Life Story Lady

TV - a Tool for Writing Your Memoirs

Tonight I watched something I haven't seen in years - a movie of  'The Little Rascals.' This time it was a movie I had never seen before, titled "General Spanky." But I have wonderful childhood memories of sitting on the floor in front of our little 18" screen black and white TV, watching every segment of the half-hour show. Of course everyone loved Spanky, the star, but I got the biggest kick out of Alfalfa's antics and facial expressions. Then there was Buckwheat, Darlene, and a few others whose names escape me now. (It has been over 50 years, after all!)

Watching this movie brought back memories of other great shows as well; Howdy Doody, the Mickey Mouse Club, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and so many others.

But it's not just the shows themselves that I'm having fond memories of... it's also the vision of my brother and I sitting on the floor, staring up in rapt attention at the screen. It's memories of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich we would eat, with a big glass of milk to wash it down, while we watched. It's the memory of my little sister toddling around us, blocking our view just when things got exciting. I remember the folded up blankets we would sit on, because the linoleum floor was so hard––and sometimes cold. Yes, there was furniture for seating, but we needed to be closer to the action!

These were our after-school or Saturday morning shows. But some of the best memories occurred on Sunday nights, when the whole family would gather around the TV to watch the Ed Sullivan Show, or Ed Wynn. In the winter, we might play a game of Chinese Checkers before the shows started. But in the summertime, the kids would still be outside catching fireflies in the dark, and had to be called in from play. Those great shows were about the only thing other than threats that would entice us inside.

Anything can bring back a memory, if we just pay attention. The next time you watch an old movie or classic TV show, take yourself back to the first time you saw it, and relive those memories. Write them down, including all the senses, and your emotions during that time. Describe all the small details of what it was like at that time. Even something like having to walk across the room to change the channel (or adjust the rabbit ears) will seem archaic to our grandchildren. (Heck, it seems archaic to me, now!)

Write a couple of pages about your childhood TV-watching habits, and you'll be amazed at how much you remember - and enjoy again!

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The Best Gift You Can Give - Your Stories!

Well, you knew I was going to say that, didn't you? But I truly believe that sharing your memoirs with your children, grandchildren, and all generations to follow, is one of the best gifts you can give. A volume of your stories will last far longer than a tie, a sweater, or a doodad that needs to be dusted.

It will be treasured, handed down, read and reread. You will be remembered. When your great-grandchildren come across a picture of you, they won't say "Who's that lady?" They'll say "That's my great-grandma - the lady in the book!"

And yes - you can still get this done before Christmas or any upcoming holiday!

Start simple. Write out your top five life experiences - just one each day. Add a picture to go with each, or just pictures of you at different stages of your life. Make a simple cover and have it bound at a copy shop. Or put them in a 3-ring binder, with a note that says "To be continued."

When you present the stories - whether it be Christmas, another holiday, a birthday, or a special anniversary - watch as the book is passed around and read with interest. You will be inspired and encouraged to add more to it!

To capture the stories of your parents, grandparents, or others you love, give them a copy of the book "Write Your Life Story in 28 Days", or better yet - give them a gift certificate to have the story written for them.

For a gift certificate, or other life-writing gift ideas, email me at deedees@lifestorylady.com

Whatever holiday you're celebrating this season, enjoy time with your family... and share the stories!

 

 

Reconnecting with Family

I'm heading off tomorrow to our family reunion. It has been 10 years since the last one. Then, my 94 year old grandmother, my mom and step-dad, and an aunt attended. They're all gone now, leaving my six siblings and I as the oldest generation attending this one.

But I'm so young! How can this be?

Oh, it be! I'm just thankful that my health is so good that I feel half my age, and probably act it much of the time. 

I've asked everyone attending to be prepared to share a favorite story from their childhood, or about our parents. I'll record the stories, and compile them in a booklet for all of us. I'm excited to hear what some of my siblings' favorite memories are. I was 20 when the youngest was born, and so their memories will be very different than mine. It should make for some interesting stories, and provide lots of opportunities for discussion.

It'll be fun to share our stories, relive old memories, and tell the little ones what it was like "in the old days." There's nothing better for reconnecting with loved ones than remembering happy times together... and creating new ones!

Writing prompt:  Write down some of your favorite childhood memories. Ask others in your family to do the same, then share them at your next family gathering, be it a reunion, holiday, or other celebration.

Write Your Mom Memories

Mother's Day is over, but our memories of Mom are always with us. Whether you still have your Mom in your life or not, take some time this week to write down your memories of her. Write about the times she helped you with school work, baked a special birthday cake, drove you to all your activities, told you bedtime stories, helped you pick out a prom dress or tux, or just listened as you shared your concerns over being a parent yourself.

Also describe her as completely as you can; her looks, personality, likes and dislikes, traits and quirks.

If you still have your Mom, you can give her this gift anytime. Just write out several pages, print on a nice paper, make a simple cover, and tie together with a ribbon. It's never the wrong time to tell your Mom how much she meant to you.

If your Mom is gone, writing out your memories of her will help bring back those good times. And the stories will be treasured by your children and grandchildren for years to come.

And yes, I realize that not everyone had the perfect Mom. If that's your case, write about some of your experiences with her anyway. You may discover new insights about her that weren't there when you were younger. You may also find that she was doing the best she could with the limited knowledge, emotions, or experience she had at the time. Writing about her may help you forgive, if that's necessary.

If you never knew your real Mom, write about the person who raised you, whoever that might have been. It's just nice to recognize the person who made us who we are.