She lived in the suburbs, but that didn’t matter. Her mother owned a super cool bright yellow Sunbird, and wonder of wonders, Mandy was allowed to drive it into the city. It doesn’t really matter where you live, we figured, as long as you have wheels.
A small town girl, newly arrived in the big city, I was making do with more primitive modes of transportation – the bus, and my own two feet. But when Mandy came in for the weekend, my status was instantly elevated. Not only did we have a ride, but it was cool enough to get us attention and - when you are 17 and ready to take on the world – what else really matters?
We circled through the downtown streets, windows down, taking in the energy and life that was only just becoming available to us. Up and down, round and around Mandy drove, through maze of narrow one way streets. We’d park to stroll the waterfront or peek in the doors of bars that didn’t yet offer us admission and then hop back in the car to look for people (known, cute or otherwise intriguing). We were about to start university, high on the possibility of life. In that bright yellow car, the world was at our feet.
We lost touch, Mandy and I, for more than a decade. But then came the miracle that is Facebook, and we reconnected to share memories, stories of our kids and our lives thus far. Then I announced that I would be doing Mini Sessions while I was back East last summer, and was so excited when Mandy decided to reserve a spot. I couldn’t wait to see her and meet her kids.
She pulled up in a maroon minivan – that yellow two-door long gone – and my old friend stepped out. While the kids played, and I snapped photos, Mandy and I realized that even when time passes, the people you know well don’t really change all that much at all. There we were, in the same field where we had first met – over twenty years ago - as gangly teenagers. Cliché or not and children aside, it seemed as if no time had passed.
We might be driving different vehicles now, but best as I can tell, the world is still at our feet.
Note: I am currently booking limited sessions and weddings in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for summer 2010. Please contact me at info@jeanetteleblanc.com to be placed on my announcement list for finalized dates.
