the kids of delaware

my nephew, j.j., is perfoming in "south pacific" so i headed to delaware the past weekend to watch him, and spend some time with family there. it was a good trip, actually. the abundance of really good (and some junk) food. lots of space and nature. the relaxed pace of life. the extended sleep without the guilt of wasting your life. the sensation of riding cars again (not that i miss it that much). the company of family over meals and commutes. it was a good brief escape from the city.

needing to fill the need to create something, saw myself working on 2 mini-projects over the trip. both involving children. well, sort of.

photo series of the elderly in longwood gardens

the young at heart—while waiting for jj's performance, i had walked around the venue, longwood gardens, digital slr in hand. throughout the landscape, a lot of elders were walking around, waiting for the start of the show as well. there were great moments all over the place. couples enjoying each other's company in such a peaceful romantic setting. friends enjoying stories. individuals having some quality reflective alone time. and as i had taken photos of the "senior" citizens, i was amazed at the innocence and wonder with which they had wandered throughout the gardens. it was a great refreshing joy having seen them appreciate the wonders of nature and the company of whoever it was they were with.

weekend project with nephews (really low res)

the genuinely young—my nephews, jj and jalen, and i had an impromptu "star wars animation" camp. i had taught them (or at least tried) the concept of stop-motion animation and the very very basics of video editing. we produced 2 (really home-video-ish but fun) animations. one, a series of photos of them duelling with their light sabres (which they're not allowed to do indoors, uhoh). and the other, the "real" one, involving their star wars legos moving by themselves and flying in thin air (with the help of jalen's very visible hands, haha). it was great working with the kids coz for once there was no right or wrong. no creative integrities to deal with. the only parameter was the fun-ness of it. no wrong music timing. no wrong camera angles (which was kinda good coz i didnt bring the right lens). it was all right. coz all it had to be was fun.

anyway, i'm back in new york now. sure, big cities like this one can make instant jaded grown-ups out of anyone BUT somehow the childlikeness (or is that childishness?) will always have its days. in the office this afternoon, for example, a group of us were busy blowing balloons and attaching cans and ribbons to the chair of an officemate who was out for the day. he got married last weekend and we thought it a nice surprise if he sees his area tomorrow "all dressed up" with matching "just married" sign. can't wait to see his reaction. can't wait.

naughty but nice little kids, aren't we all.