Evening Rain

I had to walk up hill so I slowed down, taking my time. I was stilled by the steady rain against my small umbrella. Its one of my favorite sounds because it makes me feel like I’m camping, like the rain falling through the trees will break through my thin little tent. Its a meditative sound for me – it calms me in places that I don’t realize i need calming in – so I slowed, thankful for the walk in the rain late at night. The fragrance of lilacs and all manner of flowers is so wonderfully overwhelming when its raining – another reason to walk slowly.

Walking, thinking, smelling, listening….I was recalling a conversation with a couple good friends – both actors – we were sharing some of our Downtown east Hastings stories – of which there really is never an end. There are so many homeless in Vancouver and at times I am very thankful for my time in Winnipeg and at WCV because that initial shock and uncomfortableness isn’t there as strong. Out here East Hastings is a place marked by poverty, hunger, addictions, and mental illness….it grips you and doesn’t really let go. A while back I was out taking shots in the area and this one lady in her late 40’s rushed me in the street and just stood staring at me, not talking, just looking. I was taken aback and a little unsure so I too, said nothing. We stared at each other for about 4 or 5 min, no words, no movement, just watching. Finally she started telling me this story of how she used to live in Winnipeg years ago and certain events that brought her out here. It was a completely calm and laid back story telling. Randomly and very suddenly, she grabbed my face in both her hands and kissed me on the cheek, like an excited aunt or grandma would do to their little one or grandchild. Before I knew what was happening she was back to a very calm and sedated telling of a different story – and I just laughed, I laughed so hard.

It immediately made me recall when I first got to Korea, dazed and overwhelmed by newness. There was a popular mountain right near my place, and people from all over Suwon and surrounding areas would bus to my area to go climb this mountain. This one afternoon – I was standing on the corner of an intersection and this tiny (because most old Asians ladys are very tiny) little lady, fully out-fitted in climbing gear, rushed up to me with a big smile plastered on her face. I started looking around trying to find the person that she was so excited to see, noticing no one who fit that description I looked back at her and she was right in front of me, huge grin, and she starts talking very quick and excitedly – none of which I can understand of course. She too grabbed my face in both hands and gleefully kisses me on each cheek, waving at me as she walks away, still talking to me like I was a long lost grandchild. The whole encounter took maybe 10 min and I was left standing there completely shocked and her infectious grin now stuck on my face. I ended up running into her – on that same corner – about 4 more times. Each time was just as excited, if not more so. I don’t think i’ll ever forget her….I remember wishing so fiercely that we could have had a conversation, understood each others words…

I love wandering downtown and trying to get some shots of people. Its usually the homeless ones that are willing to give you any time, everyone else trys to pretend they are in their own little world, acting oblivious but really aren’t. Hearing parts of their stories and watching them as they share is an adventure all in itself. Some of them catch on quick (for the pan handling down here can get very creative most days) and they’ll see your camera in your hand and run up to you yelling “Picture for some change! Picture for some change!” to which I reply – only if you tell me a story……