Outdoor Photography

This morning, it was a bright, sunny day, and I had some photos taken outdoors. The person who took them for me was infocus-san, a photographer I've become good friends with on note!

Come to think of it, this is the third person I've met in person, outside of online, whom I first got to know on note.

However, this is something I feel every time: the sense of security when meeting someone you've gotten to know through their writing is on a completely different level.

I've been able to get to know infocus-san slowly and quietly through writing as well. That's why I feel like we've known each other for a long time.

And, everyone, are you curious?

Yes, infocus-san was a man with an exceptionally beautiful smile. Moreover, he was truly a kind person.

Strangely enough, even though I didn't know his face at all, I knew immediately that it was him when I saw infocus-san standing at our meeting spot.

Even though it was still a hot September, infocus-san kindly accepted my unreasonable request and took photos for me from early in the morning, sweating as he worked.

And today, I also asked my daughter. No matter how I looked at it, it was going to be hot. Shooting in long sleeves would definitely make me sweat a lot. So, I asked my daughter, not expecting much.

"Would you mind carrying my bags?"

I asked. Then, unexpectedly,

"That sounds fun, sure!"

she replied immediately. It just so happened that my daughter was on vacation. Lucky me!

And this morning, she actually woke up on time.

What's more, my daughter, acting as my assistant, brought along a lot of fun gadgets for me because I'm a sweaty person. I was surprised by that too!

The thing that impressed my daughter the most—and I felt the same way—was that infocus-san had read my note posts about the activities I want to do in the future. He was trying to get a proper grasp of the image I wanted. As expected of him.

Then, after the shoot, I looked at the clock and it was only 9:30 in the morning. My daughter then said,

"Let's just get on the Shinkansen and go to Karuizawa!"

Can you believe she said that?

When I pretended not to hear, asking 'What, what?', it turned out she was serious, and she went right ahead and briskly booked Shinkansen tickets on her phone!

And by late morning, we were in Karuizawa, where the wind already felt like autumn.

Yes, I thought it was just a day trip, but we were able to enjoy a full six hours there. Of course, I'd like to say we went shopping, but we didn't buy anything.

For lunch, my daughter booked a restaurant, saying she wanted to eat Chinese food.

It was absolutely delicious.

My daughter and I often miss each other, and lately, we hardly ever go out together.

And it seems she knew that I, who love to eat, had been avoiding sweets before the photo shoot, so it was like a gift of a meal.

So, my daughter, who suggested the round trip to Karuizawa, treated me to everything today. She said it was an apology for not being able to cook dinner on weekdays. I am so grateful.

I had such a happy day, thinking, 'To think something this good could happen!'

infocus, thank you for your help from early in the morning.

*Thank you for reading until the end.

*I also talk about this on Stand.fm.