Power of Word Pictures
I am sitting in my sweat on my back porch in Texas. It is 9 am and my dog Gretta, and I have just returned home after a long walk. Even though we had golf ball size hail two days ago, the heat is something you have to get ahead of around here. My motto is often, “ Outside before 8 or it’s too late.”
As I gulp my tall glass of ice water, I am rolling an idea around and around in my head, regarding my writing project. As mentioned in earlier posts, I am rereading 60 years worth of journals, and writing a history of our immediate family, for my family.
I came across nine entries titled, “Klein Snapshots”. Every once in a while, as I was raising my two sons alongside my husband, I gave a journal page to quick little word pictures. They are simply snapshots of our ordinary life as a family of four.
I kinda love them! And I am really proud of myself for capturing the moments that pass so quickly. They are set up like bullet points on the page. No deep interpretation or sentiment, just the facts in front of my eyes. I knew even then, that every minute was valuable. I knew how to bask in the present.
Families today have files and files of photos of their little growing stages. Facebook, Instagram and Tick Tock are wonderful pictorial histories of their lives. My journal word pictures are similar, but according to my husband, they are actually better.
Today, and honestly, for the last several days, I have been pondering what to do with them. I believe that in a bit, after I have some breakfast and empty the dishwasher, I think I will go to my office and type them up.
Maybe while I am doing that, they will show how to share them, if to share them, keep them or whatever they want me to do with them.
For now, my tummy is rumbling and some avocado toast is calling my name.
Susie
“ Word pictures”. I absolutely adore those words together Susie. You have a gift in your writing, as I felt I was sitting with you talking. I like that.
I can be a clumsy writer yet it’s there and I know it wants out. I appreciate the inspiration.
I lived in Dallas for many moons and you’re so right about the temps. Now I am in my hometown in Oklahoma and the season of tornadoes 🌪️ unnerves me.
I’ll be back for more of your pen.
I am certain those "word pictures" of your family life are priceless gems, and I am happy you are going to type them up and hopefully add them to your story. I believe your grown up sons will treasure them, as they see themselves through your eyes from when they were young boys like their own children today. The Gaithers had a song called "We Have This Moment Today", I am sure you probably heard it back in the day, but if not, google it and read the lyrics...it will bless your heart for sure as you think about what you are reading and remembering, and hopefully you will share them with your family, if not the rest of us, someday!