Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Digging through the archives tonight, I stumbled on this image. The memories it brings back are so visceral. It was taken on the same day as this one — October 24, 2004. I was starting to feel a new calling, a longing for color, a longing to move away from photojournalism and into more artistic work. It was scary, and this site was the result of those stirrings.

… my greatest pleasure these days is photographing anything that doesn’t walk, talk, or demand much from me. Lately, all I want to shoot is color — glorious jewel tones of red, gold, and green … Is my style changing, or am I discovering my true style? Only time will tell.

My style WAS changing. My life was changing. It was for the better.

When I look back at these old photographs, the early days of this site and even some of the later ones, the images are soaked in blood and tears. Every pixel takes me back. But mixed into it all is something else now. Memories of a friendship beginning that would be like no other I’ve ever known or will likely ever know again. And I find myself smiling at these old images, laughing at how far I’ve come and the foolish girl who felt so friendless and alone. So hopeless.

In less than 72 hours, I’ll be standing on my WonderTwin’s turf again. And the girl who laid in her bed in the dark and cried that month, that year, will be so very far away. Our friendship was borne of that girl’s tears. Our friendship transcended it all.

Music: That’s All by Genesis (lyrics)

Posted on May 1, 2007 by Carmen K. Sisson tagged Alabama, food, still life, Tuscaloosa, writing