Even when we don’t realize it. One day we are 18 years old graduating high school with the world at our feet and then wake up 10 years later, or 20 years later- A full blown adult with bills, families, and responsibilities. The days have moved so slowly, but also so incredibly quick. It’s like sand running through your fingers, impossible to grasp fully, but slow enough to understand it is happening.
After a series of life events, I found myself spending a lot of time in rural South Dakota. Now let’s be clear, rural = Population 209 town. I had never been to the real country before, or even a one gate airport. I went back once, then twice, then regularly. The pace of this town stole my heart, as well as the stereotypical way everyone knew everyone and stopped to chat for 10 minutes. This was something I wasn’t used to. Colorado is no California, but the pace of life with three children, work, and everything else often feels like it’s breakneck. This felt different.
I had met Gene a few times at the bar (situated across the street from the post office, an obvious town staple) before he invited me to his woodworking shop. I learned before I headed over there that he was a seriously skilled woodworker and would often make trinkets for people. Everyone seemed to have something from him, mostly vases.
I walked into his shop, camera in hand, and learned all about his process. He showed me what each tool did, how it worked, and even showed me photos of his extensive portfolio of projects- Ranging from breathtaking church pews and crosses to trinkets for his grandchildren. I even got my very own vase with my name on it!
Every time I see photos like this I smile. They are real, simple observations of what was happening in those moments. I printed them out for him, and I hope they sit in the box in his shop along with the ones of his projects.
The things we do in real life are often small, but they mean big things to the people around us.
You never know what your actions could mean to someone around you.
As I grow and change, I can see that the fleeting moments and memories are the threads that weave the big picture. The threads are just as meaningful as the whole blanket story. They deserve to be remembered and documented too.
Here’s to the real.
Life Happens Fast
I walked into his shop, camera in hand, and learned all about his process. He showed me what each tool did, how it worked, and even showed me photos of his extensive portfolio of projects- Ranging from breathtaking church pews and crosses to trinkets for his grandchildren. I even got my very own vase with my name on it!
Every time I see photos like this I smile. They are real, simple observations of what was happening in those moments. I printed them out for him, and I hope they sit in the box in his shop along with the ones of his projects.
