111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 9

March 8, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hi!

It was a reunion week! The next three subjects in “111 Faces of Klamath Falls,” Jennifer, Stan, and Eileen, are all friends from school! (and Eileen is also my cousin!) I haven’t seen Jennifer in about 32 years, and I’ve only seen Eileen a few times in the past 30 years. (I get to see Stan every 5000 miles at the Subaru dealership.) It’s always both surprising and comforting how easily old friends fall immediately back into stride after long separations. Aside from the urgency of wanting to hear everything that’s happened in each other’s lives over the past 3 decades, reuniting with dear friends, classmates, and family just feels like home.

Jennifer - 25

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Making people laugh."

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “My curiosity…about people, things and ideas.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “I have a really good idea about a national service program for kids.” Jennifer explained that she envisions a program where high school graduates or students who’ve finished the GED path could then participate in a national work experience program to earn money for college or to start a business. The closest existing program examples are AmeriCorps or Peace Corps, but Jennifer’s program would be available to all students and would serve as a bridge from High School/GED completion, to College or Entrepreneurship.

I love this idea!

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “Independence.”

Jennifer explained that she’s proud to have purchased a home. She’s fulfilled her goal of independence and the security of knowing that she and her family will never be homeless.

“I also have stand-up comedy dreams,” Jennifer added!

As soon as it’s COVID safe to do so…I will personally encourage, cheer-lead, and push Jennifer to perform at the next open mic opportunity!!! I can’t wait!

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I would like to be remembered for trying hard and showing up.”

Thank you, Jennifer! Jennifer was one of my best and dearest friends in grade school. Jennifer is part of my very best memories from that time.

Stan - 26

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Jennifer…and cookies.”

Jennifer and Stan are a couple, in case you hadn’t figured that out. I didn’t know until this day that Jennifer had crushed on Stan since early high school days. It’s just the sweetest thing!

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “My loyalty and discipline.”

Technically, Jennifer came in with the assist on this answer. Stan attributes the Marines for helping him to develop these traits. Jennifer also added that it’s pretty great that Stan arranges his life to take care of his Pit Bulls to ensure they never find any trouble.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Stan would love to see our health care problems get solved. Together, we also identified “breed bans” as a problem for both dogs and their humans. The solution is to change breed-ban legislation so that dogs and humans can’t be discriminated against. Too often, people are being forced to re-home their pets when they move because their new housing situation bans certain breeds. Our shelters would be a lot less crowded if certain breeds weren’t automatically prohibited or banned simply for existing. (without any history of “misbehavior.”)

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My goal is just to be comfortable and loved, and moderately successful.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I would like to be remembered as being a good guy…someone that listens and someone that you could talk to if you ever need anything.”

Stan & Jennifer - wishing you love and happiness. Seeing you together makes my heart swell for you both.

Eileen - 27

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “My sons and my family.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’ve never given up, and I’ve always stayed positive.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Eileen explained that for any problem, she always tries to look at the problem lightheartedly and then the problem doesn’t seem so big. No matter what, she tries to see the positive in any situation or problem. The example Eileen shared is that her car recently broke down on the side of the road. This is a terrifying experience for anyone! In pursuit of the bright side of this potentially dangerous problem, she recognized that as bad as the situation was, at least the weather was good, it was daytime, and she had a cell phone to call for help. “I’m not cheery all day long, Eileen said, but I’m not a pessimist. “If there’s a problem, don’t stay in the negative…don’t let it consume you,” Eileen advised.

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “I don’t necessarily have a life dream or goal…I set a goal, I meet it, I set a new one.” Eileen moves herself forward by a series of short term goals instead of one grand life’s dream.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I’ve always told my sons that it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of me, as long as my boys can stand at my grave and say that I was a good mom.”

This is also the first time Eileen and I have been able to spend more than a few moments together in over 30 years. Our dads were the best of friends, and being able to re-connect with Eileen, in a way, felt like a way to re-connect with our dads. The biggest regret I have is moving away and losing contact with family. Eileen, I just know you’re a great Mom. Much love.

Jennifer, Stan, and Eileen…thank you for being in the project.

One more week until daylight savings time! Can’t you just feel the energy shifting, moods lifting, and vibes elevating? I’m also looking forward to daylight savings and warmer seasons for the change in light. Our sunsets will once again be vibrant and beautiful, and in the spring and summer, our golden hours are the gold-iest.

Wishing you a fun and happy week!

Thank you for reading.

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 1

January 10, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello!

It feels so great to be at this again!

This is the very first week, and first post, of my new photography project. I’ve missed you! I’ve missed human interactions and connections!

This project differs significantly from the first project:

I’m in my small, rural, hometown of Klamath Falls, Oregon. I anticipate that most of the subjects in this new project will likely be friends and acquaintances. It’s not at all weird to approach a stranger in Portland to ask to take their photo for a project, but the vibe is different here. I’ll start with people I know, or friends of friends.

This project will be titled “111 Faces of Klamath Falls.” I’m not challenging myself to do a 365 day streak this time. We’re just going to take things at a nice and comfortable pace.

I’m rusty! So rusty! I was just beginning to immerse myself in concert and street portraiture photography when life was up-ended. Photography is definitely a use-it-or-lose it skill. I’m eager to resume learning, and to resume the lifelong pursuit of improving as a photographer. (Please also hang in there while I re-discover my writing voice, rhythm, and pace!)

The interview questions are new, and where we start might not be where we finish. (The questions have already evolved slightly since day one.)

Please know that safety is of critical importance to me! All photos will be outdoors and socially distanced. The subjects are wearing masks up until we make the photo. (And I remain masked.)

Here are our first three subjects from the “111 Faces of Klamath Falls” project.

Jenn - 1

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I gave up bullshit to be happy! I’m only going to do what I love!”

COVID business closures and changes put Jenn in a position to reevaluate her life and her job. She made a leap to sacrifice higher financial security in order to pursue a life that will bring her joy, happiness, and keep her and her family safe, healthy, and happy!

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “Just playing music is a dream…I get to do what I love to do.”

Jenn first responded that her dream was to have more grandkids. We joked and laughed about what she could do to go about achieving that dream. Jenn is so humble, and she could almost be described as being bashful until you get to know her. Yet, she’s the lead singer in her band and has been playing music most of her life! Jenn was so excited for 2020 - her band was booked solid for several months out. COVID hit and stripped away all that she and her mates had worked so hard to achieve. (When life resumes, we will show up and be there for you and your band, Jenn!)

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Jenn’s answer was conceptual and arose as she observed simultaneous flooding in some parts of the country, while other parts of the country were engulfed in wildfires. Jenn wishes that we had the ability and infrastructure to pipe floodwaters from one region, and move it to arid regions that are prone to wildfire.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a legacy statement?)

A: “I want to be remembered as someone who cares for others and that I do what I can to make the world better. I do what I can to make people happy, and to help solve the problems I see around us.”

Jenn added that music is one small way that she can help bring happiness to others. I know Jenn is a loving mom and grandma, and a fierce warrior for social justice.

Thank you, Jenn, for letting me take your photo. I texted Jenn one day and asked if I could take her photo. Rather over-dramatically, I begged her, “I need to make pictures or I could possibly die.” I know Jenn wasn’t feeling up to it, but she could tell that I needed to get behind a camera again. Jenn’s photo shoot was the spark I needed to reignite my passion and desire to create and make photos with others. She is, indeed, a woman who not only cares for others, but shows them too.

Dea - 2

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m pretty in touch with what other people feel, and I’m able to be there for them and support them in what they’re going through.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “I want to teach piano. It’s something I enjoy doing, and it’s fulfilling to teach.”

Dea is working towards her dream by finishing her degree in Piano Performance. Dea has been networking and has already started teaching a few students! Good luck, Dea. She also dreams of having a family someday. (I observed Dea caring for our friend’s baby once and it nearly brought tears to my eyes…she’s going to be such a loving mom.)

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Dea wishes for an overhaul of our tax system and for a redistribution of tax resources to benefit people, healthcare, and education. She hopes that someday, things could be more balanced to benefit everybody, instead of just big business and industry.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a legacy statement?)

A: “I want to be remembered as someone kind and who showed care to others. Every interaction we have with others, changes people, even just a little…and that’s how we live on.”

Dea is one of the most kind and caring humans I’ve ever met. I watched her lead a temporarily-homeless man and his son to a motel, where she paid their bill for a few nights, providing a safe place to stay for the man and his son.

Dea is a new friend, but a dear friend. (As are all three of these ladies - the first subjects in this new project.) Dea is also another social justice warrior. Dea is a quiet person, but you NEVER forget she’s there. Her warm presence is always felt. When Dea does vocalize her opinions and insert herself into conversations - it’s best we listen! When Dea speaks, I know it’s important, and that she’s about to drop some knowledge and wisdom. I know to listen closely.

Gaea - 3

Q: What’s something remarkable about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I was home-schooled for 3 years.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: Gaea would love to open an apothecary. She’s working towards that go by learning as much as she can right now.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Gaea’s response is more life-hack in nature. Gaea explained that the trick to prevent Christmas tree ornaments from falling, and to prevent them from dangling in every which way except the way you want them to dangle, is to “pinch and TWIST” the hook! Got that? When you slip the hanging hook into the loop on the ornament, remember to then TWIST the hook to secure it in place. :-)

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a legacy statement?)

A: “I want to be remembered as a person who always went above and beyond to help people. It’s the one thing in life I’m really good at.”

(Oh Gaea, you are so good at so many things. It’s exciting to see you grow…your life is just beginning! Indeed, you are going above and beyond to help people.)

That’s it for the first week of this new project! It’s a little weird not having 7 subjects, one every day of the week, right? Like I said, let’s just ease back into this for now.

I’m so fortunate to know these three incredible women. Thank you, ladies! What a great way to kick off this new project!

Thank you for reading and being part of my photography-learning journey!

(PS: If you scroll down to the last post, I explain my long hiatus.)