Hello, Stranger!

(picture: Lesley Kerr)

14 january 2010

smyrna, georgia

the smyna thrift shop

i met mr. keith several months ago, when we found ourselves reaching for the same light blue smith-corona typewriter at the smyrna thrift shop (and as a sidenote: we're both collectors of old things. and, he generously let me to it).

his wife has been in rehab at a local nursing home since before i even met him, and he goes to see her every day. he stops by here on his way home and finds treasures (most of which i envy. he's certainly in good with the employees, and i'm convinced they set aside all the wonderful things for him).

i'm not sure what was on his mind but he was quieter than usual today, and when we walked out together, he couldn't take his eyes off the sunset. i asked to photograph him and he replied, "of course. i want to look at that sky, though, if that's alright with you".

(picture: Lesley Kerr)

18 april 2009

smyrna, georgia

the side of the road

on my way to the thrift store, i passed this delightful fellow walking the opposite way and i debated back and forth if i should turn around (and i did only because i knew i'd regret it and didn't want to tell wesley that i'd resisted the urge).

i turned into the vet and he was walking right by my car, so i said,

"sir! may i take a polaroid of you? i like the way you look. i like your glasses"

"oh thanks! yes."

"hi, i'm lesley."

"lesley, nice to meet you. i'm joaquin."

"do you enjoy being photographed?"

'yes ma'am, as a matter of fact, i do."

Lacking of self-consciousness myself, it is just astonishing to see how people are making their way around this planet so easily and invite strange people into a conversation, even if it's just a tiny one.

Lesley Kerr wasn't afraid of strangers and the result was a small resource of delightful encounters that shows me that this should not be so hard, if you see what it can bring to you. A smile, a new acquaintance and a great portrait.