Last Day of MARTA...Reflection Time...

Soooooo today is my last day riding the MARTA (at least until I come back to visit), and on my ride into what is also my last day of work, I had a lot of time to reflect and think. It is not too often that you get to quietly sit in your seat and just simply enjoy the ride. Many folks take for granted those small moments, well I have learned to really savor them.

As I sat in my seat there were mixed feelings of sadness, happiness, heavy hearts, optimism, and high spirits. If I had sat their a little longer, might even have shed a tear (lol). I didn't think that with each day that I get closer to departing that it would be so hard. But, when I think about it I realize that its really one door closing and opening another. I even liken it to saying "see you later" versus "saying goodbye".

Now I know some folks may think I'm silly, or may be even strange, because I actually find the MARTA rather therapeutic. These rides allow me to release energy that is pent up, or that just needs to go. I have read a many books on my train and bus ride to and from work. BUT this is only just the end of the MARTA chapter and the beginning of the BART chapter.

So as they say..."Let the games begin..."

Birth Control and ATL's Next Rap Star...

And I have another story for you today folks. Sometimes I wonder why I did not continue to take MARTA after the serious gas hike back some years ago, needless to say I actually enjoy my daily rides on the bus and train. Now I know it is early in the day and you are probably thinking, "she got a story already?!!" Yep I sure do. This early day segment consists of Birth Control and ATL's "Next Rap Star".

Birth Control
Now while riding the bus or train there are a variety of stories, that one might be privy to while travelling to their respective destinations. Today's was no different. In my honest opinion there are just some things that do not need to be discussed loudly in a public setting. Case in point, on my way in to work this lady felt the need to sit in front of me and talk to her girl (on her cell phone) about her recent doctor's visit. She would go on-and-on about how long the wait was, and then the icing on the cake....check it:

"Girl yes, I am so glad that I am headed home. Waited in that cold a*& office and finally got my Depo-shot. I should be good to go now girl...Yeah cause (some man's name) and I are about to get it in."

OH BOY!!! Wow of all the things that I had to hear in the morning that would be the first....I must give her kudos because she felt comfortable enough to give a play-by-play of her doctor's visit AND what she plan to do afterwards with no shame!! I kid you not if she had only seen my facial expressions it would have been a wrap. And I can't be mad at her, she did take the necessary steps to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, however I have never seen someone so excited that they got it! As they "to each its own".

ATL's Next Rap Star
This next incident was less entertaining...well at least for me. As I was boarding the train at H.E. Holmes, I would hear the normal chatter of folks talking, babies crying, and an occasional humming, But there would be an overbearing sound that seemed to drown all of that out!! I swear I felt like I was live at the Apollo, the only thing missing was Mr. Sandman. This young man was rapping his little heart out. And so I figure he's going to stop once the train begins to move....oh no, not only does he not stop but he gets louder with each stop. Even with my headphones at the loudest bearable sound this guy was going in!! Can we say "Turnt Up!!" So the little reading that I did get in, I will probably have to reread just to make sure I understood that section.

And of course no one wants to tell him to be quiet, everyone just gives him these dirty looks. Let me tell you this guy was rapping so hard you would have thought he was auditioning for a record deal with ARISTA or DEF JAM. So let's be clear, this guy was no Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Lil Wayne or even Drake, it was just BAD (not the good kind either). Lord knows that was the longest 10 minute ride of my life. But I bet you this, I would not be surprised if I didn't see or hear him on Worldstar Hip Hop as MARTA's Next Rap Star!!

As I say all the time I couldn't make this stuff up even if I wanted too...Until the next trip!! #MARTA-BART-Tales

Cougars and Locs...

Now I can already imagine the comments that will surface just from the title alone. But there was no other way to title it but to be direct and to the point. Today's post takes place on my travel home from work. I think I have come to realize that when I deviate from my normal routine that's when things happen "out of the ordinary".

Cougars
So as I made my way to the MARTA, I was talking with one of my aunts (using my earpiece) and sharing some awesome news with her. And for those that know me, they know that I am very focused when riding the MARTA, meaning I'm usually not smiling, but rest assured there is usually nothing wrong. I typically structure my face this way to avoid conversation from passing strangers [I'm beginning to notice this is attracting more attention versus the individuals not bothering me]. Needless to say, a gentleman approached me as I was finishing up my conversation, and so it begins. After hanging up the phone, the gentleman would approach me and give me a compliment regarding my locs (not complaining, but if I had a dollar for every compliment I get about my hair I would be set for life!!). I thanked him and went about my business as usual. However, the minute I stepped on the train and took my seat, this same gentleman would proceed to have a conversation with me. I figured I would be nice so I entertained it, until I learned of this "young man's" age. He was obviously spitting some game, but this was a new encounter. Why you say? Well during the "game spitting" he would mention that he attends Morehouse College (red flag)...uh oh...This would have been cool 10 YEARS AGO, but now oh boy (keep in mind I am one month shy of 32)!! I would literally become speechless, partly because he was an attractive and intelligent sounding brotha who I would have never thought was 21. Well I will just say this we had a very entertaining conversation, that ended once he got to his stop. Not saying I turned into a cougar that day, but it did get me to thinking....

Things that make you go hmmm....



Janet Jackson (47) and her 37-year old husband Wissam Al Mana

 Locs
Now this next incident would happen not too long after my "cougar" encounter. In addition to riding the MARTA train I must also take the MARTA bus. So while waiting for the "165" a young man comes up to me and says "do you do locs?" I replied, "no, but my loctician can and I can give you her information." So without really thinking I would tell him my loctian's name and where she is located. The next statement made nearly knocked me off my seat. He would say, "so you going to take me there, I'm from Cali and I don't know my way around here..." And with the quickness, I gave him her business card and told him he could contact her directly. Who just asks a total stranger to take them to get their hair done?? That was truly the icing on the cake! I was too through...lol

Locs on the train...

 Like I always say, I couldn't even make up these stories up...even if I tried! #MARTA-BART-Tales

Singing and Dancing...

You know I always wonder what it is that motivates someone to sing and dance on the bus, or even worse so close to the tracks at the train station. During my morning trip into downtown ATL and my return trip I would encounter three different individuals that just knew they were the winner of "The Voice", "American Idol", and "So You Think You Can Dance". Now don't get me wrong do your thang if you can actually sing and dance, but these folks were not the business!! Now there was one particular case in which the guy was singing Miguel's new joint "How Many". For my folks that are familiar with this song, one might would've had wanted to ask this gentleman "How many drinks did YOU have this morning?"  And to make matters worse this dude was inches away from falling into the tracks. All I could was shake my head, because Lords knows I did not need to see that type of accident go down that early in the AM.

I kid you not folks, I couldn't make this stuff up even if I wanted too, trust me!! I have come to realize that singing and dancing is just a part of riding the train and/or bus. But I must admit these individuals who do sing and dance are actually quite brave and willing. Brave because they are clearly putting on a show in front of total strangers in a very public space, and willing because they are not getting paid for this AT ALL!! To each is own!

Maybe these folks think they will be the next Tyrese....mmmmm don't think so....but at least they made a valiant effort....

Until next time... #MARTAandBARTTales

A Film Worth Seeing..."Fruitvale Station"

Seeing that this blog is about my MARTA and BART travels, I wanted to throw a small curve ball in the mix. In addition to this blog I also have a movie/film blog Black Savant Cinema where I give film reviews, feature new upcoming films, etc. So I was a bit torn about this specific post because it deals with an actual situation that took place at the Fruitvale Station (a stop on the BART) in Oakland, California. But what the heck, I can make it work!!

New Years Day 2009 would be a day to remember for the family of 22-year old Oscar Grant III. Fruitvale Station is an independent drama film (directed by USC graduate Ryan Coogler)  based on the true story of Oscar Grant, the young man who was fatally shot and killed by BART police offices at the California Fruitvale transit station. 

(Fruitvale Station in Oakland, CA)

Even before hitting theaters this film has already garnered success winning the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and winner of Best First Film at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. So let's just its a MUST SEE on my list!! It is stories like this that open your eyes and mind to the jaw dropping events that take place at your local transit station. 

Check out the trailer below:

Even though this was not my personal experience, I felt it was still appropriate to feature on the blog. It's a story that should not be forgotten, and one that tells a heart-felt tale of the importance of family and the rarity of second chances.

So stay tuned Fruitvale Station is schedule to be released in theaters on July 26th, 2013.

Books and Headphones...

AM Ride:

Once again MARTA does not fail me by providing my entertainment for the day. Now my trip to campus was actually more quiet than my trip home. As I boarded the train at HE Holmes, I would take my corner seat and open my book to read. And you know that feeling when you feel like someone has invaded your space...BINGO that's what I felt. Seated right behind was a lady (probably in her late 30s/early 40s) leaning over her seat over my shoulder, it was if she was reading along with me. Now grant it I know the book is interesting (hence why I am reading it), but "BACK BACK!" So as I looked back to hopefully see the woman lean back she does the exact opposite. As a matter of fact she proceeds to tell me "Ma'am I wasn't finished reading that page..." REALLY?!?! I guess I had interrupted her flow, my bad!! So what did I have to do, close the book so neither she can read or me!! Why Me?

PM Ride:

Now the ride home was even more interesting....As I boarded the Georgia State station I would be greeted by a female police officer standing front and center. I guess they beefed up security just in case we had a "naked gymnast" of our own. And I kid you not, we didn't have a naked man, but we did have "America's Non-Singing Idol" on board. And sista girl really thought that she could blow...hot air...Even with my headphones she was still louder than my music. And after two threats from the police officer she finally calmed down, well actually she began to hum. But thank God she was getting off soon because I would have literally lost my mind!

So what did I learn today...We can't possibly share reading a book...and...Soundproof headphones along with an ALEVE are a MUST!!

Trust me when I tell I can't make these stories up...#marta-bart-tales

Just Had to Share...Naked Gymnast on BART

Now here is a story that I probably would have fell out if I had actually witnessed for my own eyes. But I just had to share, because it's things like this that just make your ride on public transportation that more entertaining!!

24-year old acrobat Yeiner Garizabalo made his acrobat debut in a San Francisco train station in front of many who just wanted to get from point A to B! Garizabalo who by the way was all the way live naked climbed on top of the turnstiles and proceeded to perform a number of gymnastic stunts. Can imagine having to be "privy" (sarcastically) to that show. The actual event actually took place on May 10, at the 16th Street Mission Station, but was uploaded to YouTube on this week.

See the video below:

Let me just say, I do not know what I would have done if this man came anywhere near! God forbid he even get close enough to where he touches me!! Can you just imagine some strange man, let alone a naked man, jumping on you?!! I would probably have a fit!! SMH!! For more of the story click NAKED MAN HERE !!

As I have said before you never know what you may see or hear while riding the MARTA or BART!! #marta-bart-tales