A Rose By Any Other Name...

On Wednesday, as I was waiting for the bus and looking at something on my phone, I caught a whiff of a VERY sweet (almost sickening) floral aroma. Since I had been standing at the bus stop for several minutes by myself, I looked up and saw this guy standing about six feet from me. I thought surely that can't be this guy--smelling like an over-producing rose garden! Since there are several rose bushes planted near the bus stop, I actually looked to see if that was what I was smelling, but they were no longer blooming. It was THAT guy! I wondered where on earth he had been, and if someone had run him off because he was so pungent!

Sidebar: I know this is a real throwback, but if you're old enough to remember 1970s Avon fragrances like "Cotillion" and this other stuff they used to sell in a white and pink can that had the heaviest rose smell I can imagine.  I don't think it was even cologne, but we had a neighbor who wore it like cologne--and it was HIDEOUSLY strong!! That's what this guy reminded me of! If any of you remember what it was called, please do me a favor and let me know.

So this dude--was short of stature, dressed in a New York jersey of some sort, with jeans and sneakers on. He had on studs in both ears, and two large rings on each hand. He even had on a chain with two even larger rings hanging from the chain.  I couldn't help think how massive those two rings were, and thought, surely they must be "spoils of war" and he was undoubtedly the victor (despite his short stature--flashback to David and Goliath!). I also couldn't help but wonder if we were waiting on the same bus. I sure hoped not, because DART drivers tend to run the A/C year round--and one driver said it is because of all the perfumes and odors they are subjected to, they have to keep the air circulating. If he gets on a bus, the temp is going to sub-zero!!

As other riders approached, I noticed they were all looking...and seemingly trying to figure out where that smell was coming from. All I could do was think, "It's not me!!" But old boy whipped out his phone, and called some female and started pacing amidst those of us waiting.  It was almost funny because he was "lost" in his conversation, and I could see the faces of folks as they realized--"It's you, smelling like that!"

I only caught bits and pieces of the conversation, but he was telling the lady on the phone how special she was--"You know you're my special lady." "Naw, I just wanted to hear your voice." "I'm waiting on the next bus, but I might just miss it, because my phone always dies on the bus and I just want to talk to you." That last sentence...music to my ears!!! Heck I don't even know if he was waiting on the 206, but I had a glimmer of hope with that last statement!

Shortly after (and he's still on the phone), the 206 turns the corner of Field Street and heads up San Jacinto. All of the regular 206 riders get in line to board and everyone (and I mean everyone) was looking back at him to see if he was boarding!

He didn't...by this time he was quite comfortable in the little covered bus stall--just talking to his lady. And I just want to send a shout-out and a great big thank-you to whomever he was in deep conversation with on that phone!! The regular 206 passengers owe you one sister!

I always welcome your feedback and comments. Please continue to share your thoughts with me and post a comment below on this blog site. Of course comments on Facebook are appreciated too.

Book Publishing and Teeth Whitening

As I waited for my bus yesterday, I noticed a guy sitting under the covered shelter watching me.  We were the only two at the stop at the time.  We made eye contact (something my daughter is always telling me NOT to do!), and he said “Hello.”  He was a little tattered in his appearance and I suspected that while he may not have been homeless, he was a little down on his luck. He also looked strangely familiar. I responded to his greeting and then he asked, “Hey, you got a twenty on you?” I actually looked around, because I was certain someone else must have walked up behind me. He said, “I’m talking to you. You got a twenty?” I laughed and said, “Twenty dollars? No, I don’t.” Then he said, “Why you laughing? See, I’m trying to get this book I wrote published, and I need some financing.” (Then I remembered why I recognized him!)

Sidebar: Probably over a year ago, this SAME GUY asked me for “some money” to help with the printing of a book he’d written! At that time he went plum off on me, and I just went plum off back on him! (In hindsight, probably not the smartest response.) I remember how it really ticked me off that he acted so entitled and told me I wasn’t supportive of his efforts, as if I was a long lost spouse or relative. I thought surely this same guy isn’t still trying to run this game—or maybe he does have a book to be published. But today I still wasn’t feeling like a benefactor—and I didn’t have twenty bucks on me anyway!

When I laughed, he said, “You sure got some pretty teeth. All white-like” This comment threw me for a loop, and I just said, “Thanks.” He said, “Yeah, I’m gonna get me some teeth whitening too. Gonna have a nice smile just like you.” I smiled (showing no teeth this time). He got up and left, walking down the street…I suspect still looking for a benefactor…for his book and his teeth-whitening project.

I always welcome your feedback and comments. Please continue to share your thoughts with me and post a comment below on this blog site. Of course, comments on Facebook are appreciated too.

The Launch of DART-Tales

Welcome to DART-Tales! After a little “gentle persuasion,” I’ve decided to chronicle some of my thoughts and experiences on public transportation during my daily commute to work. This is one of the easier endeavors I’ve undertaken since the material for this blog is literally handed to me…people will just be people. All you have to do is sit back and observe!

From time to time, I may publish previous DART-Tales (mostly as a means of cataloging my experiences and during times the people watching action is slow.) So with that being said, following is a new entry for this blog. Hope you enjoy the experiences and thanks for the "push."

I always welcome your feedback and comments. Please continue to share your thoughts with me and post a comment below on this blog site. Of course, comments on Facebook are appreciated too.