Unknown

I found the film cartridge in the back of a drawer this week. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out if there were any pictures on the roll. I searched the internet for information. I watched several YouTube videos. I have concluded that there are undeveloped pictures nestled in the left-hand end.

It has been more than 30 years since I had a 110 camera. I have no idea where this picture treasure chest has been hiding. I have no inkling what is recorded on the film. It is like having a little time machine. I am preparing to send it in to be processed. Whatever is recorded on the emulsion can't be changed now. It's a much more accurate record than my memory which seems to rewrite the past to my advantage. I can't wait to see the past.

I once had a camera stolen. The pictures in the camera were precious to me. We had found the most beautiful bluebonnet field just south of Dallas. We had dressed Lance up in a smocked outfit my mother had made. Then we turned him loose in the flowers. It was a beautiful day. Pictures were not instant. Film was expensive. I was careful taking images. I measured the light and thought of the speed setting of the camera. It was rare to expose a whole roll of film, and I had not taken all 36 frames. I was waiting for the next thing worthy of taking pictures.

Weeks later, a pawn shop called offering to sell me back my camera. I felt like it was a scam, so I waited for the court case. The defendant was found guilty of stealing my camera and 100 other burglaries. I was told I could go to the police evidence building and pick up my camera.

I tested the tension on the winding lever. There was still film in the camera. I quickly wound all the film into the canister and sent it that day to get developed. The pictures came out perfectly. I still love them.

As we stand on the cusp of a new year we can look back to see the beauty of what has been. We can look forward to new possibilities. The film is not yet exposed, so let's fill the world with beautiful choices.