Jun

Are you in the Picture?

Mom and I in 1987

This great article posted on the Pioneer Woman Blog made me think of my own shyness to be in the picture. But not anymore.

What changed for me was about 10 years ago. My Grandmother and I took a train trip across Canada. It was a FABULOUS trip and I have some really fond memories because every night we would journal our adventures through video recordings. Did I look wonderful in the video? No, far from it. But that’s me. I don’t wear makeup when I travel or fuss over my clothing and that was captured on video. And you know what?….I’m proud of it! I much rather BE in the experience and capture the moment just as I am.

This is a picture of my Mom and I at my favorite place – Disneyland. This picture was taken about a year before she died. I love this picture of us for so many reasons. I wouldn’t say it is the best picture of either of us. However, I forgot about our fondness for big sunglasses at the time and we both loved wearing pink. You forget those things unless you can see the picture.

But because I wasn’t shy I now have the video that I can watch over and over again and experience the fun again and again. Taking pictures of yourself and others captures life. What’s more important than that?

Categories : Articles, Ramblings

http://www.craftyperson.com Debbie McNeill

You are so right Pinky, energy does show through in pictures. How observant, I never really thought of it that way.
http://www.pinkymckay.com Pinky

Debbie – you look lovely in this pic with your mum – its the energy that shows, not the hair and makeup. I am so often the person taking the pics that I really need to ‘hop in’ more. I use my iphone a lot to snap pics of my grandbabies and things that are happening-its very convenient.

Thanks for the nudge!
http://www.craftyperson.com Debbie McNeill

That’s a great idea Sue. I have a small camera so it would be easy to slip it into my purse and have it along. In fact, I know one of my customers that took a picture every day for 30 days of just common no-nonsense stuff and it was very interesting. It was like a snapshot of her life (well 30 days anyways).
http://www.confidentmarketer.com Sue Painter

I’ve gotten to where I carry my little camera and my FLIP with me EVERYWHERE. I love capturing the moment on film, and going back to look at the visuals puts me instantly into that happy place. Thanks for reminding us.
Sue Painter
http://www.craftyperson.com Debbie McNeill

So true Mitch and Phil. Thank you for the insights.
http://www.thementorguy.com Mitch Tublin

Debbie,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful picture and story with us. I am certain everyone was touched by your memory that you will have forever enhanced through your picture. One of those times to close your eyes and take a deep breathe and think about what you are really doing everyday.
Mitch
http://www.totalbusinesstransformation.com Phil Dyer

Great picture and great post, Debbie! I actually see this post as a metaphor for how you go through life. Are you going to be in the picture as an active participant or standing over on the side snapping the pictures? I know where I would rather be!

Phil
http://www.organizingforyourlife.com Terry Monaghan

Debbie,

this is great! You can count on me being IN more pictures going forward. I don’t have a load of pics of me and my mom, but there is a great one of me and my dad taken several months before he died. It is to my right at my desk, and is one of my favorite pictures in the whole world.

Terry
http://cleargoalscoaching.com Get Clear Goals with Lynn Moore

Debbie, I loved that shot of you and your Mum! Given your Mum was gone so soon after it was taken is a reminder to all of us that the pictures which capture us are really great memories for our friends and loved ones more than they are something we need to like or not like in the way we look.
Thanks for a great reminder!
Lynn
http://www.globalinstituteofvisionarywealth.com Linda P. Jones

Debbie,
Isn’t it amazing how pictures capture a moment in time that our mind can’t? I still am amazed by photographs. Now that we have digital cameras and our lives are being recorded by photos even
more often, it’s pretty cool.
I love that you and your mom loved to wear pink and love the sunglasses! It speaks 1,000 words
about your great relationship.
Linda
http://www.boostyourcareer.com.au Heidi Alexandra Pollard

Love this Debbie – what a wonderful snapshot of time – pink and big sunnies – ah lovely memories to hold onto.
Hugs
heidi alexandra
http://www.KatherineCHE.com Katherine C. H. E.

Pictures are so powerful. Thanks for the beautiful reminder. XO, Katherine.
http://www.juvenescence.net/PDFs/BMIChart.pdf Robin Nielsen

Hi Debbie,

This is just lovely ~ the being is what is important…AND, you look fabulous darling!

Robin

http://www.craftyperson.com Debbie McNeill

Thanks Robin. You are TOO kind.

http://writeoncreative.com/productsandservices/ Lisa Manyon

Debbie,

Pictures are important and they do tell stories we might not remember. Thanks for the reminder.

I’m still a bit video shy, though.

Write on!~

Lisa

http://www.craftyperson.com Debbie McNeill

Lisa, I’ve seen you on video and you are very professional and beautiful. You have nothing to worry about.

http://www.laurahollick.com Laura Hollick

I love your blog post Debbie.
Makes my heart swell up

As I was reading through your blog post I thought about all the pictures I’ve been in (I model and I used to be a professional dancer).
even though I’ve done many pictures, I’m so shy about natural photos.

It is easy to enjoy a photo when you’re all done up, the lighting is perfect, the outfit is just right and there are people there making sure you look great.

It is quite another thing to love yourself exactly as you are.

Your blog post is total inspiration for me!
thank you

http://www.craftyperson.com Debbie McNeill

Laura, thank you so much for your kind words. It’s funny, I still have problems with photo shoot. That’s uncomfortable for me to this day.