Stargazer Trail

May 26

Colleen in Franklin Point pool. Early Summer 2009. Tallahassee, FL. Nikon 35 MM.

When I lived off Park Ave. and Franklin Blvd, we’d often sneak into the Franklin Point Apartments’ pool. Even after I had to move out of my apartment on Beverly Court, I’d still sneak into the pool with Chantelle, Krysten, Nada, Courtney, Colleen, and others. We’d bring beer and sometimes hot wings. I snapped these pictures of Colleen on one day at the pool. She’s so photogenic, and so many people like these shots.

Courtney’s entertainment system. Ceiling fan. Late summer 2009. Tallahassee, FL. Nikon 35 MM.

I spent a lot of time at Courtney’s house when I was on the lamb. She’d let me crash there and cook a meal for me. She had this crazy entertainment system stacked in her corner. It was a tribute to records, VHS, tapes, and—her favorite outmoded media of all—eight-tracks. More golden hues in this one, reminiscent of the golden August and September sunlight and the hazy, humid, late summer heat.

Colleen on her couch. Colleen’s TV. Late summer 2009. Tallahassee, FL. Nikon 35 MM.

Colleen had been very ill and had just gotten home from the hospital. I came over and watched some TV with her—I think the Food Network. I really liked this little apartment she shared with Kaitlin. One of Yosha’s paintings hangs above the TV. I really like all the golden hues in these pictures; they are very warm and comforting.

Window of Waterworks bar at Happy Hour, 4pm. Late summer 2009. Tallahassee, FL. Nikon 35 MM.

I do believe I had met Stuart at Waterworks for happy hour this day. It was sunset, and if you’ve ever been to Waterworks, the front windows have water running down them like you are watching the street from behind a waterfall. Some Virginia creeper is making it’s way into the window seals. Dreamy and blue, it seems to be raining in this picture but it’s all an effect.

Stuart at Decent Pizza. Late summer 2009. Tallahassee, FL. Nikon 35 MM.

This was taken sometime in the late summer of 2009. I think I was living at Meg’s house for a little while, doing whatever odd jobs I could find to buy food and gas. Stuart took me out to eat a lot. (He still takes me out.) This afternoon at Decent Pizza, I snapped a photo of him while he was ordering us some beer. I like how the red counter light is a halo over his head. Also, the rosy hues in this picture are soft and warming.

Feb 25

Looking down the Easter Island head stairwell. Goofy Golf. Panama City Beach, FL. Early 2010. Nikon 35 MM.

I love the color saturation here. This shot is fairly indicative of my memory. What a cramped space for a stairwell.

Octopus. Goofy Golf. Panama City Beach, FL. Early 2010. Nikon 35 MM.

Menacing octopus sculpture at Goofy Golf putt putt park in PCB.

Looking down onto the putt putt green from the Easter Island head stairwell. Looking up into the light. Goofy Golf. Panama City Beach, FL. Early 2010. Nikon 35 MM.

Mystic shots from inside the Easter Island head at Goofy Golf putt putt park.

Stairs to the top of the Easter Island head. A nice seat at the top. Cosmic paintings inside the Easter Island headspace. Goofy Golf. Panama City Beach, FL. Early 2010. Nikon 35 MM.

Once you get to the top of the Easter Island head, there’s a nice seat and cosmic art around you. The edges of the railing probably come up to my hips. You can sit down on the bench and look out or just duck down, sitting on the floor. Many nights I’d stargazer from this spot—sheltered from the winter winds and listening to the ocean waves just across the street.

Nothing OVER 9.99. Goofy Golf and Miracle Strip of HWY 98. Panama City Beach, FL. Early 2010. Nikon 35 MM.

I didn’t go in this store, but stores like this often amuse me. Once again, this shot is from the Easter Island head. You can see many of the Goofy Golf sculptures here, too—a sphinx, the money, and more. Seems there’s always construction going on. I like how lonely PCB is on an overcast winter day.