Last Saturday morning Allen, Abbey and I headed to Ledges State Park in search of scenery spectacular enough to accompany the announcement of our former monk’s engagement to the girl he left behind when he entered the monastery six years ago. The photo shoot is now history, thanks to good weather and a good woman who has amazing powers of persuasion where Allen is concerned
Finding good scenery was no problem, but getting my son to cooperate was. “Uh-huh,” I said to myself each time he wrinkled his nose at the last second, or lifted his lip in a sneer, or gazed beady-eyed at the camera, “some things never change.” Old memories of photographing our exhibitionist son surfaced. I could almost see those childhood pictures where Allen is either 1) sticking out his tongue, 2) striking a goofy pose, 3) shoving his way to the front to upstage anyone else in the photo, or 4) any combination of the above.
But this time, he was not only outnumbered with mother and fiance ordering him around, but also crazy in love. With Abbey, not me. Every so often, she would elbow him in exasperation and say, “Behave yourself, Allen.”
He would look at her and shake is head a little, like he couldn’t believe she’s in his life again. A goofy grin would spread across his face. He would give her a hug, and say, “Okay.” Then, he would do whatever I asked until the mischievous little boy returned and yucked at the camera again.
By the end of the morning, we had plenty of good photos. The one you’re looking at is my favorite. Their glowing faces, the lush green underbrush and the grey-brown tree trunks make me happy whenever I see it.
But I wouldn’t be surprised if behind that tree trunk, Abbey was elbowing Allen’s ribs while through gritted teeth she whispered, “Behave yourself.”??Some things never change.
