Christmas Trees & Family Museums . . .

Have you ever noticed that when you put your ornaments on your Christmas tree that you are creating a family museum? If you and your family are like most families, over the years, you bought, collected, got handed-down and even made many of the ornaments. Perhaps there are a few left from your childhood that were significant to you or another family member. Maybe the ones you have purchased over the years were because the ornament reminded you of a special person or event in you and your family’s life. Could be that there is a particular collection of ornaments from places visited. The ones that are most precious are the ones that were hand made by you or your child.

 

All or many of these decorations represent your family and your memories, and that is what a Family Museum is all about. As you take the baubles out of the box, I bet you can tell a story about it as you gaze upon the shining object, touch the sparkles, and even see your reflection on the ornament as you hang it on the tree. And as you tell the story it makes you recall that moment in time when you first saw it and put it on the tree. And when you find one that has broken it might make you ponder on why it broke. Were you not careful enough with it? Did you rush it into the box not realizing that it may be in jeopardy as other ornaments were placed in the box? Though it may have broken, the memory is still there and maybe you can find another one like it to replace it or maybe even fix it.

Whatever and however you decorated your Christmas tree this year, remember that you are witnessing a gathering of memories and perhaps you should write them down, place the little note with the ornament for the future. It is essential in life to keep your memories alive and well.

My Christmas gift to you and your family are these wonderful quotes I have assembled and listed in my book,

Create a Family Museum and Save Your History,

to read and keep in mind as you go through life.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

 

 

Quotes:

 

“Keep all special thoughts and memories for lifetimes to come. Share these keepsakes with others to inspire hope and build from the past, which can bridge to the future.”                                          ~ Mattie Stepanek

"Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your children's children."                                                         ~ Deuteronomy

 

“A morsel of genuine history, a thing so rare as to be always valuable.”             ~ Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States

 

“Keep some souvenirs of your past, or how will you ever prove it wasn’t all a dream?”                                                           ~ Ashleigh Brilliant

“If you don’t recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your own stories and tell them, too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are.”                                               ~ Madeleine L’Engle, American Writer

 

My book is available through the publisher’s website:

Orders@HeritageBooks.com and available on Amazon

 

  

 

When you clean out a closet you go back in time . . .

This week, like every year at this time, I switch my fall/winter wardrobe of sweaters & jeans to my spring/summer shorts & tops. But I did something this time that took me down memory lane.  I said enough is enough. It is about time I give away some clothes I have not worn in years and will never wear again. As you get older, life changes occur, and you no longer dress like you use to, it is time to let go and start anew. Making three piles; one for donating, one for keeping, and the big one, to sell. Yes, I decided to part with some outfits that were so near and dear to me. These clothes actually identified me: stylish but quirky, expensive but worth its cost, and then there were the memories. Oh boy!

As I pulled each garment out, took off the protective cover, hung it up on the door to take a long look at it, I pondered on the time and reason when I wore it. My daughter was home that day so I took each and every outfit to her and asked her, “Do you remember this one?” Her reactions were funny and mostly her patience with me was appreciated as I sat there and recalled the story behind the outfit. She was present for all the times I wore these clothes, so she too, went down a memory path. Do you know that clothes have stories to tell? I could probably write an amusing book, each chapter a narrative about finding the dress, suit and gown, why I needed, mostly wanting it, and what it cost then. When I researched the designer label and found out how much it costs today, I was flabbergasted.

 After I pulled out the last outfit, I asked myself, now what do I do with all these wonderful clothes? You will never believe what solution I came up with. Especially me, the Family Museum Curator that advocates saving and preserving family heirlooms, not that a dress is a family heirloom, but its history is worth a fortune of memories for me.       

I decided to take a booth at our local antique mall and sell these vintage clothes along with other family things that are not wanted anymore. This was a difficult decision for me, but there comes a time when I had to stop holding onto gowns I will no longer wear let alone fit into. And now the work begins. It is not easy to prepare something to sell. There are several procedures that must be followed and there is also an expense that is incurred. I ask myself, will all this work be worth my time and energy? When I know, I will share this info with you.

Until then, here comes summer. The shorts and t-shirts reign supreme in my closet and when the first autumn leave falls, I will be at it again.

And don’t forget to get your poppy this Memorial Day. This is a great time to remember the lives lost to preserve American freedom. It's a solemn holiday most often spent by sharing a day off with loved ones. But as you enjoy being with friends and family, take a minute to remember everyone who can't be with their loved ones.

And let us not forget our brave men and women who are at this moment in time, protecting America and you & me!

 

 

Memorial Day Reflections . . . always!

I posted this blog several years ago and feel that is still relevant today, as Memorial Day should be every year. Thank you for your family's service and may God Bless America and all her brave men & women you gave their time and souls to keeping America safe.

Every family has one if not more members of the family who have perished in a war. As Memorial Day is to honor those who lost their life fighting for the freedom we cherish, today’s blog makes this contribution. Here are some facts and information that I am sure you already know but is always good to reminder.   

With the aid of the Internet, you will find a multitude of websites that give detailed information on all the United states Military wars fought, won and lost, offering numbers of when, where and how our brave men and women lost their lives.   

Most of these sites will tell you that Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action.

To brush up on your knowledge of the American Civil War, visit the Library of Congress Civil War collection, which includes more than a thousand photographs. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/cwp/

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.

Know the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran's Day? Click on

www.almanac.com/content/when-veterans-day page.

The Remembrance poppy has been used since 1920 to commemorate soldiers who have died in war. Inspired by the World War I poem, "In Flanders Fields", they were first used by the American Legion to commemorate American soldiers who died in that war (1914–1918). They were then adopted by military veterans' groups in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Small artificial poppies are often worn on clothing for a few weeks until Remembrance Day/Armistice Day (11 November). Poppy wreaths are also often laid at war memorials.

As you create, add to, or make changes to Your Family Museum, make sure you give special attention to those in your family who were in the Military; even those who are currently serving our country. In our family museum, pictures, uniform pieces and souvenirs from Keith’s Naval Reserve Duty are showcased with much pride and respect.  When a visitor comes to our home and is taken to see our museum, I can see the pride in Keith’s eyes has he shares his memories with the guest. In turn, they usually have some memory of theirs to contribute, creating fascinating conversations.

In Our Grandparents Museum there are two albums filled with photos from my side of the family: Uncle Mike & my dad.

Uncle Mike’s military service was in the Army during WW I driving a medic truck in the  fields of France. 

There must have been a time when he visited the city of Paris, because he sent this  post card home.

Among my Uncle's things was this pencil sketch of a battle scene. There is no writing on the back to tell the story behind it. He also had this French sword. Over the years there had been many different stories about it, but the one that rings most true then the others in that since he drove the Medic truck onto the fields to retrieve the dead and wounded soldiers, he apparently found this sword and kept it.

My father, Bill’s military service in the Navy during WW II was as a Aviation Machinist stationed on the Air Craft Carrier Enterprise. When going through his papers, I found a captivating account he wrote about how he survived the Japanese air attack, taking refuge in the lowest deck on the Enterprise. 

From Keith’s side is a photo of his father’s younger brother, Edward B. Goesel, a 20- year old Airman, killed on June 18^th 1944, when his B-17 Flying Fortress was shot down over Hamburg, Germany. Missing in action, his remains never were returned home.

 

As we reflect on this Memorial Day, let us all keep in our hearts the memories we have of our family members, friends and acquaintances that have served and continue to serve our country today.  God Bless them, one and All.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember Mom – from fun to advice – always a fine teacher.

My mother gave me some truly good advice, much of it I didn’t consider the importance of until I became a wife and mother. First and foremost, feed them first; then talk. This was especially true with my dad. When mom had to either ask him a question or tell him some news that he may not want to hear, she fed him first. While he stirred his last cup of coffee, out came the questions or news. I can remember standing in the kitchen and watching the drama unfold, thinking, oh boy, dad. Here it comes! Another piece of advice, not now! When I had something I wanted to tell my dad or brother and she determined it was not the best time, she would put her finger up to her lips, along with a nod silently saying, “No, Not now.”  She said timing was everything and if you want to get the answer you desire, wait for the right time. But I would ask, “When is the right time?” With a wink of her eye, she said, “You’ll know.” It took me a long time to figure out all of this advice, but I did and passed it along to my children.

Mother and son. Very special bonds are formed from day one. One of my husband, Keith’s fondest memories of his mom was when she taught him how to sew. She help him make a coat and pants for his doll, which is in our Family Museum. Keith was the last child, 4 siblings before him; 1 sister, 3 brothers. Most of them were older and being the youngest, he got a lot of attention from his mom. She played with him often and told him he had a master touch with woodworking and encouraged him to build and create. Keith was very close to her and with her passing 10 years ago at the age of 102, he misses her. One of her last bits of advice of the many she gave him, was not to get so old; it’s not fun.  

"My mom is my best friend,” Tiffeni wrote. “During my four decades she has shared a lot of wisdom, ideas, advice, and many other things. But want I want to thank her most is for the ultimate present - the gift of play. My mom nurtured my curiosities and fed my imagination. My mom play with me and made the most places and events magical. One memory that stands out is when we went to the Art Institute in Chicago. As we looked at the paintings, mom would bend down and whisper in my ear, "What is the lady thinking?" or "Where does that path go?" She spoke to me as an adult; not a little kid, and waited for my answer. As I grew up, mom & I would visit museums often and we would continue our game that contributed to my love for learning. Thank you for being playful, instilling me the love of museums, fostering my imagination, and your constant encouragement. You're the best! Tiffy."

A boy with his mom is so very different than a girl with her mom. Perhaps it is because mom can take a breather from the task of teaching and play instead. Boys like to play and that is what Charlie and I did. He recalls how we listened to lullabies’, laying out train tracks from his bedroom and down the hall. He loved the little encouraging notes I would put in his lunchbox, and most of all, introducing him to the Titanic, the start of a passion for maritime history. Boys are very attentive, observant, and kind. These pictures were both taken at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home in Virginia, 24 years apart. Whatever I was trying to explain to him in the first picture, he listened. This is one of my most cherished moments with Charlie because I cannot recall what I said to him, but apparently it must have been wonderment. So when we visited there again, Charlie wanted to re-enact that moment. We did and neither one of us can remember what was said. But it’s special, indeed, to have him still astonished.  

So this Mother’s Day, have your children and grandchildren write down what they learned best from you. It is surprising to read what they remember, perhaps something you even forgot. And don’t forget to put your Mother’s Day memories in your Family Museum, so they will be there for you and the rest of the family to enjoy.

Wednesday Wishes . . .

I wish I had a penny for all the memories I have lost. As Mark Twain said, “When I was younger I could remember anything, whether it happened or not . . .” Perhaps age does play a factor, but how can you keep those memories you still have alive? You can by creating your Family Museum.

The reason I am writing about this is because the other day my son Charlie asked me about the trip his father and I took to Hawaii many years ago. In fact, it was over thirty-eight years ago. And you know what? I couldn’t remember much about that vacation. He asked me if we took any pictures. I thought for sure we did, but after going through several photo albums from that time period, I couldn’t find one. Zilch!

So now I have to mentally recall that wonderful time since not only are there no photos, or least that I can find, I also have no keepsakes. However, I do remember getting two Hawaiian dolls for our daughter, who did not like them at all and were given away (I wish I still had them).

Feeling sad, I said to myself, there has got to be something that we bought and still have from that trip. So I wracked my brain and talked with my husband, who sometimes has a better memory then me. Putting our heads together, we remembered. The first memory was that of seeing the very popular entertainer, Don Ho and his show at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. There he sang his hit song, Tiny Bubbles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlCiDEXuxxA    I recall his album being sold there, but we didn’t buy one. I bet if we did, we would still have it.

Other than the dolls, Keith bought himself a Hawaiian hat trimmed with Puka sea shells. That hat had seen its better day, but before it was discarded, the seashells were saved and now grace the fuzzy neck of Honey Bear. While on Maui we were thrilled to find vendors that sold fresh clams containing pearls. We knew this was a tourist thing but what the heck!

So I picked out my clam,

actually two clams because I wanted earrings, and lo and behold, I found the pearls, however, one was white and the other black. No earrings for me but when I got back home, I had them set into a ring that I still wear today. So the Puka shells are in the museum and I still wear my pearl ring. I guess we do have memories of Hawaii, but like Wednesday Wishes, I wish I had more.  

Happy Mother's Day . . .

How was your “Mother’s Day?” Were you pampered by husband and kids? Spent the day with your mother, or assorted mothers: mother-in-law, step-mother, foster mother? Were you left alone to do your own thing? Did you go out for dinner? Open presents? Sleep all day? WOW!  

So many things and I bet you didn’t even have control over your day. But that's ok!

That was the way it had been for me for many years. Being torn between obligation and appreciation. So what does Mother’s Day have to do with your Family Museum? Well, I’ll tell you. When you set aside that special place in your home for the display and preservation of your family heirlooms, you can put the many gifts you received from this and past Mother’s Days in your museum.

Perhaps you saved some precious things that your mother kept from her celebrations. By visiting these treasures you can recall those extraordinary moments, long dormant in the recesses of your brain. And when the day is over, gifts and cards opened, meals eaten, kisses and hugs until next time, you should feel pretty proud of yourself that you are appreciated and then do yourself a favor; save the cards, even gift wrappings, ribbons & bows (that you can use again) and place the gifts in your family museum. If not an object, a photograph of the eventful day. It doesn’t take much time or effort to create a memory, because that is what life is all about.

 

If you have the time, please read my past Mother’s Day blog posted on Friday, May 9, 2014. One of the few things I saved over the years that is precious to me is a little book and diary of my first foray into motherhood. And there is a moral to the story, too.

Keeping Parents’ Treasures

As you spring clean, be thoughtful of your family history, particularly when you clean out. I have been reading too often how the baby boomer generation is discovering that many of their worldly possession, the ones they painstakingly saved and preserved to be passed down, are being disposed of by no other than their own children they wanted to pass it onto. How sad is that!

This seismic shift of stuff is underway in homes all over America and I am sure elsewhere in the world. Yes, it is true many of the BB generation need and want to downsize their living space and give their things away. Unfortunately, many of the next generation; Millennials to be specific, don’t want the large dining or master bedroom suite. It just doesn’t fit into their transient life styles, small apartments or first homes.

Another aspect that is rather disturbing is how these young adults don’t seem to want their own possessions either. School yearbooks, trophies, T-shirt collections, toys, and all those adorable baby clothes the parents hoped their child would dress their baby in. But why, I ask? What’s wrong with revisiting those yearbooks? Why not save a few of those trophies they worked hard to get? Why not take all those quirky T-Shirts and fashion it into a useable item. And what about those baby clothes? Using them again saves money.

I recently read an article that said 20 & 30 year olds don’t appear to be defined by their possessions, other than their latest-generation cellphones. That they live their lives digitally through Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and that’s how they capture their moments. That their whole life is on a computer. And how they don’t need a shoe box full of greeting cards.

Even more distressing is how a 29-year-old estate marketer (I assume sells homes that will eventually be filled up with the very stuff she wants to get rid of, like old photos, bowls and cocktail glasses) would rather spend money on experiences. Just what does she think will help her remember these experiences if it isn’t stuff . . . souvenirs from a distant land she visited, photos of loved ones and friends that passed on, precious things her family cherished over the generations. And if this isn’t sad enough, her husband echoed, “I consider myself a digital hoarder . . .

if I can’t store my memories of something in a computer, I’m probably not going to keep them around.”   I ask, how can these Millennials be so shallow?  So short-sighted? So superficial? Is their family history meaningless? By time I got to the end of the article, I was fuming. When I read the last statement, I was downright smoldering.

A flippant professional organizer told a client, who should feel insulted, that the three large bags she filled of memories, one for each of her three sons . . . first-grade drawings or boxes with seashells glued to them . . . would not be appreciated. He said, “They made these things and gave them to you and you enjoyed them. The gift-giving cycle is now complete.” How can this so-called professional be so glib? So mindless? Perhaps he was never taught to appreciate gifts given and received? How will he feel when he is old and grey and finds he has no stuff left to reflect the life he lead. One thing for sure, he will have a difficult time healing from the initial loss of the tangible memories he gave away.

This brings me to the subject of my next post: educating the young on the principle of value.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

We are all so busy with the holidays and keeping up with routines is difficult, but I could not let this time of year go by without wishing all of you who take the time to read this blog and that the information here gives you the encouragement to create your family museum. And there is no better time than now to start. Take plenty of pictures capturing the moments of surprise and delight. Save some of the gift tags and bits of wrapping paper to make a collage or start a scrap book starting with this day and for all the future Christmases. This is especially a good idea for the children. When the inevitable boredom seeps into their day, help them to start a memory book, filled with photos, bits & pieces of Christmas wrappings, a personal story about all the people they shared this holiday with, the places they visited, and some of the things they did. It is so easy to forget past events and by keeping a personal journal in whatever form you wish, the words you write will keep those memories alive forever.

Here are a few photos from my family Christmas holiday. Living in a town with a colonial living history museum offers an array of holiday magic, from brilliant fireworks to handmade decorations. My family and I enjoy going to museums this time of year because they usually display artifacts from Christmases past.

In our home we have family members singing on the piano. Even the family pets.

Again I wish you & your family a

 

Merry Christmas.

Child(ren's) Bedroom(s)

Many Ideas

There is nothing more satisfying then when a parent goes into a child’s bedroom and can see the floor. Trying to keep their room orderly is a monumental task. Trying to instill the merit of a neat room is just as difficult. There really is not a sure way to get them to do either. But one thing you can get kids to do is to show off their hobbies, collections and interests. A great way to do this is by having them create Their Own Museum. If closet space is not an option, here are several creative ways. First, ask your child how he or she envisions their museum. Get them involved and the whole family will have fun.
 

Factory-made mullion glass-fronted wall cabinets with solid or glass shelves (seen in photo) – such as those found in a kitchen – is an option to consider when planning built-in display & storage for the child’s room or any room in your home. Ceiling height determines how high to place the cabinets, but do not put it up to the ceiling. Make sure the lighting in the cabinets are ventilated. If you cannot do the job yourself, where you purchase the cabinets, they can recommend a carpenter. By having the museum in this fashion, bedroom furniture can be pushed up against the wall making floor space available. Sold through cabinet dealers and home-improvement centers, manufactured cabinets come in many styles. There are three configurations: base, wall, and specialty cabinets. You can place them side-by-side and stack them to create all sizes of family museums. Space allotment will dictate how many cabinets you can use and whether you can place them on the floor or need to hang them on the wall.

    

Another area to display large objects, like model boats that can take up a lot of space, is by putting them on the top of a window valance. Not only does this put them in a regal realm, it keeps them out of harms way. The valance also is great at concealing the top of draperies, curtains, and window shades. By constructing a wooden valance (a trim carpenter can scallop the edge for a more decorative look) with a solid top, is a perfect place for displays. For example, my son has a collection of large ship models, even a three-foot long Titanic. There is also The Queen Mary I & II, and aircraft carrier USS Independence.

Dormer windows are under-estimated. Though it usually is a place for a window seat, this is really a great place to showcase a particular item or items, and the space below can be used for storage. If the dormer space is large and accommodates more than one window, the space can be separated in sections, devoting, say a collection of dolls & furniture, dollhouses, large toys like rocking horses, baby dolls with their prams, etc., into their own display. This area can also be enhanced with low-watt lighting. If you install glass doors, remember ventilation.  

Once your child/children organize their keepsakes, they will have a great time displaying & showing their collections to friends and family. Their Own Museum identifies them, their accomplishments, instills pride and contributes to the goal of building a future viable resume.

 

Next Post: Closets & Shelving