Have I mentioned that I love this city? People that hate DC hate it for the heat, the politics, the "stuffy" culture, the "so what do you do?" everyone-wants-something attitude. People that love DC realize that's all facade - the real DC is a fascinating mashup of cultures, religions, beliefs, attitudes, races and thought. It's really a great place to be.
Last night, my best friend (a very recent transplant to the city) and I had a lovely evening enjoying tasty cheap foods at
Heritage's happy hour and then scooted over to
ACKC, where they were having their first open mic night. We weren't expecting this, so it was an unexpected treat. The first thing the first performer says at the mic is "I'm French and I'm going to sing in French." It was like I ordered the night just for David's enjoyment! Welcome to the city, my friend. And enjoy all it has to offer.
Here's another anecdote about this city. I recently attended a photographer meetup. It was a great time - I got some new headshots (you'll see them soon enough) and chatted with my local 'tog friends. There were maybe 12 people at the meeting. At one point, we talked about how long we had all been there. Out of said 10 or 12 people, with my 4.5 years in the city, I was the second-longest resident. She won with 9 years. There are pros and cons to all of this, of course, but it means that you're continually being exposed to new people, and continually have chances to make new friends. Seriously, I love DC.
And because I haven't had something useful to write about the random photos I've taken around the city recently, here are just a few more. Me in the bathroom at this weird little coffee shop near U Street (sorry, don't recall the name and the barista working there was possibly the worst I've ever encountered), a shot from the metro and finally our plethora of tomatoes. We have a plot in a community garden that I neglect the hell out of and George occasionally drops by to water and scoop up any produce available. Have you had heirloom carrots? They absolutely
destroy supermarket carrots. Til next time, folks!
So what is it? Most of the time, photographers want to have a second photographer for weddings, particularly large weddings. The second photographer is someone hired by the primary - the person the bride and groom paid to shoot their wedding - for a whole bunch of reasons:
This was not an easy book to read. Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking sounds like it might be about fairies or princesses, but it's actually about the shifting mental stability and swirling chaos of having lost your life partner. It's raw and unapologetic and terribly frank.
The book traces Joan Didion's first year after having lost her husband to a heart attack. She seems to hold it together well enough for everyone, but at the same time is really falling apart. The fascinating thing is that she's able to analyze her emotions and mental shortcomings with a clarity that is almost insane. For instance, at one point in the book she discusses being unable to throw out her husband's shoes. "He will need them when he comes back," she says. Then proceeds to explain that she understands this is a ridiculous statement but that understanding does not even remotely help her discard his belongings.
Honestly, this book terrified me. I spend enough time as it is worrying that something terrible will befall George and I'll be left alone. Didion holds nothing back here, letting you feel the full force of her loss. She does this without letting you feel she's being weak or pitiful.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, heartily. She's a brilliant writer and has done a terrific job letting you into her private experience. Just make sure your husband isn't out of town when you read it.