressed up as something. He and his daughter were getting a kick out of me taking pictures of myself with my flowers. Then he fell asleep.

On my way to Powell Street, these teenage girls were sitting near me. You can't see it well, but the girl with the white cap on was actually a little Asian girl with a panda-type costume. She had black makeup circles around her eyes and there were little black ears on her white cap. It was really cute. Wish I had gotten a better picture.

The cutest thing I saw on the entire trip, however took the form of a little green dinosaur. This kid was a ball of energy but absolutely adorable because he kept giggling and laughing while his dad played with him. I didn't want to get a super clear pic because I realize that it's not always good to take a pic of a stranger's kid and post it.

Haiku Tuesday

2007-10-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

I see them
They see
Right through me.

He sees me
I see him
Beautiful.

I see them
I see them
We exist.

Palace Hotel Haunt

2007-10-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

The day before Halloween, Beth, Chris and I went to the Palace Hotel for a "Ghost Tour." It was Beth's discovery and it was free! Before the tour began, the tour guides handed out disclaimer fliers. It was kind of funny because it had a list of disorders on it that might be affected...There was a huge group so they split us into three groups. Essentially, we walked from large room to large room and a different hotel staff member would tell us real "ghostly" encounters of visitors or workers in the hotel. There were a couple of stories of some rather randy female ghosts...I had a hard time not laughing at the story of the Lady in Red...The lady read to us about the Lady in Red by candlelight and had a display (or shrine...??). Our narrator looked like one of the earth mother librarians at our town library back home in Oregon...that, or "Crazy Cat Lady." But she was nice and seemed rather chipper after telling us about the poor men that were "touched inappropriately" by this ghost. Our next storyteller had all the lights out and had just a flashlight illuminating his face. He was hysterical! He read about certain appliances turning on -all by themselves. He emphasized the "all by itself" parts in an exaggerated spooky voice. Beth and I were giggling through the entire thing. We were pretty sure that it was meant to be funny, although there were a couple annoyed glances as we left the room. Sorry -did we ruin the funny scary story for you? I took a couple of pics -and then Beth captured me taking a pic with her camera phone. :)

There was a chair labeled so no one could sit in it but the ghost...It was labeled, "Seat occupied."

After our "ghost tour," we decided to go for gelato in the cafeteria of Woodfield (?) Mall. I have a new favorite ice cream: Rum Raisin. I know Beth got a conglomeration of cookies and cream and chocolate, but Chris...he chose vanilla bean. I mocked him -but only a little. It was actually rather good! It's been a while since I tried just plain old quality vanilla ice cream. I like the more exotic flavors -and I love trying new ones, too.

On my way home from the BART station, I passed by this car in front of Walgreen's. For some reason, I think it's so cute when a dog sits in the driver's seat. It's like they are trying to pretend they are driving -before their master comes back and relegates them to the passenger side or the, heaven forbid, the back seat! So cute! This bulldog just kept watching me watch him. It was also kinda cute that there was a "handicapped" sign up in the car right next to his head. As far as I could tell, it's a handicap to be a dog when wanting to go joy-riding, which is what I imagined this dog wanting to do. Me and my imagination! The guy that owned the dog came out as I was trying to get a good pic of his dog. He was flattered, as far as I could tell. I mean, who wouldn't be? A person wants to take a picture of their pooch because it's cute? Now, that's cool.

The Weight of Glory

2007-10-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a.....There are no 'ordinary' people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, culture nightmare s, arts, civilisations -- these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whome we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit -- immortal horrors or everlasting splendours.”

C. S. Lewis
The Weight of Glory

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

William Wordsworth
Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood

He gave up his seat...

2007-10-29T22:25:00.001-07:00

I have to put this up as a tribute to the young man who gave up his seat for me. He didn't have to, by any means, but he did. It was late at night, I was exhausted and my asthma was acting up. I'm sure he had no idea how much I appreciated his small act of kindness -especially when every so often, I witness and experience disrespect from the opposite gender. So a late-night stranger gave his seat up for me. Thank you.

A Snapshot Candid

2007-10-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

This was taken when I was waiting to take the BART home from work. This guy walks over to the wall and just plops his leg right up and starts stretching...streeeeeetching...He briefly looked around -To see if anyone was admiring his flexibility? I don't know...but he proceeded to stretch the other leg in the same way. Man, he was flexible! The two girls you see in the photo went up to him and struck up conversation while he was streeeeeetching. I didn't get a pic (dang it!), but these "groupies" decided to have a go at it and started stretching their legs along with him. It warmed my heart to see perfect strangers bond over fitness.

As I was coming out of the mall into the BART station, I saw these little guys strutting around like they owned the station. My mouth just broke into a grin. I'm sure people were wondering what the goofy grin was all about...Oh, well. Animals do that for me. I could be having a crappy day (or as my nephew might say, "cwappy"...oops -he learned that from me) and I could see this dog in the passenger seat of a truck appearing almost human-like in his belonging...and I will just grin. Animals are a gift that I am very grateful for. These two pigeons were not shy, either. A person was walking in their path and they just let the human walk around them...heehee. Go, pigeons! Maybe I anthropomorphize them a bit too much, but that's what's so fun about animals -their relatability.

When I was wandering around Borders looking for the FRUiTS book (Japanese street fashion photography book), I came across this obscure little booklet that said it was a tattoo book for those who love books...(Nerd alert! Talk about 'geek chic'...Sheesh!). When I came across this page...um, tattoo...I laughed out loud! For those who don't want to hold a mirror up to the computer or try to read backwards, it says: "I (HEART) DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM." This actually kinda irks me some because it's not using proper English. Add an "s" at the end of "System" or add a "the" in front of "Dewey." Nothing says "Naughty Librarian" like a tattoo that declares a love for the ancient book organizing method: The Dewey Decimal System.
Seriously, I need to not be surprised when people look around to see who is laughing by their self. I certainly would look, but it would be a refreshing change from all the prim book readers I see on the BART every day. Not to mock people for not being as "reactive" as I am, but it still would be nice to see some animation in at least one person, once in a while.

I used to embarrass myself by reading "Far Side" at school and letting fly with a loud laugh at certain ones. The "Far Side" has a special place in my heart for making my normally proper roommate (my first roommate living on my own) start laughing uncontrollably in church. It was the comic strip where the caption said, "Ways nature says 'Do Not Touch'." It shows a puffer fish, a couple of other animals that have ways of warning with their bodies...and then a guy in a trenchcoat, with an inner tube around his middle, a bazooka, a boot on his head, and a molestache with eyes in a wide-eyed, sidelong glance. Now, don't ask me why I had this comic in my Book of Mormon, but it fell out when my roommate was borrowing it. She had a fit of the giggles that I still remember to this day. It was awesome. Not especially reverent, but I'm sure God would see the humor in it. After all, he made those animals...and others...like hamsters. He made nature's Tribbles to be deceptively cute. They are actually all evil little imps who will kill you in your sleep if you don't latch their cage shut at night.

Vindicated...I am now LEGAL.

2007-10-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

I went into work and everything went as planned until I took my break. I left the building (without my name tag...oh, so embarrassing to wear) and then came back in with some of my co-workers...Of course, the "unmotivated" guard chooses this time to stop me and tell me I need my photo ID by Tuesday (Oct. 30). My coworkers kept telling him they could vouch for me but he kept telling me something...I wasn't really paying attention since he speaks like Boomhauer from the TV show "King of the Hill." I just kept getting more and more annoyed so I just walked off in a huff (I know, real mature and professional). Well, I decided I had had enough and I took my coworkers' advice and asked if it would be alright to leave work to get my ID. My supervisor said that would fine and I rode the BART to Pleasant Hill station, walked the three quarters of a mile home to get my birth certificate and other ID for the DMV. Then walked back to the station, took the BART one station over to Walnut Creek and started walking...in the wrong direction. This went on for almost a mile and then I realized that I didn't recognize any of the street names I had written on my directions. So I trekked on back to the BART station, more determined than ever to get that ID, and looked for a bus that went to the DMV, but then decided to take a $6 taxi ride (I think I was 'taken for a ride' on this one) to there because I was getting all sweaty and I wanted to cool off so I would look nice for my picture. I needn't have worried because my picture ended up looking AWESOME. It's really bizarre because I think my ID photos tend to look the best...maybe because the pic is smaller and I can't pick it apart like I would when it's a bigger pic. Well, I have to show it off :D I also only got 3 wrong on the test that I barely studied for...I don't know why I'm so proud -probably because these were common-sense questions and I don't think I'm especially gifted in that area.

It's kinda blurry but that's what happens when you don't use a scanner and use your camera phone...but I love it! I didn't ask the lady behind the counter if I could get copies of it, like I did last time when I got my license in Utah. She was amused in a way that a person is amused when they are humoring a person with a ridiculous request.

I don't think my picture looks anything like the one I took on the BART (top of page) on the way there...weird.

Haiku Tuesday

2007-10-23T23:41:00.000-07:00

Sinking in my seat
I shift my gaze
Yep, he's still staring.

My mantra is now:
"I am not a
Weirdo magnet."

Elderly woman enters
Not a seat in sight -no wait...
I smile.

Berkeley Dreamin'

2007-10-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today, when riding home from Berkeley this evening, I saw a lady that resembled a tired angel. Her hair was snowy white and she was tall, but her face looked drawn and weary. Poor cross-eyed angel.

I was talking with a friend of mine about ways to react when facing a dangerous situation. I said that if someone sitting next to me got in my face, I'd punch them. Well, truth be told, many people really don't know how they'd react when faced with a scary situation. I'd be more likely to freeze-up but I would hope I'd take action, if I could. There are so many variables, though. What if he has a gun?...What if I can't run away?

So many things run through my head when thinking about my safety and I keep wondering what it would be like to live in a world where I could walk at night and not have to take precautions. It probably be a world where unicorns roamed the plains and where little fairies would gather round and weave flowers into my hair. And perhaps I'd have a lovely mirror that would sound loud applause and sing "Bootylicious" every time I peered through it. Sigh. While I am dreaming, throw in some exciting romance with a Fabio look-alike...no, wait...that would be a nightmare. Did you know "Fabio" means "bean-grower"?

I'm done being serious, for now. Recently, I was waiting for the BART, and this female cop was on the other side of the rails walking up and down the walk. She looked like she could be a character straight out of Police Academy (or a sleazy cop show one watches late at night...). Why? Well, she was very "fit", and her uniform looked like it was sewn right onto her. Her blonde hair was in a chignon and immovable. I know this because it was a windy day and I saw not a hair move. It looked like the hair below...

She kept prancing up and down (okay, maybe not "prancing" but she certainly had a skip in her step) the station and peering over the wall, giving every guy with a policewoman fantasy a great look at her...um...(rhymes with "um"). Okay, do people say "bum," anymore?

I don't think anyone else could see the humor in this whole show, but I certainly did because it conjured up great memories of watching the Police Academy movies with my brothers. Those movies were hilarious...at least, I remember them being that way. I was cracking up to myself because, well, I knew no one else would get it.

Getting ready for "All Hallow's Eve"

2007-10-22T22:54:00.001-07:00

I came across this poster outside of Tetzini...or something-or-other...a circus, which Dan and Victory went to before. Apparently, they have some of the best performers in the world. I love seeing the gigantic posters as I walk along Embarcadero.

I was amazed to see the texture of the skin as I looked at the poster. I had to touch the poster (yes, I knew it wasn't real, but I'm very tactile). And then I had to capture the part of it that captured me.

I saw this ad outside of Fisherman's Wharf and I was enthralled with the reflection of city lights in the shadow.

The Psychology of Crowds

2007-10-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

Anyone ever think someone was staring at them and then realized they weren't? Well, this has happened to me many times -maybe because I'm a bit paranoid and a bit of an egoist (yes, egoist). I also have had some pretty blatant offenders catch me on a bad day, though. I give them the exaggerated stare and the off-center neck extension to communicate my "displeasure" at being stared at.

As a woman, I get a little tired of guessing if it is a menacing look or just an admiring look...because I sometimes can't really tell the difference -so out shoots the neck and the bug-eyes and then they are really sorry they even looked at me. Do I have issues? I think not! (Chuckle). I dunno...maybe I should be flattered...that 15 year old kids and/or 80 year old men are checking out my butt! Ewwwww... I mean, I know I'm a goddess, and all, but seriously! I also love observing men checking women out. As long as it's not me, it's kinda funny...and kinda cute, at times. Sometimes, it's downright creepy. There's this skinny, older guy that rides the BART that is a disturbing likeness of an evil Orville Redenbacher -with his red bow tie and his wee beady eyes. Imagine that "Orville" isn't smiling and has brown hair...then you will see what I see. But I'm sure the real Orville was a very sweet man, bless his little (dead) heart.

The guy always stares at the women around him. Somehow, I don't think he's sending good wishes their way because he always seems to be hard-faced and sullen. I'm not trying to be mean -and sometimes you just don't know about people. At least, I don't. Perhaps he is just lonely...(And I wonder why I get into trouble so much)

To All the Cute Couples I've Seen

2007-10-21T20:37:00.001-07:00

I have seen so many cute couples (and a couple of obnoxious ones) on BART. I happened to get a few snapshots of couples in front of me sharing a moment together.

This couple got on the BART and they were obviously in love -which is a beautiful thing to see. They were probably in their 40's and still acted like best friends. I knew I had to capture something of this when they shared ear phones. It took me forever to get the right shot -and it's still not super clear, but hey -it's a camera phone, after all. :)

The next couple I saw was an elderly couple that obviously loved each other deeply -and they kept making comments back and forth about various things. I caught them leaning into each other in this pic:

Then, I was walking one night and saw this adorable younger couple walking ahead of me. I wanted to remember this handsome couple; I took a snapshot.

I didn't know any of them and I was touched just watching how they treated each other. It made me think about how I want to end up. I want to grow old with my best friend, and still be eager to share the little things, as well as the big things that I see in the world around me.

Thank you to those couple who inspire the rest of us!

Saturday Night Life with Holly

2007-10-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

My sister from another mother and father accepted my invite to go into "The City" and hang out. It was so fun! I received an email from her that told about our time in the city in great detail:

Hi Esther ---
The SF City adventure last night was fun!

We met up at Urban Outfitters. Awesome basement bargains! I keep thinking about BOTH the tree branch jewelry holder AND the birdie lamps. =-) (Bless her, she loves birds! That's so cool).
Me: I bought iron angel wing wall hanger (for 5 bucks!) and recounted my weird encounter with this guy on the BART...yes, Holly -I AM a weirdo magnet! (I told my bro about it today and he said the exact same thing...weird!) The guy on BART had been watching me from Pleasant Hill station...and finally came and sat right by me, even though there were plenty of other seats. I ignored him for the longest time because I was listening to my iPod and also sketching, but finally, my curiosity and irritation got the better of me and I took my headphones off to see if he would tell me what the heck he wanted. It didn't take long before he commented on my drawing. He said, "I couldn't figure out who you were drawing..." (Well, gee -could that be because she had no head...?) I told him I didn't know either.

There ensued a rather awkward conversation in a thankfully populated BART car. Well, it came out that I had lived in Utah, so the guy asked me if I was Mormon. I said yes. He proceeded to stand up and ask me, "Who do I look like?" I was at a loss. And just praying that he didn't get any weirder...prayer not answered because his next comment was, "People tell me I look just like Joseph Smith." I just stared at him. I really didn't know what to say...But you know, it's kinda weird that he kind of did look like him...maybe he wasn't lying...? I'm soooo gullible.

I tried to find out which stop he was going to but he said he didn't have a destination. Yet another red flag. Why me?! Anyway, I had the brilliant idea to say, "I know this is kinda weird, but my friends won't believe me if I say I saw a guy that looked just like Joseph Smith...can I take your picture?" He allowed me to take his picture:

I did this because of the reason I told him and because I wasn't sure if he was going to follow me. He did get off at the same station but I made it clear I was going on by myself (and I also lost him). I was a bit shaky when I arrived at Urban Outfitters to meet Holly. I was soooo glad I wasn't on a solitary trip this time. I tell ya, it's not fun to be sitting on the BART planning ways of defending yourself, should someone try something shady. Running through my head were many things -and most were questions as to why he chose me to bother.

I suppose he was just a lonely, awkward guy. Some of the stuff he told me didn't even add up. He told me he was LDS (Mormon) and he also had a southern accent but he grew up in the Bay Area...I'd like to think he was just some harmless and bored guy, but I am way too easy of a target, as it is.

And we walked around and around and saw the sights and the neat looking people and went to the top of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel to Harry Denton's Starlight Room. =-)
Me: Then she showed me the star on top of the hotel from several blocks away. We also encountered an elderly couple on the elevator on our way up...it was funny because the old lady said "He flirts with all the girls and the boys...haha! He was giving me and Holly "the eye" as we got off the elevator. Dirty old man!

And alas, enjoyed a lovely meal at Cesario's Italian Restaurant in : Union Square, Nob Hill (601 Sutter Street @ at Mason St).
Me: My first time ever at a real Italian restaurant and saw some guy drinking from -what looked to me like a tiny tea cup- but was an espresso cup that they use in Italy all the time...wow...I need to travel more. Holly was very generous and let me have more bread than my share...she's great at sharing. I had pesto linguini and it was very good and very filling. We had to walk around for a while after eating. As we walked, we came close to the Tenderloin District. I didn't know much about that area, but Holly filled me in about the characters that I could expect to see (druggies, prostitutes, people shooting-up). We passed some big guy who had a large blank folded across his chest and Holly quickly put me on the other side of her so she'd pass by him -and I had this fleeting thought that he could be a flasher. She's got my back, she does.

And finally, had Coldstone Ice Cream...the richest sweet treat I think i have ever had ....pumpkin mint mixture extravaganza.
Me: I had pumpkin and Irish Cream mixed with graham cracker crust...mmmm...

Well, that was our fun trip to SF...in a nutshell :) Thanks for hanging with me, Holly! You are one fun gal!

One more before I go to bed...

2007-10-16T22:57:00.001-07:00

These images are from two SF trips ago. The pic with my lovely reflection is from a plaque attached to some sort of park that doesn't seem to have much of a point...but it's fun!

Also, walking along Embarcadero, I spied these two creepy, giant head sculptures that I was intrigued by. The head was not angrily convulsing...my hand shook and out came this awesomely macabre photo, courtesy of my camera phone. :D

I am a huge fan of sculpture, especially if it is rather strange and creepy. That's one reason I adore Edward Gorey and also The Addams Family. Surprisingly, I am not a huge Tim Burton fan, although I can appreciate that he is a genius and have liked several of his films, including the new "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" -with Johnny Depp (who is a genius in his own rite).

Dear BART Lady, You are my inspiration...

2007-10-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am again. I keep telling my friends, coworkers and family that I am doing a blog of my BART adventures, so I better do it. Besides, I have tons of camera pics I want to share...

To the left is the inspiration for me to start this documentation of my adventures in and around my travels on the BART. Thanks to my adorable friend Theresa, I was able to secure a picture of this lady. No, she is not dead. That would make me a whole new kind of weirdo. She's just some classy businesswoman looking rather...um...unclassy. I think she captures a certain attitude of trust that I've seen often on BART...which I will never have, thank you...It is not, in my opinion, a good idea to fall asleep in a public place, period. For example, someone could take a rather unflattering photo of you and post it on the web...(heehee).

Haiku

2007-10-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

Haiku is my favorite kind of poetry. Short and sweet. A lot of meaning in just a few words -rather than a sonnet...which I refuse to read!

Oiling along Grant
Oblivious
Stained with boredom.

Powell Street wisdom
Head up
Walk fierce.

Careful to make my way
Eye contact! Please,
Smile at me.

What am I doing here?
Money all around me
Their eyes are different.

A different person
Each look in the glass
I will not be ashamed.

He cracked a smile...

2007-10-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

I know. Real mature, Esther...but, man! This photo made me chuckle all the way home (heehee!). My brother called me Harriet the Spy, but I think I'm doing all of us a service by recording this fun moment for future generations to come.

The story is this: While these young hipster guys were distracted by the policemen talking to some BART passengers, I sidled over to the cement block they were sitting on and snapped a picture. I slid away, completely unnoticed, like a pale, amused ninja. I felt so sneaky!

I told myself that I needed to keep my mischievous side under firm reigns, in the future. -But as long as no one gets hurt...

Rodin would be jealous...(not really)...

2007-10-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

I love sculpture and so I decided to take a few shots of some beautiful pieces (at least I think so) I saw in a shop along Fisherman's Wharf. The above shot reminded me of a Rodin sculpture that I love, love, love. I think the shop keeper, a tall, older, handsome Italian gentleman, enjoyed the fact that I was having so much fun taking pictures of the sculptures with my dinky little camera phone (I love my dinky little phone!). I shared some of the pics with him and he liked them.

Faces intrigue me, whether I'm looking at a portrait or a real person, I study the face a lot. I find so much beauty in the human face -especially if there is some strangeness to it. My dad used to say this quote often: "There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion." ~Sir Francis Bacon, "Of Beauty"

I am reminded of this beautiful Polynesian family that rode on the BART one day. The mother and father were both deaf. They had two little ones in their piggy-back stroller. The mother had caramel colored skin, except for a complete lack of pigment in an upside-down triangle shape, starting from her crown to her eyebrows. She had dark freckles and cobalt blue eyes. I remember her curly hair being red -kinda like a less intense color of a "red velvet" cake. One of her children had the same lack of pigment in the same spot on his head, except his hair was black and then stark white -kinda like a skunk, though I am loathe to compare this beautiful child to a smelly creature. I had the hardest time not staring, but the woman and child were so arresting. I haven't seen them since, although I would love to.

Here are a few more pictures I took:

Check out the beautiful line of the arms.
Man, I'm trying to get my arms more "muscle-y" -and this is an inspiration for me.

She looks so smug...wonder how smug she'd be with a drawn-in mustache.
Just kidding -I love this shot.

Chocolate goddess of stars

I felt a little voyeuristic taking this picture, but I thought it was graceful...besides, I love bronze. (I believe the store was called "3-D Harlequin Romance").

This sculpture reminds me of someone...

Love the detail of his beard. I think his mouth is a fountain but I think it'd be cooler if water squirted from his pupils. Not as dignified, but certainly more interesting...
and a bit more of a conversation piece.

This reminds me of something I might see in Italy. Don't ask me why.
This baby looks a bit...um...drugged, maybe?
Still, I love it -hence, I have put it on my page.

Thought this lion was one of the coolest ever.
Wish I'd got a pic with my hand in its mouth...darnit.
I took two lion pics...

They both remind me of Aslan, from the Chronicles of Narnia.

I just think of Adam, the Keeper of the Garden of Eden, when I see this sculpture.

She reminds me of a Medieval Carmen Miranda...and she looks kinda worried.
Maybe someone was picking her grapes...

Again, I like her arms.

I find this face to be hauntingly beautiful...almost alien. Okay, alien.

I just thought it was pretty...

This is a pretty rockin' fish fountain. I loved the detail in the fins and the eyes looked so real.

I love drawing fish, so it'd be real trip to sculpt one. They are complicated creatures to capture.

Just a closer detail of the eyes.

This is a close-up of a sculpture of a dancer. She looks a little like Emo Phillips.
Pretty, and disturbing.

Field work overview 10/01/07

2007-10-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today, I talked with my family about starting a blog about my adventures in and around my trips on the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit).

Every time I ride the BART, I see something (or someone) new and interesting.

This morning, I was waiting for the BART when some lady walked by me and I had to do a double-take...Now, if you have ever seen "The First-Wives Club" and you remember
Goldie Hawn's character after getting her lips injected, then you will have an accurate
image of how this woman's lips looked...I tried not to stare.

Seriously, now...who wants to look like a frog in a vacuum cleaner? Apparently, that lady did.

Now I'm a kind-hearted person -and I don't like to make fun of people. I just enjoy watching human foibles and I find people become more endearing as I watch them. Well...sometimes...My super-power seems to be catching people as they pick their noses while driving. That completely grosses me out. Ew. Rotten super-power.

The other day, I had a funny thought while waiting for the BART...Here's the scenario:

The announcer says, "Daly City/San Francisco train now approaching." And someone would start jumping up and down, like on the Toyota commercial, squealing, "Yay! The BART is here! Whoopee!"

Okay, it sounded funnier in my mind when I was imagining this. But here's another scenario that had me chuckling while waiting:

I had this image in my head of Daddy Warbucks from "Annie" and my little nephew, Simon, dressed up in a sailor suit doing this little duet and tap dance number that is done at the end of the movie. Simon has the requisite red hair. Besides, he's just so adorable that I just imagined him with a little sailor mitty and the little shorts with shiny tap shoes. I could see him clutching Daddy Warbucks fingers while doing his little tap dance. Heehee...Soooo funny -which is why I was chuckling to myself.

I know, I've got kind of a weird sense-of-humor.

More to come...stay tuned...