Monday, June 30, 2008

The Clone Tool

This summer I've learned a number of important things about myself.
I've learned:

1. that stuffing envelopes gives me many paper cuts
2. that I secretly like cutting fabric with a hot gun thing
3. that I can't cut the fabric for more than 2 hours at a time, or else my hands burn
4. that I am now a youtube star (or victim, depending on your point of view). (search 'Carry On Display 9x8 ft.' if you're so inclined.)
5. that I have mastered the art of cropping camp photos
6. ...and that the photoshop 'clone' tool is great for editing scandalous junior high cleavage

I've also learned:
6. that I enjoy camp photos. As fast as I go through invoicing and editing the various groups, I take a moment to stop and look at the faces smiling at me from the monitor screen. I see pictures from camps located all over the country on a daily basis, and it is fun to think of all the summer camps occuring at this very moment, in their pockets of forest, all over the world. I often feel as if I'm an intrudor to the camp; the kids are happy (some, however, are not. faces are funny.) and committed to their own little camp world for a week, and I spend mere seconds (usually longer. the longest was 31/2 hours) cropping, saving, and wondering what the dynamics are between the counselors, kids, and overall camp atmosphere. So far this summer the joy of vacation has become my business, my job.

However, the joy of vacation is about to become my job in a different way. In 5 days I'm headed for Oxford, and for the vacation/adventure of a lifetime! I've pledged to hold nothing back; I plan to enjoy every sight, sound, grimy subway seat, beautiful garden, and magestic view to the fullest, to experience it in the company of friends to be, and to immerse myself in the studies of great British philosophers and political theorists of the past. Realizing I am blessed beyond belief to get to have these experiences, I will make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I may even skip jauntily down some cobblestone streets.