Here I am after a long absence. I know the world has been waiting. A multitude of changes have taken place since my last post. The focus of this blog is pretty narrow, though. I will only mention those changes in my immediate environs just beyond my own walls and the streets my dog and I traverse on our daily quick and dirty walk.
1. More abandoned and repossessed houses, subsequently demolished
2. More transitional people
3. More dirt and trash in the streets and in yards
4. More "For Sale" and "For Rent" signs that languish for months and months
5. More kids playing in the street (not necessarily a bad thing except when they will not move for traffic)
6. More street noise.
This summer has been the worst for bad neighbors. What do I mean by "bad"? Those who insist on "communicating" by screaming at one another, yelling profanities, who lean on their horns at any hour of day or night while revving their engines; who nonchalantly toss their chip and candy refuse while strolling down the street; who slam doors and, worse, constantly abuse their kids through violent, nasty words and physicality.
I'd love for Westsiders to share some creative ideas about: how we might begin to engage the aforementioned kids in productive, safe, free activities. I no longer believe that the adults in their lives can or want to change, or much less care. Question of the day: What does art have to do with it?
