Unveiling

Below is the email that I just sent the instructor of our photography "playshop".

(For some background, he told us that he is writing a book about the fear people have of having their photos taken - that's all I'm going to say about that.)

I wanted to thank you again for the great experience in the workshop the last two weekends. I had fun and I also learned a lot. My learning only partly had to do with cameras and photos.

Before I went to the class on Saturday, I was already doing work around the discomfort I have felt regarding having my photo taken. When you talked about the "epidemic" that we live with and the book that you are writing, that helped me to continue exploring my thoughts. Then, playing with having my photo taken - over and over - was very liberating.

I stand with Women in Black every Saturday (so I had to miss it twice in order to attend your workshop). Because of Mother's Day, we were invited to stand along the sidewalk leading into the sanctuary of a local church yesterday.

We were standing with our banner and signs along both sides of the sidewalk going into the church, so people entering or leaving were flanked on both sides by silent witnesses to peace. I saw, with such wonder, how people would walk in or out of the church as if they were in a rush to get somewhere, even though their surroundings were drastically changed from the norm and it would seem that they would stop and notice. Some people would see a familiar face in the vigil and acknowledge that person, but no one slowed down and looked at each of us and read every sign. I thought about how, in the same circumstances, I would do the same. I knew it would not be because I didn't want to look at everyone and all of their signs, but because I would not want to be looked at.

What a profound realization! Focusing on the "I" would keep the wonder and the connection with "what is" further away than arm's length! How is a life to be lived fully in THAT kind of space? I can't afford to live a live focused on an "I" when there is so much love and wonder all around.

I feel so blessed by spending the time with you and the others in the class. It was beautiful. I am no longer afraid of f-stops and shutter speeds (even though I still mess them up a lot), nor am I afraid of having photos taken of this face which I look out of in order to see this amazing world.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Now, for the unveiling...












(Photos by Mr. Carol for Peace. Modeling by Yours Truly)