I took on a task more than a week ago that I have wanted to tackle for years- finding those boxes and boxes of family photographs from decades of collecting, back in the day when photos were taken with an actual camera using film, then taking it to a “camera store” to have them developed. Now that most people take digital photos with their phones, are there any camera stores left or have they gone the way of telephone booths?
One of the days working on this project, I came across a large flat box and had no idea what was inside. It was a different size than all the other boxes filled with photos. I had forgotten that it was quite a treasure. My daughter Kristina found this beautiful plate years ago with the whimsical whisks around the edges. I don’t know why or how it got buried in a closet, but it made my heart sing when I found it. It was a limited edition plate honoring Julia Child’s 85th birthday in 1997!
How cool is this?
I can tell you now that it will never get lost again! I wish I had a whole set. It’s even more beautiful up close.
I have mentioned to friends about finding the plate, but most wanted advice on how to begin the massive job of going through boxes of family photos, as they expressed they too had boxes of family photos and didn’t know how to begin the organizational process. Let me tell you, it is definitely a massive undertaking, but worth it in the end. I first had to decide what my categories would be. I divided into baby photos, school graduations, weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, my side of the family relatives, Bill’s relatives including all his cousins in Finland, letters that my mom wrote to my grandmother for years which is like reading a time capsule, and so many more. Each group got its own bin, which is great when it comes to making scrapbooks, the next step in the process, but the hardest part was getting them all into groups first.
It probably took me a little longer than I anticipated because I became fascinated reading family genealogy that I found. My mom’s side went back 18 generations t0 1350! One very fun bit of info is that during Shakespeare’s time, I came across family ancestors with the last name of Arden, which is the maiden name of Shakespeare’s mother. There were several Arden’s, all living in Stratford, so now I am wondering if we are somehow related to Shakespeare? I don’t know where to begin but I am definitely going to start more detailed research. If it turns out to be true, should I start quoting Shakespeare with a modern twist? How about – “Where art thou cookie recipe?” Or how about “Parting is such sweet sorrow but I’ll see you next blog post?” Kidding. Shakespeare would probably turn over in his grave. Until then, I wish you in his words, “Good Morrow.”
What a fun read between Julia and Shakespeare!
Thanks, Lisa!
During Covid I sorted through the bins and bins of newspaper clippings, photos, etc. I had. It took me a whole year working 3-4 hours a day ! I made up large loose-leaf binders– divided everything according to the person–and then groups of people and family–and each binder sorted by events or time–young child, teenager, high school, college, special events, etc. I have ~45 3″ binders !
I would have never gotten this done if COVID didn’t happen because no one has an extra 3-4 hours a day to devote to getting this done. After I got all of that done, I discovered two more large boxes of memorabilia and I realized I wasn’t done. “Luckily” right after I found these boxes I broke my foot so I laid up for another 3 months and I had the time to get all of it sorted out and put in binders.
I set up card tables in our extra bedroom to do the job–that way I could stop and start anytime I wanted. After I got it all done I bought book shelves and put them in my husband’s office. When ever I go in there I am always amazed that I was able to get everything sorted and categorized. It’s such a huge job to sort 50+ years of memories.
So in my case COVID allowed me to get something done that I would never, ever had gotten to. As they say, make lemonade out of lemons !
Good luck in getting it all done !
I’m SO impressed, Barb! I hope I can finish this task as well as you did. You are an inspiration!
Thanks ! Again all the down time and not being able to do the normal things I used to do everyday allowed me the time to tackle he job and get it done ! Good luck – I found that if i worked on it at the same time each day i made sure I did 3-4 hours I wanted to get done each day.
Good idea, Barb, to do some each day. That’s a very good goal. I’ll work on it!
Wonderful treasures indeed! We’ve been doing some of that at our home as we go through boxes of old photos from my mother’s house. If you have time, remember to name & date photos on the back for the next generation to enjoy looking back over their family history. Enjoy the memories.
That’s a great tip, Kim. While sorting out photos, I was always grateful to those relatives who wrote info on the back of photos. I’ll do the same thing.
“Little Sister Debbie” You continue to have an amazing attitude— and so creative –medical oops included! Onward and upward always plus 2 days/daze in our golden sunshine! Bon Appetit, Y’all………….”Big Sis ML”
How I love you, my “Big Sis!”