a very nice morning

after a frigid, frightening night

This morning I found myself in downtown Tallahassee. I walked here during the middle of the night, when the temperatures were around the freezing mark. At times I wondered if I would survive until daybreak.

Once I dragged myself out of the warm Greyhound station, I began walking briskly about the downtown area to keep warm. Up on Park Avenue I happened upon an arts festival.

They were selling coffee and various foodstuffs. I asked about the price of coffee (as I was still rather cold). The young lady told me it was $1.50 per cup; I responded rather dejectly that such a price was unfortunately beyond my budget. She suggested $1, which I also could not afford. "Just take a cup. There is far too much profit here anyway," she said. I thanked her but added, "profit is what capitalism is all about, after all." Nevertheless I did accept a small cup of coffee.

Cup in hand, I wandered through the many booths and marveled at the artwork on display. Amazing stuff! Some booths bore rather simple wares, but the majority of the work on display absolutely blew me away. Incredible glassworks, tile work, paintings and photography. I wish that I had been able to capture some of the items on camera to post here.

My day, which started on a most tenuous basis, has brightened along with the rising sun, clear skies and slowly increasing temperatures.

In another hour or so I will make my way to the free lunch provided by the Rescue Mission.

Homelessness isn't all hellish. Sometimes it deposits you in the right place at the right time to experience things you wouldn't otherwise enjoy.