Adventures with Dr. Lady Cutie Troublemaker

Written for an assignment 10 years ago, found while cleaning out files earlier tonight, and I have to say, I think I’m doing pretty well! Here’s a big version, for easier reading.

I know it’s a day old, like eons in internet time, but I can’t stop watching this, because it’s exactly how I feel. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time. It’s short, but pithy.

I think there’s a really good chance that Sarah Palin could be president, and I think that’s a really scary thing because I don’t know anything about her. I don’t think in eight weeks I’ll know anything about her. I know that she was mayor of a really, really small town and she’s been governor of Alaska for less than two years. I think the pick was made for political purposes but in terms of governance its a disaster. If you do the actuary tables, there’s a 1 out of 3 chance – if not more – that McCain doesn’t survive his first term and it’ll be President Palin. (You know) we were just talking about it earlier. Its like a really bad Disney movie. You know, the hockey mom (saying) “Oh, I’m just a hockey mom from Alaska!” And she’s the president! and its like, she’s facing down Vladimir Putin (using the) folksy stuff she learned at the hockey rink. Its just absurd. Its totally absurd and I don’t understand why more people aren’t talking about how absurd it is. Its a really terrifying possibility. The fact that we’ve gotten this far…and we’re that close to this becoming a reality…is ….crazy. Crazy. I mean, did she, I mean I really need to know if she thinks dinosaurs were here 4000 years ago. That’s an important…I wanna know that, I really do. Because she’s gonna have the nuclear codes. You know, I wanna know if she thinks dinosaurs were here 4000 years ago. Or if she banned books, or tried to ban books. I mean, this is…this is…we can’t have that.”

Jake and I were talking about this last night – about how he was really disappointed that the Democrats were spending so much time focused on Palin, hating on Palin, because what has made the Obama campaign so strong is his ability to talk about issues and not get stuck in the mire of politics – to remain above all that stuff. So I couldn’t have been happier last night when I saw Obama being his regular self last night on Letterman. My Dad felt the same way. He was talking issues, keeping cool, not being reactive.

The 50 Photographers show at Crocker’s Mark Gallery was a big success! The place was completely packed:

Here is my photo:

The Story:

I am close friends with a woman named Roz. She is a psychologist here in town who has been very generous with her time and expertise. I adore her, and she adores me. I’m so lucky to have met her.

Anyway, she and her husband recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, and they had a wedding vow renewal ceremony at their house. After the ceremony, I walked around to get some candid shots of people at the reception. I was outside on the porch trying to be stealth, and I was taking pictures of this woman: Roz’s mother. She was engaged in conversation with other people, then at one point, she looked over at me and mimicked my tiltted head pose – just a little. I smiled at her and leaned my head a little more, then she leaned her head a little more – lean, lean, lean, CLICK!

I was instantly so pleased with this playful moment that I ran inside to show the picture to Wayne and Jake. It’s one of those pictures where everyone who see it smiles. I love that about it.

When I later showed it to Roz, she said that things between she and her mother had been a bit strained lately, and she thanked me for reminding her of her mother’s playful side. That’s the reason for the title.

I couldn’t be more pleased by my picture. There were others I was considering, but my favorite photographer is Henri Cartier-Bresson. In his photography, the capture of the decisive moment usually happens when he observes something happening between other people or outside of himself. In this instance, the image reflects an interaction between me (the photographer) and Roz’s mom.

I’m big on interaction. Reciprocal interaction is kind of what I live for. I need to put a price on this image, but if it doesn’t sell (or even if it does), I know who this reminder is for. It’s for Roz. She’s getting a print of this no matter what!

My photo didn’t place in the contest, but I couldn’t have been happier with my choice and with the fact that Roz and her husband came and seemed to really enjoy themselves. I knew a lot of the other photographers, and I was so impressed by so many of the photos in the show.

There are so many things to share about Friday, it’s hard to know where to start. First, the winning photo was entered by Kelly. She took this on a meetup in Durham. I really love the lines and colors in it and am so glad she won.

She’s glad, too!

Some others I want to share (click to go to photo page):

My personal favorite (even though I have no idea why)

Jake’s (because I like him and because I was there when he took it):

Link to the other images in the show.

Oliver’s show at 101 Cafe was great, too. Jake and I went there with Kelly and Chad. Great little cafe, perfect for a photography show. All the work was his. I’m pretty proud of him. Must have been a HELL of a lot of work. I am a big dork and was WAY too excited that I was in a picture he had included in the show. Just my hands, but I really love the picture. His whole family was there, too. Yay for Oliver!

He and I both had pictures up at a benefit at Slim’s. Oh, I hope they sell! I want my efforts to go to the cause.

Also, there is a video about barbecue that I was in a few weeks ago, along with my friend, Hugh. I keep forgetting to post it. Now’s as good a time as any: The Great NC BBQ Debate

Shimmer Wall’s First Night Lights

Originally uploaded by abbyladybug

Last night, the Shimmer Wall on the side of the Raleigh Convention Center got its fancy lights. Honestly, I’m not a huge fan. I think I like them better during the day – when it’s just the straight up Oak tree.