Black and White - Photographs Sometimes Lie

Someone sent me this photo a couples weeks ago. 

Probably taken in the late 1960's, I'm guessing 1968.  I'm sitting on my Dad's lap.  My younger sister on my Mom's lap, while my older sister is in the back. This is a rare photo of my family.  I don't remember it being taken and it is only one I have of us together.

My parents divorced in the early 1970's (1972?).

The picture depicts a typical family sitting down with smiles. We really weren't that kind of family as I would find out a few years later.

When I see the pictures on Instagram and Facebook everyone is documenting snatches of time to show their friends.  I've read that people can become discontent with their own lives while looking at those sites - everyone else seems to be so happy and nobody has any problems.

Pictures sometimes lie.

Two Things That Always Cheer Me Up - And Help Me Be A Better Husband

Today Gina and I exhanged these texts:

Scott - Decided I needed to get some excercise and walk around during lunch so I went to Home Depot.

Gina -  It is air conditioned ;)

Scott - Exactly, so glad you understand me.

Two things (and there are far more than two things) that always cheer me up.


First:

A room full of books. It can be in a home, library, or book store. It doesn't matter. A room with books makes me relax and enjoy life. The possibilities....

Second:

A hardware store is amazing for relaxation. Wandering the aisle seeing what is new and interesting. Some of you may scoff but wait --- Gina has benefited from my hardware store strolls.

I now understand the difference between shopping and hunting. I am sympathetic to her enjoyment of what seemd like endless hours of looking at shoes. I used to think every visit to a store was a failure or waste of time if we didn't purchase something. Otherwise why even bother going.  Gina would always shake her head at my inability to grasp the simple joy of shopping.  Slowly, ever so slowly I matured and now grasp this fundamental (and necessary) knowledge for a happy marriage.