Although I've only been a Philadelphian for...just shy of two months, I am quick to catch myself speaking in such a way that misleads most to believe that I have, in fact, lived here much longer* (see note).
In the span of my almost soon to be two months here, I've found an excuse to sit around in Rittenhouse...basically every free day that I have. That park epitomizes the people watching experience. Honestly, I'm already mentally preparing myself for the lack of the Rittenhouse routine come fall/winter. Sure enough, I am slowly, but surely, falling into a premature state of depression over the mere thought. Now that I've settled into that routine, I recognize the regulars and their hangs. I've grown pretty fond of my section of the park, as well. My current favorite attendees consist of a woman...regular "mall walking" material, very determined stride, if you will. She strolls purposefully with her collie...nothing out of the ordinary, the regulars all have dogs in tow...but, this crazy walks her poor pup in a doggie..stroller? It's awful. really. I kind of hate her for it. haha
Favorite numero dos is the pianica player...and not because he's actually good, by all means . I've thought about it for some time and I have come to the following conclusions:
1. This guy obviously thought it was a good idea to play an instrument that no one really knows, or is familiar with...good approach, in theory. I've watched this tactic in effect as many have approached him with questions about the pianica. For those who aren't familiar..The pianica is an instrument that appears to be a keyboard, yet it also comes equipped with a mouth piece...I suppose it kinda falls in the same vein as accordians, autoharps..maybe even a keytar? In any case, it has keys.
2.Pianica man has stamina. The man did not move from one spot for a good 3 hours. In those three house, I believe I heard the "playlist" (if you could call it that) about 8 times (9?). Meanwhile, one (not two, or three) elderly woman claps along witht he music, loving every second of it and keeping pianica man from annoying another section of the park.
3. I dont know if I hate him...or just the tone of the actual instrument. The thing sounds like its whining the whole time.
Well, on a more serious note, I truly enjoy the energy that surrounds Rittenhouse, pianicas and doggie strollers aside. That many people together sharing common space makes me smile. (if you know me, then I'm sure it's generally understood and common knowledge that I rarely smile. In fact, I rarely go a day without some random stranger telling me to smile...another peeve of mine. Seriously though, who the heck smiles all the time anyway? pansies). Rittenhouse brings out every stereotype known to man, with no exceptions. It leaves me with an odd sense of community, one in which you don't necessarily have to know one another in order to share the collective human experience of simply existing. It's in the hum of conversation and laughter that blankets the park. All the while, the cicadas seem engaged in the own conversations while the green leaves quietly turn gold and gracefully begin to wrinkle along their edges. This is how life should be, in my opinion. Although, the Caste System still applies**
On a somewhat unrelated, yet related note...it's kind of strange, but as of late I see sound as color. Is that weird? Whether it be music, or conversation, or any sort of layered sound...I see it as color and motion. I think that it might have something to do with being a visual artist and constantly responding to my environment visually? I've also been listening to a lot of classical music as of late, especially while doing work. Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D. Brahms' First Symphony. Beethoven's Seventh. Dvorzak's Ninth. Chopin's Etudes. I have a feeling that it might have to do with the seeing sound thing, as well. Especially since I've started to attribute color to certain composers/musicians.
That's all for now...Enjoy these summer afternoons. much peace to you all
* Common Transplant Trait 1: Repping Philly, though you've barely lived here long enough to know your zip code.
addendum 1: This rule is especially offensive in regards to transplants from dirty Jersey.
addendum 2: If it so happens that transplant offender is from the dirty trash heap that is the toilet bowl known as the state of New Jersey, it is best that you take every necessary precaution to keep anyone who's anyone from knowing this. You'd be better off if you told them you were Canadian.
**Rittenhouse Caste System: Future blog..I have yet to fully break it down to a science, though I am foreseeing this an Information Architecture project...interactive map? yes?
