Recently my grandson, Ethan, was turning six years old. I wanted to give him a special present from his grandmother. I made him a book. The title of the book had his name on it in large letters. The rest of the book contained a short story about him.

His name was in the story as often as I could fit it in. The rest of the book was pictures of his immediate family. Then I had each page laminated and had it bound. It was a real book. Ethan loved his book. It was a special gift to my grandson which I know he will keep and hand down to his family.

While I was creating this book for Ethan, I wanted to use a special picture in his book. I went through all the photo albums and found the picture I wanted to use. I scanned the picture into my computer and that completed his book.

When I was browsing through my photo albums, I noticed the pictures were turning brown. I immediately started tearing the photo albums apart and started scanning all the pictures into my computer. I went one step further and pulled down all the family photos which were in frames on my walls. They were next.

Scanning is an immense project. Each picture needs to be scanned one at a time which takes time. As I was scanning the pictures my mind went down memory lane. I could even remember the specific times and places some pictures were taken.

I really became excited with each new picture I scanned. I was seeing these old pictures really come to life. While the pictures were being scanned into my computer the colors were being revitalized. I was seeing family members and friends some of whom I have not seen in years come to life.

Family members who are now deceased came alive in the photos. The photographs now became much more important. Keeping all the pictures you have of your loved ones, and keeping them in good shape is now within your reach by scanning.

There are many photo shop software programs which will really take it one step further and make your pictures look like they were taken that day. The software will even repair a ripped photo like new.

I scanned in my children's baby pictures and their school pictures. My old wedding album, my parents wedding pictures the categories are endless. The best part about these old pictures, which were useless sitting in an album turning brown are now usable.

I can use them in numerous ways; such as, cards, letters or any type of project I would get involved in. I can turn on my computer and look at each picture anytime I want. Make sure you put the pictures in separate files for instant retrieval.

This was a huge project and it took up and immense amount of time but I want to tell you it was well worth it. Why not open a box or album and see how a trip down memory lane will be the best thing you ever did for yourself and your family.

You can save your pictures on a CD or zip flash. A good way to really protect your photos is to put a complete set in a safe deposit box in the bank. You can now present each of your children and grandchildren with a complete set of pictures. In the past when there was a death in the family the family members fought over pictures. Now this is unnecessary with all the electronic equipment available for you to grasp and use.

Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to read my numerous articles on various subjects.

Copyright Linda E. Meckler 2008

Linda is the author of her first published book, "Ghost Kids Trilogy. "Christy, 12 and her Brother Brad, 16 moves into an old house on top of a mountain and meet two Ghost Kids.

Adventures keep you mystified until the hunt for Pirates' Treasure.

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