My sorry first attempt - the first day in our (then) new house
I was recently introduced to a website that hit all my sentimental buttons and had me pouring through my photos. Have you heard of dearphotograph.com? This website displays photos people have taken of old photographs in the exact spot in which the originals were taken. The idea is to line up the landscape or architectural features visible in the photo with the same in today's world, showing what can be a powerful juxtaposition of old and new. The result is nostalgic and powerful and fabulous and sad, especially, I imagine, when someone you love is in the picture.
A few of my favorites from the site have a genealogical feel to them, although feeling that connection to the past always reminds me of genealogy: Aunt Judie, Ghosts in the Pews, Wedding on the Lawn. Others are just magical. All are much better than my first attempt!
Of course, many of my older pictures are not in identifyable locations and I no longer have access to my childhood home. But there are some possibilities in my photo collection. Here are some of my favorites.
My grandmother, ca 1924
My aunt and grandmother outside their newly-built home, ca 1963
My parents' wedding, 1970
My parents after their wedding in 1970
My mom, 8 months pregnant with me
I adore the idea of walking in my family's footsteps but, I have to admit, the idea of walking in my own again appeals as well.
My first day of school
Me at my grandparents' house, 1979 (happy days with fuzzy slippers, a hand-knit sweater, and my bear)