t is seldom that I pass up an opportunity to snap a picture in a crowded airport. After all, you can just point and click and no one is the wiser. Later you can edit the photo by cropping out the unwanted subject matter. Somehow at 4:40 this morning as I walked through the Austin airport, things looked drastically different. The airport was not yet crowded and there was no one seated near the couple. Yet, I was drawn to the young couple that seemed oblivious that life was taking place around them. The storyline I had in mind for the picture I wanted to take was perfect for the photo, if only I could take the snapshot without being detected. But could I?
Click and snap is the way I took the picture of the man wearing shorts, dress shoes and a coat and tie at the DFW Airport several months ago. When I posted his picture along with one of my blogs, the man’s identity couldn’t be determined because his head was turned and he was looking a different direction. Somehow all of that seem less litigious if by chance, someone really didn’t want to have their picture taken.
Could I capture a photo of the couple in the airport without their knowing? I immediately thought so. The young man appeared to be sleeping soundly in a chair with his head titled back and supported by a u-shaped pillow. I had the thought: “That looks comfortable. I wish I had brought my pillow like that”.
Actually, I’ve never taken my pillow like that out of the clear plastic bag in which it stored. Of course, it is still early, but I can’t remember where I got the u-shaped pillow. Though I clearly remember that is stored on the top shelf in my closet. It seems like it was provided me by a chiropractor that did some extensive work on my left shoulder and neck over a period of several weeks. If that is the origin of my pillow, who knows what it actually cost me? However, I’ve never taken it out of the bag, so to speak.
The sleeping man looked as though he was comfortably sleeping, but not nearly as comfortably as the young woman sleeping at his feet. It was her presence that most caught my attention. She was lying face down on the floor at the airport. Her head and most of her body was covered by an Indian blanket. If what I’m describing is true, you’re probably wondering how I knew she was lying facedown? The answer is simple. Her feet and a portion of her legs were exposed. Her feet were pointed downward. As go the feet, so goes the body.
How does one become comfortable enough with their surroundings to stretch out facedown on the floor in an airport lobby? Even with your headed covered up, it seems like an awkward place to sleep. Of course, fatigue and a need for sleep can be overriding at times.
The General awakened me this morning. “Why are you still sleeping?” she asked. Without giving me time to answer, she added: “ You’re supposed to be up. I thought you set your alarm.” Her question was rhetorical and she didn’t really expect an answer. That was good because I had no idea what she was talking about. Immediately, I had the thought, “Is it Sunday? Have I overslept?” Seriously, I was a little confused and disorientated. For starters, “What time was it?” Secondly, “Why did I need to get up?” For that matter, “What was she doing up?” I had questions of my own.
Fortunately, before I articulated my questions, my head cleared enough to remember that we were leaving town. I had set my alarm for 2:30. I could see from my phone that it was only 2:15 a.m. She was right. I needed to hurry.
The drive from Henly to the airport went by quickly. It was really dark outside and there was little traffic. Parking at the airport was a snap. Would you believe it, we got a space next to B-4, my favorite place to park. Somehow I can always remember that number.
The lady covered by the Indian blanket reminded me of a telephone call I received from my brother yesterday. In case you missed the connection, he lives in Oklahoma. He called after having lunch with a friend who suggested he invite me to come for a visit. I needed to plan to stay three or four days and be there for Sunday school. That way, I could meet some of my brother’s friends. Reportedly, many read my blog and would like to meet me.
Okay, so was this a set up? Was I being lured across the Red River so they could teach me a thing or two about third world countries? How’s that for being paranoid? Seriously, it was a genuine invitation and one I plan to accept. My brother is one of the good guys. Birds of a feather flock together.
In addition, it would give me more time to build memories with his grandchildren. They are young and precious. The other day, Larry and Lane left a message for me. I missed their call. Lane was calling to say hello. The call made me feel good. I like being liked by four year olds. Makes me wish I was a kid again.
I’m posting this blog from Midway in Chicago. The General and I are headed for a long weekend in New England. How’s that for adding a touch of fall colors in our life? It is all about the journey and we are on our way!
By the way, I didn't take the picture I wanted to take. I turned my camera away from the couple's direction and took a practice picture. It flashed. I feared a flashing light might awaken the young man from his sleep. Who knows, he could be off the reservation and not want his picture taking. I know, it is all in my head. That's true, but the woman was covered with an Indian blanket.
All My Best!
Don