Valentine's Day is the perfect time for memories and sharing stories!
I have begun chronicling my memories surrounding my favorite pictures. At first, writing my memories seemed awkward, but over time it has gotten much easier. And I've learned that a heartfelt memory is the very best gift I can give. A tangible reminder to be cherished in days, weeks, and years to come. A written memory to leave to future generations that the people in my life were special, were loved.
My challenge to you this year: A hand-written memory of a special time. This task may seem daunting. “I'm not a writer. I'm not a good speller. I don't know where to begin. This is stupid.”
Start slow. Get a piece of paper, a pen or pencil, a small timer. Set the timer for 2 minutes. At the top of your paper write I REMEMBER... start the timer and write a list of memories. Write the entire time... write just enough to recall the memory then move on to the next memory. When the buzzer sounds, stop.
For example: I REMEMBER our first kayak trip down the Muskegon River... meeting you at the ball park... “Here, let me help you”... cooking my first ham... meeting your brothers at your family reunion... honking the horn in the driveway... our first big garden... Sport and RV shows... road trip in Florida... driving into the Grand Canyon a little too far... proposal... wedding ceremony... last-minute Mackinac Island biking... hot dogs over brush pile... fishing in little row boat... (each time you do this activity you will generate a different list!)
Pick one of your listed memories and start telling the story. Don't worry if it's not a literary masterpiece. It will be to your loved one. The story will show how much your loved one means to you. You remembered. If you have a picture of the memory all the better. If not, no worries. Your sentiment is enough.
This activity can become a family tradition. Everyone can participate. Group memories are special, too. We have started making a giant card for those holidays when family members gather. For example, at Christmas, we make a blank card, put a title on it (What I remember about Christmas... Remember the 4th of July we... My favorite Thanksgiving dessert is... etc.) pass it around during the day and everybody signs it and adds their memory. The following year, we do the same thing with a different title and we have all prior cards displayed throughout the house. We all look forward to re-living memories past.
Write from your heart; it's Valentine's Day, after all!
Laura Hughes is co-founder of Freeze Frame Publishing, printers and finishers of custom photo books, cards, and calendars that YOU create using your digital pictures and Freeze Frame Publishing's FREE software. She chronicles her family's history through pictures and stories. Contact Laura@FreezeFramePublishing.com for more information on freezing time and framing your memories forever!
(This is a photo book with “stories” from guests at this couple's wedding... they handed out I REMEMBER... note cards to all their guests. Guest stories are sprinkled throughout the book)
Web site: http://freezeframepublishing.com
email: laura@freezeframepublishing.com
company: Freeze Frame Publishing
Lowell, MI 49331
freeze time... frame your memories forever!
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