Beauty Beyond Scars | Lean

Hello Folks. I am back with another installment of Beauty Beyond Scars! It's a project I've kept dear to my heart, although I haven't gain too much traction in the past year. I definitely like to hear from people and their stories, so I'll keep going.

I met with my buddy Lean in the recent weeks. We've been crossing paths as of late. We were friends back in college, way back, but didn't really have enough sit downs and conversations until recently. That's because Lean is always traveling, and so am I. We don't live in the same city, but the stars aligned. I learned about Lean's recent experiences. Tie that to Lean's sense of self awareness and fashion, I had to do a photoshoot. It is a form of healing for the both of us; in front of and behind the lens. Lean is beautiful inside and out.

" It’s been a month since my world has been shook. The PTSD creeps up when I’m driving. When I’m working. When I’m at weddings. When I hold my baby nephew. I’m not really sure when I will fully heal, when I’ll stop waking up in tears, but I do know that slowly, steadily, I’ll get free."

"Heartbreak from cheating and betrayal has been toxic to my soul. The pain is isolating. And somehow, the pain is also resonating. So many women and femmes have reached out with their heartbreaks - of when they forgave them self - of when they walked out - of when they stayed and built sand castles of men that were gravel. Even in pain and growth, we blossom."

"I have been finding myself at boba shops. In my friend’s hands. On their shoulders. In shared smoke sessions. I am slowly putting a puzzle back. It’s only been possible with the rose waters of loved ones. When asked will I ever be friends with those that betrayed me. I respond: why would I dilute my mana?"

- Lean

Edouard, the man and his Coffee

I went to visit my friend Jasmine at a coffee joint where she works for my lunch break. Upon chilling there, an old man walked in around a half hour later. He got his coffee, walked to my table, and asked if anyone was sitting here. It was only me; no other chair. I told him I was sitting here and he asked if he can join. I gave him my chair and got another one. 

We started chatting. His name was Edouard, originally from France. 91 Years old. Living in New York for the longest time, then retiring in San Diego for quite some time (30-40 years). He was a happy man, blessed to be walking and takes frequent visits to this coffee shop before strolling around the area. 

Our conversation about life, living in San Diego, and loving the moments we have, were great reminders to me. I told him I only hope to live and see the world as long as he has. I'm currently 28. Edouard was a fine aged gentlemen. Real stylish too. I had to ask if I cold take a photo of him. He cheerfully agreed. I had my phone on me so I started taking portraits. All of these were taken with a Google Pixel XL

He gladly accepted my request to take portraits. "Print them and give them to me." he says.

I printed 3 photos. I told him I would give it to him as a gift. He says he usually returns to the coffee joint. Jasmine will deliver it to him. Felt like his conversation with me was a gift, so I had to give something back. Cheers to Edouard. Thank You for that spontaneous period of talk. 

Till next time, Buddy. Keep smiling, keep strolling through life.

~ Snap Pilot #17