I love taking pictures. I enjoy the memories and impressions photographs leave in your mind as you turn them through your hands. I also enjoy scrapbooking — combining my pictures with the stories of events.

It's funny how many stories you forget if you don't take the time to write them down. I enjoy working on my albums. They remind me of awesome memories and make me grateful for the positives in my life.

Recently, I was asked for a picture of myself. Now, I have all of my photographs archived digitally online, as well as in disks burned from my computer. Yet, when I went through my albums, one by one, I had a difficult time finding a picture of myself. Mind you, I LOVE taking pictures — so I have handfuls of photo disks. I'm always behind the camera!

My heart skipped a beat. I create beautiful albums for myself and my children, but they lack an essential element — me. Yes, I created the material, but I was deeply saddened that my image was not among many of the pages.

I seek now to make sure I have some incredible photographs of me, and of course, with me and my precious boys. I will make sure I share my camera, and not hide behind the lens any more. I didn't even realize I was hiding — but perhaps I was. One more place to hide behind feelings of unhappiness, I suppose. I will not hide anymore. Bring on the lights, camera — action!