Photography In Paris

While watching Last Tango in Paris I noticed that Marlon Brando was walking along what appeared to be the same bridge in Inception that Leonardi DiCaprio and Ellen Page walked along when Leo was introducing Ellen to shared dreams.  Didn't think much of it, but while in Paris in February, Virg and I managed to sneak out for a run along the Seine.  I had the concierge look up the bridge and after some internetting, she determined it was the bridge Bir Hakeim that was our target.

So we ran down there.  I thought to bring the iPhone to snap some photos and while in the act, I noticed a fellow doing the same so politely stepped out of his frame.  But he approached me and explained that he was doing a little street shooting and wanted to see if I'd like to be shot.  I said of course.  And here's what he produced.

Really great photography.  And it was such a breath of fresh air to get off the tourist beaten track a little and meet fellow travelers.

Wiry Hair

As I was explaining to my new barber, Ron, that my hair was very wiry and had a mind of its own, I was reminded of how Mom used to cut our hair in the back yard.  One spring day, we discovered that a robin had built a nest in the oak tree out back using our hair.  Imagine a jet black nest up in the tree!  The robin must have been watching the hair drop to the ground, lying in nice neat bunches and said to itself, "jack pot!"

Climbing with a sense of urgency

Yesterday I logged some good air time working a 5.11b/c. Last season I think I can count the number of climbs I did where I took a fall. That means I didn't push my limits.  So I'm making a point of getting on climbs that force me off.  "If you ain't flying, you ain't trying."

On a related note, I noticed that when I travel, I tend to climb harder stuff.  Granted, in some cases the continuity of climbing does create that rhythm and burst of fitness that let's me climb harder.  But I think a big part of it is that I realize that if I don't jump on that 3-star climb now, I probably won't get another chance in a long while.  So I don't waste any time hemming and hawing.  At the home crag, that doesn't exist, so it's so easy to whisper in your head that the climb will still be there when you come back "stronger" or "more prepared."  I'm going to make a point of climbing like it's my last chance to climb.

Going Away Roasts

Two of my colleagues were leaving our department, so we organized a going-away party for them.  I decided that it would be nice to assemble a little roast for each of them.  It didn't take much - I just printed out a few embarrassing photos, solicited some stories from the group, and tied everything together based on a vaguely plausible theme.

And it went over really quite well - both of my colleagues really appreciated the gesture.  What I realize is that it wasn't the words or the pictures or the funniness of the stories.  Those were just structure for the group to collectively express their sentiments.  As I told the stories, people would interject funny comments or ribbings.  And everyone was laughing.  My job wasn't to regale the group, my job was merely to give prompt the group and help focus its energy.

It's a wonderful thing to witness communication between individuals and groups.  There's so much between the lines.  And I'm happy to have been a part of making that happen.

Luke the Snail

Luke just learned to crawl today, commando-style.  He leaves a trail of slobber behind him, like a snail.