It was my habit over the early to middle COVID days to capture images of abandoned masks in their myriad shapes and colors, as well as their variation in condition and repose. It was also my habit to share some of these in group texts with friends, which was generally encouraged, or at least well tolerated. Several friends responded with excellent images of their own from different parts of the country (one of which was shared previously and more to come!), and we amassed quite a documentary collection. But there was one friend, named Betsy, who responded in the most remarkable way. She would, literally in just a few minutes, fire the image right back at me and deliciously illustrated. It was a talent I had no idea she possessed. And I very much love how people you have known for decades can still surprise you in this way. How we can fully amaze each other with unseen abilities and passions.
I genuinely feel that for many of us, it is collaboration we seek. The pursuit of some shared idea, even if not exactly by the initial design. Each person contributing to a well-executed vision, whatever the cause — basketball, music, combining words and illustration, comedy, the kitchen, a start-up company, etc. The opportunity to add to something larger than ourselves. The chance to surprise and surpass the expectations of our friends and peers, as well as our own. To be able to say proudly in the end, “we did it.” And maybe just as good or better: “we did this and failed… but it led us to this other thing that was a resounding success!”
Next we might bring these characters to life with names and backstories… or drop them in medias res into a poem or a song. Maybe we can build an entire world around them. Or else not. We can always just admire them as they are and consider what unobserved possibilities we might be walking past every day. And, so, what are you working on? Perhaps someday we might collaborate!
Great Exudations 