RELFECTION, Walk #27, Yr 2, April 16, 2016: Walkers set out from Fresno City Hall in downtown Fresno. They noted views of Huntington Blvd, people washing cars, folded blankets at a bathroom at the park, people playing softball — sober for one of the first times, they shared–and thoroughly enjoying the sunshine and the blessings of their sobriety. Walkers also saw signs of patriotism, love, joy, and beauty among the homes they passed.
Every house was unique, with cats, dogs, and fences. Walkers saw many walkers, runners, gardeners, yard sales, more cats than dogs, alleys, fierce dogs barking in an alley, trash, abandoned shopping carts, an ice cream vendor, children playing, Saturday sports, a man carrying shopping bags on stick, children playing at Jackson School, a guy riding a bike pulling a cart behind him, religious symbols on porches, Jesus statues, magnificant mature trees, Roosevelt High School, the tall “Christmas Tree” on Huntington Blvd., and a deflated Santa.
As they moved through the neighborhoods, the Walkers heard the sounds of barking dogs, birds, a flag rope slapping the sides of a tall pole, pigeons, a rooster, trains rhythmically clattering along the tracks, ambulances, the clanking of swings, kids playing, freeway sounds, a loud motorcycle, and a lawn blower.
Walkers smelled roses, other flowers, fresh cut grass, traffic fumes, and a sweet cigar.
Experiencing feelings of relaxation and quiet away from cars, the walkers felt a sense of calm. Some walkers expressed sympathy for a yard sale that seemed like it would get no customers. Walkers shared feelings about the discrepancies between the “Gatsby” homes on Huntington and the homes on streets a block away. Walkers were happy to see a Grocery Outlet in downtown Fresno.
Walkers saw City Hall with new eyes, its “futuristic” design. Some walkers had never noticed the beautiful white roses in front of City Hall, as well as Cobb Fountain, the Meux home, and the Clay Hand Studio with beautiful clay art pieces.
These are our brothers and sisters in Fresno, and all of our lives and our futures are tied together.
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