Last Minute Shopping

Out on the town I feel it. At parties and walking in the streets of The City I love, I see it. Window displays beckon invitingly, while panhandlers and street musicians double their efforts trying to take advantage of the season of sharing. I feel the elusive Christmas spirit.

I am doing my usual last minute shopping for an image that I can turn into a holiday card. Shopping means cruising, trolling and fantasizing; meandering around city streets shooting random stuff and wishing the light was better. I picture Mary Ellen Mark’s photo of Santa Claus on break, eating a bowl of soup. I think maybe I can find him today, on Muni with a latte. Instead of a cigarette he’ll be chomping on some Nicorette and plugged in to his iPod, oblivious to the rest of humanity.

It’s my birthday and all my friends are with me in spirit. They keep calling, sending cards and taking me out to lunch. My best friend Jen sings to me and sends me a parcel of toys to brighten my day. My boss buys me a cake. I get gifts from people I haven’t seen in years. This is my best birthday ever and its Christmas time in The City. I make a good photo of City Hall and as usual, last minute shopping pays off.