Are you a shutterbug? 

I am not referring to photography as art or passion; I am referring to the compulsive need to document every moment of life for posterity.

Pictures are important parts of life, we would know so little about the history of family, country, or culture without them, but sometimes the drive to capture every moment, deprives us of the spontaneity of those moments. 

I used to have Disney passes for my family.  Cannot afford them now, (Kristina heaves heavy sigh), but I have so many memories of the days that I spent there with my kids and my husband.

I have pictures of the kids and I at the big “D” taken by me, but some of the best ones I have were taken by a “Cast Member” and purchased at a souvenir shop.  It is easier that way, and more expensive yes, but if it was important to me, it was worth the money spent.

Disneyland is a great place for observing the way other people recreate, and the ways they document said recreation.  Cameras, video recorders, even cell phones…  I have seen people taking pictures with their phones, and overheard them giving a verbal play by play, to some family member or friend while in line for one ride or another.  Their kids standing impatiently, with vacant eyes… while mom or dad, perhaps wishing they were somewhere else, with someone else, incessantly yaks on their cell. 

Why is it no one can ever stand to be present in the moment they are living, at the moment they are living it?

So much for “The Happiest Place on Earth…”

I spend a lot of time lost in thoughts.  Memories both good and bad, of things I wish I could change, and those that I would not change for a million dollars.  I try to spend more time on the images of wonderful days spent laughing with, and loving my children.  They will never fade, be misplaced, or forgotten. 

Here is a little Rictameter I thought up for the topic of the moment…

Pictures

Remembering

Focus sharp, crystal clear

Day after day, year after year

Memories of love, some laughter, and tears

Capture each moment so fleeting

Framed within gray matter

Are my beloved

Pictures

©2008 Kristina-with a-K