random fun

Back in October I attended a three day photography retreat with new and old friends, none of whom I'd actually met in person before. Over the past few years through Flickr, Mortal Muses, and Shutter Sisters I unknowingly joined a whole new community (in addition to my bloggy community) that quickly became my tribe. A day after Camp Shutter Sisters as I walked through Chinatown with a few of my new friends, all of us with cameras slung around necks, pausing to take random photos of alleyways and our feet, I found myself grinning with delight.  As a child it's easy to make instant friends - you show up at the playground and done.  I remember randomly knocking on doors in my neighbourhood to find a new friend with whom to play and soon being immersed in an imaginary world with whomever I found.  It was effortless. As an adult it's not quite so simple, so I am doubly grateful for the internet and the people who have enriched my life with inspiration and artistry, both visual and written.  It's a gift.  People who get me.

Yesterday I met up with some of that tribe for a photowalk and lunch.  Yes, people stared at us as we ran back and forth from our cameras to our positions to grab silly photos, but it didn't matter.  It was FUN.   

Move your cursor over the photo below to see before and after (and then go back and forth fast!).