Thursday, December 17, 2009

Opportunity

Recently I went to a weekend seminar at the Crowell Public Library in San Marino and the seminar leader didn't show up. I had scheduled time on a Saturday, driven all the way down (my god, it must be five whole miles!) and even brought along pen and paper. Guess I should have called first.

In such situations there's always a choice: get angry about my time being wasted or look for the hidden opportunity.

Either choice can make sense depending on the circumstances and I'd be lying if I said I'd never chosen the former. But this situation was loaded with possibilities: a library, pen and paper for starters. And I always have at least one camera with me.

I ended up going for the hidden opportunity. The Crowell Library has its share of photo ops but since it was Saturday I chose to skulk around nearby Henry Huntington Middle School. Something about an empty school takes me back to my own school years. I wandered and dreamed. It was time well spent.

20 comments:

Cafe Observer said...

And I always have at least one camera with me!

I hear you. Eye know how you professionals always come prepared. And me: I always have no more than one camera with me.

Shell Sherree said...

I try and look for those hidden opportunities too, Petrea ~ though sometimes they neatly elude me.

Dina said...

Petrea the Wanderer and Dreamer.

Your photo transports me. I can almost hear the slam of locker doors in 1960s Senn H.S., Chicago.

Bellis said...

Good thing you weren't a Minor. :o)

Petrea Burchard said...

Cafe, the iPhone makes that statement possible. I still have my Olympus almost always, because it fits in the purse (this shot was done with the Olympus). When I plan ahead to shoot, Canon makes three.

Me too, Shell! Sometimes I just get mad.

Wanderer and Dreamer On Days When I Have Time, Dina. So you went to Senn? Did you ever hear of DeKalb High School back in those days?

That's what I was thinking, Bellis!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love walking around empty schools too. Feels like I never left.

Never scoped out the San Marino Library. Is it nice? I'm a big fan of the Pas Lib, what with the coffee and everything.

Desiree said...

That response sounds a little too evolved for my tastes. Angry works better for me, and it absolves me of all blame.
Until I come to my senses

Petrea Burchard said...

I like our old building with all it's character, but the Crowell library's nice--new. Lots of light coming in from the front windows and an outdoor seating area. And the San Marinianians use it. It was busy.

Des, did I say I never get angry? No, that would make me perfect. Way too much to live up to.

Virginia said...

A golden opportunity. Oh my dear, the light made this a winner!!! And I wish for a camera i can slip into a purse. Mine is big and heavy and takes up my whole backpack bag now.
V

Kim said...

Oh my goodness, I'm right back at Trident Junior High in Anaheim with this "lockers in the breezeway" shot. I can hear the sound of the lockers opening and closing. . .bam! Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Very fun. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your day.
-Kim

Kim said...

Seeing everyone's comments about cameras, I usually have the iPhone wherever, but often one or two Canon bodies if I know I'm going photowalking, or just one on the off chance I might see a shot while I'm out on errands. I carry one cam in my hand and the other is slipped in my purse (I should take a photo of the purse, cute and very versatile, complements my rain coat. Sometimes I take just one body and two lenses, and my rain coat pocket is large enough to accommodate most lens sizes except the long one. I hate camera bags and can't use a neck strap, so this works for me and I can shoot under the radar pretty much anywhere.

Petrea Burchard said...

I've got the heavy one, V--well, heavy-. But it's a plan-ahead sort of deal.

Kim, I can use a neck strap but I don't like it. I'm saving for a good harness. We don't wear a lot of coats around here so the lens-in-pocket thing isn't practical. Not that I have a collection of lenses. Yet. I really do want to shoot under the radar, though. Send me a picture of that purse!

LPB said...

You shot a picture of my old locker...it sure didn't use to look that good

;-)

Petrea Burchard said...

Really, Laurie? Which one's yours?

LPB said...

Second one in from the sign, top row. Sixth grade.

Also, my contractor (did my bathroom addition) is being showcased by Fotoboy with a link to your site, so it's all your fault, see?

http://lafotoboy.blogspot.com/2009/12/commiting-to-do-your-best.html

Petrea Burchard said...

I just love that I got a picture of your locker.

I'm also bursting with pride that Fotoboy linked to me. And I think I've found my contractor.

Amy said...

Way to turn the situation around. I tend towards grumpy way too often in those situations.

Unknown said...

"The best camera is the one you have with you." A quote re energized by Chase Jarvis.

Hey, I went to "Huntington Jr. High," as it was called back in the 70s. I know that hall and I really know those lockers; I had to scrape paint off them to work off all my demerits so I could graduate...

Petrea Burchard said...

I still get grumpy, Amy, but the camera helps.

I love that story, JT! And the quote.

LPB said...

Hey, JT, no wonder the lockers look a lot better than I remembered!