The other day I was digging through the contents of several as-yet-unpacked boxes stored in our basement (hey, it’s ONLY been three years since we moved in!), and came across something I haven’t looked at in what feels like forever – a gathering of memories in the form of my decades-spanning scrapbook collection.
Now before you get the wrong idea, my scrapbooks are not pristine, archival quality, carefully-curated albums. They don’t make use of beautiful papers with scalloped edges, colourful washi tape, or cute rubber stamps and whimsical stickers. And their completed pages are neither planned, artistic, nor particularly selective.
No, my books of choice are coil-bound with thin newsprint pages, easily found on the stationery shelves at your local department or dollar store. They’re rough and ready, quick and dirty, cheap and cheerful. And they’re filled with anything and everything – greeting cards, movie ticket stubs, silly notes from friends, event programs, vacation memorabilia, and random bits of ephemera that didn’t have another home but which for whatever reason I couldn’t bear to toss – all stuck down with bits of tape or a swipe of glue, the main goal being less about aesthetics and more about cramming as much as possible onto each page.
There are eleven of them in total, all full to bursting except the last (which still has a few blank pages remaining). The first holds the very oldest things I’ve managed to hang onto from childhood, and the last unfinished book includes items from early 2001. (I’m not sure why I stopped there – I’ve still saved everything as usual, but my 2001-and-beyond memories are currently stuffed, unsorted, into a collection of bags, envelopes, and boxes. One of my projects for 2015, actually, is to get – and then stay! – caught up on my scrapbooks.)
My scrapbooks are not pretty or display-worthy – in fact, to anyone else they might look like a random, unexplainable pile of junk – but to me, this dusty, dilapidated stack is a precious thing.
Paging through my scrapbooks transports me to other times and places… reminds me of happenings and situations that would otherwise have slipped from memory… elicits smiles, tears, laughter – and stories. So very many stories.
Which brings me to what I think is a rather intriguing idea for future Alphabet Salad posts: a new, semi-regular “Scrapbook Stories” feature, where I use the bits and pieces I deemed worthy of saving from the trash as inspiration to put some of my memories into writing – to bring them to a life of their own, outside their dark and dusty cardboard box in the basement, and share them with you.
I’m not quite sure just how often my Scrapbook Stories will appear – or even what form, length, or tone they’ll take – but I’m excited to discover where these explorations will lead, and hope you’ll enjoy following along.
Are you a scrapbook-keeper?
Please share!
Twitter: writercat
February 7, 2015
Loved your post about scrapbooks, Laurel. I am avid scrapbooker and enjoy both the paper kind and the digital kind. I don’t go too crazy with all the expensive stuff but I indulge and buy fun papers and stickers when I see the sales. I see myself as the family archivist and like to record events before they’re forgotten. Both digital and paper are such different formats. I like them both for different reasons. Digital is quick and goes together very fast. Paper I can use my hands more and there’s the creative challenge of finding embellishments to go with the photos and papers.
I look forward to hearing about your Scrapbook Stories.
Cathy Graham recently posted… Just Call Me The Crazy Bird Lady
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 8, 2015
That’s so great, Cathy! I know your family is going to be grateful to have those memories preserved for the future. What a wonderful gift to give them!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List + February 2015 Gratitude Linkup
Twitter: barbblogtwits
February 7, 2015
What a wonderful idea! I like it much better than a “prompt” because it is what you know. I will be watching and be sure to post them on Women of Midlife so we can follow.
b+ (Retire in Style Blog) recently posted… How to Find a New “Career” Using Your Inner Child.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 8, 2015
I will do that – thank you for the encouragement!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List + February 2015 Gratitude Linkup
In your more than capable hands, this scrap book idea is sure to be a success.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 8, 2015
Thank you, Myke!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List + February 2015 Gratitude Linkup
Twitter: blogqueendiane
February 7, 2015
Interesting idea — hard telling what interesting things you’ll come across! I’m a scrapbooker and here are 10 reasons I love it: http://thoughtstipsandtales.com/2015/02/02/ten-reasons-why-i-love-scrapbooking/
blogqueendiane recently posted… How to Find Ideas for Blog Posts
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 8, 2015
So many great reasons to get scrapbooking!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List + February 2015 Gratitude Linkup
Twitter: ellytreehugger
February 8, 2015
I had started saving items for a scrapbook years ago, though I don’t think they ever made it in one! 😉 I love your idea of “scrapbook stories” Laurel: that will be fun for you I imagine and fun for us to read too! 🙂 <3
elly stornebrink recently posted… NaBloPoMo: Make…an Inspired Dance
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 8, 2015
I hope they will be!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List + February 2015 Gratitude Linkup
Twitter: ajaybpai123
February 8, 2015
Scrapbook idea is a novel one. Interesting.
AJay Pai recently posted… Love happens, So does a Beak-up
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 8, 2015
I hope it turns into something good. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List + February 2015 Gratitude Linkup
Twitter: FranceneStanley
February 8, 2015
I’d love to look through your scrapbooks. What a wonderful way to keep a record. I’ve tried remembering past events, but the details escape me. I look forward to the memories you share.
Francene Stanley recently posted… Who is the dominant partner in your relationship?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 8, 2015
Thank you, Francene – I hope you enjoy these future posts!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List + February 2015 Gratitude Linkup
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