This month is always bittersweet for me. October, to me, signals the beginning of true Autumn here in Florida, and the end of our days at the beach as we know them.
I realize that, in the fall and winter, although we can still enjoy living near the sea, our skimboards and bathing suits do not get to make the trip to the Gulf with us.
I begin thinking of all our Summer photographs, and how desperately I want to preserve a little of this season with my kids, and for them. I’d love to extend Summer just a little longer. I just can’t bear to let some of these images go, along with the memories they hold.
Sometimes I’m guilty of “the cobbler’s children have no shoes” in a sense. I know the importance of having photographs of my children on display, and do have my fair share on the walls. I do take a lot of photos of my children, but sadly, far too many of those live on hard drives rather than in some tangible piece that they can look at and hold in their hands.
So this Autumn, my mission is to create a book for my children. Photographs of them, along with the stories that I want so much for them to remember. The day they chased the great seabirds under the pier… the trip to the island when we took home a gorgeous old shell (which, surprisingly, housed a live crab). The salty smell of the air and the soft rush of the waves. I want them to be able to hold their summer photographs, read my stories to them about that memory or that day, and influence them on the tiniest, most special things in life. I hope they lovingly flip through the pages themselves someday and smile, appreciating what a simple, sweet childhood they had. The precious ways we spent our time and the possibility that each day held for them.
Especially, without a doubt, the Summer he learned to surf.
How do you use your photographs to extend your Summer into the next seasons? Do you use them as holiday gifts? Do you create books, make calendars, or use them in your decor? If you would, please share your ideas in the comments. Your ideas will be featured in a future article here on The Creative Mama!
Co-editor, Stacey Woods is an on-location, natural light lifestyle photographer for the Tampa Bay, FL area. Her favorite subjects are expecting mamas, the tiniest of babies, and children of all ages. Her online photo journal can be found at Stacey Woods Photography. Stacey’s own husband and children (a 6-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter) are her greatest source of inspiration… and laughter!
