Smoke, Walk, Wander, Drink, Play

Everytime I start a movie on Netflix, something will ALWAYS come up to stop me from finishing it. Usually me falling asleep. So I get really excited when I get a burst of energy half way through the film, thinking to myself "Is this really happening? Might I actually finish this movie?" ...the answer this time, ended up being NO! But its all good, a few good rips down, and I was out the door with the dog again. This time walking towards VCU, and into Monroe Park. The dog LOVES performing basic civil functions, such as trying to remove hurricane fallen trees from the municipal walkways. And cleanup of general urban debris.

The city is finally waking from its slow summer slumber, as VCU has packed this town to bursting seams with a fresh new batch of scenesters and  future executives. And there is always something to see, when walking around campus. And I always take the long way, careful to get into every alley and boarded up entry I pass. Like this random abandoned, possibly under renovation, apartment building on Grace near Belvidere.

Or all the traffic light control boxes on Broad in the art walk area.

Or the Free Books box!

 And the temptation to make a purchase, for future stumblings around, where I can do less work, and get the dog to pull me around!

What better way to navigate these streets? And if you are ever stuck on Broad Street, looking for the hottest spots on the river, never fear, cause there are bad ass directionals boarded over busted windows and doorways. 

Post Irene Trip to Texas Beach!

In an effort to inspect the post hurricane river conditions, and let the dog out after being couped in for days, and ultimately to wrap up the three day hurricane party, I packed up and took off the Texas Beach! A long time favorite of the gays, and recent spot for stoners, executives, and me, Texas Beach is located on the North Bank Park Trail System, in the Byrd Park neighborhood. Its more of a spot for serious bikers, and super drunk scenesters, so it promises nothing short of shitty tags, and random bits of goodness.

We started out nice walk, with our minds right, and cooler o' PBR loaded. The footbridge over the railroads tracks is always a good launch off to the river mentality. 

But its the staircase at the other end, where all the good shit is!

The rest of the day, was mainly spent tripping on slippery rocks, drinking, and listening to some crappy station on Pandora, over a boombox. All in all, a good day, and a good way to wrap up a week of earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods!

Main and 7th Bus Stop

This little piece was affixed to the bus stop sign on Main and 7th. Its not very large, but somehow caught my eye in the middle of a rain storm. I think I would like to have it in my house, but would also hate to deny the GRTC riding public of the opportunity to enjoy something colorful while they wait.

Long Ass Walk on A Rainy Night

Titus and I needed a walk tonight, so right when it seemed the rain was calming down, we set out, to explore the city for a little bit. We started out at our house, downtown, near 3rd street. Normally I would walk towards Belvidere, or towards the River, but felt it more appropriate to take a different route tonight. down Broad towards the bottom. all-in-all we walked about 50 blocks or more, all the way to 23rd St in a not so direct line. We saw some old friends smoking outside of a bar, and ran into another friend walking his dogs around 22nd. We took in all the sights and sounds of the city, post earthquake, pre-hurricane, and during a rain storm winding down. 

While I was walking around the bottom I began thinking about the last big tropical storm we had here, and how the entire place was submerged in flood waters, and then an eerie feeling crept over, thinking that in a matter of days, we could be facing the same thing!

Hopefully we will weather this storm without too many complications, or damages. But even if it gets ugly, this  fuckin city will take it like a pro! We always come back stronger!! Either way, we will keep walking and rummaging, and exploring this city, for all its worth!

Drunken Lowe's Field Trip!!

Sunday Funday always should consist of something productive, like purchasing a wireless doorbell for your walk-up apartment. Therefore, I ended up at Lowe's, because Lowes's knows! I never realized, until a drunken/ hungover/ high expedition, how damn colorful a home improvement warehouse store can be!

 Between the shitty industrial lighting, and the gray cement floors, I never really noticed all the wonder and splendor to be seen! Under the right circumstances, it could be considered a wonderland!! Full of colorful, sharp, dangerous, and productive goodies at every turn!

Jumbo Post-It Notes Are the Sh*t

I was lucky enough to recently discover, that my roommate had acquired a Jumbo Stick-It Pad somehow. One night, while contemplating sleeping, something I haven't done in a few weeks, I discovered a jumbo Sharpie, and began writing away. These are awesome, and fun, and legit as hell. If you have never experienced the joys of Jumbo Post- It notes,  you are really missing out! I would like to see creative people, not like myself, tagging the WHOLE city with these things soon!!

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my desk

I keep my work space at my crappy office job pretty tidy and, like most people, have a random scattering of post it notes here and there to remind me of things. One day, many months ago, I got to my desk bright and early, and found this reminder on no monitor. Most likely left from some angry underling. So me being me, I put it somewhere where everyone can see it, and love my daily reminder that I am a D- bag!

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I keep going back to my recent trip to 42nd Street Island, but I saw so much sweet shit there, that I cant even sleep until I have gotten it all out!! The 42nd st stairs are riddled with little splashes of color, that if your not paying attention, you will completely overlook. Chances are you wont miss the figure on the wall, but if you are too busy trying to dodge the mystery puddle that takes an entire platform on the stairwell, you may miss the "Because we had to..." bit.I have been an attentive walker for a long time, it comes from travelling, and moving like I have I guess, but I just notice almost everything, and this city is FULL of stuff to see, its why I prefer Richmond over many other towns I have been to.

My Afternoon Walk to The River!

As per usual, I took the dog down to the river yesterday, so he, and I could let out some steam!!
I have a few route options from my house to Belle Island, and like to switch it up every now and then, but usually will stick to the streets near the Ethyl Corp building, as the dog LOVES that grassy field there! Yesterday I took Byrd Street (I normally avoid it because the dog drags me down the hill, and I die nearly every time) and I noticed this sign. I wished at that moment that some A-hole hadn't stolen my bike at my last city house.

42nd Street Trip

By now, most true Richmonders have become very familiar with, or are aware of Dead Rock. I have been exploring this river for years, and there really is no part of it where someone hasn't been, or tagged as their spot. Today, on a whim to switch it up a bit, I decided to tag along with some folks to 42nd Street, which is not a place I tend to go that often. Normally by the time I get home from work on weekdays, I will just walk over to Belle Isle, or a quick ride to Texas Beach. I had a great time, as is to be expected from a summer evening on the James, and saw some great, new-to-me scenery. This could be one of my favorite pieces I have seen at the river, to date. I would also be willing to make it my new "Dead Rock." There is a great little tiny space of shell filled sand, and great whirlpool holes for fire hosting.... perhaps a bonfire will be in my future soon!!

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