Stories Along the Sidewalk

The summer is finally here. We went to the city to check out the Sidewalk Issue of Pop Up Magazine. The event packed a lot of unique perspectives within three blocks, and we had to hunt for the clues. Like, a bicycle called Mike experiencing self-doubt and gossiping about his owners (narrated by an award winning actor). Or, a hardworking immigrant dishwasher of 37 years sharing the art of work ethics (printed on what looks like a Mexican takeout menu). Or, stories about love and learning to love printed as a stack of newspaper. Or, hearing about the legacy gay bookstore in SF and the lost memories of three years stored in a journal by calling the phone numbers listed on the posters taped to a street pole.

Not only are there so many mind-expanding stories, the way stories are captured and told is a form of art itself. The former teaches me something new, and the latter invites me to look at the most mundane objects with wild imagination.

Photograph: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle