The Power of a Picture to Evoke Memories

This photo is one I found (that is to say I didn’t take it) and can't remember where I found it.  It has always been a favorite of mine.  Most of you will say, "Well Duh, Chet it a girly pic.  Of course YOU would like it."  Really, people, do you think that's all I have on my mind!?    Well, OK.  I've given you plenty of reason to jump to that conclusion. . . but!  

I am drawn to this photo because it brings back memories.  Even thought I don't know these ladies nor this place, there are many aspects of it that spark old memories for me.  There was a time in my life when time was plentiful and money scarce.  Relying on our wits and youthful lack of fear for adventure would lead I and my friends to do things without much material support and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

In this pictures I can recall many lazy days spent on a river bank or in a meadow with friends soaking up the sun on blankets, playing silly flirtatious games, digging into the picnic basket, talking or just snoozing comfortable with the company we kept.  Yes so comfortable the girls would undo the straps of their tops and even ask a guy to rub lotion on their back without fear of being molested.  They were pretty and we were strong (and goofy).  I can feel the warm sun on my back in this shot and I can hear the rustling of the grasses and leaves in the trees as a cool breeze flows over me.  Just great times.

All that comes to mind when I see this picture.  Amazing isn’t it.

Distressed Keeps Calling Back to Me

We all find something in old distressed structures that appeal to us. But for me, it has as much to do with the surroundings as it does the structure itself.

 

I’ve done my share of distressed building photos and my interest comes and goes.  Why they appeal then fall out of favor with me has become clear after a personal soul searching analysis.  There are times when I am in need of grounding.  That is to say, I need to feel I have a place.  I am an Army Brat and have never felt an attachment to a place such that I couldn’t leave if necessary.  As I get older, however, that need has come in small moments.  I have less life left than I have expended.  That and the other aging factors has made reflection on  having roots a more reoccurring issue.  I’m not there 100% yet but when I look for the old barns and distressed Structures, I am feeling the need to live where my grave will be dug. 

 

Photography is such a good tool in so many ways.