Recently in Photo Category

Last week, I saw Zun’s photo and thought “Yes: THIS is the reason I’m doing this!” But would the mere existence of a stunningly beautiful photo of Staceyann Chin be enough of a reason to include it in the inaugural issue of this project? Probably not. I asked for and was graciously permitted (Thanks Zun!) to use it, but could I just publish this photo without any context? No. Riveting context would require, at the very least, knowing that she just published The Other Side of Paradise, her first book of memoirs earlier this year. Even better if I could get my hands on a copy to read it, quickly, before even approaching her or her PR crew. Of course my public library didn’t have a copy yet. Alrighty then. The big kids (well, the taller ones) got to ride the more thrilling rides; I was never the kid trying to pass on tippy-toes … but here I am, feeling what it must feel like to walk through that gate the first time. Prohibitive list price be damned.

It’s a rainy Thursday morning in Harlem (although monsoon might be a bit more descriptive of what we’re experiencing *LOL*) and I’m taking stock. I’m not nearly as self-sufficient as I want to be. The easiest way would be to commit myself to The Job, but I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. (Yes, I’m still looking.) That in and of itself is a difficult enough prospect, but I’m also noticing that no one I know seems to have found that stride either - especially up here in Harlem. I know people who have jobs they don’t mind, but I don’t know anyone employed at doing what they really love doing. That’s always been my focus.

Analog

I began this year just right *wink* (and without gunshots). And I witnessed the inauguration of our new President with some friends. There were tears that probably resembled many of the pictures you’ve already seen - but none were mine. I’m not sure what to feel, but the world is changing. (I guess some of these would qualify as ‘celebratory’ … *grin*)

President Obama has a whole lot of work to do. I sure hope that the White House’s Office of Public Liaison is listening to encouragement, dissent, and everything in between. Is our economy really in the toilet? Well, unemployment is up in every state. I’m not quite sure what to make of that either, but it seems to be an opportunity if you want to work and you want to do pursue work that you really like. (Especially if you’re a blogger in the D.C. metropolitan area. Why do so many of the larger D.C.-based blogs suck? You know who you are - if not, just read your comments. Or lack thereof.)

There’s a cute meme going around in Flickr; a couple of days ago, I complied. No, I’m not the technophile I used to be, but I think I’ll always be a geek. (Which, I just realized, rhymes with ‘freak’ …) But I’ve never had a job in technology that didn’t feel like it was at risk. Not working is disheartening, but I can’t relate to keeping up appearances just to stay afloat either. Finding work is turning into something that looks like finding peace, which isn’t something that anyone else can offer. Health insurance? Well, that’s a good question.

Finally, a bit of levity that proves YouTube is digital television:

You want to call yourself a ‘global citizen’ but Buju, what’s happening at home? And how much are you responsible for that?

I can not rest.

I attended John Amaechi’s booksigning last night, held at the Barnes and Noble on Astor Place. It looks like it’s the last date of his HRC-sponsored book tour.

As I mentioned to a good friend later that evening, a man like him really reminds me of how much I want a husband. No, he doesn’t have to have all the answers (although I hope to pose some good questions to Mr. Amaechi to coincide with the resurrection of my podcast) and no, he doesn’t have to be a 6’10” ex-NBA player, but yes, there has to be a certain dynamism and humility. To hear John question his own psychological process in front of a room full of adoring customers reminded me of that. I would not call it fearlessness or even overcoming fear. I think it’s putting fear into perspective and seeing that the moments we have to connect are opportunities far greater than fear.

from l-r: cultural icon Geoffrey Holder, Harlem historian and preservationist Michael Henry Adams, choreographer Mercedes Ellington (and granddaughter of Duke Ellington), noted Harlem real estate agent Lana Turner and grandson, milliner Willard Winter and Quinntin Phelps, Global Beauty Expert for Bergdorf Goodman

Well here we are, at the end of another year. For the most part, I’m still that same frustrated guy riding back to Harlem, lonely and unemployed, looking through yet another cold and dirty Peter Pan/Greyhound bus window during the holidaze, wondering if the new year will finally bring fame, fortune and true love! Or at least more substantive employment. Yup, same guy, only with a little less hair. And most definitely a photographer. So click on through and take a look back at my 2006 through some of its more definitive moments, in photos.