The Life Chronicler
Project

Call it the California effect. San Francisco is a unique town; nobody questions that. I have had a thought on my mind for some time now. For my Eastern Journey, I sought to meet people in a structured way. So, there I was as if back in the 1960s, standing at Haight & Ashbury. About 10 interesting-looking citizens were hanging out on the corner. I decided, what the heck, walk up to the group and introduce myself. I’m so glad I did.

I talked to a couple of them, Kiko and Frederick. It was the conversation with Frederick that was so richly illuminating. A lucid man of 46, he offered me a joint, and when I passed, he said, “I thought so.” He was wrongfully convicted of murder in his home state. Exonerated when the true killer was caught, he has been building his life since. He owns a 78-year-old Gibson guitar that has been in the family the entire time. He promised me that he would contact me later to talk. I hope so. Takeaway: It is time I start introducing myself to people more proactively than I have previously.

I was invited to a nighttime beach party with a bonfire. A group of about 20 friends who used to get together regularly (read, when younger) were there to celebrate a birthday. On Ocean Beach, I met some interesting people, including a software guy who regularly visits my hometown of Halifax, NS, on business. Small world.

Upon leaving San Francisco (don’t call it “Frisco”), I made a 45-minute stop at the Henry Cowell Redwood State Park to view the HUGE trees. Awesome. I met three brothers in their 60s, including one classically trained musician who had traveled to Halifax several years ago to play with The Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and see Yo-Yo Ma. Small world, again.