Now

We used to string the phone cord from the kitchen into her bedroom. Then we'd huddle over the receiver together, calling boys. And by "calling boys", I mean we'd dial their numbers, hang up on them, giggle hysterically, and repeat 50 times. I'm pretty sure we were the sole reasons why they invented caller ID. After we graduated high school, we went to Waikiki together. Four of us by ourselves, we switched planes, flagged down cabs, and learned important life lessons like Strawberry Hill only tastes like fruit punch. Oops.

The next summer, we moved back to Hawaii. It was as simple as impulsively faxing over an application one late night. The next thing we knew we were living in Aloha Towers. We had jobs and a refrigerator. We learned to use bus routes, and found the grocery store. For the first time, everything was up to us. 

After the summer, we went our separate ways. There was college and road trips, relationships, jobs, marriage. The busy-ness of life allowed for paths to cross only occasionally. Then one day she emailed and asked if I'd consider flying out to photograph her family. She was now living in San Francisco with her husband and little boy. They'd been married for years, but I'd never met either of them. So, of course I agreed.

It felt like a full circle, opening the door to her apartment. Certain things hadn't changed. She still had too many shoes. We still laughed like teenagers. And she still knew all the best places to find everything, whether it be coffee, a pedicure, a baby sling. But what I loved most was the depth of understanding that happens when two friends grow up, then apart, then back together. Suddenly there are more layers to a story you'd put down years ago.

So here was my friend, living in her new chapter. One that felt familiar, yet completely new in context. I'd never seen her so content. And as we walked to the car after her shoot, I told her that I was so happy for the way things had turned out for her. She looked at me and said that everything else was just getting ready for this. And that made me think about life in general. The messy, scary, reckless, parts mix up with the thrilling, beautiful, intimate pieces. They're non-discriminating as they combine, yet they have a common goal. Everything is getting you ready for This. The only place where Life can exist, Right Now.

What does Right Now look like for you?

Comments

[Elizabeth Harper]

I understand "everything has been getting you ready for this" completely.

It was the combined experiences of my whole life, good and bad, that allowed me to be able to recognize this gift from the universe when offered and just breathe out a grateful thank you of acceptance.

http://www.giftsofthejourney.com/Elizabeth_Harper-Gifts_of_the_Journey/Blog/Entries/2008/6/30_The_Gift_You_Keep.html

[simply blogged / leaca's philosophy]

This is what it looks like for me right now. It is funny because I have been thinking about this lately.
http://www.simplyblogged.com/2008/10/now.html

[JustHay]

Divine picture. Beautiful post.

[gkgirl]

this
was a
perfect
post.

[ELK]

maile what words to pondor this day ~ thank you!


I have a teenage girl ~ the only way to make it through the "Right Now" of our intertwined lives is to see the calm beauty of the sky:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sammymom/2958654157/

[shelli]

That's such a beautiful post. And you are right. All things lead to this one moment. My Now is full of this little guy running me in circles:


http://www.mamaofletters.com/Mama_of_Letters/Blog/Entries/2008/10/22_Swing_Time.html

[Jen]

Right now, this is all I think about:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlynn28/2917170218/

I know we did belly shots yesterday, but right now I feel like I have no more room to grow and still have 7.5 weeks left!

[Aileen]

wonderfully thoughtful post. thank you.

[~ kristina ~]

Wonderful picture and post!

I'm still hooked on my recent trip home to see my family and the place I love...

http://meadowlarkdays.blogspot.com/2008/10/wordless-wednesday-black-hills-in_22.html

[abbey]

this is my now.... for now....
I LOVE the picture posted today!!!
http://www.photoblog.com/abbeyh13/2008/10/13/

[susan]

That is an amazing portrait, and your story just makes it better.

[JeanaMarie]

some of you might have seen this already, but my now often looks like this.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeanamarie31/2949203476/

[Kathleen O.]

My "now" is full of fresh air, puddles, and all the happiness and discovery that comes with a three-year-old being at the center of your life. It's the wise person who can realize that their life's travails and sorrows and joys were preparing them for the exact life they are living. Thanks for pointing it out!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/2945131627/

[Cartwheels At Midnight/Paige]

Maile- Beautiful words today. You made me all sorts of teary for Friends lost and found & Time then and now.

Here is my Right Now:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cartwheelsatmidnight/2769897474/

[Gayle]

Maile, this is such a beautiful post. This is my Right Now:

http://planetmfiles.com/2008/10/22/this-is-home/

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

I believe in that wholeheartedly......no doubt about it......I am, where I am, because of what I've been through.......what's scary and exciting at the same time, is that there's a lot more left to go through (at least I hope)!

Great post.


Where am I?
In the mountains, and I love it!
http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com/2008/10/linn-cove-viaduct.html

[Robin]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hismuse/2960115306/in/set-72157606088983078/

[dr lyn]

Life looks messy right now. Busy, crazy and fun. Great post.

http://lynlepre.typepad.com

[canadacole]

Beautiful post! I understand the sentiment exactly. Life looks pretty amazing right now.

[jag]

What a great story! My "right now" is not so eloquent... I know it will pass, but right now I'm feeling tired & scattered. This photo reminds me what I need to do:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/2920296192/in/set-72157606965585684?edited=1

xox

[killlashandra]

Wonderful picture. I love the sunshine in the background coming through and the soft sepia tones in the image. Really adds to the specialness of the family moment.

[spread your wings]

this is a meaningful post for me today. I just read a daily email from "College Knowledge" entitled "Rediscover your place in your family" - it talked of the new relationship children and parents begin to develop after the child goes away to college - a transition in the child/adult relationship - becoming an adult friend to your parents. SO i was thinking, this morning before seeing this post, how different it will be when she comes home. I hope to have something soon to post of our "right now" - the new chapter of our lives.

thank you for posting this blog . what a beautiful, intimate portrait of this family.

[Kelly]

When are you going to write a book?!
Here's mine.
http://alittlebiteofbrownie.squarespace.com/journal/2008/10/22/right-now.html

[Ma']

Your photography is only surpassed by your writing.

[Véronique]

Absolutely stunning photo and such beautiful thought-provoking words... thank you for sharing.

A new fan of shuttersisters,

Véronique

[olivia dutko]

Maile...
This seriously brought tears to my eyes!
I mean REAL tears!
What a post! It really "hit home" for me.
You have such a way with words. You should write a book...I KNOW you have time.
HAHA!
"Right Now" for me is VERY much like yours....I have many "sisters"
that I have not met their babies & husbands....I am going to change that!

Thank you for your insightfulness!

PS I thought me & my girlfriends were the reason caller id was invented:)

[Kyla]

What a wonderful photo and a wonderful post! My college roomies and I still keep in touch, although we don't get to see each other often. Last summer, I actually got to see my best friend from college twice in a matter of months! So good to connect again and it was like time had never passed. Amazing that seeing friends from my youth could instantly transport me back to feeling young again. Good medicine!

Here's my right now:

http://thekreativelife.blogspot.com/2008/10/right-now.html

[Judith Silver]

Maile, So good to hear your voice, and what a message of love and wisdom. I love the picture. You captured the moment. Love, Judy

[claudia]

Beautiful, thanks for motivating me to remember a friendship today!
http://gnubee.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/today-yesterday/

[nicky thomas]

Good evening Shuttersisters

I've been having a hard time of it recently, what with people dying, arguments, depression (whoda thunk it!) etc. A few days ago my baby had a really bad fall and ended up with a HUGE bruise on her head. She still has a mark on her cheek from where her grandma left the iron out and she leaned into it (i know, lets not even go there!).

This morning she fell and grazed her chin and i could have just cried. My gorgeous girl, youngest of three, my baby, looking like an NSPCC advert. We got home and i cleaned her up with tears in my eyes. She looked at me long and hard and said 'big hug' and did just that. Sometimes it takes the worst of times to make you appreciate the best of times, even if they only last a moment - they are more powerful than a day of frustration!

Here she is, in all her bruised glory
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickythomasphotography/2963956501/

please dont send the social services round!

Have a peaceful day shuttersisters

Nicky x

[lora]

I LOVE this post. beautifuly put.

Right now.

[Steph Wiese]

Right now, for today... this is how I feel.

http://stephwiese.squarespace.com/

[Jesi Rozelle]

This is what life has been preparing me for... both of these photos represent perfectly my right now!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26187923@N03/2964646375/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26187923@N03/2965488678/

[Jodyangel]

This brings so much to my mind as I think back over the years since I was a young girl. Some regrets? Sure there are. But I know I would not be where I am or who I am if I hadn't gone thru the fire. So even the pain and scars become beautiful in time. They are what makes us...truly us. In the now.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/2965723808/

[kristin]

this is us right now, buckling in for winters long march, so each day that we can we walk, he gathers, and i shoot. http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/2963283766/

[Cherry Blossom Phoeo]

Maile,
Your post gave me chill bumps. I have a friend like this and I hope everyone is as lucky. Sometimes it is so hard to describe the bond that women have and you nailed it. Thanks for putting into words my feelings exactly. Your post inspired mine today... http://cherryblossomphoto.blogspot.com/2008/10/one-where-everything-else-was-just.html

[Julie Alvarez]

My right now:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/2959684373/in/set-72157607187993800/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/2965121126/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/2959501037/

[Jamie]

So inspiring! Here's my right now - on the dangerous side.

http://umbrellablog.com/uncategorized/right-now/

[Wanda]

Hope. In so many things...

http://whatwouldwandado.blogspot.com/2008/10/i-confess.html

[Michelle S]

This was a lovely post. Thank you for sharing the story of you and your friend. She has a beautiful family.

I have two friends that I have reconnected with, so I understand exactly what you are saying.

Take care!

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