fifi’s graffiti

I drive by this old Chevy dealership on my way to work most days. It’s on the north side of LBJ freeway about midway between Valley View Mall and The Galleria. Valley View is one of the older malls in Dallas, and since Macy’s moved out last year it looks like it’s deserted, at least from where I can see it from the freeway or the frontage road. This area was once so brand new, so sparkly, and maybe The Galleria still is, but the rest of the buildings are deteriorating into that old abused look I was used to seeing in Oak Cliff or far East Dallas. About two years ago the dealership either closed or moved elsewhere and left this building behind. After about a year crews came and removed the signs, light poles, and whatever else they could haul away, and they left the shells of the buildings. I’ve photographed it periodically when interesting graffiti appears and I have time to stop and I remember to bring my camera, but yesterday was the first time I had seen the buildings vandalized with more than graffiti. Many of the plate glass windows were broken, and I suspect there may be people living inside. I only had my little camera with a small memory with me and it ran out before I got all the shots I wanted. As I returned to my car I noticed a very dirty-looking individual sitting on the opposite side of the lot near the freeway, apparently consuming something edible. He was so filthy his clothing and his face were almost the same color. I was glad I hadn’t run into him. I’m debating about whether or not I should return today with my DSLR.