7.07.2007

The Plummers

I had some time today to spend walking around and talking with people. I found this family of four generations sitting outside their house that they lived in for over 30 years. They're one of those families that immediately makes you feel welcome, as thought they knew you for as long as their own. And they didn't hold anything back knowing that there was a camera in their faces. Most people usually tense up or feel awkward (including me) in that situation, but they seemed natural. They were talking about how much the town of Monroe has changed over the years they've been there, and how all the good people died a long time ago. They seemed pretty pessimistic about the direction of the town, but they were still happy as can be. I think that's because they still have each other. So I hung out with them for a couple hours, and they invited me back anytime I want. I'm thinking I might be able to make a story out of this one... Meet Grandma. She's originally from Jamaica, but has lived in Monroe for quite some time now. She has a thick accent and a perpetual look of worry on her face. She told me to be careful who I hang out with and told me to stay in school. Good advice.
This is Lorenzo comforting grandma.
Lorenzo is a family friend from Toledo. When I get there at 11:30 a.m., he was on his second beer. He liked making racist jokes.
This is Linn (the granddaughter) and her two children. She's been living in this house since she was born- for 30 years. They were looking through catalogs for a while wanting practically everything in them.
This is Emma, a granddaughter. I guess she likes to pray.
And here's grandma again, looking out onto the street to see what trouble may be aloof.

4 comments:

Jason Henry said...

Your photos make me cry...there damn good

Jeremiah Wilson said...

Very real

Celia Talbot Tobin said...

Yaaaay for super shallow dof. These are quite stunning, lovely lens choice. And everything else I'm catching up on here is terrific too. You're growing like a damn weed out there(except you're not unwanted)! How the hell do you make pictures larger??

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