Comments on: Ronald the Bu– er.. Street Musician http://tonythinks.com/ronald-the-bu-er-street-musician/ Are you pondering what I'm pondering? Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:15:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Christie http://tonythinks.com/ronald-the-bu-er-street-musician/comment-page-1/#comment-73 Christie Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:37:44 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=53#comment-73 Damn, Tony. I've always wanted to just stop and talk to a street musician like that... but I've never had the guts. Buying the guy a sandwich and sitting down was a good idea. Maybe I'll try it. Peoples life stories are so interesting... I read biographies and memoirs constantly, and I love watching documentaries... but I've never actually just sat down and asked a stranger like that. I'm impressed. I do think the guy is living a valid lifestyle. And I will say I have always considered street musicians to be an asset to the community rather than a burden. Street musicians are my favorite thing about Lawrence. They separate creative and inspirational cities like Lawrence from the nondescript suburban grids like Leawood and Keller. (Keller is the city I live in right now). That being said, his lifestyle does boggle my mind. I just couldn't be happy that way... especially not sober. There's too much I want to see, too much I want to study, too much I want to achieve. His isn't a decision I would ever be happy making, but I definitely admire it nonetheless. Also, it's interesting for me that you mentioned monks, as the book I am reading (Self Made Man by Norah Vincent) actually has a chapter in it where the writer lives among monks (supposedly as one of them... also as a man even though she's not) to study the all-male environment. She winds up finding a lot out about the monks, and it's very interesting because her description of them really humanized them in my head. Rolondo actually seems more monk-like than the monks in the book do :p Damn, Tony.
I’ve always wanted to just stop and talk to a street musician like that… but I’ve never had the guts. Buying the guy a sandwich and sitting down was a good idea. Maybe I’ll try it.
Peoples life stories are so interesting… I read biographies and memoirs constantly, and I love watching documentaries… but I’ve never actually just sat down and asked a stranger like that. I’m impressed.

I do think the guy is living a valid lifestyle. And I will say I have always considered street musicians to be an asset to the community rather than a burden. Street musicians are my favorite thing about Lawrence. They separate creative and inspirational cities like Lawrence from the nondescript suburban grids like Leawood and Keller. (Keller is the city I live in right now).
That being said, his lifestyle does boggle my mind. I just couldn’t be happy that way… especially not sober. There’s too much I want to see, too much I want to study, too much I want to achieve. His isn’t a decision I would ever be happy making, but I definitely admire it nonetheless.
Also, it’s interesting for me that you mentioned monks, as the book I am reading (Self Made Man by Norah Vincent) actually has a chapter in it where the writer lives among monks (supposedly as one of them… also as a man even though she’s not) to study the all-male environment. She winds up finding a lot out about the monks, and it’s very interesting because her description of them really humanized them in my head.
Rolondo actually seems more monk-like than the monks in the book do :p

]]> By: Tony http://tonythinks.com/ronald-the-bu-er-street-musician/comment-page-1/#comment-62 Tony Sun, 22 Feb 2009 02:09:31 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=53#comment-62 @Jennifer - Thank you for the well-thought out response. You too are one of the best listeners I've met. That's the reason people spill their life story even when they first meet you, because they can tell by the look in your eyes that you care. It must be why we get along so well. You're right about the stigma around homeless people. I have to be honest, when I walked up to him my heart was racing and I almost chickened out at the last minute. But then I just sat down and listening to him play. He turned out to be one of the nicest people I've ever met. Seriously. He could compete with my grandma for that slot, haha! @Jennifer – Thank you for the well-thought out response. You too are one of the best listeners I’ve met. That’s the reason people spill their life story even when they first meet you, because they can tell by the look in your eyes that you care. It must be why we get along so well.

You’re right about the stigma around homeless people. I have to be honest, when I walked up to him my heart was racing and I almost chickened out at the last minute. But then I just sat down and listening to him play. He turned out to be one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Seriously. He could compete with my grandma for that slot, haha!

]]> By: Jennifer http://tonythinks.com/ronald-the-bu-er-street-musician/comment-page-1/#comment-60 Jennifer Sun, 22 Feb 2009 02:02:10 +0000 http://tonythinks.com/?p=53#comment-60 Tony- I must say this is my favorite post so far. Even though you flaked on me (haha), I am so thrilled that you got to meet an interesting person that I believe has influenced you for the better. You did what most people fail to do...listen. Listening is an important skill to have and I can definitely say you exhibit this every day. :) Ronald's story is one that inspires me as well. As someone who is constantly wanting to delve into people's psyche and experience, I can imagine how worthwhile it felt to learn about someone's unique life's view. So much of the time we have a negative stigma about people who do not lead a "normal" lifestyle saying they are lazy or mentally ill. But, you have pointed out that some people possibly may choose this life. I admire his incredible dignity and self worth. Suffering is a relative term, I guess. Just because a person is on the street does not necessarily mean he is unhappy and struggling. This is interesting to think about. I enjoyed our conversation about monks the other day. Although their lifestyle is unique, it makes them happy. I believe a simple life may not be the road to happiness for everyone. But, I believe if a simple life makes a person content, then it is their own free will. Great job! I like your analysis and viewpoint. :) Tony-
I must say this is my favorite post so far. Even though you flaked on me (haha), I am so thrilled that you got to meet an interesting person that I believe has influenced you for the better. You did what most people fail to do…listen. Listening is an important skill to have and I can definitely say you exhibit this every day. :) Ronald’s story is one that inspires me as well. As someone who is constantly wanting to delve into people’s psyche and experience, I can imagine how worthwhile it felt to learn about someone’s unique life’s view. So much of the time we have a negative stigma about people who do not lead a “normal” lifestyle saying they are lazy or mentally ill. But, you have pointed out that some people possibly may choose this life. I admire his incredible dignity and self worth. Suffering is a relative term, I guess. Just because a person is on the street does not necessarily mean he is unhappy and struggling. This is interesting to think about.
I enjoyed our conversation about monks the other day. Although their lifestyle is unique, it makes them happy. I believe a simple life may not be the road to happiness for everyone. But, I believe if a simple life makes a person content, then it is their own free will. Great job! I like your analysis and viewpoint. :)

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