Melancholy

I'm feeling a bit down today.  This economy is at the crux of it all.  As I catch the train in the mornings and head downtown I notice more and more how the streets of San Francisco (as I am sure the rest of the US) is flooded more and more with what used to be well off citizens now turning to menial jobs, desperate measures and even begging.

When I was little and living in Nicaragua I would come across street beggars. I felt so bad for them and always tried to do what I could to help.  For some crazy reason... I never considered that the US would someday end up facing some of the same issues. Poverty at its fullest.  Everyone considers us the land of opportunity right?

Now more than ever it is prevalent. We do not like to talk about it or look at it. Why, because again it makes us feel bad that another fellow human being has to go through this... Yesterday, I was invovled in a tiny deed.. Bagging groceries for needy seniors.  

More and more you see people --regular people like you and me pulling out there instruments to sing by the road side, train stations, parks, corner streets.... Or figuring out what they can do to survive. Case in point, person asking if they can paint the numbers on your house or stencil in your address # on the curb for emergencies... Or people taking out adds in craigs list... I will guarantee to fix your old Ford for $500.00 You don't pay me until it runs!

On Street singing....

I have seen this guy before around one of my stops... Every now and again he is there playing his Cello

You turn the corners of many neighborhoods and this is what you see:

street musicians singing Runaround Sue
Originally uploaded by Parisienne2008

This morning, there was a group of young musicians --a 4 piece quartet playing beautifully on their violins and other instruments. 

It made me reflect about our society and the state of our country.  I thought of dear friends that are, and have been looking for a good opportunity for a while now. I thought of family members that are scared and feeling the crunch....

Then I think of how long and hard we American's are working and trying to survive.  Many, many people are scared of going un-noticed or being left behind when hard decisions are made.   I am sure happy to have a job and am very very happy to come to work everyday.  I am really enjoying what I am doing.  I hope, as I hope for all of you as well --that we can be blessed at a time such as this.

Comments

[Lindsay]

Time's are definitely rough nowadays. I've been told that my area is pretty well protected from a lot of the economy issues since I live in the DC area but I know many who've been hit hard. Trying to see the bright side, I think it's good that a lot of people are offering to work for money or doing something like performances instead of just asking for money. Very rarely do I see that where I live.

[Anita]

I love the street musicians! I hope they don't stop playing even when they do have more permanent work. It is hard to not have a job. But we will get through this and playing music in the streets is a good and creative way to make ends meet.

[Darcy Watts]

Yes the economy is scarry so many loved ones losing the jobs,businesses and homes.((((Hugs))))) Darcy

[stacey]

Amen.