THURSDAY PM
We got off to a late start.
I could be talking about "the election" in general (my getting "the itch" @ 1:35am on Tuesday, July 14--just one day prior to entry deadline!), but... no.
THIS late start just meant the evening's campaigning.
And the "we?" Tonight, my two sons and the dog all hit the streets. In honor of... The Boss... What else but... E STREET!!!
Amazing receptivity! For one thing, we connected with several friends from Salt Lake Arts Academy.GREAT FUN.
Early in the journey? Dropping in on Dan--a friend met late-night a few weeks ago who invited JJJ and Mandy the dog in for a late-night evening of fun with friends Zac and Brian. Dan's three "JJJ" signs, even though zip-tied, had been swiped! Un-be-liev-a-ble! Had I not seen the zip-tie remnants? Might have written it off as a little bit of politicking to the politician. But no... Sheer truth. I handed Dan the two "J's" I had on me, with a promise to replenish the third.
Replenishing cannot really be done for one who has not yet experienced. I encountered Dennis, an IT director, who had never voted. Worked on a mayoral campaign, he and his wife had, but... never voted! He said he needed to somehow feel the passion to want to vote. I gave it a shot that Pat Bentar would endorse. We'll see... But I am optimistic: His corner yard now sports two "J" signs... THIS is why one gets involved with local government.
Then, a bit down the road, met with Karen (who had just purchased an enviable multi-wear cloth dress that was fabulous!) and with Alex (a Cottonwood Heights-Ite whom I kept swearing I knew, from somewhere...) When I approached the duo, Karen, unprompted, ID'd me BY NAME! What an absolute phenomenon! She is friends with a woman who attended the "Green Drinks" environmental issues-focused party I hosted Tuesday, and with whom I am meeting tomorrow a.m. to discuss SLC-general and District 3-specific policy... Amazing! Synergistic!... Dare I say it... "Cosmic?"...
Did SOMEONE say "Cosmic?"
Then there was Ru, who--when he met me,he on the couch of his front porch, and me, not seeing him at first, with eyes focused on his front door, versus the sofa occupied by he and his son's GF--IMMEDIATELY said, "You're going to win." When I asked him why? Without hesitation, "I'm psychic." I felt like I was in a Quentin Tarantino film, but I drank it in. Ru, owning a primo property on 6th Avenue, saw a future with not just "the win," but with the way to the win--three "J" signs adorning his hilly front lawn. Per-fec-tion. All I need? About 1,000 Ru's to show up and vote Sept. 15. I hope he sees that in his visionary outlook.
Perfection was, truly, the home on 6th and J. Such elegance and ease--in both the owners and the property. As I was walking along the raised sidewalk that is the North side of 6th Avenue (on the East side of "I" Street, I could hear twinkling laughter--the kind that not really makes you jealous, but strangely welcome.
Then I was welcomed, almost feeling as if a glass of virtual wine had been poured for me, as my hosts shared their unique issues--Strong complaints of worn-down infrastructure (curbs, sidewalks, streets, lights, etc.) They were absolutely right! The pole on the North East corner of J and 6th? In poor repair. The gentleman indicated that he would not have supported another bid from Eric Jergensen, noting that EJ did not fight strongly enough for investment in Avenues roads and other essential elements....
When I met with Salt Lake County Mayor AND Salt Lake City Avenues Resident Peter Corroon, last Friday, he indicated that HIS number-one issue for improvement in The Avenues was walkable sidewalks.
As one who walks these walks VERY horizontally and VERY vertically, I agree! (After the exit of my worthy colleague JOHN Johnson, I am the ONLY candidate hailing way in the upper Ave's--the area I dub the "Bewitched" part of the Avenues, due to the 1960's influence of the architecture.) We need a lot of work on what Salt Lake Tribune writer Derek Jensen dubs my "catchy" concept of "Walk-able, Bike-able, Dog-able" neighborhoods. How better to know this than by experiencing it? If you doubt it? Walk with me... Not even in my shoes... just with me, or with your DOG.
I also experienced some very jarring notions from Bernice, who is skeptical of President Obama's proposed healthcare plan. Having just committed to attending a multi-hour discussion regarding this health plan outlook tomorrow night, I mainly listened to Bernice, whose views were frighteningly profound and provocative, though skewed, to this mind. I am finding that listening makes for better thinking, better believing, better peopling. Watch out, Derek Jensen, some new ideas are on the make.
Nearing the end of the night, I hiked it back to the car, carrying not one, but TWO green umbrellas. (My 13-YO had exited the campaign-trail, in lieu of play-time with some new-found friends from 6th and J.)
Popped in to Smiths, but decided not to buy anything. On the way out? Bumped into the son of my most recently ex-beau. Nice to receive a double-take... Campaigning has been good for me, as I have shed not just my cocoon, but 40+ pounds! (Ask me how, sometime! I have written a "recipe" for such. Includes Kathy Griffin + Ex + dog walking - TV watching + small-size shopping... Stay tuned!)
Crowded in the car, my boys, my dog-on-loan, and I, we retraced our walking, admiring signs placed, hearts won, battles waged, victory... imagined... Bless you, Ru! Fortified, we faced Capitol Hill, delivering requested signs to a strong supporter, an old-school player willing to help out the JJJ.
Tonight, I experienced a lot. My focus area? 6th and J--a patio made heavenly with well-executed landscaping. And on that same patio, eyes directed toward some very real issues.
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