Had to share this one too because the story is way too interesting.

When my fiance and I first moved to Portland, we went to a lot of shows to get a feel for the music scene. Uninterested in the band that was playing before the band that would supposedly sweep us off our feet, she and I walked down the street to the nearest food carts. Eating our burrito a few feet away, a guy about our age walks up (drunk) and orders his food. We start talking and end up really enjoying the conversation. We didn't exchange anything but names and parted ways.

A few weeks later, I'm walking to return a book to the Portland Downtown Library. I round the corner, past a food cart, and who else would be there but Giovani. I sit down with him and have one of the best conversations. Turns out he just started trying his hand at food cart painting and this was his first one. He did a great job. Maybe next time I'm in Portland I'll grab a picture of it. During this conversation I not only learn that he was an art major, but that he and a friend were moving to Paris indefinitely the next month. We exchange numbers this time and go about our ways.

The following week, Kathryn and I are visiting what had become our favorite coffee shop, Southeast Grind (one of the few 24 hour houses). Who do you think was at seated inside? Giovani. We talk and he tells me that he has a painting he won't be able to pack with him and wants to have a good home. I met up with him a few days later and he presented me with this beauty. The painting is of fellow art student of his. He began to explain to me the painting techniques he implemented and although they went over my head, I can tell this was truly a masterpiece.

I haven't spoken with him since. He had given me his email, but I've misplaced it. I expect I'll run into him again someday.