Authenticity Revisited.....

Or

"How my ego survived intact....."

mostly.

We arrived at the reunion early.....

as I had promised to 

be the impromptu 

"designated photographer".

(Which is funny in a way,

because there was a very good professional photographer

in our crowd, that would have put me to shame)

So.....

I started by shooting a general 

"record the setting" shot,

and was very pleased that the Owner/manager

of the Art Gallery/Co-op 

had all of the lights on 

HIGH!

I have many 

shots from later in the evening,

but I have not asked if it was ok

to use anyone's image,

so....

the only person I felt comfortable with 

a close up shot was 

my sweetie...

checking out the photographs from 

previous reunions...

maybe to see 

one of my ex's

(they don't all live in Texas,

though I wish they did....)

The gallery was the perfect location for this 

35th High School Reunion.

Comfortable, casual, 

relaxed....

it sort of set the tone for the evening.

I had made up my mind that if 

nothing else,

I could control my own attitude.

So....

I was determined to have a smile on my

face 90% of the time spent...

and 

I did just that.

I shot tons of images.

I talked to people I didn't even know in 

high school.

Or, people who I was so intimidated 

by, that I would have never approached, 

previously.

I was bold.

I asked if I could take their picture,

and then just started 

lining them up.....

some balked,

but were coerced by those 

around them.

Who are these old people?

I kept thinking.

Are they sure they are at the correct reunion?

I was stumped.

I didn't stop to eat,

and barely sipped a drink.

I was on a mission....

Well,

actually, shooting people is easier than 

actually making small talk.

I was nervous.

We left by 10 pm.

It was just gearing up to be 

a long night,

and I was tired.

So, 

home to the computer to 

upload the images.....

Good grief!

I looked as old as the rest!

Sweetie had nicely taken a photo of me with

several friends from elementary school.

One of which, I was in 1st grade with.

And do you know what?

Mostly,

everyone was as authentic,

as I could have wished for.

Some not.

But they are the same ones that 

were not in high school.

So be it.

I found that I had quite a few friends....

real friends.

We were actually quite glad to see each other,

and enjoyed catching up on children,

careers, and church (the 3 "C's")

I believe,

that my fun

had more to do with my attitude

than theirs....

Maybe you 

CAN 

wish yourself into a 

Good time!

smiles.....

smiles