I just don't know sometimes.

I've been home a lot this week, which, ironically, has found me thinking about people a lot.

It all started yesterday, when I paged through a book titled American Photobooth, by Nakki Goranin.  It's a very strange and completely lovely book which is half a history of the technology and uses of the photobooth, and half a photography book offering pictures of people who had their pictures taken in photobooths.  Okay, you got me, I skipped most of the history.  But I loved, LOVED, looking at the pictures.  Young kids having fun.  Couples kissing.  Single men looking very serious. Old couples looking like they still enjoy each other's company.  And out of nowhere, while flipping through the pictures, I thought, I like people.  In their infinite variety, and in the fact that there is someone out there who cared enough to research and write about something like the photobooth, they really have a lot to offer.

Then later my brother sent me the link to a CNN news article about two little girls getting shot on their bikes in the middle of nowhere.  (I've already given away the ending, but here's a warning: only read the article if you can stand having your heart broken.)  And I thought, I really don't like people. 

I just don't know sometimes.

Comments

[The Laundress]

Oh heck. You do to love people and especially the ones in photobooths. You saw "Amelie"? When I was a kid, our local Rennehbohm's had such a booth, I think I spent most of sixth grade INSIDE it.

You are right about the heartbreak of those poor murdered kids, gorgeous girls. And one was a turtle rescuer! Yeah, hate whoever did this and whatever drove them to it.

Your people-lovin', people-hating fan,
tl

[The Laundress]

oops, meant "You do toO..." sorry, really not THAT illiterate...

[CitizenReader]

Oh, Laundress,
I am fully aware of the fact that there is a ton of stuff that is very unlikable about me as a person, so maybe I should go easier--but is does make you tired. Why do so many people want to kill other people? That's one in particular I can never wrap my mind around.

Wish I could have seen you in sixth grade, even if you were hidden away in a photobooth. Did you save any of the photos? I used to have a strip of pictures of me and a friend from one, and I can still remember it...Has anyone out there NOT been in a photobooth? I wonder what the percentages are of people who have had their photos taken in one vs. not.

[The Laundress]

Nope again. You are totally and exquisitely lovable. But this post has had me thinking all day, about technologies and changes. You know, most people (uh that would not be you nor I) have CELL phones and take pictures of whatever they wish whenever they want to...

The photobooths were such a thrill because you got your pictures right away (no week-long wait for development). Plus it was fun and strangely both private and public -- yeah, you were behind the curtain, but the booths were always in high-traffic areas. Also thinking on other lapsed/morphed technologies -- my biggest one is the demise of fantastic LP album cover art. Lots of nifty cd cover art but who really notices? Plus lyrics are printed in 5 point type (uh, wait, am I developing presbyopia?)

Can't wait to see the photo book (big library waiting list + few copies = long wait, sigh!)

There is NO answer for whatever happened to those two beautiful girls. Yep, I do have strips and strips of myself and other girls, same ages as those two...