The3six5 was an online collaborative project nominated for a Webby Award in 2011. It captured a daily perspective of 365 individuals from all around the world beginning January 1, 2010 and ending December 31, 2012. I was proud to be selected as a participant in the3six5 and enjoyed writing my piece which is no longer archived on their currently defunct site (hosting can be so expensive!). So here ‘tis on my own site for the first time.
the3six5: November 14, 2012
Catherine Gacad works with numbers, but thinks in words. She opines on current events and life’s adventures on her blog.
If the calendar were a roller coaster and we were the passengers, we’d be coasting toward the New Year—the scary free fall behind us. The ghosts of Halloween past, Hurricane Sandy and Mitt Romney, have vanished and the specter of the presidential election has been eclipsed by renewed, albeit subdued hope for the future.
It’s a beautiful Fall night, the kind of night that feels like anywhere else during the summer time. The sky is deep navy and the air smells clean.
“Tickets!” The lanky gripman shouts while maneuvering through the crowded cable car. He’s like Moses, but Black and clean-shaven, parting the Red Sea of business casual locals returning home and map-toting tourists sight-seeing. “Tickets!”
My commute involves a grid of buses and cable cars which are just like roller coasters (expensive and prone to mechanical failure) but native to the Golden Gate. I retrieve my Muni pass and hand it over. The hand-held scanner flashes a green square which coincides with a pleasant ‘ding.’
After a mechanical jolt to release the breaks, we are careening down Powell Street, arms tightly wrapped around the outdoor poles, the wind shocking life into our faces. Wwweeee!!! I adore the tourists with all their varying accents, happy to be on vacation; they put me in a holiday mood all year round.
A block away from our apartment, the resident derelict stands on the corner, asking for spare change. His face is raw and red. He has probably been chasing the sun to soak up its warmth. I think of Tony Bennett singing at the Giants World Series Parade. “When I come home to you, San Francisco, your golden sun will shine for me.”
I skip every other step while racing up to the front door of my apartment building. I twist the key and shove myself against the door to enter. The tourists, the homeless, the twinkle of the night, I leave behind.
This was truly awesome that you got to do this and glad that even though it isn’t on their web site anymore, that you can post here now for all of us!! 🙂
Oh thanks so much Janine!
I love the imagery! Great piece, thanks for sharing!
Thank you Nikki for commenting! Let me know if there are any topics you want me to cover.
I love this, Catherine! You write so well in so many different types of voices. I enjoyed this more descriptive piece – I could totally see this brief part of your day.
Thank you so much, Dana, such kind words that have made my day! Great way to start the weekend 🙂
Love this! I felt like I was there! How fun to be a part of something so big! -The Dose Girls
Thank you! I wish you could have read some of the other posts as well, it was a great online crowdsourcing journal of pictures and perspectives from all around the world.
Love this! It’s so cool that you were a part of it and I am glad you are sharing it with us now. Your writing is amazing!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Michelle. So nice of you to say.
You found a way to make a commute something I want to do 🙂
Haha, yup Kate, I’d have to say I probably have the best commute in the world. But commuting by boat sounds pretty cool too. I know people on both coasts do that.
So well-written…your honor was very much deserved, Catherine.
Oh Sue, you are so sweet. Thank you! Let’s get this weekend started!
It’s a shame they took the project down – but thanks for reposting 🙂
Rachel, thanks for taking the time to stop by and read it!
I want to be one of the tourists. My accent is Southern of course. San Francisco is on my list of places to visit. You just made me want to get there sooner.
Teresa, your site just made my stomach growl! Woweeee. Red velvet is my fave.
This was a sweet calm post that is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
Thank you so much Jennice for taking the time to read and commenting! Much appreciated.
Catherine, such incredibly beautiful–and vivid–writing here. Very well done. This takes me back to moments in my near past (last October) and experiences a bit further in my memory (nights out in San Fran). AND THIS: “I adore the tourists with all their varying accents, happy to be on vacation; they put me in a holiday mood all year round. ” <I have tried very unsuccessfully to put this very thought in writing. You have captured a feeling I know so well walking the streets of New York.
Love everything about this post 🙂 XOXO
Charlotte, thank you so much, you just made my weekend!!! Hope you’re having a great one. You mentioning NYC makes me want to hop on a flight and enjoy a summery day there now!
I could see it all! Nice piece.
Thank you Linda!