tango

It was a long, rich, full day today...

I got to participate in the third birthday of one of my favourite little friends, the inimitable S. I have dozens of photos of her with the biggest, widest, roundest grin you can imagine spread across her gorgeous face. She immersed herself so fully in the event it was inspiring. Every "Happy Birthday" wish was responded to with, "Happy Birthday to you, too!" What a bright light she is.



My work was also particularly rewarding today. It occurred to me that I bring a lot of doula spirit into my photography work-- coming alongside, bringing encouragement and confidence, making connections, pouring my heart into what I do. I got to work with a lovely family today, with a lively toddler and a five-week old baby. There was some worry about how the photos may turn out given the rambunctiousness of the toddler and the various needs of the newborn. I was able to reassure them at the time, but I can hardly wait to show them how truly beautiful they were in the midst of all the apparent challenges of the day.

And, tonight, I got to tango. Yup. Tango.



I'd resolved to learn to tango many years ago, but never took the essential first steps. Recently, I found a friend interested in tango. He and I start lessons in a couple of weeks. Because of my expressed interest in lessons, I received an invitation to a "milonga" (dance) tonight. My friend couldn't make it, so I went by myself. I'd been advised to just watch as the tango isn't something you can just wing on the spot, but there were too many eager, willing, and gracious gentlemen present to leave me on the sidelines. It was wonderful. I came home hot, sweaty, and happy. I hope my smile was a bit more demure than that of my three-year old friend at her party this morning, but inside I was grinning like a fool, a very happy fool.



[I didn't look like this, but this is pretty much how I felt.]