In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Snapshot Stories.”
The prompt instructed me to find a photo album and write a post about the first picture of myself that I found in the album. I don’t know if it is cheating or not, but, after looking through some old albums, I amended the prompt to read, “…find the oldest picture of yourself and write a post about it.” This (unretouched) photo, the oldest picture I could find of myself, sent me wandering down memory lane. Most of my photowalks are recent walks on the trails in my favorite parks, but if, for a change, you want to wander with me off the beaten path, read on.
The back story:
During my growing-up-years, my father was the family photographer, and this picture, since digitized, was found in one of his albums. I was in high school when this was taken, and at that time, the ukulele was enjoying a lot of popularity in the U.S. I think it may have been Arthur Godfrey (anyone remember him?) who was responsible for its popularity. Anyway, I was a “ukulele wannabe.” I probably learned three or four chords before I realized I was never going to make it to stardom on The Arthur Godfrey Show, but this photo of me, snapped in the corner of my teenaged bedroom, is proof that I was once that young, actually owned a ukulele, and had aspirations of musical fame and fortune.
Arthur Godfrey is long gone, so are my parents, and I have no idea what happened to the ukulele after I left home, but just looking at this old photo brings back memories of the much younger person I once was and gives me a warm-fuzzy-happy-feeling. I have a smile on my face as I write this. I am so glad Daddy saved this photo. It must have meant something to him too, and I wish I could share it with him today.
Thanks for looking at this “way-off-the-trail” blog post. Maybe you could find an old picture of yourself and take a photowalk down memory lane.
Carolyn aka Skip
SEEN ALONG THE TRAIL 
Gerry started learning the uke jUst few years ago. Now she plays with group occasionally. You could resume your career. I still have Daddy’s violin Perhaps we could form a trio. Will think of name. Back door neighbor & friend.
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I didn’t realize Gerry played the uke. I would have asked her about it when we had lunch last week. To tell the truth, I had forgotten about it until I was digging through my old pictures. A trio would be fun if I still had my ukulele.
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Hey. May I join you ladies? Walking back through the years. I did know Arthur Godfrey, but I don’t think I watched much. He might have been on on Sunday nights. I was always at church. That’s my best guess of why I didn’t watch him regularly. Sad to say, but I don’t remember. I do very little picture taking – just digitals of grand and great-grands. I also am retired from school teaching. It was hard work but it was my life during those years. I loved it with a passion. I’ll look in on you.
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Nice to know that there are others who remember him. What did you teach when you were still in the classroom. I hope you enjoy your peek at my blog.
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This is wonderful Skip. I also am old enough to remember Arthur Godfrey. Time sure flies.
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Yep, Camille, it sure does! The TV shows were sure different in those days.
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And do you remember the doll in this photo? Does she have a name? She looks familiar, maybe I had one too. And yes, I remember Arthur Godfrey!
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She was a bride doll. Sadly she had seen better days by the time that picture was taken. I don ‘t think she had a name.
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Good to know I am not the only one who remembers the old redhead.
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