I’m sporadically participating in the Clear Fork Publishing challenge where my publisher Callie Metler-Smith offers prompts to the Clear Fork Authors and Illustrators. Today’s challenge is Throwback Thursday – “Post a throwback picture that has something to do with you personally.”
Since, I live on an RV, my old photos are in storage. However, I did come across a scanned photo that seemed to relate to the challenge. The photo directed me to a photo journal that I started back in 2004. We were purging our home of fifteen years in preparation for a move from Chicago to North Carolina. I struggled emotionally with letting go of “memories.” I decided to take photos of the “memories” and write about them. Today, I share my Throwback Thursday photo and memories. As I was uploading my photo, I realized that it isn’t my photo. It is one I found somewhere (can’t remember where). But it is very much like my old skate box.
MY OLD ROLLER SKATES
by Alayne Kay Christian
I’ve clung to them for thirty-five years
Through every move, every closet cleaning, every job, love, birth and death
Each time I run across my old roller skates
I return to my youth
The days when I was wild and free
Unafraid
Willing enough and daring enough to explore
Have fun
Just be
I was happy – not a care in the world
Learning about myself and life
Being myself
My authentic self
The skates were magic
As long as they were with me, all was good
And once I put them on my feet
They empowered me
To be confident and free
I can still feel myself in the golden glow of dim lighting
Gliding across that old wood floor to the rhythm of Motown
Moving effortlessly, leisurely, and happily
The world around me slowly drifts away
Leaving me to fly like a bird
Alone with my heart
Feeling the peace, the oneness, and the joy
Today, I release my old skates into the Universe
Perhaps they will work their magic on someone else
I realize I have done my skates, and the Universe, a disservice
By keeping them prisoner all these years
So, I send them out into the Universe with love
And preserve the magic of my roller skates with this picture
I keep my memories with me as a reminder of who I am
Now, my old roller skates are free
I AM FREE
1/4/04
I shared the above for a couple reasons.
- To participate in the challenge.
- To share something personal about myself.
- And to suggest to anyone who struggles to let go of “memories” represented by stuff that a photo journal is a great way to let go. In addition, any kind of journal writing can be a really good friend during times of letting go.
I hope my sharing has either brought back some memories or inspired you to let go in a different way.
Alayne Kay Christian 
Nice idea! That’s a great thing from your publisher. Maybe a picture book in there!
Thanks, Sharalyn. I love that you are the first to comment on this post, as I woke up thinking about you this morning and wondering about you. Hope all is well. Please email if you have time. It actually occurred to me, just as I was about to post, that there might be a PB in this. Wheels are turning 😉
P.S. & I love the photo journal concept. I need to purge so I’m so glad you shared this. I think I’ve been worried about “throwing away” memorabilia. ❤
Oh, I’m so glad this photo journal idea might be helpful to you, Sharalyn. It is a wonderful process when you have a writer’s soul. And you have an illustration spirit as well. Maybe you could even illustrate your beloved memorabilia.
Oh, I love this. And what a marvelous way to let go of something loved,
and yet retain the memory.
Throwback Thursday, what a delightful challenge.
I’m so glad you like the post, Carleen. I hope it sparked some nice letting go moments for you.
What a great idea! I struggle with actually getting rid of some things, but I really can’t enjoy them since they are hidden in a box. I’m sure there are some nice PB ideas in those boxes and I just need to pull them out!
Oooo, I hope you start digging and find some great ideas, wonderful memories, and beautiful journaling moments.
what a great memory. Thanks for sharing. It brings back memories for me too. We had a roller rink in town and every Friday night was kids night.
I like the idea of a photo journal.
I’m so glad my post brought back some nice memories for you, Linda. Thank you for taking time to share that with me.
Alayne, you didn’t realize it, but you wrote this post for me! It is perfect. I am in the process of moving from my home of 20 years, the home my husband and I dreamed about, built, and raised our kids in. My head knows this is the right time and the right move and it will be all good on the other side, but letting go is harder than I expected. Thank you for the perspective.
Some things were meant to be, Marilyn. This post isn’t getting a lot of views. But for me, if it touches just one person – you – I am thrilled. I hope that the photo journal idea leads you to some lovely memories and peaceful moments of writing as you let go in a special way and move forward to the good on the other side. My thoughts are with you. Perhaps I will share another journal entry that might touch you. Thinking about it.
Love ❤️ your post! I have been taking pics of memories for a while…mostly Cheyenne’s early works of art…hate to throw them out but can’t save all of them either! Now how do I keep the photos “in order”?😝
Sorry for the late response. I don’t know how I missed your comment. I love your idea of taking photos of your daughters (assuming daughter) early art. It is a perfect way to preserve them for ever. Best of luck getting the photos in order 😉
I, too, have a history with my roller skates. . . a memorable time in my life. Thanks for sharing in this creative way, Alayne!
Oh my gosh, Jarm. I can’t believe I missed your comment. I’m so sorry for the delay in responding. I love that we both share roller skate memories. I really appreciate you letting me know that. I hope you had a really nice trip down memory lane.