Hedy Lamarr, American film actress, said, “A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires.” Hedy was born in 1914 in Vienna, Austria. I like what she says. The words speak truth to me. However, I would modify her statement ever so slightly. I would say, “A good photograph to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires.” Not to say I don’t enjoy a good painting, I certainly do. But a good photograph is every bit as comforting and tends to do more in the way of rekindling memories as many photographs are personal and able to access positive memories that have been buried deep.
Meet my best buddy
The featured photo is a good friend of mine. And, fittingly, it is of a good friend of mine, Bender! I have previously introduced Bender in this post. The photo reminds me of fun days running the pasture with a new puppy working to keep up with me. However, it didn’t take long and I was working to keep up with Bender! Bender always seems to know if my day could be just a little bit better. He’s there for me and I like that. That is a true friend.
They give me chills
Here is another photo I really like. I love the symbolism of the Bald Eagle. A mighty force in the sky. Powerful imagery. Symbol to a Great Nation. Watching a Bald Eagle in flight gives me chills.
I think of the dedicated and selfless men and women that have served Our Nation over the decades – that are serving today. A mighty force. Powerful imagery. Symbol of a Great Nation. And yes, seeing our Troops in formation equally gives me chills. God Bless ’em!
A good photograph is a catalyst
I look at photographs daily. I have my good friend, Richard from Oregon, send photos to me. Photos he has taken. Stunning photos. He is truly a gifted photographer and I enjoy viewing his work. It always brightens my day to see his latest work.
When I’m out walking or a passenger in a vehicle, I’m always in search of great photo opportunities. It’s a wonderful preoccupation. For even if I don’t have my camera handy to snap a photo, I can always ‘snap’ a memory.
Maybe that is what is truly the good “friend” – a positive memory. Albeit the photos, paintings and artwork in general may be the catalyst, it is the memory that gives comfort and inspires.
Not going that way
Sometimes memories aren’t so great. Very true. Painful events, tragedies. They can leave scars on the soul. But here is my guidance on those thoughts that haunt. It comes from the TV series, “The Vikings.” Ragnar Lothbrok, was taking his two Sons out on their first raid. Rite of passage. As they are leaving harbor in their boat, the boys are looking back at their village. Ragnar speaks to them in a loud voice, “Don’t waste your time looking back. We’re not going that way!”
That is my advice, for what it’s worth. When a troubling past memory surfaces just say, “Don’t waste time looking back. I’m not going that way!” We all have unexplored futures. Unknown events. Joyous events. Events to celebrate with uplifted hearts. That is where we should hold our focus.
One more good photograph
One more from the ‘a good photo’ collection. This is a good photograph that could have been great. However my settings and timing was just a bit off. But viewing it triggers memories from that day. It was super fun as I was out with Bender and he was partying in the lake. This Loon pops up and I took a shot in haste as I was also keeping an eye on Bender. The Loon caught me off guard. Still a good photo. Great memories.
Closing
I had better let you go. I’m guessing your day is likely filled with Holiday preparations. Amazing. It is the end of December. A new year is just around the corner. Amongst all the rush, I hope you are able to rekindle some good memories and create some new ones! So much to celebrate between now and then. Indeed. If you need to contact me, you can do so here. Also, if you want to jump on some great deals at my website, you can read about my sale here. Lastly, if you haven’t been to my website, check it out! Maybe you’ll find a good photograph that stirs some great memories for you. I hope so. Peace.
