Threl - a photo on Flickriver

Threl

While picking up a few items at the local Costco store, I was not looking for, or expecting to meet the next stranger for my Human Family photo project.

All that changed the moment this unique fellow and his partner passed me in an aisle surrounded by freezer cabinets.

I ditched my shopping cart to catch up with him and his partner to introduce myself and my project. Through his mask, he gave a friendly "Sure, ok" to my request for a photo. Meet Threl. I had to check twice on his name because I had never heard that name before.

When he realized that I was intending to photograph him there and then (my camera was still in my pocket), he stepped back against the freezer cabinet, but he readily agreed to my request that he stand in the meddle of the aisle (that is my abandoned shopping cart in the background).

Threl's partner, who was more conventionally dressed, and patiently supportive of this unexpected photo shoot, suggested that he lower his mask, which he did for the more close-up portrait. When I thanked her for her patience, she said "No problem. People have wanted to photograph him before."

I learned that Threl is 40 and his main interest is in refashioning discardeded materials into crafts. I believe this creative activity is known as "upcycling."

When I asked Threl for a message he would like to share with the world, he said "Smarten up." I asked how he meant that, to smarten up how? He said "It doesn't take much to be kind to others." It is a great message.

Our brief, unexpected encounter while shopping ended with my thanking both of them and getting Threl's email so I could send him the photos.

Thank you, Threl, for participating in my photo project. You are my 906th submission to The Human Family Group.

You can see more street portraits of strangers and read their stories by visiting The Human Family.

FOLLOW-UP:
When I sent Threl his photos, I invited him to tell more of his story and answer a few questions I had. He, in turn, sent the following email that I'm sharing with his permission. It tells his interesting story more fully than was possible in the aisle at Costco and it shows that every stranger has a story.

" Hi Jeff,

It was nice meeting you too. I was actually dressed down yesterday but still you wouldn’t believe how many people stare or take my picture while I’m out. That said it doesn’t bother me at all.

The person I was with is my girlfriend, Mandy, and were solid proof opposites attract. We’ve been together for 7 years now, she’s the love of my life. My name initially was a nickname after fooling around with a ouiji board at a childhood friends birthday. Threl was something spelt out whether it was real or just fooling around, the name stuck, so I’ve been Threl for most of my life. It’s been legally changed. As for my kilt, I always wear kilts. I love the style, the history, the culture and hate pants lol I wear them with pride and know the history of the tartan I’m wearing as I have run into people whose tartan I am wearing, I must have close to 40 different kilts. My hat is just the style I craft. Just an excess of pins I had nothing to put on and I had the plain hat. I like to craft using materials that may end up in the dump, so if I can upcycle something and give new life to it that someone will love, I’m all for it and maybe I can count that as doing my part for the environment. I’m in the initial stages of selling my crafts on Etsy. I was born in Kingston and spent my life in Battersea, just 20 mins from Kingston. Most would never guess, I am a caregiver at heart. 2009 changed my life, my father became sick with a brain tumour and passed away after fighting for 7 months when the doctors only gave him 2 weeks when we went home. I was by his side 24/7 and that way we were able to keep him home. After he was gone, I got into healthcare, a PSW course to start. Right now I work assembling medical equipment while helping people on weekends and any time I can spare through the week. I plan to get back to PSW work full time (had to take a break, became close to too many clients and have buried many friends) or I may finally go into Nursing. In my spare time I’m either crafting or with my niece and nephews.

Take care,
Threl"

Taken on: December 2, 2023

Tags:

Shrel

stranger

The Human Family

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Sets appears in: • The Human Family - Round 18

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Camera: samsung SM-G998W, f/2.4, 1/60 sec, 9mm, ISO 400 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	samsung SM-G998W
Aperture:	f/2.4
Exposure Time:	0.017 sec (1/60)
Focal Length:	9mm
ISO:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	No Flash
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Center-weighted average
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	G998WVLS9EWI6
Show full info

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