An old-fashioned photo album

an evolution from our parents' slide show?

Photo by refargotohp on Unsplash

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I never dreamed I’d write ten posts about our visit to the Pacific Northwest, but as I sat to write, so many stories within the main tale seemed to tug at my heartstrings. Perhaps it was our ancestors making their wishes known.

Write the story, sweet girl. Don’t worry about it being too long. Everyone’s story is complicated and lengthy if they’re fortunate. Your readers will find their own journey in your words.

Sometimes, I wondered if delving into too much detail might render the series repetitive or dull. But you, my readers, responded with such kindness and delight that I let go of that concern early on.  

Thank you, seriously. It was a healing piece to write. 

I appreciate my dear friend Tracey’s ability to discover new music, a skill I lack. Her recommendation of Ordinary Elephant this week has been a delight, and I’ve been immersed in their music ever since. 

Music— dear lord, what a gift, right? 

Cassandra, aka CK, who writes

Good Humor by CK Steefel

suggested I create a photo album after this series. I thought it might be fun. I’m coupling it with lyrics from Ordinary Elephant’s song “Once Upon a Time.” I’ll include the lyrics in their totality at the bottom, along with a link to their music.

I shared a few of the photos during the series, but I’m including them again for continuity.

Tell me that story again darlin'
The one where we all end up alright
Tell me that story again darlin' 
Wasn't it true once upon a time?

From top left, my father Don and his sister Thelma, my father with his mother Augustus and me, my sister Sharon at graduation, my cousin RuthAnn at graduation, and my dad, Sharon and me.

I guess things aren't really changing here
It sure feels like they are

Sacramento Valley Train Station, the views out the windows and our roomette

We've got good dogs cats we've got a good porch

RuthAnn on her porch, playing games after dinner

Tell me that story again darlin'
The one where we all end up alright

Our tea party photos, so blessed to be with this family.

We've got eyes to see we've got a good view

Our visit to the Giant Troll, (from left to right) Sharon me and Debbie, RuthAnn me and Sharon, Rick, the eagles, and Margie, me and Debbie.

We've got ears to hear and we are listening

RuthAnn sharing her life in photos.

Truth is not something we can choose

Our day at Tillamook Factory, waiting in line for some delicious ice cream.

We've got eyes to see we've got a good view

Our visit to the rose garden in Washington Park

Tell me that story again darlin'

Visiting the Oregon coastline

The one where we all end up alright

Rick enjoying an egg on the way home, views out our windows.

Lyrics to Once Upon a Time

Tell me that story again darlin'
The one where we all end up alright
Tell me that story again darlin'
Wasn't it true once upon a time?
Wasn't it true once upon a time?
I'll keep keeping up with the laundry
You'll keep keeping up with the car
I guess things aren't really changing here
It sure feels like they are
It sure feels like they are
We've got good dogs we've got a good porch
We've got eyes to see we've got a good view
We've got ears to hear and we are listening
Truth is not something we can choose
Truth is not something we can choose
Tell me that story again darlin'
The one where we all end up alright
Tell me that story again darlin'
Wasn't it true once upon a time?
Wasn't it true once upon a time?
Wasn't it true
Wasn't it true once upon a time
Wasn't it true
Wasn't it true once upon a time
Wasn't it true
Tell me that story again darlin'
Wasn't it true
Tell me that story again darlin'
Wasn't it true
Tell me that story again darlin'
Wasn't it true
Tell me that story again darlin'
Wasn't it true
Wasn't it true once upon a time
Wasn't it true
Wasn't it true once upon a time