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About Street roots. (Portland, OR) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 17, 2012)
Street roots Feb. 17, 2012 Let’s hear it for the boys - and girls! Readers tells us their thoughts on their experiences with Street Roots vendors treet Roots asked readers to write us on Facebook and Twitter about their favorite vendors. Here’s what they had to say: I’ve talked about fishing, community college, the weather (naturally), been able to congratulate more than one who told me they’d gotten a place inside; welcomed a guy new to town who was also new to the street newspaper thing and having a hard go at getting comfortable selling; had a guy recite his own poetry printed in the paper (he did it with more feeling and art than some “name” poets I’ve heard (or) read), shared a joke about the April issue, discussed mental health struggles. Basically, had a chat when we both felt chatty, shared a smile and a good word otherwise. — Kathryn Burlingham vendor when I was paying my electric bill off 82nd and Holgate. The vendor was quite surprised when I asked, “Are you selling Street Roots?” and he replied suprised, “Yeah.” I said I would like to buy one-1 love reading that paper! He thanked me and was so happy! Anytime I see a vendor and have an extra money. I am never reluctant to buy one of my favorite papers Street Roots! Keep up all the good work! — Carrie Zuber I still have a note that one of the vendors wrote on my paper: “thanks for caring, Happy Easter” with the cutest heart drawn on it. — Jessica Giannettino Great people, every one of them I’ve met has been friendly and cool — Jeff Waid Ma used to be frightened (seriously!) of the homeless, until she bought a paper and started hearing their stories. Fear gone! Amazing paper, amazing people, thank you! — Ralphie Gogo Always had wonderful experiences. One of my favorites is David, who writes or draws lovely messages on the front of each paper. Kathy Mark When I was in Portland I walked everywhere. Downtown, I always talked to one or two of the vendor’s everyday. Great People for sure. — Dylan Seaman Tibor is my go-to guy! Seeing him once a week and enjoying a long conversation is something I look forward to. He is a friend. And he is on a well deserved vacation now, but I will miss him until he gets back. — Kasia Rutledge Saul Cortez The vendors are all very cool people. Why would anyone be reluctant to approach them - beautiful people and friendly as can be. Makes you want to buy and read the paper even if you had no intention of getting one!! — Charlotte Bloebaum I have experienced four different vendors, all very polite. I actually approached one Imagine By Kareem Ali Imagine mule deer Grazing in blue mountains Or yellow grasses Boiling into sloping hills. Imagine nightjars Simmering above white wooden fences Or sparrows Torched in a locust of sun. Imagine your eyes Garnished in blue light And your turquoise lips Riding a nectar of air, Past a final trellis of wind Burning. They’re always kind and often smiling. — Dave Nelson The vendors are one of the reasons I buy the paper. They are always ready with a cheery word or two and willing to give directions in the event I get mixed up on which way to go. — Gwen Barnard SR vendors have always been kind, respectful, happy and love to talk about politics. And very thankful when you buy a paper from them! — Lauri Rose Every vendor I’ve ever purchased a paper from has been friendly, polite, and not pushy. Great program, great product. — Andy Yerman They rock. I have three regulars. I always chat with them. Especially love Leo Rhodes, the poet and columnist. My fave. — Lisa Loving Awesome. Excellent. Engaging. Empowering. One of the highlights of my day. — -Gary Marschke It is always a pleasure to be greeted with such positive energy! Keep up your great work! — Sue DeMarco I buy my Street Roots just to get that two minute chat in. The stories and the pride coming from these folks makes me grateful for what I have and energized by the positive thoughts they share. — Rayray Dueker Rain Duchelard Mind of Madness By Jason Wolf My mind is filled with darkness and confusion Dreams of grandeur is only an illusion Where did it all go wrong, when did it start? The beginning of the callousness that invaded my heart The mask I wear, I’ve been waiting for it to peel So that for one second I know what it’s like to be real It’s a daunting task trying to keep myself in somewhat of an order There is a thin line between sane and insanity and I’m on the border Everyday I find myself trapped inside of a new maze There are complications just trying to see through the haze Madness is a state of mind in which I dwell As the angels await me in heaven, demons await to drag me to hell shosoxsa@gmail.com Tibor
