Sessions

/ Richard R. Barron
Abby and I smile in amazing autumn sunshine at our house last week. I hope this image expresses the intimacy and love we share every day.
Abby and I smile in amazing autumn sunshine at our house last week. I hope this image expresses the intimacy and love we share every day.

There is an ale house in downtown Ada not far from my workplace, run by some musician friends of mine, called Sessions. I know they have some great sounds, and I would love to go, but their main gigs are always on Monday, when I am either teaching or attending Open Mic Nyte just down the street.

I know it sounds ludicrous to complain about too much culture, but it’s stretching me thin.

Last Monday I attended some sessions of my own, including a over-the-top great portrait session of my wife Abby and me here at home, thanks to a visit from Robert, our very-long-time friend, with whom I have been taking pictures since college. From the day he told us he was coming for a visit, I wanted him to photograph us, particularly since, as a photographer, I don’t get as many chances to be in pictures as other people.

Compare this image with the one from 2016 and the differences are obvious. I really like the way we look, and our relationship, these days, and we are both grateful that Robert was able to capture these moments.
Compare this image with the one from 2016 and the differences are obvious. I really like the way we look, and our relationship, these days, and we are both grateful that Robert was able to capture these moments.
After our photo session, Robert and I took Hawken the Irish Wolfhound for a long walk in the woods.
After our photo session, Robert and I took Hawken the Irish Wolfhound for a long walk in the woods.
These are pages from my journal in 1998. As you can see, I was writing a lot then, most of it angsty and chaotic.
These are pages from my journal in 1998. As you can see, I was writing a lot then, most of it angsty and chaotic.

Later that night, I attended Open Mic Nyte, and, at my urging, was joined by long-time friend Jamie. Entire coincidentally, I brought the journal from 1998 when she and I first met, and we had tons of laughs about it.

The night was full of talent, but the biggest hit was when Mackenzee (Mac) Crosby played her guitar and sang. She is a charming musician, and a great soul who has endured too much tragedy in her young life. She’s always looked up to me as a mentor, which is very flattering.

Mackenzee Crosby plays and sings at Open Mic Nyte last week. She told me she's thinking of driving to Oregon soon, which sounds amazing.
Mackenzee Crosby plays and sings at Open Mic Nyte last week. She told me she’s thinking of driving to Oregon soon, which sounds amazing.
Your host waxes poetic at Open Mic Nyte last week about the demise of our wonderful friend Ann Kelley.
Your host waxes poetic at Open Mic Nyte last week about the demise of our wonderful friend Ann Kelley.

At Open Mic, I read at length about the death of one of my best friends, Ann Kelley, on the anniversary of her passing in 2012 at the age of 41. I have been thinking about her a lot the last few days, and I miss her. Jamie does too.

FInally, Christmas is coming, and later today I’ll set up the tree and get some lights on it. Thursday is the Parade of Lights, and the kids, Abby’s daughter Chele and her husband Tom with our grandson Paul, are coming for Christmas. I hope it will be as good a session as I’ve had recently.

We love it when Robert is able to photograph us, and he loves doing it. Compared to our last session in January 2016, my hair is much longer, and Abby and I have both lost some weight. I think we look great.
We love it when Robert is able to photograph us, and he loves doing it. Compared to our last session in January 2016, my hair is much longer, and Abby and I have both lost some weight. I think we look great.