Bessie

I'm not certain how 14 people could still be smiling after posing for a family portrait, but they did.  This is Bessie, my grandfather's sister who was one of the 14 sitters in a family portrait taken in the early 1900's.  And does anyone wear such lovely black bows in their hair anymore?  Ah, a time gone by.

Knowing how difficult it was to arrange for a portrait of a family of five where someone didn't have an eye closed, was frowning, had anything but a smile, or was looking somewhere, anywhere other than straight ahead made for interesting  sittings, especially where three young children wanted to be done with it as soon as we were ready to begin;  my hat is off to that family of fourteen who were determined to make it happen. But then that's what families do.  We want to document who we are when--something future generations will find endearing.  No more elaborate hats or bows though I'm sorry to say. 

Our summer has been all about visiting family. There were trips from coast to coast to see children, grandchildren, and extended family.  One get-together was reconnecting with second cousins  I vaguely remembered, and am now aware of a whole nother side that was almost overlooked.  I wish I thought to grab my camera more frequently to capture these summer moments I will want to recall years from now, but when you're living it, the last thing you think to do is start pulling out a camera.  Perhaps some memories are best preserved in the heart.