Comments on: Preface

By: tobymarx

tobymarx — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:45:26 +0000

Thanks, Elizabeth. Further communication to follow via email. Check your inbox!

By: Elizabeth Travelslight

Elizabeth Travelslight — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:12:11 +0000

Good day to you! I am deeply moved by your story and your images. As a native San Franciscan I find that you’ve captured much of what I love about the cities environment, the constant and ever changing relationships between these historic buildings, the San Francisco sky, and the incredible light that reveals it all in continuous transformation. You have an incredible eye for color. I came upon your sight doing some research for the Gray Area Foundation of the Arts, recently relocated to 55 Taylor Street in the former “Art Theaters” porn arcade. I was hoping you might have an image looking north up Taylor from Market, but could not find one. (Though I did find one looking south!) Thank you so much for sharing your work. It is quite the treasure trove in my research.

best wishes,
Elizabeth

By: Anntelope

Anntelope — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:30:56 +0000

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

All that is the Tenderloin hotels « Tenderblog — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:55:44 +0000

[...] 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, [...]