Behind the Scenes - Just One Photo

Even though this blog post was on the back burner of my mind, I only took one picture on Thanksgiving Day. This is notable for at least a couple of reasons. I’m usually extremely prolific with photos, but my favorite (let’s face it, only really good) camera has been on the fritz for a long time and I haven’t been able to afford to fix it or get a new one. In lieu of that, I’m often Instagraming my way through events at least part of the time – for fun, for memories, and for hopes of finding something worth sharing later.

I just have one picture from our Thanksgiving celebration, and it means more than a million words that this is all I have.

Just one picture meant: I was so caught up and engaged with my family that thoughts of photo snapping, life documenting, and (gasp) even blogging escaped me for the afternoon and evening (well, mostly, I am a writer, after all).

Just one picture meant: this first holiday with my family-in-law after several years of estrangement was so joyful and real; all I wanted to do was be present in every moment with them and let the memories etch themselves in my mind and heart, not on my social media feeds.

Just one picture meant: the collaboration on the dinner was spectacular, and none of us could let it sit around long enough to take pretty pictures. We were hungry, and it was that good. Imagine stuffed mushrooms, spinach dip, fritta, the most succulent turkey you’ve ever had, fabulous gravy (I’m not going to lie, our gravy rocks), two kinds of cranberries, classic green been casserole mashed potatoes, and a sweet potato pecan casserole that might as well be dessert. Then actual dessert: lemon meringue and pumpkin cheesecake pies. I might have missed something, but it doesn’t matter. You get the idea.

Just one picture meant: laughing over Yahtzee and Chicken Feet (a family domino tradition) had us holding our sides and our heads. It’s a little crazy, and a little wild, and you have to hang on to the dining room table or it might wind up in the kitchen.

Just one picture meant: as a family, we held each other that night. In our hugs; in warm looks exchanged; in loving words shared; in the freedom of simply being together with no boundaries or history or baggage in the way – simply being.

Part of me wishes I had more to share, and I will tuck in this one picture of our bella-girl from four years ago (the last time we were together) just because she’s so lovely, but I don’t regret for one moment having just one picture from this past Thanksgiving. No. Not one bit.





I'm linking up with Crystal Stine and company again today; joining the Behind the Scenes link up –  where we show those photos – but tell the real story behind them. The sneak peek behind the scenes, a look past the edges of the photo to the real life behind it.

I'd love to connect with you some more - stop on by the Three Bees Facebook Page or connect with me on Twitter @3BeesBlueBonnet. Let's continue the conversation!