Open Editions: Port & Mary

...meanwhile in the neighborhood. Lots of colorful characters, they're not shy about asking for money or cigarettes, but they're not aggressive and take no for an answer if you only have a debit card, or don't have any change. They will often ask to work in exchange. I feel we are all facing a struggle of one kind or another, and I try to treat everyone with dignity and respect. Initially I felt like I was a visitor and am always, polite and gracious. I make a point to try to remember everyone's name. I help when I can. I'm the only white boy for blocks and no one would talk to me for the first year I was there and word on the street was I was 'the Sheriff' ! ? haha I slowly had opportunities to to meet and interact with my neighbors, a storm knocked a tree down and it was on their fence, & asked if they could borrow a chainsaw, well I don't have one but here's a hatchet... I learned to mind my own business... and now 7 years later, i have been accepted as a neighbor and a familiar face. They call me Pinche Guero which I think means neighbor, or friend.

West Side Represent