I don't imagine that I'll make it to the Viewpoint physically this evening, but mentally, I'm all there.

The Sign, July 24, 2010

Copyright © 2010 Paul D. Natkin, All Rights Reserved

The Photographist

As I was setting up my tripod today, two guys came clambering up the alternate path--the shortcut I mentioned previously. One asked if I was a "photographist"--then immediately corrected himself: "...um, I mean photographer. 'Photographist'--that sounds sort of German." So why did he say "photographist"? Just to be funny? Or was it because he was a little out of breath? The mind can do odd things when you're catching your breath after exerting yourself, just coming up the path from the ravine. In any case, in my mind's eye I can see it on a business card:

Paul D. Natkin
Photographist

It was overcast today, and it looked like it might rain. In fact I think it's raining now.

Waning Moon

The moon has waned a bit since the other night, but with the clouds this evening, the scene at the Viewpoint was nevertheless spectacular. I took a couple pictures with my phone, but I don't know how much of an image I'll get on either of them, once I upload them. And to try to put in words such a complex and unfamiliar arrangement of light and dark and various subtle colors would be almost pointless. Let me just say that it was an image worthy of the most vivid dream.

There was no one else at the Viewpoint except for some teenagers in an SUV on the neighboring street, and they disappeared soon after I arrived.

The smell of sage was in the damp air. As I walked, I encountered a snail. How easily I could have accidentally crushed it under my foot! The word "hapless" crossed my mind.

Unusual States of Mind

This evening I noticed a number of people at the Viewpoint, as I passed by. There was a lively group of teenagers on one of the benches, and under the laurel tree, someone was staring out into the distance. At the Viewpoint, people's emotional state is often different from what it would normally be. I'm not clear on why this is. Maybe it's because they're already in an unusual space before they go to the Viewpoint. But I think once they get there, it has some strange effect on their minds, in any case.

I've noticed so many people crying there, usually alone, that I can't count them all. And I've seen tightrope walkers, nude bicyclists, a church choir, and many, many lovers. People can become rather unpredictable at the Viewpoint. I've experienced this myself.