I was cooking some Cheesy Chicken Alfredo yesterday when the door bell rang. It was Mom’s next door neighbours (if you can call them that since they’re like two miles apart, hahahah) who brought us some fresh parsnips from there garden. I’ve meet them sometime before and they’re a wonderful couple. The wife’s an avid gardener and the husband, a bird lover. If memory serves me right, I first met Gary (the husband) about five years ago thru the avian society which my Dad and I are also members. Then later discovered that she was my Mom’s closest neighbour.
The timing couldn’t be perfect since I just finished cooking. We invited them in and asked to join us for lunch, which they gladly accepted. And while we were enjoying our meal, Dad Aldo mentioned to me that Gary is a publisher slash political analyst. I really wasn’t that much interested in politics. But I decided to share my own views, to not feel displaced. I would have preferred joining the ladies conversation, but they were talking about menopausal symptoms. And I don’t think I have any say on that topic. Hahahah! Here is how the conversation started…
Gary: So who’s your Presidential bet, Nell?
Nell: To be honest, I really don’t have any. Any guy or gal should be fine by me, as long as they get the job done.
Dad Aldo: It’s quite obvious you’re not happy about Bush.
Gary: What a fesity answer! So what specific attributes are you looking for in our next Commander in Chief?
Nell: The one that has concern for the people and one that knows the priorities of this country. Is that good enough? And Dad, about what you said — no comment!
Dad Aldo: Hahahah! Does that mean you don’t like Republicans?
Gary: Speaking of which, are you a Democrat or a Republican? Cause Aldo and myself are Democrats through and through.
Nell: Neither one, cause I’m not really into politics!
Dad Aldo: Told you Gary, he hates all politicians.
Nell: I don’t exactly hate them, it just happens that they’re at the bottom of my priority lists.
Gary: You’re an Independent then?
Nell: I have my own independent mind, if that’s what you’re saying.
Gary: So you’re not for Obama, Clinton or Huckabee?
Nell: Nope, neither one of them. But it would be interesting what a woman can do in the White House or how the public would take a leader of color. I’m not being racist or a feminist, I’m just a curious bee. That’s all! By the way, who’s Huckabee?
Dad Aldo: You’re kidding me?
Nell: Nope, I just don’t know who he is. Is that a crime?
Gary: For a non politicking guy, you sure have some interesting outlook. Huckabee’s not exactly popular, but he’s starting to make some noise. I’m just curious, but will you ever consider a job in publishing or politics?
Dad Aldo: Gary, better hold up on that offer. He doesn’t know who Huckabee is!
Nell: Are you offering me a job, Gary?
Gary: Yup, can you be my personal chef? Hahahah!
Nell: Oh you silly! (Dad Aldo left for the dinner table after this)
Gary: By the way, I’ve seen that photograph you took of your Mom. That was beautiful, Nell.
Nell: Now you’re just fooling me! I am no artist or pro photographer. That was just something I did out of boredom. It’s just a hobby!
Gary: No, seriously. Me and my wife were talking about it last time we were here and saw that framed photo. It’s exquisite, believe me. Which brings me to the question of asking you to take photographs of me and my wife for our 25th year anniversary. Would you consider that, please? I mean for a fee, of course.
Nell: Huh? Why me? I am no photographer, Gary. Like I said, it’s just a hobby.
Gary: You will do us a kind favor if you do these for us. Please!
Nell: Oh golly, you guys are scaring me. What am I supposed to say?
Gary: A YES! (I was scratching my head after he said that)
Nell: How about this. I will take photos of you and your wife for your anniversary, but no fees other than the photo enlargement. I don’t feel comfortable taking your money for some sort of project that I might end up screwing.
Gary: We’re confident you won’t. But it don’t feel right not paying you. You know, your time, your gas, supplies and other stuff.
Nell: This is going to be a dilemna!
Gary: Sure is. Hmmm, how about we buy you guys dinner at the Club XIX? It’s the very least we can do for your time. How’s that?
Nell: That sounds fair to me, dinner it is then. And that’s it, okay?
Gary: Thank heavens, that was the hardest deal I ever made in my life. Hahahah!
Oh my, what is this thing I signed up for? Me taking photographs of people in a businesslike manner. I don’t know what Gary found in that photo I took of Mom. I mean it’s nice, but definitely not perfect to deserve such praise. I am so nervous about this. But then again, I didn’t want to be rude and play hard-to-get. Hopefully, I’ll do justice taking photos of Gary and his wife. Cause I’d probably hate myself forever, if I screw this up. Pray for me, this might be my end! Hahahah…
Tales of A Melodramatic Moron 
Don’t sweat it, Nell! You take such wonderful, professional-looking pictures – I’m sure you’d do a good job!
magdilang anghel ka sana, pinky. only heaven knows kong anong kalalabasan ng mga photos. pro looking pix? thank you, pero compare my pix to others eh magmumukang kawawa yong sa akin. heheheh! thanks for the encouragement, God bless 😀
Hello Nell . . . Congrats on being asked to take pictures of your mom’s neighbors big event. You take wonderful pictures with great composition, color, and depth. You’ll be fine! I think that’s how I got to visiting your blog was because of the photos that you’ve taken. Well, again, hope your weekend at the beach house was relaxing. Ciao for now . . . take care! 😉
Nell, ang galing mo. Baka this is your chance to go Pro. Good luck and please post the pictures once you are done (of course, you better ask Gary’s permission first).
Politics – pass din ako.
hi lulu, my week end at the beach house was great. except for that drive back home, where nicho (my nephew) decided to cry his heart out cause he didn’t want to leave. guess, he enjoyed himself as well playing by the ocean and heating up marshmallow by the bonfire. and horseback riding, he had a blast!
anyhow, i was very much surprise with gary’s offer and up to now eh i could not believe it. he said it’s a small event, so medyo nabawasan ang kaba ko. btw, thanks so much for your kind comments about my photo. buti ka pa eh you can appreciate my pix. cause i couldn’t find any good words to say about it. guess, i’m my worst critic. hahahah 😉
og golly, keith. kinabahan ako sa comment mo, but thank you for your encouragement. though i have doubts if i can ever turn pro. pero sige, if ever i go pro in photography eh i promise to take photos of you and your lovely family. ok ba sa inyo 😉
ps: oo naman, i promise to share the pix when they’re done. and i don’t think the couple would mind me sharing it with friends and loading it on flickr, hehehe.
Nell, sige okay ako diyan. Yun nga lang, I’m sure I won’t be able to afford your fee. Pwede dinner na lang din ang bayad? 🙂
keith, free of charge. what are we friends for pa 😉
ps: pero di ako tatanggi sa dinner, hahahah
ang galing naman ng memory mo nell, you remembered the entire conversation, haha! i’m a political analyst by training so don’t get me started, lalo pa at na-aaddict na ako sa kakanood ng mga primaries at debates dito sa bansa niyo, e hindi naman ako bumoboto, hahaha!
not word for word hah, meeya. it must be that relax mode i was in, kaya gumama ang mga brain cells ko. hahahah! aba aba political analyst ka rin pala sister. sino po ba ang dapat iboto sa susunod na eleksyon? please enlighten us, hehehe 😀
I’m a sucker for smart women so my bet goes to Hilary Clinton 🙂 Not many people know that Bill Clinton actually worked for Hilary’s law firm when he was a practicing young lawyer.. and ultimately married the boss 🙂 Come to think of it – Hilary already has a top notch adviser when she moves to the White House – her husband Bill hehe 🙂
Yes, I’d be the first to say that your photos are cool man. I have no doubt you can do it. Go for it bro 🙂
no doubt she’s one smart woman, bw. hopefully, if she wins and becomes president she’ll be able to lots more for this country. i work in the medical/ accounting field and i’ve seen people suffering and getting worse due to lack of healthcare projects, some affordable ones at the very least. golly, i think we’re paying a fair share of taxes and deserve better than this. dba? ay ayan naglecture na raw ako, hahaha. thanks for sharing that info, didn’t know that. it just proves my point that hillary is indeed one smart woman and hopefully put it to good use when she’s madam president. btw, thanks also for extra boost. i will soon have to look for possible locations to take the couples picture. salamat po ulit 😉