I have always been a memory keeper. Perhaps it is hereditary; my mother dutifully filled the pages of my baby book with snippets of my early childhood. I continued with my own “School Memories” book in elementary school, and filled albums with photos and captions to document my high school and college years. When I became a mother, I scrapbooked dozens of albums of my children’s early years, from the first ultrasound to the first day of middle school.
Unfortunately, I was so busy telling their stories that I stopped telling my own. Through blogging, I’m beginning to do that. My “Dear Me” letter to my sixteen year old self is an example, but I want to tell my story to my children and grandchildren.
I created a “Who I Am” scrapbook over a decade ago, and that is a part of my story. I shared some of that in an October post, and now I am ready to continue writing. Care to join me?
Once a month, beginning in January, I will provide you with a prompt, so that you can create a page in your virtual scrapbook. Each topic will explore a piece of your story, so that by the end of 2016 you will have a written record to pass on to the people you love – children, grandchildren, siblings, or friends.
You can include photos if you’d like, but there will be no fancy pages, no stickers, and no craft scissors. Words are more powerful than embellishments, and they don’t fade or get dog-eared.
The level of accountability and sharing is completely up to you. You can write each month, and choose whether you want to link up with mine and other participants’. If you’re not a blogger, you can simply write on your own. Depending on the interest, I may create a private Facebook group for sharing. Or don’t share at all; you can sign up for the prompts and never communicate with me again. I hope you will, though.
Interested? Sign up, and I will send you an email with your first prompt in early January.
I’m taking next week off, but I will be back before New Year’s with my top book picks of 2015. See you then!
I’m brand new here but after reading Mo’s this morning (she’s so much fun) I wanted to link through and see more. It’s manageable and such a great idea. I’m in.
Welcome, Barbara – any friend of Mo’s is a friend of mine. Glad you’re joining us!
ohhh…. great idea! I’m always trying to make sure everything is written down!
It’s tough to do though, isn’t it? I hope you’ll join me!
Sounds really interesting…I may just look into it and join.
Oh gosh! I love the idea and would love to participate! But, honestly, I’m not disciplined enough!
Anyways, I’ll sign up and see how it goes!
In. Email me that stuff!
Woo hoo!
Ooooh how I love this idea, Dana!! I tried to sign up, but my stupid email didn’t work- this has happened many times before, when I want to subscribe to something. I look through my junk box too- and I still can’t find the damn email to confirm! Ugh.
Will keep looking for it! 🙂
Let me know if you want me to sign you up – I’m happy to do that.
I got in!!! Saw the email this morning! WOOHOO!
Whew!
Count me in! I absolutely love the idea (you clever gal!!!) and appreciate that the commitment is manageable. Fun, fun, fun – especially since I see that lots of my blog faves are joining in!
Yay! I appreciate that the commitment is manageable too, especially since I can’t bail!
I’m all in! Can’t wait to see what the prompts are!
Yay! First one is coming tomorrow.
Obviously, I’m way behind on blog commenting, but I signed dup of rate emails and can’t wait to see how this goes!
Yay!
Stopping by from Eli’s 6 Words post because apparently, you and I share one brain. “Read a book, cover to cover” was my 6 word choice! Hope you enjoyed your break.
Ha – I’m sorry you have to share a brain with me; I wish I had more to offer you! I have read a book or two this break, so it’s been lovely. Happy New Year to you!
Awesome idea, Dana! Thanks for the motivation.
Putting it out there motivates me too, Rudri!
I love this idea and can’t wait to see your prompts 🙂
So ditto! I have a closet filled of photo albums, and I’m currently keeping two baby books;) My mother also kept a baby book for me which was awesome to read!
My kids love reading their scrapbooks too!
Love the idea. Will be back to look for prompts.
The Memory-Keeper’s Daughter! That’s a book I read.
I sort of love the contagion factor in sharing stories. Sharing stories begets sharing stories.
Great idea, Dana.
Telling our stories helps others tell their stories!! xx
Very cool idea!
Love it! I’m getting ready to sign up.
I’m so excited that you are doing this, Dana!
p.s. And I’m totally impressed with your use of Mailchimp…I use Mailchimp on my blog but might have to ask for some pointers… 🙂
I just switched over so I could use it for this project! I really like it. Feel free to ask if you have any (simple) questions. 🙂
Such an awesome idea, Dana! I’m such a memory keeper too, but could definitely use some focused prompts 🙂 Thanks!
I need a little focus too, Amy. Hope this will help!
What a great idea! Signed up!
Fantastic! Would love to write with you again, Christie.
Fantastic idea! And I love your leadership! Enjoy your break.
Thank you Katy – you too!
LOVE! Just signed up and cannot wait to start. You are a genius 🙂
You set a low bar for genius, Allie, but I will take it!
I’m in. Brilliant idea, Dana.
So glad you are joining me, Kelly. You have such a distinct voice (that’s a compliment!) so it would be wonderful for your children and grandchildren to read your story in your own words.
Yes. please, yes yes yes! I am in. I love this!
Yay!
Totally love this idea, Dana and am going to have to check it out. Thanks for sharing it here tonight with us! 🙂
My pleasure!