It rained all morning and I wasn’t able to use the internet for more than a few minutes. So I impulsively tackled a little job that I had been putting off for months- filing extra photos. I have a basket where I toss photos that don’t get framed, shared, or put into albums. I also occasionally pull out a photo, scan it, and then put it into the basket until I can re-file it. And while I had everything pulled out anyway, I decided to sort Robert’s photos and put them into a new box. So…three hours later…my photos are filed and Robert’s photos are in a bigger box, and I discovered at least a dozen photos I’d totally forgotten about.
We have literally thousands of photos and slides. Both of us have always been camera freaks and we’ve managed to afford to take photos of most our special events and activities and trips over the years. In addition to our personal collection I have saved some of the photos that friends and family have sent me with cards and letters. And I have a collection of photos of Caddo, past and present. And I have hundreds of negatives that belonged to my dad. I still go through those from time to time and scan a few. (I’m a bit phobic about fire, so I have many of my photos on CD and tucked into a fireproof safe.)
I love photos! I love capturing a moment that can be enjoyed over and over again. I love being able to share experiences with others through photos- especially now that digital cameras make sharing instantaneous. Karen just returned from a trip to San Diego and was able to send a few pictures to me as soon as they got home. Then she shared more with me today. I love, love, love being able to see where they went and what they did, without waiting days and days for photos to be printed and mailed.
That being said…I still have to be very careful that we are not drowning in photos. I currently have ten photo boxes, two portable filing cases, a three-drawer rolling cart, and a banker’s box filled with photos. Our 1,000+ slides are in their original carousels and boxes. Quick, efficient filing is necessary to keep everything stored in a way that makes retrieval possible. And I am not always quick OR efficient! Lol I tell myself it’s an ongoing process.
I’m never far from a camera these days. It’s either a blessing or an addiction, I’m not always sure. But I do know that it is a blessing to be on this hill. I never go out the door without seeing something interesting. Last evening I noticed a white heron on the pond and it seemed to be acting rather strangely. I’m accustomed to watching them feed along the shore, but this one kept returning to the dividing fence that dissects the far end of the pond. Herons are incredibly difficult for me to photograph because they startle at the least little sound or movement. I decided to risk opening the back door and I managed to take a few shots. However, as soon as I took one step out the door it was gone. What was interesting was that a great blue heron rose out of the water with it! When I zoomed in on the photos later I could see him on the other side of the fence. Mystery solved.
Well, my day is backwards because of the rain, so I’m going out for an afternoon walk. I’m sure I’ll find something down the road that will be worth sharing. Later….
You are more than welcome to spend a day at my house enlightening me with all of your picture filing techniques. I've got boxes . . . On second thought, you are ALWAYS welcome here to do nothing but lounge and let me children clamor for your attention. : )
Beautiful herons.
Posted by: Megan | July 04, 2010 at 09:43 PM