The best part of running this account is when I meet people serendipitously. And sometimes, the string of events that happened before meeting them, the ones that allowed me to meet them, is just as interesting.

I recently found myself in Arlington, a part of Jacksonville, which no one talks about. The nightlife isn’t there, and neither is the shopping.

Slowly my mind is building upon my first experiences here. Each time I go, I add a new layer of memories.

When I think of Arlington, I think of Donuts from The Donut Shoppe, Reddie Point Preserve, Norman Studios, Smoothies from Soul Fitness Studio, my Dry Cleaners, and many faces of people I have met there.

Last week I was racing against time to make it to my cleaners in Arlington. I was too late at 5:59 PM. The last worker in the building was not lingering at the counter waiting for me; he was loading up an unmarked van of freshly pressed clothing during the lightest sun shower.

When you go to Arlington, you don’t waste it; my next move would be to take pictures of this lime green building that has caught my eye the last few times I’ve driven down University Blvd.

I parked on the street, grabbed my camera, then headed towards the lime green building. I passed a used appliance store and a barbershop, both shops looked out of business, but they weren’t. That is a common thought in Arlington; wondering if the shops are still open. The cracked concrete and weeds trying to find sunlight all around don’t say: “Come on in, we’re open!”

It was quiet, just me on the street taking pictures of a building. Then a car pulled up. I assumed this guy was coming home from work and wondering why I was taking pictures of his building.

I told him I was walking around taking photos, and I liked how the afternoon light washed over the building. We exchanged a few more words, and then I asked if I could take a photo of him. He explained that he had just gotten off work and wasn’t prepared for a photo shortly after, so we parted ways.

A moment later, Jacob returned with his Iron Man masks and said he was ready for a photo. I was pleasantly surprised and excited to capture him.

He later told me he was part of a charity called “Heros for Smiles.” He and his friends get together and dress up as Marvel characters at events for kids. I could tell he loved what he was a part of, which made me happy.

I was glad I met Jacob that day. I am happy to know Arlington a little more and share these photos with you. Enjoy.