Crossing Paths

I am continually amazed at how life will take you in directions that put you in the path of an individual who, but for simple common interests, has no yet explainable connection to you.  In February 2010 I enrolled and participated in a weekend photography course in order to get some tips and techniques for using our new Canon DSLR camera.  The course was in a quaint little tourist town in Maryland almost into Delaware.  I probably wouldn't have taken this course in February - it was cold and there was slushy snow on the ground - but we were going to Hawaii in March for a long awaited vacation and to meet our new granddaughter, Delanie.  I was hoping to learn enough to be able to capture some memorable moments.

The class had about 8 people enrolled.  The first half of the first day was spent in the "classroom", then we were to head out with our instructor to designated places to put our cameras to use.  It is here that I met Marta.  Now, there is no amazing story to tell about this meeting: we were just two people who had an interest in learning more about photography and who struck up a friendship based on that mutual interest.  Here are a few of my favorite photos taken by me that weekend:

Other than that interest in photography, Marta and I had very little in common, but at the end of two days, we were Facebook "friends".  We talked about keeping in touch but you know how that goes.  Well, Facebook is wonderful for actually keeping people connected and I am able to enjoy the beautiful photographs Marta takes during her frequent travels across the globe and Marta graciously pops in now and then with a comment or two about the events in my life.  We did talk about her possibly coming to Maine during the fall to capture the beautiful fall foliage and I would be her tour guide, we just haven't been able to make that happen yet.  But all is good, life goes on and we are connected through this wonderful thing called social networking.  I continue to enjoy reading about her traveling adventures and seeing the photos she takes along the way.  Yes, life goes on...

Two days ago (November 1st), Steve, Trish and I take a drive to Clearwater and enjoy the various beaches along Gulf Boulevard.  As always, I take photos to capture the memories of our adventure.  On this day, I take these shots at Sand Key Beach with my iPhone:

When we got home that evening, like most days, I logged into Facebook to see what everyone is up to.  As I scroll down through the posts of my "friends" I get to Marta's post from that same day.  As usual, she has included a couple of photographs.  Here they are:

Wait, is that the SAME lifeguard shack?  And, that picture of the sun's rays through the clouds over the water looks suspiciously familiar.  Here's the comment I made on her wall: " I was at Sand Key this afternoon. This looks exactly like a picture I took. Also, the lifeguard shack. Don't even tell me you were there today too?"

Yup, that's right.  Marta, who lives in Manhattan, was at the same beach we were on the same day in Clearwater, Florida.  Our paths barely crossed.  After a couple of private messages back and forth we arranged to get together tonight.  Marta joined us for a drink at the hotel we are staying in Clearwater.  It was great seeing her again and much like our previous path crossing, there is no amazing story to tell: just a couple of individuals connected through.... oh, I don't know.... Facebook???, enjoying meeting again, easy conversation, and a beautiful sunset over the water.  Thanks, Marta, for the pleasure of your company and for this amazing photo...

Until our paths cross again...