About Ponga Member Contributors

A Flame of Memory Sparked by a Swimsuit

The storytelling opportunity didn't end in front of a Christmas tree.

The sharing of an old photograph, and a memory, isn’t a popularity contest, or a “what-ya think” moment. It’s not about the number of hearts or likes it collects. Leave that to social media and random current event images. Sharing an old photograph, can and should be the starting point for a walk down memory lane. Or perhaps the discrete reveal of stories shared with one relative but not to another.

Searching for Lost Stories Together

Connecting the dots and joining generations with Ponga.

As we share the details we find in pictures, clues lead from one story to the next. Connecting the dots with context and memories we soon reconnect as a family. Having reached out to my tier-one and tier-two relatives, siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews, I experienced pure unadulterated joy. Their comments, remembrances, and reconnections have been beyond amazing. I invited my family to the storyboard albums I’d created, …Then… I remembered Myrna. The game was afoot!

Hidden memories ignite a spark

Storytelling keeps it burning

It’s simply amazing to me that a single photograph can ignite a deep dialogue with some family members. But it certainly can, and did! One photo, two relatives. Both are 1st cousins. Norman, whom I’ve never met, and Wendy, whom I hadn’t talked to in perhaps 45 years.

Time travel through the Ponga-portal

Beam me up Scottie

Stephen is a remarkable man. His special capabilities have been a challenge for him all his life. The support he receives and his own brand of self determination has opened the world for him. In fact, he’s made the time traveling journey to Australia on his own twice. With small, insignificant hiccups along the way, he always lands with a smile.For