Living alongside of transient people throughout history


Chances are that you're not a transient person, I'm definitely not one. I really have never moved around all that much, I'm just like my grandma, who described herself as "homely". I like being safe at home, and yes, my grandma had a silly sense of humor, which I inherited.

The word "transient" is often used when referring to people who have set up "homeless camps", but that's not really accurate. Once someone has settled down into one spot, whether in a mansion, or in a tent, they're no longer transient - they're homely. Transients are always on the move!

When I was a kid I fantasized about being a travelin' man, maybe going from town to town, carrying nothing but my guitar, but the reality of it never appealed to me. I like my comforts, I like my own bed. I wouldn't have made much of an International Man of Mystery, as I never slept well in hotel rooms, and different food than I was used to would give me an upset stomach, and I'd have to go back to bed.

But I've lived alongside of transient people all of my life, and from what I've learned about people in history, it's been a lifestyle choice that's always been popular with many people. I'm an "urban hiker" here in my neighborhood in suburban Phoenix, and when I lived in California I always walked along the beach, sometimes for miles and miles. And I would see people along the way - they could be backpacking along the coast to see the sights, they could be on the run from the law, I didn't ask, I just smiled and waved. Tomorrow's sunrise would find me in the same place, but they would be gone.

In a long life, I've learned that the same thing that would make me stand up and cheer would make someone else cringe with horror. I like being a stationary person, but I will defend your right to be transient.

Thank you for the encouragement! If you want to see daily pics of my adventures on my recumbent trike in suburban Phoenix (just for fun, of course!) you can follow me on buymeacoffee.com/bradhall, and you can buy me a coffee if you'd like to!

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