I’ve been digging through old photos. Not the ones from a few years back (most of which sit either on my computer or my phone – I apparently don’t print them anymore), but the black and white pictures from decades ago. If you think social media is the only time waster around, you haven’t opened a box of old photographs.
It all started as a plan to organize piles of pictures. (Click HERE for the article that inspired me) Hours later, I realized my project had morphed into a meander down memory lane – a true time machine. I enjoy looking at old pictures way too much, and in no time at all, minutes turned into hours. I didn’t feel too bad about it, though. It was a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon. So many reminders.
One photo in particular made me smile. A snapshot of me and the first pup I ever befriended.
I don’t remember her name, but she may have belonged to one of my aunts. I do recall thinking that little dog was the most wonderful thing I’d ever seen. I’m not sure of the dog’s opinion, but since she’s not leaning away from me, we must have been pals. Notice my t-shirt. Can you figure out what television show I liked to watch? Yes, I thought Davy Crockett was pretty wonderful, too. For ancient people like me, who adore nostalgia, you might enjoy listening to the theme song.
So here’s a piece of advice on cataloging photos that you won’t find in the article link. I suggest you first plan a day of simply wallowing in those candid shots. Remind yourself of Aunt Becky’s penchant for odd hats. Smirk over Cousin Molly’s bobby sox. And enjoy Uncle Teddy’s big grin just one more time. Only then will you be ready to organize, digitize and preserve some pretty cool memories so years from now someone else can appreciate them, too.
And just like the hokey-pokey, that’s what it’s all about.
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18 Responses
Pat, cute story and oh so true. I have so may photos it would involve weeks if not months. But the older I get, the more important it is for the visuals and all the memories they bring back!
So true, Alice. Maybe you should get the grand-kids together and have an organizing party!
Wonderful post Pat
Thanks, Sheree!
Adorable photo!
I know just what you’re talking about here, Pat. When the hubster and I started downsizing, we had to go through hundreds of photos. Oh, my goodness! The time we spent! It was delightful, really. We laughed and even cried a little here and there. All in all, though time consuming, it is a valuable expenditure of time.
Lisa, I’m sure I need to get the pictures (especially the oldest, most fragile ones) put on a disc. I sure don’t want them to disappear!
I have a box of childhood photographs that I need to sort and organize, but every time I try, I end up doing the same thing you did. It’s so nice to have such great memories to reflect back on!
Angela, it really is wonderful to remember times from long ago, isn’t it?
I had a collection of old photos in a large storage bin. Took me a week to sort through. I still have them in the storage bin, but now they are separated into zip lock bags of family members or groupings. Well worth the time.
Old photos can spark character traits to write into our stories.
Linda, photographs are great to trigger memories – and out of memories come stories.
After going through old pictures, I was a little annoyed that there was no note as to who they were but then realized I do the same thing. I’ve now gone through a lot of pictures and added them to an album along with names and info.
I’ve been wandering down memory lane a bit myself lately after reading Bill Bryson’s book The Road to Little Dribbling – it’s an American’s view of England – he now has dual citizenship.
Ann, you’re right. My grandmother labeled some of the very oldest pictures, but others say nothing, and I have no idea who the people are.
I’ll have to get my hands on that book – sounds interesting!
That photo is so darn cute! You should have it blown up and hung on the wall! And boy, I have photos that need to be organized, so thanks for the advice and I’ll have to check out that link too! Thank you!
You are so sweet, Lynn. Somehow I always envision you as the most organized person on the planet, with all your letters in cute cubbyholes, and your pictures in scrapbooks accompanied by your adorable sketches!
Love this post, Pat! I too enjoy looking at old photos, but you’re so right: it’s time consuming. I have an added little thing in that I can’t hardly look at old pics, especially pics of the kids and even my grandbabies now, without crying! The memories are just so poignant and sweet. Of course my kids make fun of me! Thank you for the stroll down Memory Lane, my friend, and I love the adorable pic of you with your first puppy. That fur-baby love starts early, doesn’t it?
Teri, it’s so great to hear from you!
I know exactly what you mean. Old pictures never fail to tug the heartstrings.
Very good advice! 🙂 My grandma had a huge box of old photos and before I had Katie and while she was still alive, I made this huge scrapbook of our family. Now, here is the thing you just made me remember: Where is that scrapbook of all her old photos? Looks like I have a quest this week.
Margo, you are on certainly on top of things. I like the physical photos a lot, but there’s something to be said for having them saved on a disc too.
Hope you find your scrapbook!