Truth

So I was in not a particularly good mood this evening when I returned home, firing up my laptop on the strength of my "today or gin" claim to Whit (more on this later?). In the midst of glorious self-pity, I recalled a personally and professionally relevant story that asked, "How will this software get my user laid?" I cannot help but apply this story to the applications I develop for work, the sites I produce for fun and friends, and my general life path. Such is the single life.

I followed the article to Nat Friedman's web page, where I then found his recounting of time in Brazil. Of specific interest, Nat bought dozens of disposable cameras and distributed them to children in favelas, allowing them to use the cameras however they wished before returning them for development. (In his favor, Friedman gave prints to the photographers before returning to the States). I opened one page, one young boy's portfolio, as it were, and the tears just started flowing.

I don't know why I started crying. Maybe these images are just more beautiful and more important and truer than anything I will ever produce. Perhaps I wish I were doing something more striking, more significant with my life. Or am I just lonely, and any strong emotion overpowers me? At least, if nothing else, I'm getting better at pull-ups.

3 Comments

  1. From Brook R

    Commented January 15th, 2008 4:50 pm

    Thanks, Drew. Appreciate your openness. I'm gonna pass on that software story to CRR.

    Those are some great shots from the kids in Brazil. It's amazing how much their perspective can be offered through the lens of a disposable chunk of plastic. Touching, indeed.

    I hear you can turn your pull-ups up to 11. niiiiiiiice.

  2. From drew

    Commented January 15th, 2008 5:15 pm

    Thanks for the response, Brooke.

    So, I actually ripped my shirt doing pull-ups late last night. My cuffs were buttoned but pushed up my arms and the flexing muscles around my left elbow were straining the buttoned bits. Rather than popping a button, or pausing to unbutton, I just ripped through the fabric. Nice.

  3. From Dave

    Commented January 17th, 2008 12:14 pm

    Wow, those photos are amazing. Impressive that they managed to pull that off and get so many cameras back. Thanks for the link to the cool website Drew.

    Also, congrats on your pull-up progress, not sure if I could do enough pull-ups to rip my shirt (unless I buy some really tight shirts).

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