Urban Disguise...

Do you know the secret to surviving virtually untouched in the city? You become invisible...

By that , I mean that you become someone that people see, but immediately forget. There are many, many people like that in most cities, but most of the time we just don't even register them in our memory banks. We have all seen them at one time or another...

How can you be invisible? Let me give you an example. As you are driving through a neighborhood, you notice an older man walking along the sidewalk. His head is slightly down, he needs a haircut, his grey beard could use a trim, he usually wears an old sweatshirt in the cooler months and a faded t-shirt in the spring and summer to go with his slightly ragged, well used jeans. His head wear of choice is a "gimme" cap from someone, the logo usually well beyond reading anymore. No name brand footwear, but usually just a simple pair of sneakers or scuffed work boots.

He doesn't walk very fast, moving at a steady pace but not in a hurried fashion. He wears no watch, no jewelry of any kind. Usually he has some sort of walking stick, probably for protection from dogs, or for an aid to stepping down or up the curb. From time to time, he glances up, looking first forward, then left and the right As you drive on by, you notice that he is mumbling to himself. You shake your head and drive on down the road.

Did he make an impression? No? Will you even remember him 5 minutes from now? Probably not! Does he look like a threat? Of course not! Would he be a likely target to rob? You wouldn't think so...

Guess what, folks! You just drove passed me on my neighborhood street. If my head is slightly down, it's so I can concentrate on the sounds from all around me, including the ones behind me. The reason that my hair needs cutting and my beard needs trimming is because I am NOT trying to impress anyone, I don't have to go to work each day, and I'm well beyond caring about what you or anyone else thinks about my hair and my beard!

The reason that I wear an old sweatshirt in the cooler months and a faded t-shirt in the spring and summer is simple. They're comfortable! I'm not going on a date, out to eat, to church, or to a party. I'm just out for a walk in my neighborhood, getting a little exercise...so I have no reason to dress up with a white shirt and tie, a fancy suit, or even a fashionable sports shirt! I'm dressed according to the activity, you see?

Why the ball cap? It was free, has a bill to keep the sun out of my eyes (which it wouldn't do if I wore it backwards)! The plain sneakers? Well, I can buy about 5 pair of these plain sneakers for what a single pair of Name brand, short lived sneakers cost. 5 times the merchandise for about the same amount of money? I'm no rocket scientist, but that seems like a good deal to me! The boots? Well, if you buy good quality boots, work or western or hiking, and they fit properly...they will last a long time with minimal upkeep. Sure, they might not be in style 5 years from now, but they will still fit. They will still cover my feet and give me support around the ankles. If need be, they will help protect me from snakebite, thorns, sharp rocks, broken glass and nails that seem to come from nowhere to find auto tires, bare feet, and thin soles on shoes!

How about the slow pace? Easy...I'm in no hurry! Besides, walking fast attracts dogs more quickly. They have instincts that kick in when someone or something runs or walks too fast Another drawback to walking fast is that you miss so much of whats going on around you. You miss some of Nature's prettiest sights and sounds if you don't take the time to look and listen.

No watch or jewelry? I don't need a reminder of how fast time passes in life and my stomach will tell me when it's time to eat. The sun tells me when it's daytime, the moon and stars tell me when it's night, and my heavy eyelids tell me when it's bedtime! I'm not married, so I don't wear a ring. I have no need for a medallion or cross or tags around my neck...I quit wearing them when I was discharged from the service.

The walking stick? Easy to carry protection that needs no license. How effective is it? Ever been kicked in the knee or shin? Ever had something fall on your head? Ever been kicked or bumped real hard on the elbow? How about right between the legs? The word that comes to mind is ...PAIN! Yes sir...a good old-fashioned hickory stick in the right hands is a good survival tool!

As far as my glancing up once in a while, I'm taking notice of all that's around me, and appraising the possible danger or threat. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be ready! After all, that's what we do, isn't it? Prepare? You bet it is...

I mumble as you go by because I am saying your license plate number out loud, to make it easier to remember...just in case you are up to no good and don't belong in this neighborhood. You may not remember me, but trust me...I'll remember you!

I don't intend to stand out, to make myself a target, to impress anyone by having all the trappings of someone with money, and you will never know if I have it or not just by looking at me. Oh, and if you even think about robbing me, pushing me, or getting in my face...I'll be more than happy to introduce you to my hickory walking stick! Very up close and personal, know what I mean"

Now, let's have another cup of coffee, my friend!