Yesterday I had two appointments downtown. I had 4 hours between appointments, so my journey began. I entered the museum and to my surprise I was the only visitor walking around. Could this be? The public museum, empty? : (
After an hour of walking and snapping my camera, I headed downstairs to have lunch. I sat there complaining to myself about my over priced, bland lunch, phone roaming charges and not having raw sugar for my tea. I could 'ear auntie now. "Eh naw, can da princess come down from 'er thrown for da moment?!" I was ungrateful and I had to laugh at myself, as I reeled my silly self in.
: )
A man sat down at a near by table. He was sipping coffee and appeared to be homeless. I said hello to him and asked him how the coffee was. His response was a smile and "good & hot". He saw a titanic exhibit tape, around my wrist and our conversation began.
He told me the history of the titanic ship, from beginning to end.
I offered him my lunch.
Gerald went on to tell me he spoke 5 languages and that he was a history major 40 years ago.
He told me that the shared lunch was the best he had in a long time, although the potato soup, could have used a leek or two.
That's what's up! : )
He shared with me...
the history of downtown milwaukee
the chicago fires
how life had gotten the best of him after his wife and child passed away
cameras are better than cars
art is love
the best place to dumpster dive
how old i was in days
about visiting cuba over 30 years ago and the future of the country.
pc vs. imac; the future of apple.
Then he said that he hasn't toured the museum in ages.
Bingo!
We had a blast touring the museum and for that I am most grateful.
I'm telling you... we looked like quite the site, walking around there enjoying ourselves.
I wonder what today, will bring.
: )
22 ladlefuls of love:
What a wonderful story, Christina! I think we tend to put homeless people in a very narrow category that does not let us see the actual person. My heart breaks to think of his story.
As always, you help us to see more with your photos and your words. Thank you. :)
If you could have heard the excitement in your voice of walking around that museum with someone- I mean Gerald. It was adorable!
xxoo
PS: That's what's up!
Now that you've come down from your thrown- it wouldn't hurt you to call me this weekend. Ha!
That is the most beautiful story I have read in ages! How wonderful to share so much with a stranger just by making a simple shift in attitude. Like a lensbaby, tilt shift. hee hee (now I'm really a photographer, my metaphors include camera gear) Glad you had a great day with Gerald!
Christina, I have had the food at the public museum and trust me, you were not being ungrateful! Hospital food is betta! Heeeee
So many homeless people tend to be intelligent. I am so happy I stopped over here today. this is beautiful darling
a perfect day.
yup, you and i would have fun hanging out ;) isn't it amazing the stories you hear, the random things you learn when you take even a moment to extend some kindness and talk with someone that many people might just turn away from? thanks for the reminder to keep our hearts open.
what an extraordinarily beautiful story
My previous comment vanished.
As I wwas saying, that's what happens when you walk around with an open heart and the eye of an artist! :) xoxox
That sounds like an unforgettable afternoon! It's amazing the things that can happen, when you leave your schedule open. I have really been enjoying your blog and images, BTW. Thanks. :)
Oh gosh this is incredible! I love that you had such an open heart to let this situation in. Absolutely a beautiful story and so breath taking! Thank you for sharing.
my mother used to tell us- if we didn't plan our day away we would be amazed at the great stuff that could happen.
I want a day like this....actually I need a day like this !!!
Christina, you of all people know how much I love and relate to this post! I hope you see Gerald again. What an exchange a little bit of lunch can bring. Wonderful.
I love it! It sounds like a perfect day for you both, even without the leek or two. :)
random moments among art are the best~ very moving story
This. This story, this picture of you is exactly why I love you, my friend. You see deep. And true. You live open.. And you inspire me to do the same.
Wow! Serendipity at its best. Thanks for that!
sigh
today will bring more treasures to you
they seek you out because you are the treasure.
what a blessing you were to each other for that little while! I want to go to the Philly Museum on Monday!
oh what an amazing encounter ! me too I hope you meet Gerald again !
:-)
This is an absolutely beautiful story. We are all one paycheck from being like this gentleman. Indeed, you were sent to touch his soul. ;)
I loved reading this Christina. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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