Pretty Girls Always Smile!

In my family, if something is happening, someone is ALWAYS taking a photo.  Christmas morning, birthday parties, boat rides, swinging, playing in the pool, eating ice cream—you name it. Click. Flash! There’s always a camera or phone pointed at me and it has been this way my entire life.  My mom used to have us kids sit together and take pictures from first, her camera, and second, her slide camera.  I can only be patient for so long.  I have never been a fan of photos and flashes and mostly that hasn’t changed.  I like looking at pictures but not having my picture taken.

We also have another thing in our family: “pretty girls always smile.” Has a nice ring to it, right? My Auntie Honey started saying it when I was little and it stuck… and now everyone says it. My siblings, parents, aunts and uncles and nieces—pretty much the whole family is in on it- even Lovia! Whenever someone says it, I smile and point to my mouth, and they do it back. I love that. It’s my thing. It makes me feel happy and special.  I also do it myself when someone comes to visit or when I get to do something I really enjoy!  It is something I remember on my own when I am with my family and we all get a kick out of it.  

When someone is trying to get me to smile or stay calm (be patient) for a photo, my family will repeat this phase, pretty girls always smile.  They also sing Happy Birthday to me which is by far my favorite song.  Mom has a little blue camera now that she’s been using for probably 20 years! I still don't like that camera or even when Mom gets it out.  She is not the only one—if there’s a family gathering, someone’s pulling out a phone or camera. And I get it, they love me, they want to capture the moment but something about the flash really used to bother me.  I guess I’m a little scared of the flash but mainly I want them to put down the camera and be in the moment with me.

Most recently though are the selfies and the videos!  The selfies are my favorite. When someone turns the camera around so I can see myself…Oh, now we’re talking. I can smile or do my signature Danielle wave. My nieces always get it right. They go, “Ready sis?”, I check myself out on the screen, and boom—we look amazing. They always show me right after too. Now that’s a picture I can get behind…and NO flash which makes me very happy.  My brother and sister like to video now too which I’m ok with.  I’m glad we are pretty much over the flash photography phase. 

So yes, pretty girls always smile, but not always on cue and definitely NOT with a flash!