I’d say I have something like an abyss of forgotten photographs. Mostly on memory cards but my phone always seems to need a good clear out as well. Slowly but surely I’m having a digital de-clutter.
I surprise myself with what I find sometimes, here’s a random few with some thoughts 😌
Magpies
That time when I saw 11 Magpies congregate together outside my window, I wonder if they were one big family….probably!
We all know the rhyme about magpies right? One for sorrow, two for joy….etc. Well I thought it ended at ‘seven for a secret never to be told’, but it actually goes up to thirteen and seems a bit spooky. I really don’t think there’s anything linked to how many magpies you see at once – they’re very social birds and like to hang out together (that’s my take).
They’re quite cheeky birds as well – I saw one in a standoff with a fox. The fox was walking along a wall and needed to get past the magpie, but the magpie refused to move out of the way. The fox stood there (probably in disbelief at the boldness of this little bird). I think the fox managed to squeeze past somehow and the magpie gave way a little in the end.
Brunch
Another fish finger sandwich breakfast on the go, very squelchy though, so ended up being finished off with a knife and fork.
Message in a Book
This was handwritten in one of the front pages of an old second hand book – what an inspirational and heartfelt message from a teacher to a student 😌 💛
Whether child or adult, we can be greatly moved and inspired by a kind word or gesture – I hope the young person took this encouraging feedback on board (and kept a copy of it too)💫
Canal Life

Photo: Mirfield, Yorkshire
I don’t personally know anyone who lives on a narrow boat but I know it’s quite common these days. I always imagine it must be very cold on a boat in the winter.
After reading ‘15 Reasons Why Living in a Narrow Boat is a Bad Idea’ not sure I’d be keen.
Accessibility
So, the wheelchair image on this train carriage seemed a bit out of synch when a man on a mobility scooter couldn’t get out of this door onto the platform because of the step down, and ended up asking a member of the public to lift it/him off the train onto the platform – this caused the kind member of the public to hurt his arm during the process 🙄
Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms
You might have sampled tea in one of Betty’s Tea Rooms.
I’ve been around a few of these tea rooms but never had tea in one yet, they’re very popular – one of these days I will have to try one out. Whilst visiting this small town I was taken aback by the long outdoor queue on a very cold and wet day. The tea must be very good in there, or maybe the cakes 🤔🍰 …..this one was in Ilkley. Have you been to one?
A Revival
At first I thought it was an Amazon or InPost type collection/drop off type facility when I glimpsed the lockers at the back from the corner of my eye.
Are launderettes becoming more ‘in demand’ again? This looked like quite a new modern 21st century self-serve ‘digital’ type of laundrette’. I’ve seen a few old fashioned retro ones here are there in London, but I spotted this one in Leeds.
Seems like there are even launderettes in car parks theses days!!!
What the…?
This was the first time I’d ever seen one of these robots but at first, from a distance, I thought it was a dog or animal gliding over the grass 🧐
I grabbed my camera and zoomed in through the window, before realising it was a machine but couldn’t see anyone remote controlling it.
It turned out to be a grass painter, painting the white markings on the field for the football pitch.
More recently I’ve seen someone stood controlling it with a remote – much more reassuring 😆
Motivational

Spotted on a sandwich board in the street but I can’t remember exactly where it was….might have been a cafe.
There’ll be plenty more forgotten photographs to come!!
Sending best wishes, and have a lovely day 🤗✨
Mike and Kellye Hefner
This is such a fun post! I need to go through my old photos and see what I can come up with.
Cherryl
So true, you must – it’s funny the things that spring to mind looking through them 😊
Annika Perry
Lovely photos, Cherryl and I recognised Betty’s in Ilkley immediately! I went to school in the town and visited the cafe so many times with friends and family – it has me smiling to see your photo here.
Cherryl
Aww, lovely Annika, and I’m guessing you can vouch for the tea ☕️ 🍰 😊
Awakening Wonders
Love the quote – yes you stand out!
PR
Beautiful collection of pictures and stories behind them Cherryl! I am so curious what book is that 😀..do you remember?
Cherryl
💐 The book was Billy
by Albert French
PR
Thank you 😀
debscarey
The message that teacher wrote inside the book may have left me with something stuck in my eye. I’m sitting here hoping that the book ended up being recycled by mistake, and that I hope nothing untoward happened to Chidera.
Lovely collection of forgotten photos. Those magpies – wow!
Lookoom
I like the written note on the book, I’d like to have more on the books I’ve received from those who are no longer with us, I’d have to think about doing that more too.
Monkey's Tale
Love your quirky photo collection and the accompanying explanation of your thoughts. 😊 Maggie
Rivergirl
Love the teacher’s personal touch… and the magpies. We don’t have them here .
Ab
That is a Lovely message to find in a book and you’re right, a simple act of kindness can go a long way.
Cherryl
👌💫
kagould17
Good post, Cheryl. Since the digital revolution, I have so many photos, it is always good to go back once in a while and stumble over a few. Have a great Sunday. Allan
Cherryl
Very true, thank you 🤗✨
Terry
Great idea for a series of blog posts, Cheryl. I have thousands of photos from over the years. Sometime down the road, when I run low on inspiration, I may steal your idea. These were great!
Cherryl
Thank you 🤗 Let’s hope you never run low on inspiration Terry, but feel free to do your own ‘Forgotten Photographs’ posts – we’ll all have entirely different photos and thoughts around them so feel free – it’s also nice to see what random pics are hogging up other people’s phone storage lol.
Aastha
The quote you spotted on a sandwich board, hit me hard!!
Thanks for sharing.
Cherryl
Love that 💫 x
Miriam
Hi Cheryl, I love how photos can evoke such strong and powerful memories. I’ve had my fair share of experiences with magpies (some pretty amazing ones actually) Thanks for sharing your stories. I enjoyed reading them. 🙂
Cherryl
Thanks Miriam. Magpies are certainly interesting – I’ve seen footage of them playing with dogs as though they were a family pet, and another with one that would fly into someone’s home and actually repeat a number of words in English – bless ✨
Sheila Landry Designs
I loved seeing your forgotten photos, Cherryl. Every one tells a story, doesn’t it. Some just give insights to every day lives. Thanks so much.
christinenovalarue
💜