Memory Lane: More of A Cul-de-Sac
I went through my old photos* today and threw out all the ones that were fuzzy, of stuff I didn't care about, people I don't talk to, and things I didn't want to remember (like an ex boyfriend). It was a good feeling to have lightened the box quite a bit and perhaps symbolically moved on from things in the past that may have been inconsequential. I did keep pictures of my family, any with me and my 2 closest girlfriends, and the very few I have of me and my latest beau.
Upon further pondering, it made me realize that the people and things I thought were desperately important in high school were in fact very transient. The one thing that has remained constant, however, is the presence of my mother, father, and sister.
I've taken few pictures since entering college, likely because most college pictures are crazy drunken ones and I'm not that into just "hanging out". If I'm going to go out with friends, I'd like to be doing something. Ex: bowling, shopping, taking a walk, swimming, playing with pets, baking together, etc. Also, I'm currently not really interested in socialization. Chatting before the start of class is fine by me, but after school is over, I really don't have much to say to people.
In any case, a quiet night at home with a cup of cocoa and a wonderful guy rubbing my feet is my favorite. And those are the kind of memories that stick with you forever. No picture needed.
*I also found out today that gelatin is used to make photos! Another reason to go digital, I guess.

posted by: PerfectJoy (reply)
post date: 02.24.08 (4:58 pm)
Thank you for that. I have just recently been discarding some of the material memories of the past as well. Everyone touches our lives. It is most certainly the "Little Things" that mean so much. As you said about rubbing feet...being the giver can feel and be remembered as something just as special. Thanks.
posted by: joliefille (reply)
post date: 02.24.08 (7:03 pm)
Reply to: PerfectJoy
As is often said, there's something cathartic about removing hangers-on from the past and sweeping out the mental dustbunnies.
I like new and fresh. Keeps life interesting.
Not to say that there are some things worth keeping, but a healthy rotation between tradition and innovation is what I like.
posted by: fractalmom (reply)
post date: 02.25.08 (5:30 am)
on the other hand, 40 years later, looking at those pics brings back memories and laughter, and for a small bit, you feel the same age as you reexperience those memories...LOL.
and gelatin is in just about everything.
posted by: joliefille (reply)
post date: 02.25.08 (8:35 am)
Reply to: fractalmom
Oh that wily gelatin...lol
One of my favorite things is to get together with my girlfriends and look through our high school year books. Talk about memories!