Comments on: Introduction http://upfromthedeep.com A personal exploration of the architecture and history of San Francisco's central city: Sixth Street, Mid-Market, and the Tenderloin. Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:11:46 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Anntelope http://upfromthedeep.com/introduction/#comment-975 Anntelope Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:30:56 +0000 http://upfromthedeep.wordpress.com/up-from-the-deep-is-moving-to-wordpress/#comment-975 Aha - and now I understand why I was so impressed with your photographs and writings. Water always does seek its own level. I too am an ex drug addict and I too made my transition from junkie to an "addict in recovery" while living in the SRO hotels of San Francisco. My first program was right on the corner of Eddy and Hyde (Baart Program - they later moved to Geary St) and so there I went six days a week after which we'd all go to the Lafeyette Coffee Club across the street and eat oatmeal and drink coffee - all prepared for us by Jack who was also the owner. Looking at your wonderful photograph of the place I can see someone who resembles Jack still cooking at the grill behind the counter and I can also see some of the booths and tables where I used to sit. It looks like always. I've spent a lot of time here at your website and obviously will be spending a lot more. I'm still doing pretty good re drugs - clean fifteen years now (except for my Methadone). Otherwise, I don't even smoke cigarettes anymore although I do indulge in a puff of you know what now and then when I can afford it. I remember going to the Weed Big Top and getting my supply from Dennis Perone and Norma, the gal who would bag up our orders for us from the varying bowls of wonderful pot. Sad to say but NYC is sorely lacking when it comes to Medical Marijuana. It's just about non existent for all intents and purposes. I don't think you can even get a card. Oh well, maybe soon. Meanwhile, I guess I'll be talking to you again. Hope you're able to continue to maintain and keep yourself above water - well, at least your head. :)~ <em>Yes, indeed. Check your email, Anntelope.</em> Aha – and now I understand why I was so impressed with your photographs and writings. Water always does seek its own level. I too am an ex drug addict and I too made my transition from junkie to an “addict in recovery” while living in the SRO hotels of San Francisco. My first program was right on the corner of Eddy and Hyde (Baart Program – they later moved to Geary St) and so there I went six days a week after which we’d all go to the Lafeyette Coffee Club across the street and eat oatmeal and drink coffee – all prepared for us by Jack who was also the owner. Looking at your wonderful photograph of the place I can see someone who resembles Jack still cooking at the grill behind the counter and I can also see some of the booths and tables where I used to sit. It looks like always.
I’ve spent a lot of time here at your website and obviously will be spending a lot more. I’m still doing pretty good re drugs – clean fifteen years now (except for my Methadone). Otherwise, I don’t even smoke cigarettes anymore although I do indulge in a puff of you know what now and then when I can afford it. I remember going to the Weed Big Top and getting my supply from Dennis Perone and Norma, the gal who would bag up our orders for us from the varying bowls of wonderful pot. Sad to say but NYC is sorely lacking when it comes to Medical Marijuana. It’s just about non existent for all intents and purposes. I don’t think you can even get a card. Oh well, maybe soon. Meanwhile, I guess I’ll be talking to you again. Hope you’re able to continue to maintain and keep yourself above water – well, at least your head. :) ~

Yes, indeed. Check your email, Anntelope.

]]> By: All that is the Tenderloin hotels « Tenderblog http://upfromthedeep.com/introduction/#comment-862 All that is the Tenderloin hotels « Tenderblog Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:55:44 +0000 http://upfromthedeep.wordpress.com/up-from-the-deep-is-moving-to-wordpress/#comment-862 [...] we come to Up from the Deep. This is the work of a Mark Ellinger who found himself addicted, on the streets, and nearly dead before he turned his life around, [...] [...] we come to Up from the Deep. This is the work of a Mark Ellinger who found himself addicted, on the streets, and nearly dead before he turned his life around, [...]

]]> By: Richard http://upfromthedeep.com/introduction/#comment-856 Richard Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:46:52 +0000 http://upfromthedeep.wordpress.com/up-from-the-deep-is-moving-to-wordpress/#comment-856 Maybe Mark or others will be interested in this: http://www.firstpersonarts.org/ Maybe Mark or others will be interested in this:

http://www.firstpersonarts.org/

]]> By: Patricia Araujo http://upfromthedeep.com/introduction/#comment-166 Patricia Araujo Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:13:03 +0000 http://upfromthedeep.wordpress.com/up-from-the-deep-is-moving-to-wordpress/#comment-166 Dear Mark: I wasn't sure if my comment had gone through, so thankfully it did and glad to find your lovely commenting back...thank you for your kind remarks! I think I have seen you too near SOMA! Did you ever attend re-development meetings? my friend Wilma Parker used to attend weekly for the past 6 years. Also, Brian Egg, I'm sure you have met him in the neighborhood. and yes, perhaps we could have a two person show...that would be so fun! Are you currently working on a new portfolio? I am wanting to exhibit my remaining SOMA series, as the majority have sold, yet I still have enough to show. I am currently painting two new paintings of SOMA, which I will include in the book. anyways, very nice to connect with you. Do feel free to email me back at my yahoo account. have a great day and weekend. take care, Patricia Do keep me posted of any news.... Dear Mark:

I wasn’t sure if my comment had gone through, so thankfully it did and glad to find your lovely commenting back…thank you for your kind remarks!

I think I have seen you too near SOMA! Did you ever attend re-development meetings? my friend Wilma Parker used to attend weekly for the past 6 years. Also, Brian Egg, I’m sure you have met him in the neighborhood.

and yes, perhaps we could have a two person show…that would be so fun! Are you currently working on a new portfolio? I am wanting to exhibit my remaining SOMA series, as the majority have sold, yet I still have enough to show. I am currently painting two new paintings of SOMA, which I will include in the book.

anyways, very nice to connect with you. Do feel free to email me back at my yahoo account.

have a great day and weekend.

take care,

Patricia

Do keep me posted of any news….

]]> By: Patricia Araujo http://upfromthedeep.com/introduction/#comment-165 Patricia Araujo Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:04:09 +0000 http://upfromthedeep.wordpress.com/up-from-the-deep-is-moving-to-wordpress/#comment-165 Hello Mark: I found your wonderful blog today, and it is so amazing to view all your work. Your story telling is deep and so sincere, I admire very much. You are a gifted writer and excellent photographer! The manner in which you describe architecture is truly poignant. The style in which you view architecture is how I see it also. Your perspective could be seen through the eyes of the famous metaphysical painter, de Chirico. I lived in SOMA for the last 10 years, from 1997-2007. I walked the streets everyday and loved to observe many of the abandoned and beautiful facades near 5th and 6th Streets, such as the PG&E Power plants at Jessie Street, the Golden Gate Theatre, the Hibernia Bank, Furniture and Carpets, the Old Emporium, and more. I am a fine art painter and the majority of my painting series are influenced by SOMA's architecture. I look forward to viewing your book once completed..It will be fantastic! By the way, I am also in the process of self-publishing a coffee-table size book, featuring my drawings and paintings of the South of Market, titled "SOMA SEEN". I will make sure to keep you posted with future shows. and again, so nice to have found your site today!Do keep me posted too of any new developments. tootles! Patricia <em>Hi Patricia. I stopped by your website to look at your work and immediately recognized your face. I can't say exactly where I've seen you before, although very likely it has been on the streets of the central city. I'm so happy to know another artist who loves this part of San Francisco as much as I do. I'm especially taken with your drawings of 6th Street and mid-Market Street. Beautiful work, Patricia. I will indeed keep in touch with you, Patricia, and hope to meet you in person sometime soon, perhaps at one of your shows. Maybe we could even have a joint show? Mark</em> Hello Mark:

I found your wonderful blog today, and it is so amazing to view all your work. Your story telling is deep and so sincere, I admire very much. You are a gifted writer and excellent photographer! The manner in which you describe architecture is truly poignant. The style in which you view architecture is how I see it also. Your perspective could be seen through the eyes of the famous metaphysical painter, de Chirico.

I lived in SOMA for the last 10 years, from 1997-2007. I walked the streets everyday and loved to observe many of the abandoned and beautiful facades near 5th and 6th Streets, such as the PG&E Power plants at Jessie Street, the Golden Gate Theatre, the Hibernia Bank, Furniture and Carpets, the Old Emporium, and more.

I am a fine art painter and the majority of my painting series are influenced by SOMA’s architecture.

I look forward to viewing your book once completed..It will be fantastic!

By the way, I am also in the process of self-publishing a coffee-table size book, featuring my drawings and paintings of the South of Market, titled “SOMA SEEN”.

I will make sure to keep you posted with future shows. and again, so nice to have found your site today!Do keep me posted too of any new developments.

tootles!

Patricia

Hi Patricia.

I stopped by your website to look at your work and immediately recognized your face. I can’t say exactly where I’ve seen you before, although very likely it has been on the streets of the central city. I’m so happy to know another artist who loves this part of San Francisco as much as I do. I’m especially taken with your drawings of 6th Street and mid-Market Street. Beautiful work, Patricia.

I will indeed keep in touch with you, Patricia, and hope to meet you in person sometime soon, perhaps at one of your shows. Maybe we could even have a joint show?

Mark

]]> By: BZ MD http://upfromthedeep.com/introduction/#comment-164 BZ MD Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:15:30 +0000 http://upfromthedeep.wordpress.com/up-from-the-deep-is-moving-to-wordpress/#comment-164 Thank you very much for your wonderful work. I have practiced medicine for 17 years working with people who are homeless and residents of 6th St. and the Tenderloin. Virtually every image resonates and comes with numerous connections to my patients, many of whom have lived and died in the hotels you document. In the past year I have become more interested in the history and visual spectacle of where I work. Your writings are heartfelt, highly informative and full of truth. In a just world your work will have the effect you wish of preserving beauty and memory and improving the lives of the people living here. In our only partially just world (at best) it has served to bolster my spirit. <em>To know that my work has bolstered your spirit, Dr. Zevin, makes me a proud and happy man indeed, for I have long been aware of your exemplary work for the Dept. of Public Health.* I wish only that there were more people like you in the world. *Dr. Zevin is Medical Director of the Tom Waddell Health Center, which serves the homeless, indigent and underserved population of San Francisco's central city neighborhoods, and is recognized as a local and national expert on health care for homeless people, HIV and hepatitis C care.</em> Thank you very much for your wonderful work. I have practiced medicine for 17 years working with people who are homeless and residents of 6th St. and the Tenderloin. Virtually every image resonates and comes with numerous connections to my patients, many of whom have lived and died in the hotels you document. In the past year I have become more interested in the history and visual spectacle of where I work. Your writings are heartfelt, highly informative and full of truth. In a just world your work will have the effect you wish of preserving beauty and memory and improving the lives of the people living here. In our only partially just world (at best) it has served to bolster my spirit.

To know that my work has bolstered your spirit, Dr. Zevin, makes me a proud and happy man indeed, for I have long been aware of your exemplary work for the Dept. of Public Health.* I wish only that there were more people like you in the world.

*Dr. Zevin is Medical Director of the Tom Waddell Health Center, which serves the homeless, indigent and underserved population of San Francisco’s central city neighborhoods, and is recognized as a local and national expert on health care for homeless people, HIV and hepatitis C care.

]]> By: ewe http://upfromthedeep.com/introduction/#comment-162 ewe Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:42:30 +0000 http://upfromthedeep.wordpress.com/up-from-the-deep-is-moving-to-wordpress/#comment-162 i love your site. thank you for posting. I lived in San Francisco during the 80s and 90s, twenties and thirties. I had great times and terrible times. I am visiting for 3 weeks in late september. I feel so melancholy about it and yet am so excited. Your blog brings me to tears for some reason and i don't know why. Good luck. Love and light. <em>Thanks for sharing this with me, ewe. It is most gratifying to learn that my work has evoked such an emotional response. I hope your visit here next month exceeds your highest expectations.</em> i love your site. thank you for posting. I lived in San Francisco during the 80s and 90s, twenties and thirties. I had great times and terrible times. I am visiting for 3 weeks in late september. I feel so melancholy about it and yet am so excited. Your blog brings me to tears for some reason and i don’t know why. Good luck. Love and light.

Thanks for sharing this with me, ewe. It is most gratifying to learn that my work has evoked such an emotional response. I hope your visit here next month exceeds your highest expectations.

]]> By: The Shadow « Darkness http://upfromthedeep.com/introduction/#comment-131 The Shadow « Darkness Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:27:14 +0000 http://upfromthedeep.wordpress.com/up-from-the-deep-is-moving-to-wordpress/#comment-131 [...] the introduction to The Hotel Project, I list the chain of events that completely and forever changed my life: the losses that led to [...] [...] the introduction to The Hotel Project, I list the chain of events that completely and forever changed my life: the losses that led to [...]

]]> By: Mandy de Waal http://upfromthedeep.com/introduction/#comment-103 Mandy de Waal Thu, 08 May 2008 22:06:31 +0000 http://upfromthedeep.wordpress.com/up-from-the-deep-is-moving-to-wordpress/#comment-103 "the boundaries of what is perceived as beautiful" That is the most simple, complex and yet beautifully powerful statement. <em>Thank you, Mandy. It is so wonderful to have ideas, for which I labored to find the right words to express, appreciated; especially by a writer whose work I admire.</em> “the boundaries of what is perceived as beautiful”

That is the most simple, complex and yet beautifully powerful statement.

Thank you, Mandy. It is so wonderful to have ideas, for which I labored to find the right words to express, appreciated; especially by a writer whose work I admire.

]]> By: paisley http://upfromthedeep.com/introduction/#comment-51 paisley Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:38:45 +0000 http://upfromthedeep.wordpress.com/up-from-the-deep-is-moving-to-wordpress/#comment-51 i too am a recovering addict... with nearly 15 years out of "the life"... i still struggle with finding a suitable direction in life... i envy your focus... i have been actively blogging now for a little over a year, and i feel as if this is the first step for me to becoming a person again... thank you for sharing all of this with us.... <em>Hi Paisley, and welcome to my world of the past few years. It's a pleasure to have you visit. Just last night I wrote to a friend, "what I have left unspoken in my blog is that I want my own story, which I have tried to keep entirely secondary and with a bare minimum of gory details, to offer a ray of hope to others." I took a quick look at your blog before answering your comment and I very much liked what I saw. I will be returning soon to absorb it at my leisure. Thank you for taking the time to comment and for opening a window into your world. There is strength and solace to be found in sharing our realities. A big hug from across the bay. Mark</em> i too am a recovering addict… with nearly 15 years out of “the life”… i still struggle with finding a suitable direction in life… i envy your focus…

i have been actively blogging now for a little over a year, and i feel as if this is the first step for me to becoming a person again… thank you for sharing all of this with us….

Hi Paisley, and welcome to my world of the past few years. It’s a pleasure to have you visit.

Just last night I wrote to a friend, “what I have left unspoken in my blog is that I want my own story, which I have tried to keep entirely secondary and with a bare minimum of gory details, to offer a ray of hope to others.”

I took a quick look at your blog before answering your comment and I very much liked what I saw. I will be returning soon to absorb it at my leisure.

Thank you for taking the time to comment and for opening a window into your world. There is strength and solace to be found in sharing our realities.

A big hug from across the bay.
Mark

]]>