201220931
I have often felt that I lead an insular life, but, having been a South Philly resident for 12 years, I know I have enjoyed many occasions where I have been able to revel in having thriving outgoing elements to my personality. As summer has always resounded as the most social season to many, its recent arrival led me to think about the top 10 ways that I like to bond with the constituents of the 19145 through 19148 zip codes.
10) Facebook chats: The only entry that does not involve face-to-cafe interaction, this component of my list often leads to story ideas, reactions to news in our neighborhoods, and chances just to catch up with those whose ultra busy existences necessitate our using computers as go-betweens.
9) Athletic endeavors: Nobody will ever mistake me for Roger Federer, but I certainly enjoy taking to Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s tennis courts to work on my one-handed backhand. I enjoy sharing a few words with other lovers of the sport, finding their mix of serious and relaxed play a perfect metaphor for the need for balance in life.
8) Food shopping trips: I rarely go without a chance to reminisce about something when venturing to a South Philly supermarket, as I frequently see my subjects striving to nourish themselves and their families. I particularly like when I have not seen someone in some time, as that leads to longer recollections and company as I cover the aisles.
7) Corner store encounters: Growing up in Southwest Philly, I relied on two corner stores for convenience and conversation. Finding a few notable ones in South Philly, I have come to count some owners and workers not only as story subjects but also as friends.
6) SEPTA travels: Whether through a bus or the Broad Street Subway, I never find myself short on occasions to bond with eager travelers. Whether we speak or I just observe, I feel a sense of camaraderie between us, thinking they also want their fares to go toward helping them to fulfill the next step on their literal and figurative journeys.
5) Sporting events: I consider myself a pretty competitive person, so I enjoy opportunities to watch professionals and amateurs as they show true Philly grit. Youth-centered contests really drive home the point that while receiving pay for one’s play has its perks, nothing can top just going out and giving the best that we have.
4) Playground stops: Being a practicing Roman Catholic, I can appreciate the practice of church hopping, but I find sampling different playgrounds equally inviting. I love being able to say to my son that I want to take him to a “new playground” in the sense that it will be novel for him. I look forward to the days when “new” actually means “original.” Keep those playgrounds coming, powers that be.
3) Church services: I have attended Mass at every Catholic Church in South Philly and have felt great pride being among fervent searchers for solace in this ever-confusing world. With so much discord occurring on a national scale, be it related to politics, taxes, issues of equality, wages, and other matters, that shared quest for spiritual companionship will always lead me to genuflect, achy tennis knees be damned. With that language, it must be confession time.
2) Occasional neighborhood walks: My neighborhood, which some dub Marconi and others call Penrose, has great proximity to Girard Estate and Packer Park, so when I go for walks, I am destined to find someone I know pretty well, a phenomenon that leaves me receiving and giving well-wishes and feeling that my heart, no matter life’s obstacles, will never grow dormant until the day I meet my maker.
1) South Philly Review assignments: When I was a graduate intern here in 2009, I remember being incredibly frightened on my first assignment. I still have an occasional moment of worry upon heading to meet and profile people, but, knowing I will have a true opportunity to find out what makes them strive to succeed in their given fields, I become a curious kid who often covets more knowledge that any article can convey. I am thankful that the nine entries before this one are able to serve as additional sources of happiness when the questions stop and I cap my pen. ■
Contact Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
