8/16/09 7 interactions

"Are you Straight Edge?" Caucasian male, early/mid 20's, coffee shop near home, noticing 'SOBER' tattoo on right wrist.
"No, this is after years of trial and error-mostly error."
We both laugh.

"Hey girl!" African-American male, early 20's, street outside my building,
"This is the girl I was talkin' about!" (Male to companion, another African-American male, same age.)
(companion) "Damn! That's a sleeve! Who did it?"
"A friend of mine in California."
"You know anyone out here? I need some work."
"Y'know, EVERYONE'S been asking me that this summer, and I honestly don't."
(They look at me)
"No, seriously, I've had no time or money to get any work done out here, so I've had no reason to find an artist."
"Still girl, I like your style. What's your name?"
"Izzy."
"Izzy. I'm Rob."
"And I'm Country."
"Rob and Country. Nice to officially neet you both" (I shake their hands.)
"Where you off to?"
"Meeting up with some friends. You guys?"
"Same."
"Well, you take care, I'll see you around."


"Damn, that's some bright ink." African-American male, 40's, downtown drugstore.
"Yep."
"Does it go all the way up your arm?" (I was wearing a pullover shirt with the sleeves partly rolled up)
"Yep."
"What's that say on your wrist...sober?" Hm." African-American female, late 20's, drugstore cashier.
"Yep, sober. What does your wrist say?" (I peer over the counter to read). "Ron?"
(She laughs and covers her wrist.)
"Ok, we won't talk about Ron!" (laughing)
"Yes, let's not talk about him!"
"Ok, thanks, have a good one"
(M. says something to F. as I leave.)

"Did that hurt?" Caucasian male, 40's/50's, Logan Sq. bus.
"Parts of it did, but not all."
"Did you have to get drunk?"
"No, drinking makes it worse. Thins the blood so you bleed more." (I take a seat and put my earphones in).

"Need a ride, girl?" African-American male cab driver, 30's, outside Red Line station.
"No thanks, I live here."
"Alright. Hey, nice tattoos. I love your ink."
"Thanks, you have a good night, be safe."
"You too."