So for two weeks now, I’ve been trying to figure out what (or how) I want to write about my move down south. I’ve been trying to keep my camera ready for a picture to showcase “The South” or something that would be semi-entertaining and humorous.
However, it’s been two weeks and although I do have PLENTY of pictures from my experiences so far, I haven’t been able to find a picture that says “Mississippi”.
I’ve got pictures of public transportation in Hattiesburg, funny t-shirts, food, my collection of coffee mugs from Southbound Bagels…and I’ve sent many of you these pictures. But those pictures just capture a moment and don’t share my feelings or even anything outside that moment. And no matter how well I explain the picture I put on Facebook or MMS someone, you interpret it different than I actually experienced it.
I have always thought that pictures can be beautiful and give a glimpse into a moment someone attempted to capture and share. And so when I went through the 300+ picture I’ve taken so far in the past two weeks, I realized none of them did justice to encompass ALL of what I’ve experienced. And digging through all the pictures led me back to the VERY first picture I took when coming down the highway to Hattiesburg.
I took this picture because I was scared, excited and curious. Hattiesburg, Next Right…? I saw the sign as a question, not a statement. And that question evoked those feelings inside me.
And what I’ve started to realize is pictures don’t just show something pretty or rare…they show feelings. Pictures are capable of pulling feelings from you that are possibly what the photographer felt.
When you see that sign, you might not feel scared, but maybe you’re curious, like I was and like I still am. The picture I shared is nothing spectacular, but it gives me the opportunity to share my feelings with you, and allow you to see more than just a moment of my life.
Mississippi is great, I enjoy it…so far. Of course the first thing I noticed that was great is the food. I love the fact I can get sweet tea at every corner and can speed up the progression of diabetes, ha. Next it without a doubt the hospitality that is delivered to me, from everyone. People are friendly, and actually mean it when they say “how are you doing”…now, I could see how people “caring” so much it could eventually become intrusive, but for now, I’ll enjoy it.
I think I need to buy a motorcycle.