Mark Barker and 10 more Street Shots

Part 1

I received an email from RoxAnne this week (she is the one smiling in the photo with Mark) – letting me know that Mark Barker passed away last Sunday (5-3-2015). (My first post with Mark is here.) So I would like to start this post with a tribute to Mark.  I was hoping to interview Mark sometime later this year, and Jennifer sent me a cool outline for interviews, but it just was not meant to be….

mark barker rip - 1927-2015
So…. Rest In Peace Old Timer. The world is a better place from all that you did with TV in Central Florida, from your work in North Carolina, and from the MANY people you impacted with your smooth demeanor and caring heart. I am so glad I had the chance to meet you earlier this year —- our encounter was brief, but I am better because of it.  Also, thanks to you RoxAnne for staying in touch. I am sending you and all of Mark’s family my heartfelt condolences.

 

Here is the Orlando Sentinel’s article about Mark Barker –  also, Mark was a jazz music fan, so here is BB King jammin’ The Thrill is Gone in 1993.

Part 2: Ten More Street Shots From Florida 2015

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This is Eric –  I took 6 photos of Eric in February and I emailed him the pics this week. In this collage, I combined 3 of the pics to highlight one of his boards –  and with all that wax, I just have to link to Narami’s texture week #19.

 

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I took these photos a few months ago – and the one on the left reminded me (a bit) of Sally’s “high key” discussion  – check it out HERE – it is a very interesting post.

 

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This is Chris. I really like the way the yellow circles look on the glass behind him – with his hat, sunglasses, soft smile, smoke, and crossed leg. I think he is homeless, buy I am not positive. He was sitting outside of the store and we started chatting as I was taking some tree photos. He was watching a Smithsonian show on his digital device.  Again, I am not positive he is homeless, but he talked about sleeping on the beach and there were other hints. I insisted he let buy him a Publix sub. He said no the first two times, but then when he said yes he had a custom order to blurt out. ha!  It turned out that the sub maker was quite rude (lower right) – the guy seemed highly inconvenienced. If I did not promise Chris a sub, I would have walked out and joined my Aunt who was down in the plaza getting Chinese take out.  It all worked out fine – but crabby workers leave a lasting impression.  However, nice people also leave an impression – and a big thanks to Chris for his sweetness.

 

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This is Lea. I was glad when she said that I could take her picture. I took about 6 photos – real quick like – and later at home when I saw the photos –  I was surprised!

 

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I was with my second cousin when I took this photo of Renee, who was sharing samples and recipes. It seems like every time I visit this cousin in Tampa – we end up at the store together at least once. We talk, we shop, we laugh…. and this photo of Renee serving up some Tuscan steak reminds me of the joy I feel when I visit this particular family. Traveling is so tiring – especially when we make the rounds to see this one and that one, but in the end — it is food for the soul.

 

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This lady had the coolest story to share about her work and the customers she encountered. I did not have time to take notes or record her sharing, but she was so detail orientated and on top of her game.  Someday I would like to do a “series” on people and their work – but for this encounter – I just listened – enjoyed – and grabbed a few photos.

 

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Another shot from Ybor City…the people in the left photo each have such a unique feel.

 

 

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Such a nice store clerk. The mural in the background is of the Florida manatee.

 

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The rain was coming down as we checked out this Mexican restaurant. I like the bright colors of the building and this pic is linked to lingering windows.
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This is Carlos.  This is my favorite street shot connection from Florida this year because Carlos is so cool.  We had one of those conversations that was fueled by chemistry – you know, where you click because you see the world thorough a similar lens. We talked about family, NYC, and the space program. I did get a tiny bit of video, not sure how/if that project will unfold, but thanks so much  to Carlos for the convo on that early, rainy morning!

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That is all I have for today, which is part of my “catching up posts” this month.  Please let me know if you have a favorite from today?

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Have a nice Friday – and if you are in the mood for some more street shots, check out Bill’s “POSTS FROM THE ‘PORTRAITS’ CATEGORY” HERE

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78 thoughts on “Mark Barker and 10 more Street Shots

  1. Thank you for sharing these people with us- it is always interesting to get a glimpse into the lives of others. I love that manatee and also liked the yellow circles behind Chris. Great shots all

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  2. Sometimes i wish I could just go and talk to strangers like that… I really like your street photography. Not something I could easily do – osprey are so much less intimidating 😉

    Sorry to hear about Mark Barker. It wasn’t that long ago that you met him.

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    1. yeah – I know T – and I almost went back down to Florida last month for a quick interview – I wanted to video him because his last major interview (2013) was only audio recorded and I was thinking “video project” – But he was in the hospital and not feeling well – and it obviously was just not meant to be – also, I am sure his family has lots of video footage – ❤

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    2. thanks Trent – and for some reason it comes very natural for me to interact with folks. however, I have to feel chemistry first and so I think before I even ask I already have a feel for whether or not we have chemistry – if that makes sense. and last night we were grabbing a quick bite to eat and I saw a work truck pull up- and this guy came out with a beard with dreads in it. I thought it would make a great photo – but never thought of asking. Then I bumped into him in the restaurant and we shared a nod and “what’s up” kind of smile. so after that – he was leaving and I just though I would ask him (and Nancy has a beard challenge ruining on her blog) – anyhow, I got three photos of George (and will share one later sometime) – but that is how it happens for me – I feel things out and always have manners.

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      1. That’s real cool. I’m very introverted and a bit (or a lot) shy. On the other hand, I do sometimes talk to random people, but I would never think of asking them if I could take a picture. I think that connection, or chemistry, you talk about shows in most of your pictures. It’s what makes them so good.

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        1. Thanks T! And I am not always in picture taking mode like this – well I have always taken photos to preserve some memories – like when we were leaving Florida in 2001 – I decided to spend one of my last workdays taking as many photos as I could (and it paid off with one of the most special photos ever – but that is a story for another day, perhaps) – but right now, 2014 is the year of people shots for me – and the year of “many green lights” – yeah! anyhow, see u manana para el cafe.

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  3. Well my favorite of course was the windows 😉
    But besides that I liked your blurb about the lady in the store and your cousin time.
    Love me some cousin time!
    Have a great day Y.
    Sorry about your friend
    ~ Dawn

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    1. thanks so much Dawn ❤ ❤ and I like how you put that "love me some cousin time" – ha! And sometimes cousin time is sweeter because it has been less frequent. ttyl

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  4. Lovely shots all round. Very interesting people with interesting lives. So sorry to hear about Mark Butler. He looked like a very cheery kind of guy, glad you got to know him in some capacity. He’s probably smiling down on all of us now.

    That was very nice of you to offer to buy a sub for the maybe-homeless guy. He might have been one of those travelers drifting from state to state or town to town seeking adventures. you really are very sneaky taking your photos…like the one of the rather rude sub attendant 😀 Looks like you could be a reporter uncovering the darkest secrets of this world 😀

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    1. Ha – thanks Mabel – and I am laughing at the sub photo. And actually what was really cool was that while waiting in line – about a dozen of us – I met a lady named Lisa who had Lupus – while I am careful to not play medical doctor – especially not right there in the sub line (ha) I was showing her a website and we exchanged information – then I thought about maybe getting a time lapse of a sub being made – to share with Mark from Syracuse because we were once chatting about great subs (from wegmans/publix) – so that is how the photo came about – anyhow, regarding Chris – I am not sure “what” his story was – but he had some of the whitest tube socks I have ever seen – so bright white and that contrasted with my image of homelessness –

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      1. Amazing skill you have there, Y. Talking AND taking photos at the same time. Poor Lisa, I hope she is coping well with Lupus. Sounds like she is, putting up with the staff alongside you…

        Time lapse of a sub being made…I would love to see that if you could make one. That would be very fun, making sure nothing out of the ordinary goes into your food 😀

        Perhaps Chris found those socks somewhere, or they could have been given to him. You know, there are kind people out there 🙂

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        1. Hi Mabel – yes there are so many kind folks – and I think there are sleeping shelters that provide some daily essentials for folks. Side note – We read a book a while back, called “Under the Overpass” – which is simple little afternoon read that tells the story of two guys and their “intentional journey on the streets of six different American cities as homeless men” – and one of the biggest takeaways for us was that food is often the best gift to give folks

          Oh – and with Lisa – the one main tip that I share with anyone who has lupus (or any other skin issue) is to immediately consider supporting the LIVER (and to explore if they have an underlying intestinal parasite coinfection) – but from my health research in 2014 — the liver and skin connection is very real – (skin reflects liver health) – so a good liver formula will serve them well.
          have a nice weekend Mabel – 🙂

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        2. That book sounds interesting, noted it down. It’s so sad that some people are homeless. Life must have gotten really rough for them at some point. Food is the best gift to them? I think so too, especially if it’s a bowl of hot food. Our bodies feel so much better and energised when we fee the warmth slide down our throats and engulf our souls 🙂

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        3. my pleasure Mabel – and seriously sharing with Lisa that day – for the whole 5 minutes – and then a few emails – well it is very meaningful to me because I want to “pay it forward” – while doing my health research last year – which included reading scholarly journals, books, chatting with local doctors, and then soaking up various online sites and forums – well one of the most significant tips I got (for what I specifically needed) – came from a small forum from an anonymous lady who came back to leave a tip on what she found for her healing. Wish I could thank her – but her tip sharing – reminded me that when we take the time to share a tip (not forcing it or anything = but if the situation is open or leaving it somewhere just in case) well it could be VERY significant – and that just feels rich.

          Lastly, regarding your note about how I can “talk and take photos” – well last summer I “painted and recorded video at the same time…” and that was the first time I ever tried that combo! ha! just for fun had to share it here – also – the “sail on” song that started the whole video kind of fits in with Mark’s passing…

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        4. thanks so much – and it is a “certain style” which involves using a plastic knife – and it is actually quite easy and if you have not used a palette knife you should try it sometime – 🙂

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      2. Hi again M – just wanted to share this link from mark’s daily apple links of the week post MDA here
        http://robbwolf.com/2015/05/07/stop-the-hb-796-modernize-dieteticsnutrition-practice-act/

        which reminded me of my sharing the tip with Lisa to check out “some liver support formulas” – because according to this bill North Carolina is putting on the table… it would be illegal for me to share tips like this (!!??) –

        the Bill is called HB 796 (here) and it called Modernize Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act

        “HB 796 will prevent anyone from communicating dietary advice to a non-family member who has a medical condition. Friend of yours asks you how you lost weight? Can’t say anything, as obesity is a “medical condition.” Own a gym and want to do a Paleo Challenge? Good luck, the Dietetics Board of NC can, and likely will, sue you. If you check out that link to the Bill, scan down to the bottom, you will see what becomes illegal with the enactment of this Bill. At one point it was the “practice of dietetics” however that has been changed to “medical nutrition therapy.” Since life itself can be labeled a “medical condition” it provides a remarkably invasive reach for the The North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition. These are the same folks that tried to sue Steve Cooksey (here) for blogging about his experience SUCCESSFULLY managing his diabetes. Fortunately, due to enormous support for Steve the NCBDN failed in their suit, but this is their next attempt at a power-grab.”

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  5. I don’t know who Mark was, but it sounds like he was one remarkable guy. There’s a lot of inspiration in those pictures. I love how you capture the Everyday. Be well. Stay inspired!

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    1. thanks for your sweet comment SomerEmpress ❤ ❤ – and the news article noted his “charm when you meet him” – and I felt that when I met him earlier this year – his smile and warm reception felt like bumping into an old friend – and I am sure his presence will be missed throughout Orlando

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  6. great street shots, Y! so sorry about Mark. love Chris’ smiles; looks like a really sweet guy!

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  7. I am so sorry to hear about Mark!! Do you have a way to let the family know we send or deepest condolences? I wish he had seen the impact he made through your blog post, I started my I Remember series after reading about him.

    And I love the texture, surf up!!

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    1. Oh how cool that you started your “I remember series” after his post – that rocks!!! and Mark’s assistant told me that Mark (and I think Mark’s family) dropped by the first blog post – and so maybe in one small way his legacy will partly live on through my lil’ ol blog.

      I know it was “appointed” that we met that day – especially cos my mom and I almost canceled her doc appointment that morning (so we could visit my niece) – but we ended up there and when i think about how it felt like — when he dropped in like that – well I smile – and feel God’s hand all over it. anyhow, thanks for sharing and I will be checking out your series….

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      1. After reading about him I just couldn’t forget him, his presence made an impact. I hope he knew.

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    2. Thank you so much for your condolences. I have been keeping Marks family up on all the well wishes from everyone here. He truly impacted so many lives. He will be laid to rest today in Durham NC, his hometown. We will all miss him terribly. Rest in Peace my sweet Pioneer.

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  8. God bless Mark. I bow to pioneers in the media business, Y. You know I have my reasons. Thank you for sharing the sad news that the Central Florida legend passed. I’m glad you had that time to meet him in February. He obviously was still so sharp. He knew you were something special, too, Y.

    My favorite photo of yours today is Chris on his bench. Is his reflection for real in a life surface, or your work in the studio? Very striking, regardless. So nice of you to buy him a sub, and rude of the sub-maker to give you attitude. Pfffft on that.

    Have a great weekend, Y. 🙂 ❤

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    1. thanks for noticing the image of Chris in the reflection – that was a different photo – and I just felt like the garbage can needed something. Even though sometimes the negative space is refreshing – and in Eric’s photo I took out the smaller image of his other bright blue surf board. So I really do not always need to jam pack a collage.

      thanks for your comment on Mark, Marky-Mark. I can only imagine how many pioneers and different media individuals you have met, interviewed, and/or wrote about – as you know I am still finding my way around your blog – and pfffft to the sub guy 🙂 – – the funny thing is that for some reason – I always encounter grouchy folks in this area of cocoa beach. not so much in other parts of Florida – even though we know it is EVERYWHERE! but parts of cocoa beach feel like the folks there wish they were “not” dependent on tourists – but it is what it is.

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  9. So sorry about your friend Mark. it sound like he was one of the good guys, and in your pics of him, he has such a happy twinkle in his eyes. RIP
    It was fun meeting all your Florida characters. Nice photos, especially the lady with the manatee. Carlos does look like a very cool guy, and he’s handsome too. 🙂

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    1. thanks S – for noting the twinkle – I felt that too! ❤ and thanks for telling me your favorites –
      my mom and I both chatted it up with Carlos – he is military and getting ready to retire later this year – to go and be with his wife and kids full time (who live in the panhandle) – so he was counting the days and he is on the verge of a major life change with a new mode. As you know something about…. ❤

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  10. Nice shots and stories. Makes an enjoyable post. My personal favourite actually had the shortest story.. Lea, but I just liked those shots best for some reason.

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    1. well that is very interesting – thanks for chiming in… 🙂 and I think Pomme picked her as a fav too – and I liked how her “Hang Ten” flip flops added to that more traditional outfit – ha!

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  11. So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. A lovely tribute you have given him here. My fave photo is Chris as I think you have been using your most clever technical ability to have him decorating the garbage can. Am I right?

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  12. What a fresh faced beauty Lea is. She makes me think of the old time pioneer women, very down to earth and capable. Nice group of photos Y

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  13. Oh, Yvette, I’m so sorry to read that Mark has passed away. I remember your first post about him. He seemed so full of life – he almost popped right out of your photos. I hope his passing was peaceful. Hugs to you!

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    1. thanks for dropping by Jill – I was just thinking of you earlier this week (pink bag) anyhow, I am not sure of all details, but I do know that Mark was being monitored so I think folks had time to prepare – which sometimes helps (as opposed to an unexpected loss) –

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    1. thanks aletta = and as I mature into my street photo taking I am actually now asking for some “more” tidbits from folks – well if asking “fits” with the flow… 🙂

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  14. I love your street shot portraits and the snippets you write about each. I also agree about those who act as if they are doing a favor when they provide service for you. Makes me remember to be more pleasant in every encounter. Sometimes when I am preoccupied or overwhelmed I probably seem a tad grumpy. :/ Blog posts like this make me realize that the way I behave in a quick encounter might leave a lasting impression. Cheers to you for a great post!

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    1. thanks so much timeless lady! well your comment really got my wheels turning – because “customer service” can be a layered issue –
      like “how pleasant is too pleasant” to where it becomes annoying –
      or “how grumpy is too grumpy” to where it impacts business negatively-
      and then there is “burnout” – which is a very serious condition that is super toxic –
      but a little crabby or not always being super pleasant can be fine…. at times – right?

      While it does depend on the area of business – usually I can take aloof, neutral – or even if someone is a bit of “grump” = and actually… sometimes we get annoyed by over the top too friendly customer service.

      For example, we were deciding where to go and eat and one of the restaurants we like (for quality and price range that fits our needs) well we all said we did not want to go there that night because we were not in the mood for the bubbly service – we wanted more “quiet” – and that got me thinking – you know, there is truly not a one size fits all for interacting with the public (IMO) –

      now… back to this sub guy -I have been to that store on and off since ’09 – and there has frequently been this inconvenienced feel. That is the only word that comes to mind.

      and so…. in this case, this place lost business in two ways. First, I cut my order in half that day because of it – I was going to get my nephew his own full sized sub (cos he was coming over that evening to chat) –
      second, I decided officially that in the future I will drive to a different Publix store if we want their awesome “nitrite free Hoar’s Head meat subs” –
      so I guess this is an example of how “little things like this lead to the “CUSTOMER WHO NEVER COMES BACK” – which is something that managers and business owners should care about.
      Lastly, regarding your part about the way your service
      “might leave a lasting impression” – have you ever heard of the “kick the dog” ripple effect? Well one guy’s crabbiness ends up coming back to him in that story and there is a domino effect with the moods we expose others too.
      But again, we both know it is a layered topic – and thanks for sharing your personal work take on that part of this post (made my day). ❤

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  15. I am so sorry on Mark Barker’s news. I remember your previous post about him, and it left me with strong impression as a kind person.
    I have to learn from you how to approach people in public space. You are so good at it that they were willing to be your photography subject! A photo series on people and their work would be excellent too!

    My fave image is the one with Florida manatee – oh I wish someday I swim together with them 🙂

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    1. well Indah – when you do swim with manatees -= I look forward to seeing the post! I used to see them in the early 1990’s – and boy do I wish I took photos. And thanks for the series idea, I do feel something brewing in this area – and right now I just like exploring it. Have a great day and thanks again for the honorable mention. That quiz idea of yours was super cool and gave me an idea for a summer post I might do about Shawna. keep you posted
      xxoo

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  16. Y, I absolutely adore your street shots ! They catch a glimpse of “Human condition” so perfectly, Different age groups, different kinds of people, Everyone hold there own individuality. Love these!

    It’s so interesting to read there backgrounds or stories which accompany there picture, Always a huge fan! 🙂

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  17. Was so sorry to hear the news about Mark. I just fell in love with him in your first blog post back in March. It was wonderful that you got to know him, only if briefly. I love that he wrote his own obituary and his request that he be honored with a cocktail party and a jazz band 🙂

    And you know how much I enjoy your street photos. The two that really stand out for me here are the one of Chris the homeless man and the placement of his reflection in the trash bin (nice placement) and the nice worker with the manatee (again love the placement of her 3 times against what appears to be a continuous mural).

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    1. thanks Lisa – and his funeral does sound pretty cool. When our friend Gary Snyder passed away it was kind of like a party too. A morning talk show had folks calling in with their favorite “gary story” and he died way too young (only 49) but touched so many – and speaking of homeless – at the time he passed away – he was letting a homeless guy stay in his office – he was a big wig insurance guy and sometimes (many times) bent the rules.
      oh and safe sailing

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  18. I’m so sorry about your friend Mark’s passing.
    This is some great creative photo work. My favorite is the collage you put together of the surfer–very eye catching!

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  19. Cool post of street photos, Y! I think you have a great talent to talk with strangers and find so much about them and get their pictures, your confidence and warmth shows through in the pictures you get of them. So sorry to hear about your friend Mark, but it must have been a real honour to meet him. 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much K – and wow- looks liek BBking just a pssed away too – and how neat that I linked him while remembering Mark earlier this month – what a coincidence. RIP to BB too ❤ ❤

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  20. You’re right, hon- serious catch up mode 🙂 But had to make time for you and it was worth it for the manatee mural and your fun look at life.

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    1. well you know I am a big fan of your work Bill = :0 and so my pleasure – and thanks for dropping by – that selfie with you and Maria (caught in the street mirror) from last January is pretty cool!

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  21. Wonderful to meet these people through your post, Yvette! It’s heartwarming to read about you buying sub for the homeless person… Thank you for sharing these photos and stories. ❤

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