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| Click to enlarge soul of my soul–– together traversing other worlds |
The above photo was taken of my grandparents along some unknown lake shore, presumably after having just gotten their feet wet, sometime in the late 1940s or early '50s. Yes, the actual photo is of all of them – head to toe – but something about this piece of the picture just simply captured my imagination. I can't explain it. They were together for a long time in life, and I feel them together now. Somehow, this image speaks of that.
In an effort to preserve old 'memories' (some of which have only been told to us but feel like ours, just the same), we've been busy scanning lots of old family photos. Rather than trying to restore them to their original lustre, I have been embracing their imperfections and letting the photos gently reveal their secrets as I attempt to bring out the story in each instead. Old snapshots are grainy by nature, and decades of either fading or darkening offer a challenge. So far, I've been surprised by the results. Some are dream-like and almost other-worldly. Some feel as if the black-and-white subjects are ready to step through the frame into a world of color. Each image is a bit of poetry.
All are single moments in history, my family's history, and they lead me on a flight of fancy as I imagine what might have transpired before each click of the shutter. I will continue to work on them and plan to create an art book for the most interesting ones. Maybe one for each of my kids, too. That should keep me busy for awhile.
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| My mom at 16, dancing with my grandfather. Photo was taken in 1956. Judging by how often my grandma said that Grandpa had "two left feet", I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Mom was teaching him a few moves. ;) |
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| Me, Mom and my brother, about 1968. I love the effect of the sun shining through the windows behind us. |
To haiku your heart, please visit Rebecca and company here. Join us if you feel so inspired.
Peace.
What gorgeous visits to these old photos and moments ! Awesome stuff for the heart.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday !
The first photo is so soleful. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Boonie
what a beautiful idea to create an art book. . .
ReplyDeletesuch bittersweet joy in looking thru those old photos. Enjoy, enjoy!
these images are sheer poetry. and the stories they impart. oh deb, this is so lovely and i am touched that you have allowed us a view in to your
ReplyDeletefamily, your life story.
your haiku is tender and acknowledging...and i do love that you cropped the photo.
there is strength and love here.
thank you!
What an awesome glimpse into your roots. Thanks so much for sharing. I did something similar after myMompassed and I sorted through a few things. I scanned over 200 photos, mostly B&W, mostly fromm he 40's and 50's. I haven't worked with them yet, but I do see things in each one that catches my eye.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspirational project you are starting. Puts me to shame.
Peace
This is such a lovely, tender post. I can imagine feet walking together into eternity.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful post. I agree you cropped the first photo perfectly!
ReplyDeleteBill
What a treasure you are preserving here. Very special that you share it with us as well.
ReplyDeletex..x
This is a piece of art from the first image to the last word, thank you for sharing,
ReplyDeleteSue x
Great this!! You know these are th ekind of pictures which makes one wonder about the journey of life with all its magnificence and learnings.. do you leave something behind or it becomes a part of you.. well..I thank you for this beautiful post..
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful slice of your history! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteHow lovely - especially those feet that say so much. Their stance and the shoes themselves: a bit of the "mend-and-make-do" attitude that prevailed at that time ( and is beginning to prevail again in today's economic conditions :-)
ReplyDeleteI love looking through our albums/slides as well. Maybe we ought to encourage a gathering by decade? Mind you, I'm not volunteering :-)