mental photographs

I, like perhaps millions of others this late January Sunday, am dealing with a head cold. Energy is low and interest in projects that require concentration not so keen. I'm reading Jenniefer Chiaverini's new novel "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker," and dozing from time to time. Mother Nature is dealing a hand of snow, sleet, ice and rain blown about with gusts that cause some rattling and an ice buildup on the east side of the house. Just now, as I checked on the chickens for the last time before they sleep, there was considerable ice on their gate latch and food canister. Happily, all was snug and comfortable for them within. And now I can remain snug within as well.
I've been exploring the updates on my computer, thank you Matthias. A good way to spend time inside on a miserable weather day with only a cat for company. Before long I drifted to my photo collection. Not surprisingly there emerged a clear pattern: the cats, the sky, plants inside and out, quilts from many shows, projects, planned,  in process, and completed, the chickens, the landscape outside the farmhouse windows, a little bit of travel, and people I love. I was surprised, however, by how many moments I had forgotten and that I have 10,955 photos just on this computer. This does not include those I've already sent to the remote drive. Holy cow. Many of these are terrible photos. But each is representative of a moment in my life that I felt I needed to capture and cling to. That I couldn't bare to let disappear. That spoke right into me.
How fortunate, then, that I have a simple digital camera and a reliable computer that make it possible. If I had access to these tools when I was younger, when my children were young, throughout my creative life! Staggers the mind.

In the days, weeks ahead I will return to my photos again and again, organizing galleries and perhaps choosing some to make into greeting cards. And I'll continue to add to the collection as each day brings countless opportunities to take more pictures.  For today I have found grace in bounty, riches. I've been reminded once again just how blessed I am.
I wish the same for each of you.