My World: On the way...

[fahim mohammed]

To Aconcagua. 6900 meters.

Tough going. I am told this sort of climb calls for experience, trust in your team, strength..mental and physical, determination, and guts...lots of guts.

I have noticed on OPF that most members talk about themselves. Their achievements, in art sculpture, travel and so forth. But not much is said about their spouses.

Since the preponderance of members at OPF is male, I hardly read about the member's wives' achievements.
Are the spouses' struggles and achievements any less than of OPF members?

Besides Doug's wonderful, talented and gracious wife Carla, and my equally wonderful and talented friend Charlotte; I have not seen any image of other member' wives?

Why?

Carla belongs to the brave Cherokee tribe. Another member's wife belongs to a nomadic desert tribe. Would appear that husbands of wives from tribal ancestry celebrate their wives' achievements and
and put a face to their courageous wives. Charlotte, has given the honor of putting a face behind the talent.

Why not the others? Is this a customal ( ? ) thing? A societal things?
Charlotte...not withstanding.

I have not seen anyone post images of their wives on the forum. Strange!! What should I make of this?

I have to ask the question. Why?

 

[Robert Watcher]

Perhaps not everyone views such a photography forum as a true social venue - while some might. While I have posted photos that include my wife on occassion, my photographic content is not intended to include my wife and children or for that matter for anyone to have full insight into my personal life. Likewise, as a professional portrait photographer I did not include sample photos of my family to sell work to others. My walls and sample prints were portraits of paying clients so people seeing them could know what they expect.

But that is just my reason for posting what I do. I respect that you or Doug or anyone else can post whatever and for whatever motivations. I know photographers whose photographic content is intentionally that of their wife, their children or even setups that only include themselves. That is what they wish to present in their work and they may develop a following of people who enjoy viewing that content. Interesting that you brought the topic up. I would have never considered it otherwise.

 

[Doug Kerr]

Thank you Fahim for your kind words and apt observations.

Jut to keep the momentum going, here is Carla, at an elevation of only 1395 m, about to embark on a far less daunting expedition: going to Las Cruces (about 65 miles to the southwest) for a regional celebration of the 18th birthday of The Red Hat Society, an international social order for mature women; she is the founding queen of the Alamogordo Chapter:

Douglas A. Kerr: Carla - Las Cruces here she comes​

Just a grab shot, in my office. Ex camera.

This is a busy week for Carla, for in addition to her regular slate of social, civic, and charitable activities, the rehearsal schedule for the play "The Secret of Pirate's Cove", in which she plays Rose, the wife of the crocthety old pirate Barbeesh, is getting into high gear (next week is "tech week", the last week of rehearsals before the performances commence).

In addition to the rehearsals there have been two photo shoots for publicity photos for the show. (Thankfully, I am off the clock for that this time, another photographer having come into the theater's orbit.)

And of course this is in addition to her preparing a wonderful breakfast and a wonderful lunch every day (when she will be out for lunch, as today, she "kits" my lunch). And of course doing the laundry for the two of us (which seems as if it should be enough for the company of "The Sound of Music"). And keeping up to date with her blog, considered by some to be "Alamogordo's second newspaper". And watering the palm trees. And much more.

Monday morning at the crack of dawn she will be on a local radio station doing a promo for the play.

Yes, fabulous.

Well, I'm off to heat up my prefabricated lunch (homemade Jambalaya with a nice green salad).

Best regards,

Doug

 

[fahim mohammed]

Hi Robert.

Welcome back to Tim Horton's in Canada

I respect your point of view, as mentioned in post #2 of this thread, above.

To spend anything more than two weeks away from home traveling, vacationing, photographing or residing in a distant land , would require something approaching a missionary's zeal and patience on my part. I have neither the strength nor the inclination to even contemplate such a journey.
Kudos to you.

Your posts, on OPF, of your travels have brought us wonderful narratives and images of women, children and men from a distant and relatively underprivileged part of our world. In the process, I have been introduced to a colorful, educational and intriguing palette of a very different ( to me ) ' culture and people '.

Thank you for sharing your travelogue with us on OPF.

Best wishes in your future endeavors.

 

[Andy brown]

Fahim, my family are (wife and three kids) are all amazing and I love, respect and cherish them.
They all happen to be extremely photogenic as well. I just don't tend to talk about them here, funny because on the only other forum I inhabit they get mentioned quite often.

 

[Robert Watcher]

Thank you for your kind thoughts fahim

 

[fahim mohammed]

Doug, Andy.

Thank you both for your responses.

Best.

 

[fahim mohammed]

Wow! 3 responses to my simple question. The artists and poets amongst us have chosen to evade participation. The usually articulate forum members are silent. One has to arrive at one's own conclusion.

The proverbial cat, this time around, has bit their fingers

 

[Tom dinning]

Wow! 3 responses to my simple question. The artists and poets amongst us have chosen to evade participation. The usually articulate forum members are silent. One has to arrive at one's own conclusion.

The proverbial cat, this time around, has bit their fingers

You are a proficient provocateur, Fahim, a skill you should be proud of.
I have been warned by higher authorities yet I cannot resist such temptation to reply. Perhaps we are opposite sides of the same coin.
I hope so.
Here is my sarcastic reply. Treat it as such.

Wife? Does she have a life beyond mine?
Here I was thinking I can provide all she needs without the external ambitions beyond keeping house, looking beautiful for me and providing me with an income best suited to my life style.
Mind you, she does make a great companion, a superb organizer and occasionally, a satisfier of my more intimate needs. She's worth every penny I've invested into our courtship.
She does gripe a bit. It seems I don't see it her way all that often. That might be true but 'all that often' should be often enough; surely.
She does keep herself well, I must admit. She drapes my arm in the best of company, but I do ask her not to speak. Her Manchester accent isn't appropriate for mixed company.
Beyond that she minds her own business and gets on with the duties of a woman.
Mind you, she does inquire on my activities from time to time.
"What are you doing, my dear Tom?"
"I'm talking to my friends and enemies on OPF" I reply, with the minimal amount of condescension.
"You post a picture of me on that homophobic cult cultural excuse for photography and I'll cook your testicles for the dogs dinner"
"We don't have a dog, dear"
" I'll get one"

So, as you see, or might not, some of us are bound by great ideals; that of the privacy of She Who Must Be Obeyed.

 

[Doug Kerr]

Hi, Tom,

I've always been gratified by the great respect you accord Christine, even though your insights into that are always over-salted with your distinctive sarcasm.

I continue to be disappointed by the lack of any pictures of this woman who clearly is so important to your life (and to ours as well). But that is certainly her privilege. Still, I'll periodically call for that. (Just think of all the years it took to get pictures of Ayesha smiling!) We would be optimistic that you could be just as productive (that is, in terms of photography and philosophy) without your testicles.

And I shudder to think of what we here on the forum would suffer without whatever moderation she teaches (or even demands).

So, to Christine: We love ya!

And to Tom: this is an adaptive set of good wishes, meaning that on each occasion you can choose whatever accolade seems to fit:

• A really great thought.

• An interesting point but I'm not sure I can agree.

• What-ever!

• I don't think do.

• Piss off!

Well, its 0800 local time and Carla will soon be back from an early morning appearance on local radio (Imagine! A Democrat speaking on AM radio!), to promote the current play at The Theater on the Hill, so I need to do my morning self-medication so I'll be in endocrinologcal equilibrium for the upcoming wonderful breakfast (Breakfast A today).

Best regards,

Doug

 

[Jerome Marot]

I continue to be disappointed by the lack of any pictures of this woman who clearly is so important to your life (and to ours as well).

Tom has already posted a few pictures of Christine. I remember some taken during a trip to Asia.

 

[fahim mohammed]

Albert Einstein ( the winner of the 1921 Noble prize for Physics ) was once asked by his hostess at a social gathering, to explain to her, his theory of relativity.

Einstein, is said, to have answered as follows:

" Madam, I was once walking in the country on a hot day. With a blind friend.
I told my friend that I would like a drink of milk.

Milk? said my friend, ' Drink I know; but is milk?'

A white liquid, I replied.

Liquid I know; but what is white?

The color of a swan's feathers.

Feathers I know; but is a swan?

A bird with a crooked neck.

Neck I know; but what is this 'crooked'?

Now, I lost my patience; I got hold of his arm, and straightened it, and said, ' that is straight.' Then I bent his arm at the elbow, and said, ' and that is crooked.'

Ah! said my blind friend, Now I know what you mean, by milk! "

So, thank you Tom for the detailed explanation.

Now I know know what you mean by ' provocateur '.

 

[Tom dinning]

Hi, Tom,

I've always been gratified by the great respect you accord Christine, even though your insights into that are always over-salted with your distinctive sarcasm.

I continue to be disappointed by the lack of any pictures of this woman who clearly is so important to your life (and to ours as well). But that is certainly her privilege. Still, I'll periodically call for that. (Just think of all the years it took to get pictures of Ayesha smiling!) We would be optimistic that you could be just as productive (that is, in terms of photography and philosophy) without your testicles.

And I shudder to think of what we here on the forum would suffer without whatever moderation she teaches (or even demands).

So, to Christine: We love ya!

And to Tom: this is an adaptive set of good wishes, meaning that on each occasion you can choose whatever accolade seems to fit:

• A really great thought.

• An interesting point but I'm not sure I can agree.

• What-ever!

• I don't think do.

• Piss off!

Well, its 0800 local time and Carla will soon be back from an early morning appearance on local radio (Imagine! A Democrat speaking on AM radio!), to promote the current play at The Theater on the Hill, so I need to do my morning self-medication so I'll be in endocrinologcal equilibrium for the upcoming wonderful breakfast (Breakfast A today).

Best regards,

Doug

I love multiple choice. Can I choose more than one?

Christine won't pose. I have to catch her on the run. I'll see what I can find.

 

[Tom dinning]

Albert Einstein ( the winner of the 1921 Noble prize for Physics ) was once asked by his hostess at a social gathering, to explain to her, his theory of relativity.

Einstein, is said, to have answered as follows:

" Madam, I was once walking in the country on a hot day. With a blind friend.
I told my friend that I would like a drink of milk.

Milk? said my friend, ' Drink I know; but is milk?'

A white liquid, I replied.

Liquid I know; but what is white?

The color of a swan's feathers.

Feathers I know; but is a swan?

A bird with a crooked neck.

Neck I know; but what is this 'crooked'?

Now, I lost my patience; I got hold of his arm, and straightened it, and said, ' that is straight.' Then I bent his arm at the elbow, and said, ' and that is crooked.'

Ah! said my blind friend, Now I know what you mean, by milk! "

So, thank you Tom for the detailed explanation.

Now I know know what you mean by ' provocateur '.

I've heard versions of this story, never one from Einstein. Perhaps he plagiarized from the Buddhist source of my version.
Never the less, a poignant reminder of the nature of language.

Cheers

 

[Doug Kerr]

Hi, Tom,

I love multiple choice. Can I choose more than one?

Oh, certainly.

Christine won't pose. I have to catch her on the run. I'll see what I can find.

We wouild love to see her on the run.

Best regards,

Doug

 

[fahim mohammed]

 

[Asher Kelman]

Where are the Sherpas?

Seems dangerous to climb alone!

Asher

 

[Don Ferguson Jr.]

You are a proficient provocateur, Fahim, a skill you should be proud of.
I have been warned by higher authorities yet I cannot resist such temptation to reply. Perhaps we are opposite sides of the same coin.
I hope so.
Here is my sarcastic reply. Treat it as such.

Wife? Does she have a life beyond mine?
Here I was thinking I can provide all she needs without the external ambitions beyond keeping house, looking beautiful for me and providing me with an income best suited to my life style.
Mind you, she does make a great companion, a superb organizer and occasionally, a satisfier of my more intimate needs. She's worth every penny I've invested into our courtship.
She does gripe a bit. It seems I don't see it her way all that often. That might be true but 'all that often' should be often enough; surely.
She does keep herself well, I must admit. She drapes my arm in the best of company, but I do ask her not to speak. Her Manchester accent isn't appropriate for mixed company.
Beyond that she minds her own business and gets on with the duties of a woman.
Mind you, she does inquire on my activities from time to time.
"What are you doing, my dear Tom?"
"I'm talking to my friends and enemies on OPF" I reply, with the minimal amount of condescension.
"You post a picture of me on that homophobic cult cultural excuse for photography and I'll cook your testicles for the dogs dinner"
"We don't have a dog, dear"
" I'll get one"

So, as you see, or might not, some of us are bound by great ideals; that of the privacy of She Who Must Be Obeyed.

I needed a laugh tonight that was funny.
Don

 

[fahim mohammed]

Thanks to all those that were gracious to respond to my ' simple ' question, at the beginning of this thread.

Of course, my thanks also to all those who ( for whatever reasons ) have not responded. What would OPF be without your contributions and observations.

Your responses have been very illuminating. I respect all the view points that have been expressed.

Thank you.

p.s Social venue!! I tried Ashey Madison. Not my scene; unreal it was. Choose to stick with OPF. Prefer meeting of minds to the meeting of bodies.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Fahim,

Sorry to enter so late! I didn't get the true nature of the thread, but took a shortcut until now by just enjoying pictures!

My wife is a treasure, and that was my view before I really fell in love with her years later! She had her share of posing for hours in front of her Dad's 16x20 Deardorf camera. She hates camera stores! She had vowed never to marry a guy obsessed with photography!

So she was stunned to discover that her Dad and I had an affinity for his darkroom and It was not just a show of "being nice"! Gradually she realized that I, myself was also deeply smitten by this expensive interest! Still, she never discouraged my picture taking.

She's recognized as being great working with people to rally support for causes. She's a "go to" person for organisers for many public projects supporting education, the arts and medicine, especially neuropsychiatric needs.

Besides that she's an avid reader, a fabulous gourmet cook, a loving mother grandmother and wife with a large circle of friends who put up with me, more or less!

.....and she has steadfastly supported my in all my crazy projects and my career!

.....and she does allow me to look after the pool, roof and other external
Parts of the house, as long as I remove my shoes when I re-enter!

Asher

 

[fahim mohammed]

Thanks Asher.

Our regards to the Wonderful Wendy.

 

[fahim mohammed]

I have an important date to keep in July.

Another woman in my life. I hope she has learned English. It shall help her in the kitchen, cooking all day...maybe she has learned some arithmetic too.

 

[Doug Kerr]

Hi, Fahim,

I have an important date to keep in July.

Another woman in my life. I hope she has learned English. It shall help her in the kitchen, cooking all day...maybe she has learned some arithmetic too.

Fascinating teaser. Tell us more.

I enjoyed the letterhead on the missive you sent regarding the French language. It reminded me of one of its wonders: what we call "physicist" they call physicien, while what we call "physician" they call médicin, or for a female, médicine, which is also the word they use for that discipline.

Vive le français!

Best regards,

Doug

 

[fahim mohammed]

Happy Birthday Doug.

Our prayers for a long and healthy life for Carla and you.

 

[Doug Kerr]

Hi, Fahim,

Happy Birthday Doug.

Our prayers for a long and healthy life for Carla and you.

Thank you so much.

Best regards,

Doug