SMILE and SMILE some MORE

The whole school students and teachers photo at Auckland Grammar School in the early 1940’s was about to be taken. Unbeknown to the teachers, Peter Horne (my dad) had arranged with a few mates to do a ‘special photo’. 
In those days, to get the school in the photo, the camera was moved slowly from right to left and the shutter was open for a short time. Everyone had to sit perfectly still. 
Dad, sitting in the stands could see where the camera was slowly pointing to. Judging the right time, he left his place (after the camera had finished that section) and rushed to his new space before the camera got there. By doing this one more time he appeared 3 times in the school photo. Dad became a triplet. Hilarious! 
My wife Val adds smiles to group photos too. In our travels and around Raglan she often sees families and friends getting ready for their group photos. The camera person always misses out. Not if Val can help it. She readily offers to take the photo and no-one over the years has ever said no. Everyone is extra happy and profuse thanks follow. Val’s reply is always, “You’re welcome.” 
To finish, a few seemingly random thoughts and a neat quote. Recently we watched our nephew Dylan play rugby in Thames. Also watching was my younger brother Mike and his wife Sheryl. Mikes friend, also called Mike, had an ensuing conversation with me about my kindness blog. He   mentioned the following quote by Elizabeth Bibesco. ‘Blessed are those who can give without remembering and receive without forgetting’. Worth remembering eh.

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