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Saturday, March 07, 2009

Battered and torn still I can see the light

I've mentioned before that I am not the photographer in my marriage. Thatboy has been king of the f-stop since long before he met me, spending a great deal of time in the darkroom before finally seeing the light and going digital. (Did you get all the great wordplay in that last sentence?) On one of our first anniversaries (we just celebrated 9 dating years last week) he gave me a framed print of my favorite of his photos. Jealous, my mom requested one of his prints for herself. And that began many frequent requests for his work. According to Thatboy's framer (I have a butcher, he has a framer...that's the way our life works), once you start getting requests for your work you might want to consider taking the next step and going public. Today Thatboy and I headed home for his first art show. It was a bittersweet day since Thatdad was so excited for this show and was originally planning on attending with us.

Based on the quality of his photographic work, Thatboy had been chosen to take part in a juried art show. The show itself was mixed media and Thatboy was nervous as he set up his selections. "I think I'm the youngest one here," he told me. "Everyone else has other outlets where they sell or show their work. Some of them are already established in one medium, and are using this as an opportunity to try out a new one."

As the hours went by, Thatboy got more and more anxious. Finally the time came to get his results. The artists filed into the room. I watched as many of them filed back out again. Some with tears in their eyes. More and more came, but not Thatboy. I sent up a silent prayer. After what felt like forever Thatboy appeared with the biggest smile on his face. Not only had he received great scores, but he had earned himself a place to permanently show and sell his work. Thatdad would have been so proud. We both were crying as we thought about that on the way back to our cars.

So next time you're headed to San Diego, you'll have to drop me a line so I can tell you where to swing by and pick up a Thatboy original. And those of you who are lucky enough to already have one, they may finally be worth more than the paper they were printed on!

21 comments:

  1. Way to go TB!!!! I can't wait to see some of his work :) Miss you both. Love.

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  2. I am a TRUE Southern girl. I have lived in Georgia all my life. But, my husband is from San Diego and my in-laws all live there. We haven't been out in about 7 or 8 years and he is thinking we are due a trip. I am thinking of hiding under the bed. Seriously though...if we take a trip out for him to visit I would LOVE to see his work!

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  3. That is sweet news during this heavy time for you both. Yes ThatDad would be proud. What a wonderful success, good for you both!

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  4. That is SO great! Congratulations to you both!

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  5. Time to break out the champagne and celebrate!!!Congratulations TB!!

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  6. That's great news! Can you post some pictures of his work? Where can we see it in San Diego?

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  7. That's so awesome, I'll definitely check in with you before going to SD. Congratulations!

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  8. That is so wonderful to hear! Congratulations to ThatBoy!

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  9. How amazing!! Please send him my congratulations!!

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  10. Congratulations, ThatBoy! That's really terrific news for you both.

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  11. this is so awesome! congrats to thatboy.

    i'm sure that thatdad is extremely proud :)

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  12. That's so exciting! Congrats!

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  13. I missed this when you posted it--glad I caught it as I had been wondering how you were doing. It's good to hear (read) your voice.

    Congrats to Thatboy--that's incredibly brave putting yourself out there like that, I'm so glad it worked out.

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  14. That is great! Congratulations to thatboy.

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  15. That is soooo cool! Way to go thatboy!!

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  16. Still thinking of you and praying for you and your family.

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  17. I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts. I know your plate is full but just wanted to say...you are missed!

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  18. Thinking of you. Hope you are doing Ok. Linked you on my blog today.
    LL

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  19. It is soooo good to see you back! I know I don't really post on my blog anymore and I don't have any good explantion as to why I don't.

    Anyways...it's good to hear that you are getting it all out. You need to go through these emotions. I think it is healthy for you. I'm glad to hear that you will be getting back to blogging. I really do enjoy reading your blog. :)

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