I have a lot to learn about film photography. I sent two rolls to the lab to be developed and one of them was totally blank. The funny thing is . . . I didn’t mind at all. I know that I took all 36 pictures. Thirty-six times I looked through the viewfinder. Thirty-six times I saw something so special it was worth the chance to press the shutter and try to record that moment. And even if I didn’t get a single successful picture, well, I sure did enjoy the view. With digital photography, when I miss a shot, I feel that pang of regret; there is no such phenomenon with film photography. By the time the news arrived that I managed to take a whole roll of film and not get a single picture, I couldn’t even remember what I had taken. It just didn’t matter. I’m pretty sure I loaded the film incorrectly, which is a total beginner mistake.

But the second roll was absolutely beautiful and these pictures from the Caroline County Fair make me so happy. The fair was the quintessential rural experience. Admission was free. We had corn dogs, cotton candy, and tall glasses of lemonade. We studied homemade items and crafts as though they were exhibits in a fancy art show and noticed that every entry got a ribbon or prize of some sort. The rides looked safe and were operated by people who were not allowed to be on their phones. We played chicken poop Bingo and listened to 4-H students brag on their animals. With my little film camera, I was welcomed everywhere. And that felt really good.

 

I’m pretty sure I am the only person who was giddy to explore the loading area behind the post office. I have a collection of photographs around the theme of mail and I’m always adding to the series. A Good Mail Day.

I have a thing for photographing hoses, and sometimes I think about doing a retrospective of garden hose images, though I can’t think what it could possibly be called.
Maybe Kinks and Jams?

 

These are pictures…

that I take to pass the time — walking to and from appointments, waiting for food to be delivered, stretching my legs, running errands. I like this function of the phone, a way to check in with my emotions and direct my attention to thoughts that are helpful. I’m not a big fan of texting though. I’ll never get used to typing on that tiny keyboard.

I know the big and bold text above doesn’t look pretty. But I’m trying the design features offered on my squarespace template, and it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect.