But, I'm not just talking about good memories. I'm talking about those unforgettable moments from over the course of your life that for one reason or another, tattooed the occasion in your mind and forever marked it as exceptional. Those are your "Snapshot moments."
Now, I'm not talking about heartbreaking moments or tragedy. Of course, we all have those, too. I mean the moments that can make you smile just thinking back on them. And they don't even need to be grand, outrageous memories. Sometimes they're anything but!
They're indelible simply because they captured an instant of joy. Or humor. Or anticipation. Or maybe just pure wonder.
I had this conversation with one of my oldest friends recently, and it got me thinking.
As I let the idea marinate in my mind for a few weeks, a few of my snapshot moments started to climb their way out of my dusty memories. I'll share two with you.
The Big Four-Oh Snapshot
This one will be forever seared in my mind! Because of the location, because of the breathtaking scenery, the vibrancy, the milestone birthday...I could go on and on.
It was my 40th birthday & the hubby and I were on vacation in Italy, and it was our first night in Florence. On a whim, we decided to check out the rooftop restaurant in our hotel for dinner that night. We wandered up the dim, steep stairs to the roof anticipating a lovely dinner, with absolutely no concept of the scene about to greet us at the top of the staircase. As we strolled up to the host to request a table, I casually glanced over the balcony. And...Good Lord.
Imagine a postcard brought to life right in front of your eyes. It was quite literally Florence at its best: Bathed in that perfectly warm sunset light that highlighted all the shades of amber, auburn and orange from every rooftop. It was stunning. I'll never forget how awe-inspiring that sunset was...and I've seen my share of sunsets. Che magnifico, to say the least!
The Grease Snapshot
This one makes me laugh when I think about it. It was during the short lived time when two of my sisters and I all lived in Florida together. Here's the scene: Two young women pull up to a neighborhood Italian restaurant and park in an available spot. Right as they park, the song "Summer Nights'" from the movie Grease comes on the radio. (This is when you realize I'm talking about me and my sister, by the way.)
Photo credit: A. Currell via Flickr |
Windows cracked just enough that anyone unlucky enough to be strolling nearby would be...ahem...regaled with our mostly tone def rendition of the classic ditty.
I'm pretty sure I sang the part of Danny. Once the song finished, there was a second or two where neither one of us acknowledged the ridiculous, spontaneous duet we just collectively massacred.
Then we looked at each other and busted out laughing. Gotta love sisters.
Now it's your turn. Dig deep...what are some of your snapshots?
♪ ♫ "...Summer lovin', had me a blast..." ♫ ♪
Ta-ta for now.