Yesterday, I learned that Shirley Temple (Black) had passed away at the age of 85.
I, surprisingly, felt teary. Even though I wasn’t exactly around during her peak years (in fact, those were about 50 years before I came around) I loved her movies when I was younger. My sister and I would dance around and “play Shirley Temple.” Since I was older, I usually got to be Shirley (sorry, sis).
Anyway, I loved Shirley Temple. I love to hear that she was talented, genuine, and one of the rare child stars that didn’t sink into drugs or oblivion. I think we could all learn from her–when America lost interest, as will always happen, she left the business behind and moved on with her life. She went on to have a successful life by all accounts, and she will be missed.
In honor of her philosophy, I thought I would share a few memories that always make me smile.
Our first trip to the ocean…
A group selfie in Ireland…
This picture, taken right before we started a fire on the roof, during our Thanksgiving celebration in Thailand.
I like this one because it’s a decent picture of me and my mom, and I laugh because she couldn’t figure out where to look for the camera.
I’m not exactly sure what I was doing in the picture, except probably trying to cuddle the elephant.
How many girls does it take to light a lantern at the Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand? A lot, actually…
My graduation day from college, and my dad as a professor at the same school.
One of my oldest and dearest pals!
Me and my dog as a baby. I can’t even!
My sister’s graduation day!
My host family’s dog in Cuzco, Peru.
Right after we first met!
Our other dog, Murphy, as a pup!
us at Christmas in Olympia. 
my oldest friend and I, laughing on a ferry.
cousins!
it was my birthday, with great friends.
From a camping trip in college.
Whale watching!
In Mexico.
A little baby panda in kindergarten!
A little Chinese cutie and me.
A bachelorette party.
Us meeting in Europe, on a train!
Pretending to be in a scene from Harry Potter, of course.
Napa!
A wedding.
The Bean.
More Mexico! This time a shot of me taking a shot.
What pictures always make you smile?
