My imagination has been such an active part of who I am. I'm fascinated by what may come. What could happen? What will happen? The past has always called to me as well. I've imagined hundreds of different lives and wondered what it would have been like to be one of those interesting women.
In recent years, I turned that imagination about the past into actual research about my own ancestors. It's been fulfilling and fun. There's still so much I haven't been able to uncover, so my search continues.
My home is filled with bits and pieces of memories. I've been reluctant to part with items which trigger such strong imagery and feelings, but I've done quite a bit of parting over the past year or two. Yesterday I began going through some boxes of things. Odd assortments of photographs, vintage valentines, jewelry, knickknacks... junk to many, treasure to me. I still find it hard to separate the memories and the imaginings from the items. Is this what triggers all other keepers of things? Those labeled hoarders. Those disdained by the very neat and tidy masses? Thankfully, for me, it's not food or animals, but it's a wild assortment of so many other things.
My mama saved my first grade artwork, my dresses, shoes, even books which were left behind when I was sent to live with grandma and grandpa. She tucked them away in old suitcases and boxes, saving them for a day when we could look at them together and share a laugh and a memory. I don't know why I'm saving her treasures. I'll never get to sit with her, holding one in my hand and say, "Remember when..." or hear her giggle over any of it. When I do hold one of these things, I am transported back in a way nothing else can do. I'm there again, and she is with me, and my world seems a little more complete.
© 26Jan2016 ajj
6 comments:
I have a cedar chest full of those memories as well...they only have meaning for me these days...
((hug))
Like Donna, our cedar chests (there are two, one my mom's and one my daughter's). They hold many memories; my first dress Mom made for me, my wedding dress, 7th grade graduation, etc. I've let my first great granddaughter try these on; we had so much fun that day.
Take care, and be well.
xoxo
Donna and Sally! Thanks for the comments and for stopping by! I'm trying to do a little more writing and it's been nice to be doing it. I'll be coming to see you both soon! :)
Your Mom sounds like she was very sentimental. She kept those items for you. You can enjoy the memories and maybe display some of them to enjoy every day. They were tucked away and now they are meant to be enjoyed.
This is very sweet! It's very special to have things from your mother. Part of the reason I enjoy vintage things, is imagining how they were used in the past!
Elaine, she was sentimental. She passed from cancer, and afterwards we kept finding little notes tucked into things around her home. It was such a sweet, joyful surprise!
Linda, it is very special. My love of vintage was fueled by my mom's passion for them. We loved hitting the second hand stores, yard sales, etc. I like thinking about who might have enjoyed them in the past.
Thank you both for stopping by to visit me! :)
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