Have been thinking about this same thing for quite a while. Glad I got to read your perspective on it. Memory, nostalgia and familiarity and dangerously powerful.
Thanks Young. Interesting that you use the word dangerous. I realize I didn’t write / think about the political and moral belief implications and wonder if that’s partly what you mean…
Absolutely, especially regarding the meaning and value that we attach to memories as humans trying to organize the chaos of stringing together moments of time together.
I always tell students of food photography that the images themselves are just a visual means of selling something that’s non-visual, like a memory of eating a home cooked meal as a child.
There couldn't be a better song to sum this all up than True Blue. This was such a lovely read, I was humming and hmmming to myself the whole time, it just resonated that deeply.
I love this post Julia and the photos are beautiful. I often use the word "friction" when talking about NYC. It's why I moved back after years in the PNW, where there was no friction. I realized I needed it to light a fire under me. Years later, I wonder now, if I still need that friction to feel like i have a purpose in life.
No friction in the PNW - that is so true! I've never thought of it that way before. For some reason I feel like Anchorage does have friction, it's just a different kind. More like, what will the natural world bring today?? as opposed to human friction 😂 Also, I hope you know how much I love New York. Just because it's not where I've landed doesn't mean I don't think of it often, and quite fondly... another reason why I so enjoy your newsletters. A beautiful glimpse into alternate lives
Actually, maybe if I were still in the NW, I would feel the friction you're referring to in Anchorage. The climate and weather has gotten so crazy. We never had heatwaves or fire season when I lived there. Life was cheap and easy back then, but that's probably a dated reality. The West Coast cities have changed so much! And I do know you love NY!
Thanks. The guilt for leaving during the pandemic still gets me sometimes... ha. And yes, it all seems to have changed a ton. But I hear you re the lack of friction in terms of how society works? I'm going to ponder that more
"I like myself now" - This is the piece that really tied it together, in my opinion. I think the imposter syndrome finally wears off at some point and you realize that all these people and places you gathered for years are finally part of your inner core, not just extended limbs.
I wrote about the same sentiment a few weeks ago, and it's so refreshing to read your account of it. It also makes sense that we expressed the same sentiments in different ways; you, using your experiences and your people's stories, and I, mine. That's part of the friction, and I love that.
Great read, I definitely think there’s something to your friend’s theory. And glad I found you! Just back from a magical week in Anchorage. My partner and I are hoping to move there once he finishes law school ✨
Great theory and I suspect it's spot on. Love everything you say about place. (would make for a good post on Finding Home ;)
Yes!! Thanks Jan, I was thinking of you as I wrote the final third in particular. You are more than welcome to share it
Have been thinking about this same thing for quite a while. Glad I got to read your perspective on it. Memory, nostalgia and familiarity and dangerously powerful.
Thanks Young. Interesting that you use the word dangerous. I realize I didn’t write / think about the political and moral belief implications and wonder if that’s partly what you mean…
Absolutely, especially regarding the meaning and value that we attach to memories as humans trying to organize the chaos of stringing together moments of time together.
I always tell students of food photography that the images themselves are just a visual means of selling something that’s non-visual, like a memory of eating a home cooked meal as a child.
WOW! I want and need to digest that second paragraph further. Food pun intended
There couldn't be a better song to sum this all up than True Blue. This was such a lovely read, I was humming and hmmming to myself the whole time, it just resonated that deeply.
I love this post Julia and the photos are beautiful. I often use the word "friction" when talking about NYC. It's why I moved back after years in the PNW, where there was no friction. I realized I needed it to light a fire under me. Years later, I wonder now, if I still need that friction to feel like i have a purpose in life.
No friction in the PNW - that is so true! I've never thought of it that way before. For some reason I feel like Anchorage does have friction, it's just a different kind. More like, what will the natural world bring today?? as opposed to human friction 😂 Also, I hope you know how much I love New York. Just because it's not where I've landed doesn't mean I don't think of it often, and quite fondly... another reason why I so enjoy your newsletters. A beautiful glimpse into alternate lives
Actually, maybe if I were still in the NW, I would feel the friction you're referring to in Anchorage. The climate and weather has gotten so crazy. We never had heatwaves or fire season when I lived there. Life was cheap and easy back then, but that's probably a dated reality. The West Coast cities have changed so much! And I do know you love NY!
Thanks. The guilt for leaving during the pandemic still gets me sometimes... ha. And yes, it all seems to have changed a ton. But I hear you re the lack of friction in terms of how society works? I'm going to ponder that more
oh you shouldn't feel guilty. I know so many people who left. Everyone was doing what they had to do, at the time.
"I like myself now" - This is the piece that really tied it together, in my opinion. I think the imposter syndrome finally wears off at some point and you realize that all these people and places you gathered for years are finally part of your inner core, not just extended limbs.
I wrote about the same sentiment a few weeks ago, and it's so refreshing to read your account of it. It also makes sense that we expressed the same sentiments in different ways; you, using your experiences and your people's stories, and I, mine. That's part of the friction, and I love that.
Beautifully said and this feels so true ♥️
Great read, I definitely think there’s something to your friend’s theory. And glad I found you! Just back from a magical week in Anchorage. My partner and I are hoping to move there once he finishes law school ✨
Oh wow, small world! It's a great place to be a lawyer, just saying.... :)