39 year old Mona Lisa Busks for her money. She has been homeless for 4 years and travels from Santa Cruz to Seattle. She wants to bring a smile to peoples faces and the only way Mona Lisa knows how to do that is by being on the corners of the cities singing her heart out.

Anthony is 28 years old and came to Eugene from Ketchikan, Alaska. He has been homeless for the past 2 years. He was cautious with me even though he agreed with what I was doing. His freedom was all he wanted. I said that freedom was like water, it flows around and through objects till it finds its home, he nodded and said that's right. When I asked for a close-up shot he said to take a picture of him walking away. And I did.

Now 54 years old, Mr. Gonzalez has been homeless for 5 years. He told me that he was bitten by a Brown Recluse spider and as a result had the lower part of his right leg amputated. He also suffered other complications from the bite. He sometimes has a radio playing Mexican music. While I was speaking with Mr. Gonzalez a few people cheerfully greeted him. It is always good to have kind words sent ones way.

This is Rod. He is 57 years old and has been homeless since 2002. I asked why such a long time and he told me this story. In 2002 both his parents died within a short  time of each other. His wife divorced him and he lost his job. Those are life altering events. He was also struck by a vehicle and had his hip replaced and a rod placed in his leg. It set him back 2 years. He is able to sleep in a church at night and do odd jobs now and then. His spirits seemed good. We shook hands and he said God bless you as I went on my way.

This is Mike and Tessa. Tessa was very quiet, but Mike liked too talk. He came here 2 years ago from Wichita, Kansas. He was surprised and shocked when he discovered he could not find affordable housing. He now resides at the Mission on a limited basses. Not an ideal situation. Mike says that the small house projects being built in gifted and unused city lots are helping people transition from the streets. It's the best solution, he says, It helps people feel safe and allows the residents self respect and responsibility. Mike says It's not for everyone, because not everyone wants help.  

This is Mark. He told me that he was homeless in Medford for 1.5 years and now here for 2 years. He was very present and aware of his environment. He said he was a master of finding places to sleep at night, pointing out spots to me right there from the street corner. He told me that he is an advocate for the homeless, being one himself, and that he has had discussions with the head of police. "I'm a numbers man" he said. "There are 1,800 homeless in town. The Mission and other shelters hold about 600 individuals. That means 1,200 people have to find someplace to sleep each night." I look at him and could only open my eyes wide and say "WOW".

A positive outcome. Known as the Bottle Twins these brothers, who were homeless at one point, now make a living collecting and depositing cans and bottles at 10 cents per item. They are supported by the neighborhood as they coordinate  their travels with recycling pickup. They are at it day after day, year round, and in all types of weather. They now have an income and a better life.

Some homeless people have addictions. Bear informed me that he and his brother are alcoholics. Bear (with sign) kept showing me his shaking hands (withdrawal he told me) and asked for me to by them beer. I bought them food instead......Bear says he was homeless in Seattle for 4 years before finding his way here where he has been on the streets for another 4 years. He does not like shelters because he says they are dirty and stuff gets stolen. They both looked very, very rough. This situation is a reality. Bear turns 36 on December 21.

This is Doug. He is a 58 year old veteran from Chicago who is homeless and living here the past 2 years. His military service disability was disrupted and his only option was to use local charities inorder to find food and nightly shelter. He is hopeful that his disability will be reestablished soon. Doug said it was a 20 to 80 percent chance that it will be reinstated. I smiled and said I was sure it would be 85 percent in his favor. We both smiled and shook hands.

BUSKING is defined as playing music or otherwise perform for voluntary donations in the street or subways. This fellow sang country western songs. He had a fine voice and played the guitar well. I don't know his situation, but when he turned around I waved and he smiled and waved back. I don't know if he was homeless. Maybe he  just needed extra money for whatever reason. We all seem to need money. It is a fact. Tomorrow when I go to the library I will drop a dollar or two into his guitar case.

I came upon these folks sitting, talking and sharing food in an alleyway while on a walk downtown. I asked for permission (I always do) to take their photo. After they asked me few questions the answer was yes. They did not offer their names nor did I ask how they came to be in this situation. The woman highlighted was affectionately rubbing her dogs head and told me, In a loving voice, that her dogs name was Princess. I felt that Princess was her heart string.

Zy Force is the name of this kind hearted person. He was homeless himself for a short while and was able to get up on his feet with the help of others. He now makes a modest living as a Bicycle Taxi. As well as using his Bicycle Taxi for work he fills it with donated food on specific days and does not go home till he has dispersed all of his goods. Zy was doing just that when I met him. He also helps distribute Burritos with a local and successful Burrito Brigade that helps feed anyone in need. A very nice person giving back to his community. Inspiring to say the least. Peace Out!

Homelessness. Tough place to be and many people are living in this reality. Also, many people are only a pay check away from having to live on the streets.... I met Pam at this camp site on the sidewalk next to the road in front of a church. As I spoke with her she shared a bit of her life on the street. I asked if I could take her picture but she does not think she is photogenic but allowed me to take her picture as she stood behind the sign. She has been homeless for two years and said she does not want to conform to social rules. With a sweep of her arm to the tents she told me that this is her family now.

I am interested in the juxtaposition of noun's (people, places or things). This is our feral cat Shadow in the herb garden. It took years before we won her trust and she now lives a good life. She has us trained as other cat lovers will understand....Peace out!

This is the first of an exciting new series. I'm jazzed up about this one and as I add to this collection over the coming weeks I hope to work my way into important social issues. The one at the forefront of my heart and mind is homelessness. Tough place to be for families and individuals. I hope to humanize this social condition just a bit. It will help me....This is a Flicker feeding on the suet holder.  A beautiful bird.