Monday, January 10, 2011

today i finally overcame trying to fit the world inside a picture frame



this picture was taken three years ago.


there are many things you can gather from this picture alone. my long sleeves and the auburn leaves hint at fall. we're driving somewhere, but my seat is pushed back, so we're stopped. for the moment. there is obviously, quite plainly, an element of surprise. i am being led. on a scavenger hunt, perhaps?


but what this picture can't tell you--what you can't possibly know or see--is that i was indeed on a little scavenger hunt. one that led me through our sleepy little town and all the special little places and holes in the wall that were crucial in my relationship with robert. under the guise of a fun afternoon spent reminiscing, he picked me up around three. 


we went to local gas station where we always got slushies. the golf course community where we fished together for the first time and broke both our poles. sonic, where we loved to get limeades. the field near my house where we drove his granddad's pickup truck, headlights off, into the woods and ate chinese takeout by candlelight.


and our last stop. the local library. a huge white mansion flanked by towering magnolias and long stretches of gorgeous lawn. the place we fell in love as we danced under the moon to an outdoor big band concert. a little spell of silence came. robert pulled out a boombox and in a style that put "say anything" to shame, started playing our song, a whimsical, string-heavy version of somewhere over the rainbow.


a ring. a proposal. 


and then, my family and friends inside the library. around 40 people. a private meal and party.


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photography is an art. a beautiful, special talent that allows me to relive my special memories forever . i cherish my pictures. in their wooden, silver, and gold frames. in their collages and scrapbooks. tucked inside my Bible


and the mark of a great photographer is taking those emotions, those feelings that come from the gut and personify themselves in our eyes, and capturing them. freezing them in time. the beautiful mix of joy and nerves in a pregnant woman's smile. the amorous bliss of a newlywed. i know photographers like that, and envy their skills. 


yet, sometimes life just happens. and because it's not a big event, it's not captured on film. we didn't break out the tripod when i made pasta last sunday night, so years from now, we might not remember that we collapsed on couch in laughter a few moments after eating. at least once an hour, pablo looks at me with an expression so innocent and priceless, but my camera is in the other room, and by the time i tiptoe to get it, his head is turned.


so they pass. those special seconds and memorable evenings. those sweet half smiles and big bear hugs. we might not remember every single one, but we lived it. without pause or hesitation. without posing.


yes, a picture is worth a thousand words, but some things just leave me speechless.

32 comments:

Signe said...

you write so well! and you and robert are so sweet together :)
hope you are having an amazing monday!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a wonderful proposal! :)
There are so many times I wish I had my camera, or after an experience I think "oh I wish I would have taken photos!!" sometimes I take a lot of photos...other times...not so good at making sure I do! But photos, I love them - completely and utterly love them - just to be able to go back to that moment and picture it just a bit clearer than the memories is a lovely feeling!

sarah nicole said...

I love how you weave lovely memories and bits of your life into a larger lesson. Your posts always leave me thinking and make me happy. : )

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I think I should just have one comment on your blog every time - beautiful. That's how I feel about your writing every time. What a GREAT proposal, bravo.

Trina M Curran said...

What a sweet, sweet, story! The library...that's awesome. William proposed to me in the rain with the ducks in the park. :) I'll never forget it. I love your writing...

Blondie's Journal said...

What a very sweet proposal!!

XO,
Jane

mary kate said...

that is such a sweet proposal! i always look forward to reading your posts and this one is so great, i love your writing! :)

-Sam I Am- said...

wow... words cannot describe how much i loved this post! what a BEAUTIFUL story that is :) congrats on such a great proposal and i wish you all the happiness!!!

loving your inspiring blog, as always!!

Southhamsdarling said...

What a romantic proposal by your lovely Robert!! And to have all your friends and family there to celebrate that special moment with you both.Beautiful writing, as always.

Dee Paulino said...

what a thoughtful romantic proposal. i wish you and you family and happy fructose life

Shay said...

Lovely post as usual, my friend. I so enjoyed reading about the sweet proposal- Robert is quite the charmer, it seems! I hope you had a terrific weekend! And by the way- thanks so much for adding my button down there, that was such a nice surprise to see!

Diana Smith said...

What a cute idea!! I love how all your family members are there waiting for you!!

BJJ said...

What a sentimental afternoon and proposal.
The way you wrote this post was beautiful.
I enjoy your "writer's poise!" :)

pickingwildflowersblog.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

What a beautiful story! I love it so very very much!

Dawn said...

Wow! That is quite the story. It sounds like it's right out of a book!!!!!
What a blessing that memory is!!!!!

Thank you for sharing...and that first picture...looks like you were very TRUSTING:)))))

Kelsey Cunningham said...

Oh my gosh this story made my eyes water! How sweet and romantic. And I love that your family and friends were there. Your writing is so beautiful, I always enjoy reading your blog. xo, Kels

Jenni Austria Germany said...

oh i love engagement stories :)

Jessica said...

I love this story, such a special proposal! :D

Amber said...

robert is an amazing guy. This is one of the sweetest proposals I have heard about in awhile.

the southern hostess said...

What a beautiful proposal and a lovely lesson! Once again, your writing blows my mind. :)

Daydream Living said...

Hi Courtney,
I loved reading your proposal, it was indeed romantic! And yes, capturing everyday moments is something I love too, I do it all the time with my girls, even if the picture itself is not A-perfect, the memory is there with an image!
I finally made my list of four today! Thanks for thinking of me, hugs, Maureen x

Emily said...

This is such a sweet post! I just loved reading about your proposal(what girl wouldnt?!) The way you write captures my attention and I get enthralled so quickly! There are numerous times I wish I had my camera to capture a moment but I guess thats what mental pictures are for.I mentioned you in a little post today be sure to check it out :)

Rebecca said...

just started following great post

thegirlhassparke said...

What a beautiful story, told so well.

elisabeth said...

amazing. and more than true.
your words always leave me warm & speechless.

♥elisabeth

Some Korean Website Highjacker said...

so romantic and incredibly thoughtful. you've got a special man there, to plan all that out the way he did. gosh and having your family there afterwards, i don't know if i could have stopped the tear train or even if i'd want to try.

another reason why i love blogs (and yours) so much is the memories it saves. the stories we write and share. goodness, you've made my night reading this lovely, dear entry. xo ♥

Haley said...

please, please, please write a book :) I buy it, a few copies actually!

Your proposal story is awesome!!! Nice work husband :)

And I to appreciate photos and treasure them, especially of the people i love & care about most...but you're so right, living in the moment and not taking it for granted is so, so important.

Cassie said...

lovely. Memories to last generations!!

Louder Than Silence said...

This is just amazing. What a wonderful way to be proposed to! Sally x

Unknown said...

Sounds like the most beautiful and perfect day ever! :)

Jillian said...

Courtney, Lilly wants to know why you were wearing a bandana on your eyes while you were driving. I assured her that you were just riding and NOT driving. haha!

vintch said...

haha jillian:) love it!

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