by Travis Mateer

What a day, and it’s not even over yet!

I began the day with an interview of someone I’ve enjoyed listening to since discovering his work a few years ago while doing some pretty disturbing research into areas most people would prefer to ignore.

If you want a sneak peek of who I’ll be posting an interview with tomorrow morning, click here.

After the interview I cruised the Farmer’s Market and talked to one of the guy’s I’ve gotten to know holding a sign.

After a nice bike ride around town, I noticed a police officer outside my studio speaking with a man I know well from working at the shelter.

The River City Roots festival is going strong today, and this former client of mine had been drinking early, which led to his fall (he’s now assisted by a walker), which led to the officer standing there waiting for emergency responders.

I approached the officer and explained my former role. I asked about the mobile crisis unit, but she wasn’t familiar with that option, which I found disappointing.

I went to get lunch and ran into a candidate running to be a municipal judge. I told him briefly about the EMT response he might notice, and the lack of familiarity the officer had with the mobile crisis unit. He shared my disappointment.

After getting a Mediterranean beef wrap, I saw that the man was finally being trucked off to the hospital. I spoke the fire guy about the mobile crisis unit, and he confirmed that they are available today, a Saturday, but because of the guy’s alcohol intake, he would have to be cleared by medical staff.

This happens in the ER, where blowing your nose costs a thousand bucks (I think this is an exaggeration, but who knows anymore).

After getting food and information from first responders, I headed to the antique mall where I scrounged for old postcards. I spoke with a nice lady from Missouri about her son’s story of arriving in Missoula. It was very similar to my own.

Then, back at the art studio, I chatted up a fellow artist and had the opportunity to show off some of my historical artifacts to a person connected to the preservation of the building I’m in.

Upon leaving I realized the connection and remembered my spontaneous performance last night.

But, alas, some synchronicities can’t be readily shared in blog a post.

Thanks for reading.