A Passion for provincetown

A Passion for Provincetown 
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My passion for Provincetown is a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures that arise in this Cape Cod town. I was married in Provincetown on August 30, 2013. Also, I cherish the people I've met here, the times we've had, the portraits of them that have developed. 

Not everyone shares my feeling. The week after my husband Bentley and I were married by Rev. Kate Wilkinson, I met two old friends from my childhood. Arriving by ferry, they brought their 13-year-old son to Commercial Street, and stayed in town for a day. After swapping memories from our past time together on a bench near the Wired Puppy, they mentioned they were leaving that day, had disliked Provincetown, and added they probably would not be back to visit. Talking about his experience of Commercial Street, the father added: "It's too much like a Mall."

I was curious how they formed their strong opinion, so I asked them a few things: 

Did you walk the East End or West End of town?
>Nope.

 Did you take in a show or listen to music in a club or on the street?
>Naw.

Did you go out on the water or swim the harbor, or even sit gazing at water and waves? Did you bike out among the Dunes?
>We tried, but...

In contrast to my friends' impression, my experience of Provincetown is immense, a kind of web of fine threads of relationships suspended in my consciousness. Provincetown experiences have been vibrant, vital, diverse and wildly energetic. Walking the shore, the grassy lanes, or the back streets to photograph is a meditation, an invitation to slow the pace, gather pictures, and enjoy flânerie. 

The timeless spirit of Provincetown is larger than any single person's vision, but I offer a few pictures made over the years. some of these pictures are in the installation, Women By Sea, in the Provincetown library. Thank you, passionate Provincetown. 

About the Author: Sailor, basinji dog lover, folk guitarist and first mate on Salty Paws, Austin has published a fine art photography eZineAustin called SHIZEN, ( pronounced She-Zen), a FREE, no-ad, one click .PDF for any device, all are welcome to download here.

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