James

I met James in downtown Sarasota Sunday afternoon when I was taking photos and he excitedly asked me if I had gotten a shot of talk show host Jerry Springer who had just driven off in a Bentley.  Nope.  I was focused on a pink flamingo bicycle.  (Photo forthcoming on SDP)  But, I mentioned that Jerry lives in Sarasota and I've bumped into him in that area of downtown at a business he frequents.  James said he really wanted to see what Jerry Springer was like in person -- so, he knocked on Jerry's car window as he was starting to drive away.  (That would be the Bentley car window.)  You know what Jerry did?  According to James, he rolled down the window, said hi and shook his hand.  That made James' day!  Which is nice because he ended up telling me he's going through some challenging times with housing and work.  He moved up here a couple of weeks ago from Naples expecting more opportunities, but after coming up empty on job leads, he plans to head back south.  When I asked him which of our many charitable organizations and programs in town he'd contacted (he had no way of knowing he was talking to SRQ), he mentioned many that I would have put him in contact with --- but, he said he's ready to return to Naples, where, he says, jobs are more plentiful.  It was a nice, unexpected Sunday afternoon encounter with someone who was engaging and seemed quite sincere.  I wish James all the best!

Ta-dah!

There's something to be said about the enthusiasm of a child. 4-and-a-half-year-old Zara (remember when you insisted on including the half-year?) was absolutely thrilled by the wet sand she discovered on Lido Beach in Sarasota. She ran to the water, scooped up a handful and ran back several times, each time just as excited as the last, proudly displaying her slimy find with a smile and a laugh.  Love that zest for the simple things in life!   Zara and her mom were my house guests over the weekend -- great fun!  I'm now preparing for Sarasota Spring Break House Guests Part II, which unfolds later this week.  There's nothing like living in the Sunshine State in March!   Rest always takes a back seat until April.

Photography 101: Portrait

For my final photography class, my assignment this week was to shoot a portrait.  Most people, I suppose, interpret portrait as a full frame face shot.  But, my take on it leans more toward photojournalism and showing someone in their element.  When I saw this guy, Harry Brown, riding his bicycle down Orange Avenue, I was driving to an appointment and didn't have much time to spare.  So, I kept going.  But, gosh, he was so captivating with his old bike, basket, flashlight, spectacles, toothpick and cowboy hat.  I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw he was still heading in my direction.  So, I pulled over and hopped out, camera in hand, just as he cruised up.  He was happy to spend a few minutes posing for me.   I learned he lives in North Sarasota, served in the Army during Vietnam and has a passion to start his own church.    God bless you, Harry.

Jimi Gee

Okay.  Before I answer the question which you most likely are pondering right now, let me introduce Jimi Gee.  While strolling through the downtown farmers market recently, I heard the melodic sounds of a guitar.  It was Jimi Gee playing, as I recall, a Beatles tune -- and sounding quite nice.  Turns out, Jimi Gee has played for 43 years and toured with Cher, the Temptations and many other popular bands before settling down in Sarasota.  Jimi Gee noted happily he now cross dresses and gets paid for it.  Not a big deal here. This is the city that a few years ago, short listed a cross dresser for consideration to become city manager.  Whether in slingbacks or wingtips, you sound great, Jimi Gee! 

Mr. Strudel

Doesn't Bill resemble the guy on the sign behind him?!  I spotted him selling strudel at the downtown Farmers Market.  He was as pleasant to chat with as his convivial appearance suggests.  He used to own seven strudel stores in Rhode Island, then sold his business to Cathy's Kitchen in Sarasota.  Unfortunately, for dietary reasons (darn it), I couldn't try any of the samples he was offering.  But they looked yummy and I overhead more than one 'Mmmmm' from those who did.  Although he's got the look, he insists he's not German.