First Stop Hair Cut in Elmsdale
One of the things I really missed about Nova Scotia was my hairdresser! I'm very lucky that Kelly, from Shears Salon and Spa in Elmsdale, squeezed me in (at short notice) on Saturday morning before the book launch. The woman who introduced me to Kelly, became one of my best friends. I'd arranged to meet her in the morning for coffee, followed by a day of quality time together. Stacey and I became friends by chance, after meeting in the college print shop. In fact, she's one of the reasons I made it through my photography course and graduated. Anytime I needed a model for assignments, Stacey would inevitably know an ideal subject, introduce me, and arrange a session. My photographs being featured on Doug's book, actually evolved from an incident like this. I needed a model for an assignment called "Character" and true to form, Stacey brought me to Doug. After he interviewed me, it was supposed to be the other way around, he agreed to meet me in the studio at college. This remains the most memorable shoot of my photography career.
Feeling like a new woman with my fancy new "do", it was now time to go to Indian Brook for the book launch. Cars snaked their way far down the road leading to the centre, the parking lot was so full. The only reason we managed to get close was because we were in the Mini!
When I first saw Doug, I was shocked. He looked so frail. Four years had passed since our last visit. How wonderful to see him being honoured by the community in this way. I knew he didn't recognize me, but I also realized he was overwhelmed by the crowds of people packed to overflowing in that space. He smiled at me, squeezed my hand, signed my book (which I will always treasure), and then I went about taking pictures. There were speeches from family and community members, a cleansing ceremony outside in the gazebo, great-grandchildren performed a traditional dance, and later on food would be served. Stacey and I stayed for the formal part of the afternoon and then left. I knew this was the last time I'd see Doug and my heart was heavy. What an honour to have known him, visited him, had tea and listened to his wisdom, but the greatest honour was to capture his image at that first studio session.
I want to thank Michelle, Doug's wife, for staying in touch with me and keeping me in the loop as Doug's health deteriorated. The world lost this precious soul less than a month later, June 16, 2018. His light shines on with a fine legacy of teaching, healing, and of course, his book.
The following colour images are from our first studio session. The black and white images are from another session we had called, "Shared Wisdom".
As we left Indian Brook, knowing I would not see Doug again, the sky reflected my mood with heavy rain clouds blocking the sun. As we drove to Fall River, Stacey's bright personality soon chased those blues away.
We had dinner at the Turtleback Tap and Grill. I'd never been there before. The food was delicious, the atmosphere bright and cheerful and the service exceptional.
One more stop was required before our day together was over. We just needed some quiet time together. We reminisced about a night shoot we did on Kerry Moore's property close to where we sat. It was my first year of Commercial Photography classes. Stacey and my husband would trigger my camera for a long exposure, while I madly dashed around in the dark, fequently setting off my flash to illuminate part of the building. When I thought I had it, I'd yell, "DONE!" and they would close the shutter. I know they were both frozen by the time I finally got the shot! I, however, was sweaty and exhausted. From then on, each time we passed that spot, we'd yell, "Hello Carry More!" It was how I remembered his name. He was very kind to allow us this liberty.
So as the sun set, we talked and laughed, and I savoured each precious moment with her in this beautiful setting.
I took the long way back to Stacey's, partly to have more time and also to glimse "my" oak tree on Vinegar Hill one last time. It had been an incredible day. One I shall remember for the rest of my life.
Comments