Leslie Cochran's Memorial

Sweet, stubborn, passionate, loved, loving and a willing Austin icon...

You will be missed.

You will be remembered.

You are loved.

Power-washing City Hall During Occupy Austin

I received a call that the Austin City Council made the decision to have the mall in front of City Hall power-washed between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. The requirement was for all signage, equipment, tents, etc. be removed so that the city could clean.  Occupants were told they would be allowed to return after the cleaning.

Officers and occupiers were respectful and communicated with little confrontation throughout the process.  Occupiers were told that they should move across the street, which most complied with. 

 A lone occupier stays until the last moments.

 

The power-washing begins.

Initially, police had advised everyone that no one would be allowed on the sidewalks in front of City Hall. 

After discussions with occupiers, the police advised the crowd that they could be on the sidewalk as long as they did not impede traffic.

Four occupiers refused to vacate and were arrested without incident.  But not without some good humor.

 

  Of course, not all arrested were in such high spirits.

 All in all, the actions of the occupiers and the police made me proud to live in Austin. 

Drums of Autumn

I arrived at Flipnotics and bought a cup of coffee, sat out on the deck to watch the sun rise.  A young man named Labren dragged his drum, bags and a book up the stairs.  He looked as if he hadn't slept in days.  He informed me he was camping in the woods near my house and that it rained (briefly) on him last night.  I offered him a cup of coffee, which he excitedly accepted.

Out of the blue...  He says, " I have this book that I have read through twice and I think you would really like it.  It's considered a romance novel, but she is really an amazing writer.  Her name is Diana Gabaldon."

This is the third book in a series of seven.  Funny thing is... I began reading them a number of years ago and stopped... at the third book.  I always find it intriguing how the universe works.  All I know is that I am blessed beyond measure by the gift given to me by someone who has so much less than myself. Thank you, Labren.

Ronnie Wilson

I met Ronnie at the corner of 183 and Burnet Road in Austin, Tx.

He told me of his adventures, his history and his hopes.

He blames no one for his daily challenges other than himself and is quite happy because of this.

The bongos in the bottom of the photo were a gift from Ronnie to myself.

I am always amazed by the generosity of those who have the least.