I Confess: That's My Photo, In Lieu of Other Things

I've been volunteering as a photographer at my church. [In lieu of other obligations... Ahem... I don'twannatalkaboutit.]

How it goes is, I get an email with a request for me to take photos. I either accept or decline, depending on my schedule and mood. Yes, mood is very important! Because if I feel just a tad ornery, and I decide during a shoot that I don't appreciate the lip I'm getting from church members offended by my presence - yes, I've gotten a few words, but mostly stink-eyes from folks who don't like a big camera lens in their direction - pictures turn out bland. For instance, this one says I'm just going to snap a few shots so I can get outta here already!

Man, did I get some glares that evening!

Next time, I asked to be given a name tag that identifies me, and associates me with the church. Man, that sure made a difference! Pretty soon, I'm a regular presence with the camera, and the parishioners begin to conscientiously put on their best smiles, even suggesting how to pose, and camera angles, etc., etc., etc. The latter is a matter that peeves me! (Well, why don't YOU take the pictures then?!) But I will opine to that no further, in lieu of other things. I'mnottalkingaboutit.

Until last Sunday, I had no idea what the church did with my photos. So when I saw this, it warmed my heart, knowing that my volunteering actually counts for something, in lieu of other obligations.

Which, Istilldon'twannatalkaboutit.

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I Confess: It's Only a Number

The day started a day early. Phone calls started coming in the day before.

On the day, the phone calls started coming at five o'clock in the morning, two hours long before the crack of dawn.Twenty-some smiling faces singing at me on Skype.

As the day progressed, I had a facial and make-over, got my license renewed, and went to yoga with a girl friend.

The night finally closed with fifteen sunny faces raising their glasses umpteen times over dinner. Salud! Dinero! Y amor!

So what that my warrior pose was more like a feeble balancing attempt, or that my driver's license photo couldn't look more like this.

At the end of the day, it's only a number.

Thank you, my dear, close people, for being exactly you on this special day. My friends.


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Un Cumpleaños de Invierno

Winter birthdays are important for four reasons:

1. They either close the year, or...
2. Start the year. 

And because it's cold out, if you live in the Pacific Northwest,
   
     3. You tend to huddle for warmth.
     4. The ambience is cozy and intimate.

Happy Birthday Raquelita!

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