The Moments of Happiness...

Recently I made a realization. I think it was something I knew all along, but it wasn't exactly in my conscious awareness.

I have lots of pictures. Well, "lots" doesn't exactly do it justice. But I spent enough time partying fairly hard in a past life, so there are moments that I only "remember" because I see myself in a picture of the event. My pictures are one of my most prized possessions. I"m a Cancer, so being a packrat is second nature to me; I love *all* of my possessions. But my pictures, far and away, have a very special place in my heart.

With the advent of the digital age, I no longer take pictures with the same vigor that I once did. I still take pictures, but it's different. I"m a huge technophobe (technotard would actually be more apt of a description, excuse the very un-PC language; the simple fact that I'm doing this blog thing is a feat in and of itself). I do not have a home computer, though I want one, and I know exactly what I want in one. It's just a matter of learning how to use it to it's fullest potential. But back to pictures.

Of all the photos I have, both in the oldfashioned Kodak paper form as well as an a thumbdrive, my favorite pictures are (and here's my realization) the ones of my friends, family, and loved ones where there is genuine laughter. Not just a smile of amusement, but throw-your-head-back, double-over, pee-yourself, laughter. Like the one at the start of this post: it's my favorite picture of my partner because he is genuinely laughing.

There is nothing more freeing that making a big belly laugh.

Usually when caught on film, genuine laughter brings a whole other layer to the story behind the photo. It adds a raw emotion that is nothing but pure joy.

And it makes for the best pictures.