January 22, 2004
charmed
puffy clouds, purple haze, Olympus Stylus
When I picked up my most recent roll of film, the envelope was returned to me with the words "X-ray Damage!" written in Sharpie on the outside. I held my breath as I opened the envelope, already slightly heartbroken that the photos were ruined and kicking myself for having them in my bag at the airport.
To my surprise, all of the photos are laced with a hazy purple streak across the top. In several of the photos (like the one above), it created a magical quality I could never have predicted. "That is a charmed roll!" a friend exclaimed.
These are the happy accidents. The things that don't turn out how we expect, but have a magical element to them, a shimmer of beauty we could never have planned for.
*
A dear friend of mine has been preparing to leave San Francisco for a 3-month dream job in NYC. She subleased her apartment here, put a deposit down on an apartment in Brooklyn, cleaned the shite out of her house, bought new curtains, and most importantly, didn't seek out any work in anticipation of this job. The night before she was to leave, the job fell through.
She left this morning anyway, with the hope that things are divinely as they should be... and yet, going to a big city with no job and no particular reason anymore is a daunting prospect. Nevertheless, the wheels are in motion and she is brave, continuing to move forward and look for the beauty and the adventure in it.
I hope she finds the gorgeous purple haze...
Posted on January 22, 2004 08:38 AMThe "purple haze" on your photos was surely a sign that "magic" can happen even when it seems like circumstances are against you and things are ruined. Call it fate, or providence or whatever....sometimes those "happy accidents" result in the most beautiful and amazing things. Best of luck to your friend on her new, adventurous life in New York.
Posted by: Julia at January 26, 2004 11:11 PM2 of my sons and their great friends live in brooklyn---theres a wonderful, vibrant feeling there---and good eats!
Posted by: nj pat at January 24, 2004 06:22 PMjust reading these words, then the words about gene. and again, i find myself with inspiration, confirmation everytime i find myself asking, how you might be doing and i come by to visit.
there is so much truth in these words. and yes, sometimes we just have to take that step. even if it's like walking into an unknown room, but we discover and we learn. and we have the choice of opening the door, or closing the door.
and for those little moments of purple haze. i think that's what keeps life beautiful. we just have to find the wonder in the unexpected and believe, it all happens, because.
[i'm off to bed, but i think i need to read these words again. almost like a little lullaby. thank you.]
angela.
Your friend is so brave. That is trust if I've ever heard of it. I wish her good luck. Sounds like the beginning of a good story.
-p
Posted by: penelope at January 23, 2004 02:29 PMIf she needs anything tell her to drop me a email. I live in Brooklyn, and moved here from California 5 1/2 years ago for college. It's can be a rough transition, but when you ajust, it's a absolutly magical city!! Good Luck!
Meg
Posted by: Meg at January 23, 2004 08:49 AMI envy your friend. I wish I had the courage and faith your friend has... things will apsolutly work out because they were able to believe, and trust the unknown. Your friend is very brave.
Posted by: Jenn Higgins at January 22, 2004 03:04 PMI'm glad that worked out. Losing a roll would have been a tragedy. It's a really nice image. Cheers.
Posted by: Saadiq at January 22, 2004 01:22 PMOhhh, what an awesome photo! Yes a magical surprise! Good luck to your friend... it reminds me of when I up and moved to Boston for no reason. Strange how sometimes throwing caution to the wind, it blows happiness, growth and the best year of your life right back at ya!
Thanks for sharing your pics, I enjoy them!!
Posted by: jill at January 22, 2004 11:12 AM