For Maddie and V, who like boats

Ayesha and I went to hang out in Chinatown in San Francisco on Sunday. Like most of our hangingout sessions, 95% of it was completely unplanned. Read her take on the day, here.

The San Francisco Society of Fine Arts was hosting an art showing at Union Square that afternoon. Ayesha and I wandered through, and checked out the paintings and photographs, as all the artists sat quietly by their respective pieces and watched the people meander through.

Ayesha and I were especially charmed by Youngbok Park's photographs of Japan and San Francisco. This is his beautiful photograph of Mendocino. View it on his website, HERE.

As soon as I saw this photograph, printed large and framed, I was reminded of the flickr folks. "I wonder if he has a business card," I muttered to Ayesha. I busted out my little moleskine to write down his name, so that I could look it up later, but then Ayesha interrupted me: "Yaz, he has a card!" The photographer himself, sitting nearby his photographs, smiled and handed me his card.

"I have friends who love boats," I explained. "This is beautiful, and I think they might like to see it, too."

"Your photographs are gorgeous," I added. "Thanks so much for sharing these." I took his card. As I was turning to walk away, he swiftly extended his hand once more, almost without even looking at me. Within his hand was a postcard of his lovely boat photo. I took the postcard, too, and couldn't help but laugh. "Thank you!"
He nodded quietly.

So sweet, and such a gift.

Someday, I will be a dude with a sailboat and no plans.
(Also, I will learn how to swim.)