Sorry to be debbie downer. Hopefully, I’m making a turn. I had a great time tonight with the incoming leadership team for the League, and I’m grateful that our incoming historian made us pose for a dozen photos. (No, none were taken with my camera.) I was having a bad hair day, but given the turns life has made this week already, I smiled and cooperated anyway.
Friend is on the far right
It’s really sad to realize I don’t have photos with my recently departed friend. This is the closest I can get, and only then, because my darling ‘Nita insisted upon a group-ish photo. My friend was a photographer, and like most of us, she didn’t want a photo taken when her hair wasn’t perfect, or because she wasn’t appropriately attired, etc. Heck, I’m cringing at this version of me, but I’m glad Anita was persistent and the photo exists.
So to all of you who, like the Knight and sometimes myself, try to hide from the camera, remember that a day will come when someone will wish they had a photo of you – maybe plural – and try to cooperate for just a moment.
And yeah, I’m going to try to remember to TAKE photos too. Because life is short and you just never know when there will be no more chances for a photo.
I’m also very thankful for sweet ladies who care, who aren’t being polite when they ask how I am and what they can do to help. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fabulous dessert table we were all enjoying… I am blessed to be surrounded by kind, supportive people. It makes it much easier for me to keep on giving and being supportive too. A wise woman often reminds me that I can’t give from empty, but thanks to you and my local network of friends, there’s no chance I’ll even see a low fuel light.
Miss Ellie
And it hurts none at all when Miss Ellie recognizes my car when I turn in her parents’ driveway and begins excusing herself from her other guests to come greet me personally and assure I remember the way to the champagne punch. I wish I’d gotten a black-footed photo this evening, proving that the lovely hostess does her own gardening, even when she has company. The wonderful thing about doggy therapists is there’s no appointment or co-pay required.
Dogs, chocolate, salted caramel, champagne and friends. These are a few of my favorite things.
Chan Knits 
Wow, your favorite things will do it for most anyone! Life slings mud at all of us from time to time but the really strong, like you, get through it with their support system. I am proud to be part of yours. Who wouldn’t feel better after being hosted by Miss Ellie? She is a doll.
you have been heavy on my heart today and I hate that I’m a world away and so darn busy I can’t even send a virtual hug. Know that I am thinking of you. Sounds like the evening was just what the doctor ordered. So glad you are one of Miss Ellie’s favorites. ::hugs:: g
As someone who ALWAYS has at least one, usually two, and sometimes three, camera with me, and loves to take photos, I have been thinking the same thing lately. I tend to be overly judgmental of photos of myself and for the past couple of years, have not really like too many at all.. however I’m quickly realizing that far too many moments are passing without photos – and I don’t have very many photos WITH some people. That’s going to have to change… life’s too short, sadly.
Lean on those who offer to help and to listen because they are truly friends. Snuggle with Miss Ellie, Sissy and Gretchen and savor their kisses. You will find the way through these difficult days.
So glad the new historian snapped the photo that shows your friend, but I know her image is saved in your heart, too. Be well, my friend.
I’ve been thinking along the same line lately. There are memories that weren’t captured in photos. I need to start taking my camera whenever I leave the house.
I like your list of favorites. They’re mine too.
I make a point of smiling LARGE in all photos even if I look a mess. I don’t want to be that lady that wouldn’t let us take her photo. You are hanging in the CHannon! Hoping your getting some good restorative sleep amid the mess of life
So glad you have a photo. Doggy therapists really are the best. Henry used to let me hold his paw, and it was the best comfort in the world.
Hugs to you Chan
The real problem with digital cameras is that we take so damned many pictures that we feel we can refuse to be in pictures when we don’t look our best, and then can’t find the stupid pictures we want when we want them. Le sigh. I’m glad Miss Ellie was a good doggie therapist for you.
(((hugs)))
I’m sorry for your loss, Chan. I always think in retrospect how I should have taken more pictures or at least A picture of whatever I’m doing, but like many, I don’t usually kick myself because I wasn’t IN the picture. There’s a fine line between capturing great memories and going overboard in our selfie-crazed society. I’m continuing to try to figure out how to toe that line. Lots of love to you and hope your babies can provide some more doggy therapy.
I agree, not only no co-pay, but they will listen as long as I need and don’t seem restless when I repeat myself, Yes I agree I’m so guilty of hiding from the camera.
Take care
Vicki
So glad you got that one photo, at least, and I’m so very sorry she’s gone. Thank you for the reminder–I need to take more pictures, definitely.
And that sweet Ellie’s face is just perfect.
Nice post and I remember when I first saw this pic. Glad you have a picture of your friend. I’m one to shy from cameras but to tell you the truth no one picks up the camera to take pictures of me with anyone (including the grands). I agree we need more pictures and in my little world I’m trying to change it 😉
I hate photos. Yes, I’ve been in a ton of them…and yes, it’s nice to look back and remember all the ceremonies and celebrations in life, but I don’t take a good photo. Are we ever happy with them, I wonder? It’s nice you have that photo of your friend. I have one of four good buddies and two are gone. Makes me sad and reminds me to be kind to everyone, and especially to my older friends.