When the topography of my favorite place altered significantly after a flood, I was devastated. Convinced that my memories of the place were imperiled if I could not ensure that the setting would remain intact indefinitely – exactly how I remembered it – I dedicated myself to preserving it with photographs. Realizing years later that geography is constantly shifting regardless of my determination to perpetuate it only heightened my appreciation.
The ceremony began at dusk in a garden at the Edgar Allan Poe museum in Richmond, Virginia. A friend who I have known since high school and with whom I lived for one year during college married yesterday. The reception followed under candle-lit lanterns, surrounded by twilight blue string lights and ivy-covered gates, and reminded me of the lyrics to a song by Nick Cave & The Badseeds. Reunited with old friends and acquainted with new ones, I feel rejuvenated.
We packed light, each carrying only one backpack, and did not purchase many souvenirs. I bought this figurine in the Tokyo Narita airport on an impulse as we rushed to find our gate to return home. It is one of my favorite things.
Lauren Newman lives in Richmond, Virginia. She majored in urban planning, married her high school sweetheart, and dreams about moving to Mexico. More »
