Thursday, August 25, 2011

Blast From the Past *Faded Memories*


Hi all! Three years ago I started to do layouts of my childhood school memories and 1st grade was as far as I got. Looking back at these old layouts has inspired me to get going on this project again. I really need to write these memories down while I have a memory...haha! Oh the difference a year can make...there is definitely some different memories of 1st grade than there were of Kindergarten. It all is what makes us who we are, though. It is ALL GOOD! Here is the journaling:
Not a lot of memories here and even less pictures. In fact, no pictures. I chose to use a picture of the beach because it was such a part of my growing up. It also symbolizes the turbulence of my life at this period, but also symbolizes that just as the tide ebbs and flows so does life. Ultimately calm and steadiness prevail over turbulence. Memory is a funny thing…the things we can remember…the things we can’t. Sometimes it is a kindness that we can’t remember. This year was a little crazy. My mom was gone more than she was home and that is not necessarily a bad thing. The times she was there were not pleasant. The unsteadiness resulted in the divorce of my parents. My dad chose to date a lot of women that were just as unsteady and it was scary for me. School and other activities gave me stability and support. So there are a few memories I am grateful for. I remember the dress I wore in my school picture. The school picture is missing, but the memory of the dress isn’t. It was navy blue and had polka dots of bright colors all over it. Red…blue…yellow…green…
orange polka dots. Big polka dots. I loooooved it. I remember being a Bluebird. This was part of the Camp Fire Girl organization. I remember thinking our little blue uniforms were a lot cuter than the Brownie uniforms. I remember having to sell the Camp Fire Girl candy. I loved the candy but HATED the selling. I remember going on an overnighter. I was scared. I liked being around the campfire, but it felt intimidating to be around all the older Camp Fire Girls. I thought they were laughing at me. I remember being embarrassed that I sucked my thumb when I slept. I tried to hide the secret, but knew that someone would see. I remember I liked a boy named Drew. All the girls liked him. We all thought he was a nice boy. We all thought most of the other boys weren’t. These are my first grade memories.

13 comments:

  1. Cheryl, You should write down all your memories in a journal. Someday they will be gone forever if you don't. My mom and dad are both gone. There are things both of them knew that we will never rmemeber because we did not write the stories down. Your stories are always so beautiful. This page is as well. Very calming the ocean, what city did you grow up in? Have a wonderful day and hugs to you my friend.

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  2. What a great and thoughtful way to keep your memories my friend!

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  3. This page and the memories you shared are precious. I'm so glad you are doing this project. Your family will thank you for generations to come.

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  4. Sylvia had a great idea!! And I love your idea of these LO'S!! Do I have the energy ?? lol

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  5. Great memories to document! I sucked my thumb too! ;) Love this page Cheryl! :)

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  6. Wow, Cheryl, it's amazing to me that you can remember the dress you wore. I am so enjoying reading these memories... thank you for sharing these precious thoughts with us.

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  7. I just love hearing about you school days. Like you said it makes us who we are now. I have pretty bad memories of elementary school.. Which definitely carry out my insecurity's even today!!
    Thanks so much for sharing with us..

    Hugs, Linda

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  8. what a beautiful layout Cheryl! Love the water you created with layers!

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  9. Beautiful LO and what a wonderful idea to record your memories both in pictures and words ... I'm not sure I want to remember most of my childhood ... but I know one thing for sure ... no matter how rough the ocean is atop .... below there is always stillness! Thats the place to return to ... Have a wonderful day

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  10. GORGEOUS L.O Cheryl!
    Thank you so much for sharing, you know how much I enjoy your posts ;-)

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  11. You have great memory Cheryl, I can't even remember what happened yesterday, LOL! Anyway, i love the soft tone of this layout, great work for a beautiful photo!

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  12. Oh WOW CHeryl... you are amazing!!!This page and the memories you shared are precious...Your family will thank you for generations to come. .its really brilliant idea..... TFS this awesome idea... hugs...xoxo

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  13. This is such an awesome idea, Cheryl! To document those fleeting memories is priceless. Love your journaling and love the beachy feel to the layout. The waves you created are fabulous. :)

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