Jon Crispin's Notebook

I’m back from the TEDx event at the Vineyard.  It was an intense couple of days and was really interesting.  Aside from my usual anxiety about presenting the project to people, my biggest concern was how to get 10 20 x 24 inch framed prints from my house to the venue.  It all worked out, but it was a bit nerve wracking.

I was really happy that I was only showing prints, and not doing a formal presentation.  I travel around and talk about the suitcases quite a lot, but mostly in give and take type of situations.  The idea of standing up and delivering a 15 minute presentation still seems a bit intimidating.  It was really helpful though to watch how others talk about their work in this type of format, and I learned a ton about how I want to refine my presentations.

Here’s Jon Ronson giving his talk.  I had read “The Psychopath Test” and seen “The Men Who Stare at Goats” and was happy to get the chance to hang out with him.  So many creative and stimulating people were a part of the event, and the organizers did a great job setting up time for the participants to relax and talk about our work.  It was an honor to be asked to a part of it and I am really grateful to all involved, especially Katy Decker who is an amazing bundle of energy and sweetness.  It was also fantastic that my dear friend Sue Jackson, her husband Rick, and their friend Joanie made the trip over from the Cape.  It meant so much to me to have familiar faces there.

The Vineyard is a really lovely place and as I hadn’t been there in years, it was great to be back.

It was only slightly weird that since the President was in residence for his vacation, the Coast Guard was out in force.  I would guess it was just for training purposes, but there were three chase boats that shadowed us back to Wood’s Hole and it felt a bit strange to see a manned 50 caliber machine gun so near to the ferry.

I am hoping to post more here over the next week.  Thanks, as usual, for following.