I don't know if you've met me. I'm a bit of a coward. I am afraid to go downstairs without a hand rail, lest I fall. I do not take the exciting rides at the amusement parks. I couldn't make myself drive on mountain roads. So this story? This one is good.
I had a hard time thinking of just the place to go to see the moon, so I ended up back at the Japanese Gardens.
There is a small observation at the gardens that has been closed off for some reason. It could be because the bridge is not safe.
It could just be that much of the garden is still under construction. But whatever the reason, I decided that I NEEDED to get over to the observation deck.
So, I climbed around a fence
And moved a sign out of the way
Eventually, it occurred to me that I might get caught, and I did not have the cash to post bail, so I came back.
But you've got to hand it to me, friends, I have courage in the search for beauty.
As I said, I didn't get the picture I wanted. But I did get to see the amazing, huge red moon. I did get to feel that rush of love and wonder. And I got to conquer some fears.
It was a good night.
Karen - Holding a camera makes you do things you would be too sensible to do otherwise; it's magic. Thought you might like something I'd written earlier about a friend:
ReplyDeleteWhile I am blogging frivolously... friend and photojournalist Vic Hinterlang is spending his time documenting daily life in Haiti. Always wondered how he managed to stand his ground through the years snapping photographs when guns seem aimed his way, and a recent post explains the magical, invincible powers of his camera:
"At this point I was given the all clear to photograph, for which I was grateful, and not just because I was looking forward to taking pictures. As is always the case, once I had the camera to my eye, what was occurring on the other side of it didn’t affect me personally. The second I looked through the viewfinder, any queasiness I’d been feeling vanished."
The camera must make him feel invisible, much the same way I feel emboldened by a false sense of anonymity blogging. Although, hiding behind a keyboard certainly affords better protection than a camera.
I think you are more courageous than you know.
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome! I know how hard it is to walk through those fears and then stand your ground in a place where you could get in trouble. I'm not as brave as you but I'm working on it.
ReplyDeleteKaren - Do be careful when under the spell, though. The camera provides no actual protection. It's about as effective as "Just Say No" is in keeping down pregnancy rates in Texas.
ReplyDeleteYou're amazing. I was just saying to Shane the other day that he and I are the Gold Star kids, we always want to do the right thing, follow the rules, not make a mess, and now we've raised three children to be the same. It's my fondest wish for them that they learn how to break a few rules and get a little dirty once in a while. It's my fondest wish for me, too.
ReplyDelete