Soul on the street

I've lived in the beautiful city of San Diego for almost two years now, and daily I find more to love about it. Recently on a girls afternoon out and about downtown in the gaslamp quarter, my friends and I passed a man leaning against a building soflty playing his guitar with its case lying open on the ground. A few short years ago back home in Ky, I wouldn't have known what to think about this man. Maybe I would have assumed he was homeless, a beggar looking for a hand out. Making a wide circle around him, I might have avoided eye contact and hurried in the other direction. Looking back, most of my experiences were limited to those who were either just like me, or so far from me that I could disconnect myself them. I wouldn't consider myself prejudiced, or even closed minded, but definitely much more ignorant than I would have thought of myself at the time. Sheltered? I don't think so, I had traveled the country with family and had many rich experiences as a child. Naive?Maybe. But what can I say? Alot has changed in the past couple of years. I'd like to think I've become a more well rounded person. I try not to make crazy assumptions about people I see.. And I've learned to love those who share their talents with us on the streets. Is it weird that I love the vibe of a sax playing in the background of an evening walk, even when it's poorly executed? Do you think it's strange that I swoon over hearing the same simple drum beats over and over as I shop? A waste that I throw money at almost any Tom, Dick or Harry that has a five minute show and a hat to pass around? The truth is, I'm a sucker for atmosphere, and even if my kid can do card tricks better than you , there is magic in what you do, and I thank you. What would Olde Town be without the local mariachi, Mission Beach without the bongos, or Balboa Park without a juggler? Keep showing me what you've got San Diego.