Welcome to "Old News Weekend." Or, in honor of the vintage craze, let's call the next few posts "Vintage News." I'm trying to keep up with everything folks, I really am. And better late than never is a motto I live by.
In any case, Keira Jane Lucas turned 7 months old on May 2, 2011, which means it's almost time to take her 8 month photos! Here's how cute she was 3 weeks ago.
"I'm not very good at the numbers thing yet, but this is a pretty big one. I'm 7 months? Already?"
"Let me check the belly sticker package...yep, that's right! It says right here...7 months old."
"I've got an idea! Hand me your camera lens cover, mommy, and I promise not to cry. Now if you take it away from me, I WILL cry, I'm just warning you. But as long as I have it in my hand, I'll look at the camera and cooperate. Deal?"
"You didn't think I was serious, did you? This shows you just how serious I am. (And by the way, do you like my teeth?)"
"I've got the lens cap, but I'm still a little but upset. Give me a second while I collect myself."
"There. How's this? This is me, pontificating. I've got big plans and dreams on my mind right now. This lens cap really helps me think. Thanks for understanding."
"There. And here's my sweet-as-an-angel sidelong glance, with my hand raised in perfect, delicate, baby chubbiness. Also, I've decided Nikon doesn't need quite so much free press."
Journaling Prompt
Try the technique above with photos of your own! Choose a set of photos and study them for a second to imagine what the subject would say if he, she, or it could talk. It's especially fun with baby or pet photos, but it can also be quite rewarding with photos of one's spouse who may or may not be very comfortable sharing "feelings" or whatever—just share them for him!
Disaster Disclaimer
I always feel awkward blogging about happy things when there are people suffering so much—both close to home and far away. I don't know about you, but it is a constant struggle for me to empathise truly and sincerely without dissolving into a quivering heap of sadness when I think of all the misery in the world.
Today, I spent the afternoon with a 7-year-old little girl whose needs just broke my heart. I have an extended family member who's in extreme distress. I got an email from a friend of a friend of a friend living near Joplin, Missouri, that made me want to hop in my car immediately and help in the rescue and clean-up efforts. And my chest tightens whenever I think of the devastation in Japan.
Yes, sometimes I feel the weight of the world so acutely.
So I remind myself that saving the world at large is not my job. But there are certain people at certain times who are my job, and I pray I'll always know who they are and be able (and willing) to help. Right now, I have a baby and a stepson (now living with us full time) who have very real needs, and I'm humbled and honored that I have the calling and the capacity to meet those needs daily. So I serve them with all my heart, and I do what I can in my own little corner of the world. Then, with what's left over, I reach out when and where I can.
For everyone else, I'm grateful for prayer and miracles, hope and helping hands. May they find their way to those in the greatest need tonight.
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