You normally don't have wine at the climbing gym but today was a unique day for me.
I had my first public photo exhibit today. It was a humble affair with my photos hanging in an indoor rock climbing gym that was generous enough to allow me the use of their walls.
It meant a great deal to me, though. I enjoyed the opportunity to share some photos and experiences with friends. The climbing gym has been a second home of sorts to me. Over the past decade, it has been relatively stable in my day-to-day experiences, even as I have changed "official" homes about half-a-dozen times.
This stability that I describe in the rock gym is more accurately attributed to the core group of friends whom I am so lucky to have. Many were there tonight to support this endeavor of mine...one that has been taking an ever-increasing role in my life.
One such friend is Sharon, who came out on a "school night", to help make tonight a success. She graciously had a glass of wine to turn her cheeks rosey, and then had the patience to allow me to capture my portrait for the day.
I first wanted to compose a portrait in the "gallery" to commemorate this event. And then I realize that I didn't have to include any of the hanging photos to do that. For, a photo of a friend captures the spirit of the evening perfectly.
Thank you, everyone.