kathryn v. photography

I have a new website!!

2009-02-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

Please go to www.kathrynvphotography.com

See you there!

Mark & Christina

2009-02-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

As I drove out to Pleasanton yesterday morning, I couldn't stop praising the Lord for how beautiful his creation is. The hills are green now thanks to all of the rain, and the sun was at just the right angle to cast solid golden beams through the dewy trees and tall blades of grass. It was a perfect, crisp morning... a perfect way to begin the day.

I was driving to meet up with Mark & Christina. They are expecting their first child... she's due in just a couple of weeks! The theme of my drive earlier was carried on as I spent time with this couple. I got to hear from Mark and Christina how the Lord has taken their relationship through rocky patches and times of honest hardship and has lovingly delivered them and given them grace to, now, enjoy a deeply loving and mutually respecting marriage. Again, I was led to glorify our Father who works perfectly in our lives and through our own shortcomings to bring about something truly beautiful. The richest blessings in their marriage, Mark and Christina told me, has come through these past 9 months, during the expectation of their first child.

It was a genuine blessing to witness the creativity and majesty of God in so many ways - in how he creates beauty in and around us as we seek and desire him.

Thanks for the wonderful time, Mark and Christina... I can't wait to meet your baby girl!

la library

2009-02-08T18:18:00.001-08:00

Dani and I took an afternoon adventure to San Francisco yesterday - with the express purpose of checking out la library. Dani had heard that this was a place in the Mission where you could rent designer clothing. Sounded like a brilliant idea, so of course I was excited to tag along while she scoped it out.

Shaye owns the place and she's super sweet, fun, and eclectic. So this is how la library works: you drop in and "rent" any of the clothes inside for about a 10th of the price. So, if you want to wear a $300 dress for an evening party, pick it up for $30 and bring it back the next day. Brilliant, right? It gets better. You now have a credit and can basically keep bringing your clothes back and exchanging them. It operates like a library for clothes (hence the name) and is essentially your "second closet," as Shaye said.

The designers featured are local - and Shaye switches out the clothes frequently to keep the styles fresh. She has a few incredible designs there herself! These are all one of a kind pieces... so don't worry about showing up to an event with the same dress as the girl across the room. Most of the clothes have a vintage-vibe and are definitely unique.

If you're in the Mission, drop in! Shaye is incredibly friendly and maybe you'll even get to meet one of her many artist or designer friends who stop in to chat with her on her couch.

Get off Bart at 16th St. Mission and turn left when you come out onto street level. Walk down to Guerrero and turn right - it's pretty much immediately on the left hand side.

Shaye - the genius behind and owner of la library.

Between Bart and la library there are a bunch of very cute shops... and we were lucky enough to be there on we heart the mission day, which means we were offered cookies and champagne in The Candy Store (another "must see boutique).

Of course we had to wander into this quaint little used bookstore...

Cary

2009-02-08T18:15:00.001-08:00

My sister is so beautiful!

The Prince & Princess

2009-02-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

Chris and Tabitha might have well been the inspiration for a fairy-tale...

After editing their engagement photos I believe that Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty & the Beast were all based on actual events.

& Louis

2009-02-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Paul and Cathy are one of the most adorable couples I have ever spent time with. Their love for each other and for their baby, Louis, is beautiful. Little baby boy Louis will be here in two weeks! I look forward to seeing him on the outside... but I have to say that he is quite cute even while he's inside of his gorgeous mommy.

These were the shoes Cathy wore on the day she and Paul got married!

Mingled Memories: Old & New

2009-01-30T00:47:00.000-08:00

Today (well, yesterday I guess it is now...) is my Daddy's 52nd birthday! We spent the evening together as a family at my dear Auntie N's home in Woodside. She made a delicious steak, polenta, and avocado salad meal topped off with our favorite: gluten-free angel food cake! Angel food cake is a Vold family tradition, made extra delicious by my Grandma (my dad and Auntie N's mom), and then made slightly less gluten-filled but still just as delicious by my allergic Auntie! This white fluffy scrumptious-ness is my personal favorite - I've always said that I would have it as my wedding cake (why not - it's already my birthday cake every year!).

Our swag for attending the event was a sprig of thyme from the garden and barrels of laughs and smiles from every corner of the table.

Here's Blossom hoping for a bite to eat.

My wonderful parents.

Blowing out the candles!

The angel food cake (gluten-free) mmmm!

Sister and Brother (My Auntie and Daddy)

THESE are canes that my Papa made... he was the most artful, creative, and inventive man in the world. His canes and other wooden creations are part of his beloved legacy in his children's and grandchildren's homes.

And this is one of my most favorite photographs of all time. My Papa and Grandma were devoted to each other for over 50 years - from the day they met until the day they went to Heaven. This photo shows them exactly as they were in life: my Papa - a rugged and handsome farmboy with a grin always on his face, and my Grandma - the definition of elegance and light-hearted kindness. I see so much of both of them in my dad and his lovely sisters, my sweet aunts. What a blessing it is to have the beauty of memories - even memories embodied in children and grandchildren - to help us hold onto those we so love and who are now far, far away.

Dad, my love for you is a bigger picture than words can paint. Happy Birthday.

2009-01-27T17:17:00.000-08:00

My business cards are here! Aren't they cute?? They'll look even cuter sitting in your hand... :)

Thinking of you

2009-01-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

It's raining!

Perfect, I'll stay inside.

As I was enjoying the gloomy beauty of a rainy morning earlier today, I thought about my old paper crane fetish. I used to just love folding pretty pieces of paper into intricate little birds. Placed carefully in a friend's mailbox, they made the perfect way to say, "I'm thinking of you." Cranes were also a fun way to add color and uniqueness to my bookshelves in college.

The best thing about paper cranes is that you always have everything you need to make one. All a crane project requires is: a magazine with great photographs (think Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, or J.Crew), scissors, a pencil, and a ruler.

Magazine paper is so perfect for origami! It's super thin and smooth... just right for sharp creases and sleek lines. The beautiful thing about using magazine pages is that the pictures create awesome patterns and colors on your crane once it's all folded.

Here is one of my favorite old cranes. She's so pretty and delicate - she fits right in the palm of my hand.

Learn to make a crane easily here.

Tip: To make a sweet, tiny crane, cut a small square to fold - I like 5"x5".

As I was getting excited about making cranes for friends, I walked into the kitchen to find my mom making the cutest craft! She used clay to make a small heart-shaped piece. I love the idea of putting one of these in with a batch of fresh-baked cookies for a friend or neighbor. Once the cookies are all gone, they will still have a little memento to remind them that they're loved.

Use your next rainy day to tell someone they're special to you... in your own special way.

Chris & Tabitha

2009-01-17T19:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was in Ghirardelli Square when the sun came up.

Nick Chavez (the current theme of my blog, apparently) and I were taking part in a beautiful project: Chris and Tabitha's engagement video and photos! Nick shot film while I snapped pictures... of two people who are crazy in love!

I feel like I'm going to have to spend a few more blog posts on Chris and Tabitha... it's actually impossible to get a bad picture of them. They are SO in love. They got engaged on the pier below Ghirardelli Square... and this was their first visit back to the spot.

I'm so excited for Chris and Tabitha. Their love is strong and their future is bright. I'm thankful that I got to photograph this lovely pair in enchanting San Francisco.

In front of the canon

2009-01-17T19:02:00.000-08:00

Recently, I noticed a common theme in my photos from the past 6 months: I'm not in them.

There is a reason for this. When I bought my camera, I discovered the joy that comes through being on the other side of the lens. It's a wonderful task to try to frame the world and to capture a moment. It's an addictive challenge that doesn't get old.

Secretly, though, I do love being in pictures as well!

I decided to ask one of the people I trust most with a creative challenge, Nick Chavez, to help me. I handed him my camera and gave him an idea of what I was looking for... and of course, he understood it all. We spent an entire afternoon and evening around my house - taking pictures and laughing constantly.

Nick and I decided to both take the photos home and edit them ourselves. I can't wait to see his creative interpretation of the photos!

Here are a few brilliant shots by Nick, post-processed by me. Hopefully I can post some of Nick's up here in the future!

A Warm January Morning

2009-01-14T17:44:00.001-08:00

Well, maybe it wasn't warm... but it really wasn't cold! Nicole and I got an early start with our shoot - and it was the perfect way to start the day. Nicole is very natural in front of the camera, and her beautiful porcelain skin just glows. We had only a short window of time so we hit some very local locations before enjoying a warm cup at Peet's (after shooting at Starbucks!).

Nicole is so honest and real. Her off-camera look is just the same as it is on-camera. I love that. Her breathtaking outer beauty flows from a warm and gracious heart.

The purpose of our shoot was to get some headshots of Nicole for a singing competition she's entering! I wish her all the best as she sings her pretty little heart out! :)

Thanks for the incredible morning, Nicole.

Click images to enlarge.

Filthy Gorgeous

2009-01-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

It's a little intimidating to photograph a fellow artist like Nick Chavez. He is an incredibly talented guy who makes the most spectacular films (view a few HERE). I was so honored when he asked me to take pictures of him and his girlfriend, Chelsea, because I know he has impeccable taste.

Speaking of good taste, Nick really chose a great girl to spend time with!! Today was my first time hanging out with Chelsea - and let me tell you, she is beautiful and has an amazing spirit about her.

These two had such a great attitude... I really tested their limits! First of all I asked them to come to my house at 7 in the morning... on a Friday... while they're on Christmas break. Then I made Nick drive in rush hour traffic all the way to Grand Avenue, Oakland. Finally I had them wander Grand Avenue in search of great photo spots... in the freezing cold winter air. And they did all of it with a smile on their faces.

Thanks for a WONDERFUL Friday morning, you two! Here is a little sneak peek of your photos!

Love to you both!

Click to enlarge image.

The Esmeyer Family

2009-01-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

I had a blast hanging out with the Esmeyer family today! They are SO FUN.

We've attempted to do this family portrait a few times... and every time we've been rained out! Well, today - on the absolute last day that the Esmeyer's were available before their lovely daughter, Jamie, goes away to school - it finally happened! I'm so glad that we got to do this. Each person in the Esmeyer family just glows.

It was a joy to be around each of you today!

Here are some of my favorites. There are LOTS more where that came from. :) Click image to enlarge.

Green-Eyed Girl

2009-01-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

This is my beautiful baby sister, Kensey. My parents were on to something when they gave her such a unique name; Kensey is extraordinary. She is a beautiful creation and one of the loves of my life.

Kisses to you, Kens.

Auntie N

2008-12-31T15:47:00.001-08:00

My Aunt Nancy is a beautiful person, inside and out. She loves life and enjoys living every day to the fullest. I have immensely enjoyed growing closer to her with each passing year.

Love to you, my Auntie N!

Taress & Evan

2008-12-28T15:10:00.000-08:00

I spent most of yesterday with my beautiful cousin Taress and her majestic horse, Evan. It was a real treat to observe the two of them as they interacted. Evan is 17 now, and it is clear that there is a deep relationship between them that has been born of the many years spent together.

Here are a few photos from our time.

Click to see larger size.

Baby Julian

2008-12-27T13:23:00.001-08:00

One of the most special things about this Christmas was spending time with baby Julian. He is growing so fast! On Christmas Eve he was definitely the most popular family member - everyone wanted him in their arms. He is the sweetest baby and his parents, my cousin Rebecca and her boyfriend Joe, are so loving with him. It is so fun to see our family growing and to feel new life in our gatherings.

A Christmas gift from Madrid, by way of Portugal.

2008-12-24T00:11:00.000-08:00

I found something today that not only interested me... not only delighted me... but truly fascinated me. While searching for design inspiration for a graphic I'll be putting together for 6:13, I happened, quite by accident, across L Filipe dos Santos, a Portuguese artist living in Madrid, Spain. You have to go visit this website to see several samples of his work.

The See.Saw collection is what drew me in. Here is an image from that series. What do you see in the sketch? Pay attention to the use of color (as if you could avoid it).

Do you notice anything special about the sketch? About the paint?

I first found this image on flickr and didn't even notice... that it was an inkblot. I was really able to interact with the sketch because I was curious about the meaning of the use of color. It wasn't until I visited dos Santos' site that I realized what was going on in each image. I just love how the random formation of color and shapes in the inkblot inform the outcome of the sketch.

Here is the original inkblot from which dos Santos created the sketch:

Dos Santos' work reminds me that art, at times, has a tendency of creating itself - and often uses the eager hands of the artist to achieve its own ends.

Just wanted to add...

2008-12-21T22:53:00.000-08:00

Brittany's wedding photographer was the amazing and awe-inspiring Lukas VanDyke. Find Brittany's wedding album (and lots of other great images) on his website!

Here Comes the Bride

2008-12-21T21:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at 2:30 PM, Brittany Wagner married Mr. Wright. Not only was Brittany the most beautiful and graceful bride I had ever seen, and not only was her wedding one of the fullest and most joyful I have ever witnessed, but I got to enjoy all of this with my best friends. Brittany, Amy, Leanna, and I have been the closest of friends for the past three years. This weekend was a milestone in that it was our last time to be together before we all parted ways. Amy is off to home in Idaho, Leanna to Simi Valley, Brittany to married life, and me to the Bay Area. I know that this was not the last time we would be together and that we are sure to enjoy a multitude of new memories in the future... but now it will all be just a little bit different.

Thank you for a beautiful weekend of hilarious 'would you rather's', Stonefire, chai lattes, space-heaters, and Brittany-isms... I love you girls with all my heart!

Hello, Anne

2008-12-16T21:46:00.000-08:00

Today I said good-bye to one of my dearest friends, Annie. She is a full-time missionary in Ukraine and on Friday she flies there. Annie founded her own non-profit organization called "Open Arms." This ministry reaches out to the orphans of Ukraine who have graduated from the governmental system and are left to fend for themselves. Annie's work inspires me and encourages me to live selflessly; in pursuit of caring for the unloved and unwanted in this world. Her work is making a difference in Ukraine... and I just love her and praise the Lord for that.

Annie and I were the best of friends throughout the latter years of high school. True kindred spirits, we rarely left each other's side. Our friendship has remained strong through college and as Annie has moved away to Eastern Europe. I am so happy to say that I will soon be joining Annie in the Ukraine for a short time in during this coming year... I am so thrilled to see her ministry up-close.

As I said, Annie is returning to the Ukraine this Friday. The reason for her short hiatus from the field was that Theresa, Annie's older sister got married in November! Theresa and Ricky have been together for as long as I can remember and I was so happy to see them today as a married couple.

Annie is my hero. She loves her family with all of her heart, and yet she spends most of her time away from them in order to serve the Lord and the orphaned children of Ukraine. It was a special honor for me to take some photos of them together today... knowing that Annie will be looking at these photos while she is missing her family from so far away.

Anne I love this last picture because I feel like we must have laughed at least 95% of the way through high school.

I already miss you, Anne. It makes me smile to think that the next place I see you will be in Ukraine!

Love you!

Going vintage...

2008-12-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

Maybe you noticed that my header is different today. I've been completely inspired by Dan Chen, incredible photographer and artist. His goal is to make every shot into a "vintage work of art." I love that. So, today in my downtime I've been playing around in photoshop trying to achieve vintage effects.

I'm still devouring F. Scott Fitzgerald, so all of the talk about ostrich feathers, boy's dress suits, green-glass skylights, and diamonds as big as the Ritz have me even more-so in the mood to create something that hearkens back to a more glamorous era.

My Ideal Day...

2008-12-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

The sky is gray. Rain is tapping at the window. Flames are licking silently in the fireplace, adding an especially warm glow to the room. I have F. Scott Fitzgerald's book of Short Stories in my hand... this is my idea of the perfect day.

One movie that I just can't wait to see this Christmas is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

My dear mother (aka the queen of trivia) recently told me that The Curious Case... is a story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I bought a collection of his Short Stories about a year ago because I adore Bernice Bobs Her Hair and Winter Dreams.

The book has enjoyed sitting on my shelf... until today: the perfect, most ideal day to curl up and read a story. Page 178, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett star in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button movie, coming out Christmas Day. That means you have exactly eleven days to read this marvelous little story before it comes to the big screen. It's always better to read something when you don't have images of the movie flashing behind your eyes... at least for me.

Basic plot-line: Benjamin Button is born as an old man and progresses backwards through life; getting younger and younger with each year. He struggles to live in a world where he doesn't belong and where he isn't understood or accepted.

Find the complete Curious Case... by F. Scott Fitzgerald here. Or, pick up the collection of Fitzgerald's stories that I have here. (GREAT Christmas present.)

Here's an excerpt from the collection's intro to The Curious Case...

"'Benjamin Button' was Fitzgerald's second published story (preceded by 'The Glass-Cut Bowl,' 1920) in the fantasy or supernatural mode, in which he wrote a few of his most brilliant stories. Fitzgerald was probably attracted to this form by its tension between romanticism and realism, for the challenge of fantasy is to make impossible events convincing. He provided the genesis for 'Benjamin Button' when he collected it in Tales of the Jazz Age:

This story was inspired by a remark of Mark Twain's to the effect that it was a pity that the best part of life came at the beginning and the worst part at the end..."

~Matthew J. Bruccoli

Enjoy!

In Search of Sutro Baths

2008-12-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

If Jack gets to be the token "male of all trades," then my friend Andrea should be the female representative. Like, "Andrea of all trades." Ok I suppose it doesn't have the same ring to it. But honestly, this girl is one of the most diverse I know of in terms of her interests and talents.

Andrea is a writer, a runner, a painter, a baker, and a food connoisseur. To name a few. We met, providentially, in a table discussion group while at Soma (the young adults group at our church). That same day, a small group of amazing girls and I formed a weekly painting group.

I mentioned that Andrea is a writer. I wasn't kidding. This girl can write. Her incredible blog is here. She writes about her travels, her running excursions, but mostly she writes about the incredible food she enjoys. Every time I read it, I do one of four things:
a) get hungry
b) want to try out one of her delicious-looking new recipes
c) add another restaurant to my "places to go" list
d) cry because I wish I could write like she does.

Check it out. Now.

Anyway... did I mention that Andrea and I hung out today? We did. In frigidly cold and windy, yet gorgeous, San Francisco! We were in search of Sutro Baths, some interesting ruins that rest on the cliffs just next to The Cliff House. After several U-turns and confused gazes out the window, we guessed that the ruins must be up this little trail we found. The path took us up... up... to something that might be the ruins. "You think this is it?" Looking around at the concrete constructions we shrugged, "I guess so." Got some great shots of Andrea... and by the time my hands were just about frozen off, we decided to call it a day. Here are some of my favorites...

As we shivered back down to the car we couldn't help but notice a spectacular view of the cliffs, covered in majestic cypress trees, reflecting the sunset. We ran to the other side of the street, looked over the edge, and there it was...

Sutro Baths! I guess we'll have to go back for a second trip! :)

Thanks for freezing with me, Andrea. I had a ton of fun!

Wish Factory

2008-12-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

Today I found myself shopping around on Craigslist for a 50mm lens for my 40D. Before long, I was not only researching 50mm... but different lenses, then different cameras, then SLRs. I thought to myself, "Wouldn't it be cool to have an SLR and a sweet little 50mm." I went to the closet to find a movie and what did I find instead? An SLR with a 50mm lens.

I'm serious.

Meet me new friend, my brand new, very old Olympus OM-1 with an F.Zuiko 50mm f/1.8. The OM-1 is a compact, fully mechanical SLR, a popular camera in the 1970's.

Thanks to mom for keeping this beauty long enough for me to find it.

Next time I'll sit around wishing for world peace.

Kimberly

2008-12-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

Kim and I had a beautiful Castro Valley exploration party this morning. We were running on a tight schedule, so we managed to find all of our shoot locations within two miles of my house. Kim was so great! The minute I said, "Go stand against that brick wall," her inner-model snapped into action. It was unbelievable! As hot as this girl is, she still manages to be humble, sweet, and completely easy-going.

Here are my favorites.

(Homage to Evelyn.)

Evelyn

2008-12-11T14:06:00.001-08:00

Simplicity. A lack of self-awareness. Relaxed faces and limbs. Real expressions. Understated elegance. These are the types of photos I absolutely adore.

I came across this gorgeous old photo by Joel Gillespie here. It's his Aunt Evelyn in her prom dress in the mid-1930's.

The V's

2008-12-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

I remember the day in my eighth grade English class when Mrs. V announced that she was pregnant - and today I met her daughter for the first time... almost nine years later! Not only did I get to meet her, I also got to meet her two little siblings: Jack and Eliana! These three kids love to laugh and smile, just like their amazing parents. Christiaan and Kristina are both people that I greatly looked up to while I was growing up; I'm so thankful that I got to meet their beautiful family and capture some of their memories today.

Love to you guys!

Perfect Together

2008-12-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

You know when you look back at a weekend and you think, "I wish I could just go back and do that all over again?" Well, this was one of those weekends. Short but sweet, the past three days were full of special times with great friends. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Photo by Walker Wells

Harles Barkley

2008-12-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

My sweetheart.

There were never such devoted sisters.

2008-12-01T18:02:00.001-08:00

A glimpse into our Christmas card photo shoot for 2008!

The Bicker Family

2008-11-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday you met Andrew, the Oakland Police Officer. Today you get to meet his wonderful family, the Bickers! Andrew is the second of three kids. His older brother Ryan is married to the oh-so-beautiful Dana. Kim is the stunning youngest; a true diamond in the rough. The parents? None other than Dan and Cheryl: loving, kind, and gracious. Can you tell that I really love this family?

Good. :)

I asked the Bickers to all take a glance at their favorite family member - just to get some laughter going. Looks like mom won, with Dana coming in at a very close second.

A few more of the Bickers...

2008-11-30T21:10:00.000-08:00

Good Cop

2008-11-29T15:12:00.001-08:00

Andrew has been a good friend to my family and to me for years now. For as long as I can remember, Andrew was always training to be a police officer. Everybody knew, someday, Andrew was going to make it. That someday came this year, when Andrew graduated from the Academy and was hired by the Oakland Police Department - all before he turned 21! His hard work and dedication to his career has earned him the honor of being the youngest graduate in the history of his Academy, and the youngest hire in the history of the Oakland PD.

Thanks for your service, Andrew!

Bad Cop

2008-11-29T15:06:00.001-08:00

Andrew also likes to have fun on his time off...

Window Light

2008-11-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

Miss Kira

2008-11-23T19:48:00.000-08:00

I am the luckiest girl in the world because on Friday night, I got to hang out with my sweet friend Kira. We started our date off by going to Lake Chabot to see the leaves turning yellow and a peach-colored fall sunset. I am so thankful that it was chilly because Kira looked cozy and precious in my red fuzzy blanket!

Here are my favorites from the day...

A little more Kira to love...

2008-11-23T19:43:00.001-08:00

Speaking of the Bride...

2008-11-20T23:13:00.001-08:00

Brittany gave me the most amazing gift ever - she let me be there on the day she chose her wedding dress. It's absolutely gorgeous. And that look on her face? Yeah, it stayed just like that from the first moment she put the dress on.

Beautiful People

2008-11-20T23:02:00.001-08:00

Last month I shot down to southern cali for a great weekend with my dearest girlfriends. The weekend revolved around Brittany’s fabulous bridal shower… but the fun didn’t stop there. Amy, Lea, and I ate up some yummy cheesecake at The Factory in Hollywood's Grove (our favorite star-gazing location). And Brittany let me do a test-run on her bridal makeup. Can’t wait to be back with these girls for the wedding!

The Nature of Water

2008-11-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

From Anton Chekhov's The Kiss.

"'How stupid, how stupid!' Thought Ryabovitch, looking at the water. 'How unintelligent it all is!'

Now that he expected nothing, the incident of the kiss, his impatience, his vague hopes and disappointment, presented themselves in a clear light. It no longer seemed to him strange that he had not seen the General's messenger, and that he would never see the girl who had accidentally kissed him instead of someone else; on the contrary, it would have been strange if he had seen her. . .

The water was running, he knew not where or why, just as it did in May. In May it had flown into the great river, from the great river into the sea; then it had risen in vapour, turned into rain, and perhaps the very same water was running now before Ryabovitch's eyes again. . . What for? Why?

And the whole world, the whole of life, seemed to Ryabovitch an unintelligible, aimless jest. . . And turning his eyes from the water and looking at the sky, he remembered again how fate in the person of an unknown woman had by chance caressed him, he remembered his summer dreams and fancies, and his life struck him as extraordinarily meagre, poverty-stricken, and colourless. . .

When he went back to his hut he did not find one of his comrades. The orderly informed him that they had all gone to 'General Rabbek's, who had sent a messenger on horeseback to invite them . . .'

For an instant there was a flash of joy in Ryabovitch's heart, but he quenched it at once, got into bed, and in his wrath with his fate, as though to spite it, did not go to the General's."