A Hug From the Dead

So Friday night at 7 was the Funeral Procession for Rotten Ideas. I had completely forgotten until I left work and as I approached the Library, could hear mournful drumming. Looking downward toward the outdoor amphitheatre I noticed several kettle-like drums being set up for a later performance by the Spin Collective fire dancers, as well as a huge group of Mourners gathering outside the Depot - some costumed, some not, some with huge puppet heads and hands. I snapped a few photos and proceded to the bus stop to await the 710 home. As I waited, the Procession came up around the Library with a short ritual. My mobile phone's cam was pretty grainy due to the darkness - but I still captured a few that weren't too bad.

As I returned to the stop since my bus was aproaching, one of the large puppet-headed characters came round and stopped to give me a huge hug, encircling me with it's long puppet arms and mache hands.

Just then, a very unhappy, clearly irritated and ignorant, short, large built blond man exclaimed, "You should have dropped him when you had the chance!"

I said, "excuse me?"

"Nevermind, you are a freak like them, encouraging this."

I said, "This, is a celebration," as I boarded the bus.

"A celebration of Death? Why don't they celebrate Life? Who celebrates Death?"

I replied, "Other cultures, you obviously are very close-minded."

"No, I'm not, You're a freak!"

I laughed and replied, "Well, you probably celebrate Halloween, same difference."

"NO, NO I don't!"

Then I said, "Ah then you're just a Scrooge," laughing.

"No, I am not for that either! You are all freaks!"

Even the bus driver was even laughing at this fool and his obvious ignorance.

On the bus the man just stared at me, then commented, "You think you're so smug with your cutesy little smile."

I laughed. This of course, angered him more. He just kept staring at me for ages. I went on about my business. Someone in the back of the bus noticed the gathering goin on outside the bus and said, "I wonder what this is all about?" And me, thinking he was commenting on the man's comments to me and my replies, I countered, "He's just on his manrags," and several broke out laughing who had obviously noticed the exchange that had been going on.

Later as a rider was about to leave, there was a huge thud, so I turned to look back and see what then noise came from, and noticed that that guy was still staring at me, obviously smitten with my 'cutesy' smile. LOL I started to turn away from him, then decided to stare back at him, then he was so ridiculous, I just burst out laughing and he finally turned away toward the window. What a maroon!


I was going to try to take a photo of him for this blog, but my camera on my mobile is so noisy he'd notice for sure, so I figured I'd try when he was going to leave for his stop. I had the camera all ready, and he pulled the rope and literally got up and bolted to the front of the bus, then hid behind the dark plexiglass by the door, in the stair area. He thanked the driver for a nice ride then commented to him to becareful of the "freaks" on the bus, namely me. LOL Little did he know that the driver and I are good mates. What a big baby. I never did get a shot of him, but picture say, like Barney Rubble, only fatter and crabby, with a pasty, greasy complexion and mad eyes. If I ever see him again, I am taking his pic. I was going to try to say, "Have a good night," but he was up front and off so fast, I just let it go. Kill 'em with kindness they say. If only.

***EDIT 8, Julio, 2010 - Hater Troll was at my bus stop and I captured this Alfred Hitchcock-like photo of him.***

Later I had a chat with the driver and we both agreed that people from this city, and even this state, but especially Duluth, are so ignorant, and close-minded, culturally and otherwise. Shame, and sad as it is.

The day started out good - a glorious sunrise from the bus stop at 7:20a

The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful. Caught up on house stuff, talked to Mom & Dad, did heaps of walking since it was sooooo nice out, shopped and cooked for the week.

Was expecting a friend to come by tonight for a visit or business, but no call no show. Not good, friends shouldn't be like that. Ah well, I can only guess that there was something more pressing, and hopefully wasn't anything bad. Time for bed. Cheers!