We need to talk about Kevin

There's this homeless guy called Kevin who I sometimes see sleeping rough on Holloway road. The other day he was asking passers by for a can of pop. After speaking to him to find out what he wanted, I established what he really wanted was food, so we went to get some chips. On the way, I asked how he was and this is the conversation that followed:

I'm really down. In fact, more down than I have been in years. I had a cry last night. Haven't done that for a long time. Quite embarrassing really.

What were you crying about? I asked.

Well, I met up with a friend last night. It's so shit. She's got back with this bloke she should never have taken back. He's a real bastard - in and out of prison. And he beats her. Properly beats her. I really believed that the last time she left him, it would finally be the last time she'd go back to him.

I just don't know if I can cope with picking up the pieces again. Cos I know that I'm gonna have to, it's just a question of how long it's gonna be this time round.

After commenting on this, I then said: But, what about YOU? Why are YOU where YOU are?

Pretty memorable. Here's a guy who has nothing, lives on the streets, is in a terrible situation, and he's busy worrying about someone else. Crazy.

Pine cone pasta sauce

Disco Demon

This terrifying piece of machinery stretched back way beyond what you can see here. And tucked behind its grill were four little orange lights, which flashed intermittently - creating a kind of secret disco hidden deep inside the belly of some crazed monster. I'm sure you won't blame me for giving the party a miss on this particular occasion..

Now regular contributor James, spotted this one in Salford. Either the words where in themselves too profound, or too profane to sully our innocent ears with their contents. Suggestions more than welcome...

As a sad aside, the balloon shop's closed down! Oh, the disappointment.

Guest Appearance VI

Cheers to Cake Carlene.

The view outside my window

Two sets of stairs. And where they lead, noboby knows...

My walk to work gets a thorough examination

Nice to know that I'm not the only one fascinated by these streets...

I love this shop

I walk pass it every morning and am inexhaustibly amused by the thought that, if I felt like it, I could walk out with a balloon emblazoned with whatsoever took my fancy - and instantly. One day I will. And I've decided that it'll say whatever thought I happen to have when I pass it - now I'm just waiting on a good one. So far I have:

I should have had breakfast this morning
That dog looks like my sister's
and
Oh no, that man's still got stickers on the bottom of his shoes. Should I tell him? ... No, I won't bother.

I'll let you know how it pans out...

Turner Prize comments board

I'm always entertained by the egg throwing that covers the walls outside the Turner Prize. But this time, I discovered this little missive hidden amongst all the hate mail. And I can't tell you how much it made it all the more touching.


Hi EMILY

WHAT DID YOU THINK?

I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.

X

Festivals

They might not look like a festival, but they sure did taste like one.
And they gave me tummy ache afterwards.

Motivational Monday Morning Message

The Spoils of Halloween