Pictures and Wonderful Memories

By: Ruthie Tanner

I grew up in a generation where taking pictures was a process…pictures were snapped, then you took the “roll of film” and dropped it off to be printed. The anticipation of “waiting” while photos were being processed (usually a week- or longer!)was torture, especially when it was of really special occasions.

Those days, for the most part have joined the antiquated world, because we now live in a digital world. You can take a pic and look at in immediately- even sharing around the world in mere seconds.

Just this week I snapped a pic of a very special couple (my cousins son and his new bride) during a church service in another state, I immediately sent to their parents and within seconds both their parents had reposted it to social media with hundreds of views within a short time space.

I like the digital world speed!

While at present I have 30,961 pictures on my phone (NO that’s NOT a typo) very few pictures are printed.

I do enjoy scrolling through alllll my pictures at the tip of my fingers often, because my phone is always with me.

Anyone relate??

No one has a home large enough to display all the pictures we take. Frames can be costly and space is limited. Let’s be honest, every pic that’s taken is perhaps not frame worthy but is cute, priceless and holds memories.

HOWEVER- I rediscovered a fun treasure….. Printed photos- and a lot of them.

I took a large foam board and attached it to the side of my refrigerator with duck tape from the top to almost the floor. It was then covered with pictures of our life simply using a glue stick or small piece of double sided tape.

Most pics are of our five GRANDS, events or activities we shared together, birthdays, funny poses but what fun memories came to life.

Any of these choices would work - craft stores or even the Dollar Tree has foam boards.

Oh what JOY this has brought me. Every meal I eat at our dining table the photo board is in my view. So many memories have been relived and smiles shared- again and again, along with more wonderful conversations about the events.

Much to my surprise- It’s one of the first places my GRANDS run to when they arrive at our home. They LOVE to look at themselves and recall the events, requesting as they point to picture, “can we do that again” or “that was fun”.

I recently updated the board with newer pics and they ask “where’s the one with the clown nose” or ask about certain ones that were replaced. They LOVE the picture board.

If your refrigerator isn’t available- perhaps a small wall or corner area somewhere needs new life. You could literally do this any place.

I’ve shared before but I also place pics, artwork and special cards I receive inside my cabinet doors.

When cabinets are opened to retrieve an item, the unexpected quick smile and happiness those items bring are pure joy. So much better than stored in a file somewhere in a closet or box never to be seen or truly enjoyed.

Look around for a space where you could add some fun memories of family times.

No frames are needed and very little space is required.

Thanks for visiting Graceful Home. Especially appreciate all the prayers from the FT2 family this week during this season of sickness I’ve experienced.

All is well!

❤️Ruthie