I like the Memories Feature on Facebook as well as Google Photos. I like that merely a swipe or scroll transports me to people, places, events, or experiences that were worthy of a photo. Long before the iPhone, I used a camera, printed out photos and placed the choice shots into a small purse-sized album I called, “My Happy Book.” Any time I needed an uplift, I’d whisk it out and browse the photos until I felt better. Of course, to stay up to date I’d have to expend time, money, and energy adding to or creating more “Happy Books.” What a game changer the Facebook and Google Memory features are!

Yesterday, February 10, 2025, an especially poignant series of memories popped up.

The previous year, February 10, 2024, was the beginning of the Lunar Dragon New Year—my year! A dream came true when I chartered a boat for a Sunset and Whale Watching Cruise that evening to celebrate the holiday with family, friends, and key teachers in the literacy program I worked with over the past twelve years in the Los Cabos area of Mexico. The thrill of the
whales, stunning sunset, and guests sharing their talents in music and stories made for an unforgettable experience. The whole blog post and photos can be found here.

However, the next set of photos would bring back the heartache that was in store for us. February 10, 2019, would be the last day we would spend with our precious five-year-old wire-haired dachshund, Lacey. The next morning while Thom was with our three dachshunds in the backyard, a coyote jumped the fence, killed Lacey with one bite, and carried her back into the greenbelt. The yard was filled with deep snow and ice, so Thom could not deter the attack. It was over in a flash.

We shared our loss on social media to honor Lacey’s life and to warn other pet families to take extra care. I’d hoped that in spring we might be able to find her collar, however the ravine behind our home is so steep and treacherous it was not possible. I created a small memorial garden with a winged metal doxie and planted a hellebore that blooms each February. More about Lacey and our loss can be found here. It has been six years now and I still can’t believe it happened.

Thankfully, an older happy memory appeared from February 10, 2018, when I participated with two dynamic local authors at the Edmonds Library Picture Book Mini-Fest.

Liz Wong read from her book, Quackers (Knopf 2016). A cat who thinks he’s a duck? He must be Quackers! The book is about standing out, fitting in, and building a life with room for all. Liz entertained the young audience with her whimsical drawings.

Liz was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and has made her home in Edmonds, Washington. She is a prolific writer and illustrator with has a long list of captivating books. I am NOT a Penguin: A Pangolin’s Lament (Knopf 2021), is a hilarious story about a pangolin with an identity crisis.

Another favorite from Liz, The Goose Egg (Knopf Books 2019), is a delightful tale about elephant Henrietta’s life taking a big shift when she bumps her head and winds up with a goose egg, a REAL goose egg that hatches!

Avril VanderMerwe read her book; How Cheetah Got His Tears (Penguin Random House South Africa 2017). Cheetah had a tough lesson to learn about boasting.

Four years later, Avril had tagged me on her Facebook post celebrating the USA launch of her newest picture book, Pangolin Plays a Prank (first published by Penguin Random House South Africa 2021). Avril, originally from South Africa, has a charming series of children’s picture books featuring animals from Africa. Pangolin Plays a Prank is about friendship and being there for your friends when they need you the most. Pangolin runs into a bit of trouble with Lion, and soon discovers she has more friends than she realized, especially in difficult times.

In quick succession Avril published her series. Once Upon a Rhinoceros (Penguin Random House South Africa 2018), addresses the folly of envy.

Then, I Don’t Want to Be a Hyena, (Penguin Random House South Africa 2019), shows hyena believes that none of the animals like her. What if she could change her identity?

And next, Don’t Be Shy Bushbaby, (Penguin Random House South Africa 2021), introduces young readers to the lives of nocturnal animals. The animals don’t understand why they can’t see Bushbaby and assume he is shy. All except Owl who knows Bushbaby’s secret as they start their day at night and return to bed at dawn!

Her newest book, The Wildest Dog and Other African Tales (Penguin Random House South Africa 2022), is a series of six heart-warming stories: a compilation of Avril’s first five picture books and a brand-new tale about a Wild Dog!

This 2022 Facebook post not only reminded me of Avril’s charming books but also told that she had recently moved back to Seattle. A call to set up a get-together is way overdue!

Another plus for Facebook and Google Memories!