I always get a little nostalgic at this time of year; I don't know why, but I know the types of things that enhance it. World events, going back to school, the slow decline of wonderful summer tomatoes, the smell of chimneys being test-fired ... all of these things put me in a mindframe of reflection, renewal, re-evaluation.
In my house, on my stairs, I have a set of 6 pictures that I copied from deep within my parents' photo albums. I have always loved these pictures. I put them in view so I could look at them daily and remind myself of something important.
In my house, on my stairs, I have a set of 6 pictures that I copied from deep within my parents' photo albums. I have always loved these pictures. I put them in view so I could look at them daily and remind myself of something important.
Upon closer look, you can see that they are all pictures taken within moments of each other. It's me, three-and-a-half-year-old Spinning Girl, and my twin, playing on a New Jersey beach in 1971.
Spinning Girl (left) and Twirling Girl (right)
I'm always holding on to her.
When I get all caught up in minutiae, schedules and rent and bills and who said what, I pause and look closely at my face in these pictures, because I think a secret lives in there.
The secret is: Therein lies my true nature.
My truest self, before all the little annoying details of life tried to obscure it, is there in that face. Therein lies all the hope of a girl destined to spin out her days, laughing to the wind.
I must remember always, always to be good to her.
24 comments:
One of the things I really like about myself, and there's not many things, is the ability I have top tap into that childlike frame of mind. It's nice.
I love these photos! Whoever took them was one smart person. Moments like that seem like they are just going to keep coming forever. That someone caught the two of you on film, just one moment on a summer day like any other... genius.
I'm fortunate to be like Bobby above me. Sometimes my son and I play like 6 year olds, then I have to be mommy again.
Monkey's Human
I fricking love reading your posts...
signed,
A crazed stalker fan
You gotta love childhood,and having siblings,and the beach.Precious,thats what those things are.
I wish I had a twin.
You two were adorable!!! Lovely pictures! And a post..
Great post and pics.
oh, spinning girl, what amazing photos. thanks for sharing them.
Wow. I kinda teared up a little at that one. I want to hear more about your relationship with your twin.
What a great way to start the morning! Thanks for sharing something so touching and beautiful. I don't pause often enough to remember the child I left behind.
Great post!
My comment verification word was: ugejg
Which is Ancient Greek for "You're not that freaky for a twin"
:)
One of my fav pics of myself, i must have been about 5. i am on a trampoline. jumping, in mid air. my hair is hovering around me. i have the most wonderful smile on my face. like i was the only person on earth. pure joy. and i don't even remember that moment. who took the picture. what year it was. what date. how old i was. but i can almost remember the feeling.
The secret is to never lose touch with the child in that picture. To remember that inner child when you hear the laughter of children at the beach. To lose yourself in the moment of the Sun, Sand, and Surf. A moment away from the real world where we can all be young again.
great pictures
I have 4 year old twin daughters who are each others best friend. Your pictures remind me of the joy they bring each other. Just beautiful!! Thanks for sharing your memories!
Those pictures are phenomenal. I love them. I'm so glad they were taken and I've never met you or your sister. But I'm really happy you have them.
Oh, it is a simple post, because it is simply true.
There's an imp-child in us all. I see it even in the homeless, or my felons.
To nurture that kid is the most important thing ever--so that when you are an octagenerian, you can still have that secret self.
Beautiful.
What a great sentiment. I love it.
I also, really like your tight rear - even a s a 3 year old you were tops. Those were the days weren't they?
Good pics, good memories, great thought.
As you know, I have always loved those pictures of the three and a half year-old twin Spinnings...I have loved how they have followed you to each of your dwellings and they too have found a new home. They capture on film but a few minutes of time yet they speak volumes. I just love them. I think those very pictures of you are pictures that capture who you are today...the person with the same excitement and introspection and joy that you had that day at the beach so many years ago.
I only wish you would stop trying to wear that same bathing suit...you are all grown up now, of course it doesn't fit...HELLOOoooo!
LYL, I was going to post that picture next.
A, High-n-Tight, as God intended.
I love this post! The photos are great (I wish I had taken them), and the message rings true. Beautiful...
So sweet, thanks for sharing them!
The word veri gave me my new favorite word--fwocs
awsome post.
thanks for sharing it!
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