Oh dear. What’ve I done? Just wanted to express thanks and the strangeness of not recalling your voice anymore…a few upper notes but none of the cadence. But! I’ve likeallofasudden been wrought a Substack identity?
Is this an extension of the joy and revelation I felt when learning of the archive…real archives…in Western Sydney. I grew up in the back rooms of libraries. As Mum worked her noble librarian role, I lived amongst the Compactus- the pinnacle of storage in ‘60s Australia!
This is indeed a complex problem. When my mother in law died 30 years ago, we ( including her children), realised we knew nothing about her. I decided from that day I would write a daily diary of my life for my children.
Recently, as I was trying to declutter, having reached my sixth decade I wondered at the wisdom of this when faced with boxes and boxes of diaries, that contained nothing very earth shattering.
When my dad died 11 years ago, he left behind 4 cars, a caravan, a campervan, a trailer, as well as four sheds of bits and pieces. My mother is a remarkable declutterer , she sold their house and gave almost everything else away walking out with only a small suitcase of clothes and essential documents. . Unfortunately I think I’m more like my dad than my mum.
I recently watched an episode of Space Invaders where a family home was overcrowded with the belongings of the Mum’s deceased parents. The poor lady had been unable to let go & move on. It was particularly hard on their young adult sons who were too embarrassed to invite friends around. The SI Team were able to work their magic & help the family to make a new start.
I often think of my Mum’s family who were farmers in country NSW. They experienced very hard times over the years & had lovely crockery & household items which were deemed ‘too good’ for everyday use & just stored away. Needless to say the moths & weevils enjoyed the linen!
As I have shared before, my partner & I are at the stage of de cluttering. I am visiting with my son & family in WA atm & have brought his G Grandfather’s fob watch to pass on. Just waiting for the right moment. x
Oh dear. What’ve I done? Just wanted to express thanks and the strangeness of not recalling your voice anymore…a few upper notes but none of the cadence. But! I’ve likeallofasudden been wrought a Substack identity?
Is this an extension of the joy and revelation I felt when learning of the archive…real archives…in Western Sydney. I grew up in the back rooms of libraries. As Mum worked her noble librarian role, I lived amongst the Compactus- the pinnacle of storage in ‘60s Australia!
I’m prattling on.
Must shout: I am Mrs Song!
Hi Jane
This is indeed a complex problem. When my mother in law died 30 years ago, we ( including her children), realised we knew nothing about her. I decided from that day I would write a daily diary of my life for my children.
Recently, as I was trying to declutter, having reached my sixth decade I wondered at the wisdom of this when faced with boxes and boxes of diaries, that contained nothing very earth shattering.
When my dad died 11 years ago, he left behind 4 cars, a caravan, a campervan, a trailer, as well as four sheds of bits and pieces. My mother is a remarkable declutterer , she sold their house and gave almost everything else away walking out with only a small suitcase of clothes and essential documents. . Unfortunately I think I’m more like my dad than my mum.
Hello Jane
I recently watched an episode of Space Invaders where a family home was overcrowded with the belongings of the Mum’s deceased parents. The poor lady had been unable to let go & move on. It was particularly hard on their young adult sons who were too embarrassed to invite friends around. The SI Team were able to work their magic & help the family to make a new start.
I often think of my Mum’s family who were farmers in country NSW. They experienced very hard times over the years & had lovely crockery & household items which were deemed ‘too good’ for everyday use & just stored away. Needless to say the moths & weevils enjoyed the linen!
As I have shared before, my partner & I are at the stage of de cluttering. I am visiting with my son & family in WA atm & have brought his G Grandfather’s fob watch to pass on. Just waiting for the right moment. x