the 'fifty first dates' project:
WHAT IS THE PROJECT?
The project is a collection of one-off, one-hour conversations between Carrie and fifty strangers. She firmly believes that each interaction in life holds the potential to be a teachable moment, and each person, the teacher. By sitting down and chatting with strangers, she hopes to learn whatever lessons wish to present themselves during the conversations. On a larger scale, Carrie hopes that the project serves as a small way to help bring the community together, encouraging people to embrace igniting a conversation with a stranger!
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE CONVERSATION?
All conversations happen in public, and during daylight hours. Carrie buys the pair a coffee, and they just chat about anything under the sun. No subject is off limits, as long as it's authentic. At the conclusion of the hour, the pair snap a photo together, sign a consent form allowing Carrie to use the photo, and then they part ways.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CONVERSATION?
Carrie then goes off and overthinks the entire conversation, before finally distilling it down to what the major takeaway was for her. Perhaps the conversation taught her something about herself? Or maybe about life in general? Whatever sticks in her mind becomes the theme for the one-page essay that she will then write inspired by the conversation and the lesson she learned through the interaction.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ESSAYS?
Once all fifty 'dates' are completed, Carrie will begin writing her second book. The first half of the book will consist of the fifty photos, and the fifty essays. The second half of the book will be a deep-dive into how much she has personally changed through conducting the project and meeting all the wonderful strangers. The project has become a living, breathing work of art, and the book will document the evolution it.
IS THE PROJECT STILL GOING ON?
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to participate; however, all fifty conversations have now been completed and it's time to nuckle down and start the writing process. HUGE gratitute to everyone who has contributed their energy to this project over the past six months. Thank you!
