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May 28, 2007
Arts Fest--Harrisburg style
I got my first taste of Harrisburg culture today at the Arts Fest. My friend Pam (who I met at church and, coincidentally, will be a sophomore at SHU in the fall) picked me up and after we parked the car we walked across one of the many bridges into the city.
All of Front Street was lined with vendors--paintings, jewelry, food, drinks... you name it, they had it. We didn't buy any art, but we didn't need to. It was all really great to browse, and browse we did! Things ranged from mixed media and eccentric palettes on canvas to wood and bronze sculptures as garden decorations, wind chimes to bird baths.
I personally think that large gatherings like this are a prime opportunity to study human interaction. I wouldn't call myself a people-watcher (because that sounds kinda creepy), but I do tend to get a kick out of habits of both speech and action when there is a crowd. (I had the same intuitive feeling when we visited New York City in March.)
Some things are inevitable--like people walking at you because they're too self-important to move and share the sidewalk with you, leaving you the option to move out of their way or slam into them--but somethings are wholly unique, and those are the things I love best. Today I saw a guy carrying a toddler in the crook of his arm and pushing a stroller with a bucket of fried chicken in it.
I also saw a lady carrying around an ice cream cone like it was fine wine in priceless crystal. She pushed her way through the crowd as though she was a football player, shouldering an occasional but kept her hands cupped around the ice cream--not even licking it to keep it from dripping. Just carrying it.
A terrific jazz trio performed while I enjoyed my own ice cream. A cello, flute, and guitar. What wonderful musicians they were--it was obvious they enjoyed what they were doing (equally obvious was the audience's joy).
Even though today's forecast called for thunderstorms it was sunny. I'm not happy about it, but I got a little sunburn... (I always strive not to get any sunburn :-/) Beyond that I totally enjoyed the day.
Spending Memorial Day enjoying a wonderful event like this makes me meditate on the true reason I am able to do so--those that fight and die to keep our country free. The fun I derive from observing people's habits, and the ability to laugh at them and enjoy our freedom.
I have a number of veterans in my family--one of which passed away last week (my Uncle Dick, who fought in the Korean War)--and I always remember and thank them. Anymore, though, my thoughts on this day span the centuries, taking root in each battle as a fight for my freedom.
Happy Memorial Day.
Posted by KarissaKilgore at May 28, 2007 10:02 PM
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Comments
It sounds like you had a great time. I'm so happy you're getting settled in. Missing you. :-)
Posted by: Amanda at May 29, 2007 8:25 PM
Hey!!!!
I just got all updated via your blog. Im glad everything is going well and your dog is freakin' adorable!!! I hope to come see you soon. Mar will be home in a roughly a week so we may have to plan a road trip to come see you. Hope all continues to go well... I'm having deja vu with this whole you graduating and I'm next thing... scary!!! Well, much love and I hope to talk to you soon :)
Siz
Posted by: Siz at May 30, 2007 2:23 PM