Meet Jenn. She was minding her own business on the metro one November. I have no recollection as to who was on first but saw her sitting there; quietly waiting for her stop, like the rest of us travelers. I did everything in my willpower to not fixate but her unique features kept drawing my eye again and again. It was at that moment, staring at her white eyelashes, conviction took hold. The disappointment would hang hard and heavy if I did not sum up the courage to accost her before her station arrived. Decision time.

Deep breath.

I grew a pair of balls, rose from my seat with certainty, sat down next to her…and proceeded to verbally vomit all over her! Starting my introduction with, “I don’t mean to be creepy but…” Handing her my card, I told her she was stunning and how much I would love to photograph her. Yadda yadda. What probably only lasted 30 seconds felt like a small eternity and it wasn’t until I arrived back at my seat that the realization struck; I never even said my name!

So you can imagine my surprise when I received an email a couple of weeks later accepting my offer.

Jenn, I want to let you know I’m not in the habit of accosting women on the metro! (Although after the experience, I may not flinch so much at the mere thought!) Thank you for taking a chance and joining me for an excursion and exploration through my slightly offbeat mind.

Looking at this now I am reminded of the magic that inevitably occurs from engaging in an activity that scares the hell out of you. Note to self.