Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Wednesday-11:30am: V

Vagrant
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Many of you have heard this already, so you can skip it.  ;)  I spent the summer of 1970 as a vagrant in Anoka, Minnesota.  When I thought "V"...well, I couldn't help but think"vagrant"--LOL!
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After I got back from our little excursion to Canada (see H and I), I got a job at Target Headquarters (back when they only had 17 stores) in the filing department.  Ended up living with four other girls in an apartment in Anoka...until we lost it.  You can read a bit about that here (if you scroll down to the second "Strangers" story).  
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 Living on the streets, I learned about priorities.  You find out what the difference is between a true necessity and a luxury.  You can survive eating every 3-4 days.  A bed, a shower are a luxury.  Sleeping inside...out of the weather...a toss up.  Depending on the weather.  In winter up here it would be a necessity for long term survival, but I was off the streets by the time the cold chill hit the air that fall.
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Long time since I was nineteen.  But you should never forget who you are and where you have been.  
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And joy is something you can carry with you that doesn't weigh anything at all.  ;)
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I moved up here to Fargo-Moorhead from Minneapolis, Minnesota to go to college in 1999.  Wrote this for a class (English Writing major).  It was the fall of 2000...starting my sophomore year...
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"If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up some place else."
Yogi Berra

"That which does not kill you makes you stronger."
Neitzsche

19 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

i couldn't access the first link about the apt. but the 2nd was a wonderful post.

Toriz said...

It's amazing how much humans can endure when they need to.

Jenny Woolf said...

I've been over to that blog and read your wonderful story, and left a comment.

AliceKay said...

I remembered reading that story, but I didn't skip it. I read it again. :)

I loved today's quotes. Both are so true.

Hope you're having a good day today. *hugs*

Furry Bottoms said...

You have been through SO much in life, Rita. Through a lot more than a single person should have to go through. But look at you now, a true true true survivor to the core. I'm glad you're enjoying life now.

Dana said...

I wasn't able to view all your links, but I was able to read "God on the Bus." What a wonderful post!

Anonymous said...

Why did you do such a foolish thing when you had a home to go to???

Sally Wessely said...

You truly are a survivor. So true, what doesn't kill you does make you stronger.

Beth said...

You are truly unique Rita. I am so glad you survived all of those things!

Serena Lewis said...

You have quite a history, dear lady. Living on the streets would have been quite scary too although I remember you saying that you had street friends who looked out for you. It certainly does prove how little we really need...the rest is just luxury albeit nice to have the comforts of home.

I LOVE your 'God on the Bus' story! Always brings a tear to my eye.

Great quotes!

Cowgirl Red said...

I'm really enjoying this!! I can't wait for WXYZ Love you Terah

DJan said...

You have pretty much done it all, Rita. I have been many things, but a vagrant is still to be experienced. Maybe. Good story! :-)

betty said...

I did enjoy that story God on a Bus; Rita, you told it very well; what interesting adventures you have had; I'm not sure I could survive on the street; I'm sure one adapts to what one has to do though. Very good V post!

betty

Dave said...

A very interesting story Rita. Is it a true story of yourself? - Dave

Queenie Jeannie said...

Hugs! And yes it's true....it does make you stronger!!

laurak/ForestWalkArt :) said...

all we have been through...the good, the bad...and, uh...should i even say it...the ugly...helps to shape us. if we remember...and learn from what we've experienced...we become stronger...and happier...we can BE who we truly ARE!
hugs to you & karma...

Deanna said...

I'm heading out this morning, but will return to read God on A Bus. I don't believe I've read that one before.

Have a wonderful day!

Intense Guy said...

:) I'm glad I stumbled across your blog - which is also a luxury that vagrants do not have. I knew instantly I had found someone that had been through a lot.

It's nice to see you sharing your hard learned life lessons - to those (fortunate?) to not have experienced them or anything similar.

*hugs*

Harvest Moon by Hand said...

The quote at the end ties in perfectly with what you've written, especially God on the Bus. You have had some serious experiences to deal with during your life. Thank you for writing so honestly and sharing them.