Barber Shop

I got invited to take pictures at a barber shop on Gentilly near the race track. Curious. I had tried to take pictures at a barber shop in Syracuse and was declined by the owner a few years ago. That was a bigger place. This was a smaller operation and the people working there were open to letting me hang out. Watching men touch each other with such gentleness while performing this seemingly mundane task of giving a hair cut was profoundly moving.  There were a few good laughs too.

Hopes, Fears, Dreams, Connection

Back in New Orleans for the first time in a year, I found being alone on the streets talking to people got me out of the stress of life as a resident at the hospital. It was good to be away from the cold academic sphere, to hear unpredictable bursts of music from every street corner and restaurant. I visited Joe Peters and got one of the young men working there to take our picture together. Mr Peters always inspires me with his commentary on life, relationships, kids, dogs, work, place, community. I talked to him about having a show someday at the tire shop and he surprised me by saying he would be agreeable to such a venture. Sometimes, I still think of walking away from the stress of medical training, but I know that I there is something that I get out of the demands of my professional training that keeps me going even though it squeezes me until I feel I'm going to pop. It gives me something to fight against. Don't we all need a good fight?

Back in New Orleans

Just preparing to visit and reviewed last pictures only to have my hard drive crash, so I'll be going back empty handed. Zen. Let go. Here is a picture form the visit before the last. It was stored elsewhere. Everyone has something. No one has everything.