Sunday, September 25, 2005

Sometimes, life just happens

When a clown pulling a carry-on bag on wheels happens to walk in front of your car while you're in the parking lot of the local grocery store, you have a number of choices to make:
  1. ONE - Pretend to ignore the brightly-colored individual.
  2. TWO - Lean out the window and frantically wave your left arm in giant woo-hoo-like motions while you lean on the horn with your right hand.
  3. THREE - Quietly follow her, pull up next to her and, without freaking her out in the process, politely ask if you can take her picture.
The kids were in the van with me, so I really couldn't pursue options 1 or 2. But I did have the camera with me - it's sorta become a permanent part of my being whenever I leave the house - so I just couldn't resist.

She was very kind and even stopped for this pose. The kids thought it was really neat that we met a clown and actually got her picture. I hope she realizes she made their day by simply saying yes. I know it's what clowns do, but you've got to figure that even clowns want to have a break eventually. And being followed through the supermarket parking lot by a guy in a silver minivan can't really be the highlight of a clown's life. But we got the shot and made some little people smile, which is pretty much all that matters in the overall scheme of things.

Your turn: When life happens spontaneously and right in front of your eyes, how do you capture it?

19 comments:

Tawn said...

i haven't done so well with this lately. I used to carry my camera everywhere. then i got tired of one more thing weighing down my purse. i think i'll stick it back in though. i much prefer capturing those random, fun things. thanks for the reminder - and you are up LATE!

Zinnia Cyclamen said...

I always capture it in my mind's eye. And sometimes I write it down in words. Occasionally I take a photograph. I love looking at other people's photos, but for myself I find that trying to remember to take photos impedes my participation in and enjoyment of whatever's going on.

Olyal said...

Hey Carmi! That is such a cool story! I just love the fact that she went to do her shopping in her clown get up... she probably made lots of kids days that day. :o)

Sharon said...

If something interesting is going to happen (a deer running across my path, a woman riding a horse next to the road) it's going to be when I don't have my camera with me. At first I lamented this, but now I'm almost to the point that I think: if I leave the camera at home today...just imagine what will happen next! :)

The Mistress of the Dark said...

I too usually have a camera with me at all times.

Here via michele! I'm going to add you to my blogroll now :)

Mike said...

What a great picture. It was nice of the clown to pose for you. Michele sent me.

Anonymous said...

It depends on the situation. I usually have my camera with me and try to capture the moment. Unexpectedness usually gets one of two reactions. I either laugh so hard I cry or I fume for hours!

I love when Michele sends me your way!

Anonymous said...

Good morning! Cute photo...

I take a photo and blog about it, of course! :)

Here from Michele's and mine!

Anonymous said...

in my opinion in such a case you have one option: take as many photos as you can. how can you not? how?

here via michele this time.

Kevin said...

Like you, I carry my digital camera everywhere I go. Of course, I don't ever really go anywhere...

Anonymous said...

I don't usually have my camera with me, so most often I try to remember it so that I can blog about it later. That doesn't usually work, but I do try. Cool pic!! :o)

Anonymous said...

I carry a camera a fair bit of the time. When I don't I try to just observe the details and be in the moment tho. Think of who else would find it funny to and start to mentally package for the retell.

Glad to provide some chocolate info. Commenters gave a lot of other leads if you want to check back and fill out your list more for the choc. store. :-)

birdychirp said...

I write it down - eventually. I usually try to imprint it in my mind by talking about it to someone.

Anonymous said...

I had a wonderful experience a few years back when I was a clown in a parade. There is a magic in putting on white face and a bright wig. Everyone smiles and you know they are cheering you on and somehow you are hiding your every day self while letting all that is good shine out.

Anonymous said...

Hi Carmi, I was here before checking out my blog links. But this time Michele sent me.

Lish said...

I don't always have my camera on me. If not, I usually share the memory with friends.

Christi said...

Hey just stopping to say thanks for stopping by my blog the other day!

When unexpected things arise, I usually write them down. I'm usually slow to react in terms of pictures, but writing or blogging about a certain event seems to help secure it's place in time.

Trillian said...

Carmi- you have inspired me to be on the lookout for great shots. And to always have my camera with me! Thanks.

Ms Mac said...

Are you absolutely sure we doesn't dress like that every day to do her shopping? ;-)