Sometimes it’s fun to act like a child. Let me explain.
It’s funny how a movie can have an everlasting effect on you. There was this foreign film I saw many years ago of a photographer who was passionate about photography but ended up working for a tile company just taking industrial photos of the tiles they made for their catalog.
So boring!
His wild and free-living brother comes to visit him and the photographer brother resents his brother’s freedom.
One day he is on his way to a factory to take photos of yet more tile and they come across this beautiful scene of cattle on a hill with a farm in the background as the sun sets.
Absolutely stunning!
They stop. The wild brother says that would be an amazing photo. But the equipment’s in the trunk. The photographer thinks for a minute and then says, “Ah, fuck it!” and drives on.
Do you know what? I decided right then that I would never miss beautiful opportunities when they are given to me. Never will I say “Fuck it!” and miss another chance to be awe-struck.
I wish I could remember the name of that film because I would like to see it again, but I can’t. Maybe you can tell me what it is.
So one winter’s day, it was rather bleak and absolutely freezing. But just as the sun was setting Lisa said, “David, look!” She was pointing out the window across the river. I looked out the window and saw this.
I wanted to take a photo, but between me and that view is a power pole and wires. In my mind, I said, “Ah, fuck it!”
But as soon as I said that I realized I had to take a photo.
So, even though it was freezing outside and snow was falling, I slid into my big boots and without a coat on ran out, down my driveway, across the road, down the bank, and to the river’s shore.
I took the photo.
I was laughing to myself at how ridiculous I must have looked to any neighbors watching. I felt like a child running to catch a glimpse of some wild fantastic wonder.
I realize this: yes, life can be challenging. Entire days, weeks, months, or years can be bleak.
But once in a while, something brilliant can break through. And I don’t ever want to miss it.
It was wonderful. For a moment I was as happy as a child in a beautiful dream.
And look at the photo I got.
No more saying “Ah fuck it!".
Know what I mean?
