Memoir; Writing your Life Story
This blog will help you turn memories into meaningful stories for your family. We will sample three techniques to show how to take life experiences and create a memoir to record these events. By the end of this session, we will have drafted an introduction and outline to help them produce personal stories cherished by your family for generations to come.
Helen and Teacher
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Monday, February 19, 2024
Our Museum
Thursday, January 18, 2024
We're just past Christmas, and what have I Done?
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Fall is Coming
Tornadoes and Troubles
Sunday, January 15, 2023
American Doll and Toy Museum: Writers Beginnings
Monday, September 19, 2022
The Life of Objects; Their Importance to Us
Two things struck me last week; one was the celebration of life for a friend of mine who loved dolls, rocks, books and writing. She was a woman after my own heart. The second thing was a documentary of objects recovered from 9/11 sites.
My friend Rochelle loved her antique dolls. They appeared at her visitation and later at her celebration of life. Another friend was charged with selling them and they appeared at doll ;. I bought many.They were all the more precious because they were hers. I took home her original Shirley Temple, even though I had several. I knew she loved Shirley Temple, and that doll presided at Rochelle's visitation.
When I watched the 9/11 documentary, I was touched that its creators understood the importance of objects in our lives, especially when they evoke memories. As one commentators put it, that's why we bring back souvenirs. As i pointed out in something I wrote, objects can later help us to remember when our memories may start to die.
The Federal Rules of Evidence allow using objects to refresh a witness's recollection. Therapy for Alzheimer's patients often involves using objects.
Collecting things serves the same purpose, and also preserves objects for the future.
Here are some ideas from the 9/11 documentary:
- Objects preserve when memory fades
- It discussed "the human urge to hold on to objects to preserve the past and speak to the future"
- Objects are our bridge to the past.