Kari’s Musings About Photography

Today is the 16th anniversary of my mom’s death.  She was a mere 53 years old when she passed, but I distinctly remember her looking like she was 80.  I’ve always thought of her passing as her body just being done.  It had taken all it could and needed to be at rest.  And I know that I was in her thoughts to the very end because of the card she sent to Norway where I was for my 22nd birthday.  I now keep this treasured card in our curios cabinet and read it when I just need to hear Mom’s voice.

I called this post bookends because it just hit me that on my 16th birthday, she was right there with me as I went to get my driver’s license, which I renewed today.  Now we’re 16 years to the day beyond when she left me / us.  Curious.

In parting, take a listen to the classic Simon and Garfunkel song, Old Friends.  “Preserve your memories.  They’re all that’s left you.”

…starts today.  I haven’t been in years, but I do remember going as a kid with my folks.  Back then, I loved to spend as much time as possible in the rabbit barn admiring all of the bunnies.  I’m guessing it would be the same if I went back today.  I also vaguely remember seeing Pat Boone, one of my mom’s favorites, on the main stage.

I recently rediscovered this photograph of me at the fair with my mom as we’re admiring my second place win, or should I say the photographer, Bob Benson’s, second place win.  I’d say every portrait of me from birth through K-5 was made by Bob Benson.  I’m not sure what happened to him, but I sure treasure his work.

It may be difficult to see clearly, but in this photograph I am eating a lemon with a smile on my face.  In many ways that could be a metaphor for some challenging points in my life.  Grin and bear it, I suppose.

Someday, I’ll actually remember to check out the Fair website early enough to enter a photograph of my own, but until then, I’m happy to have been exhibited there way back in the day.