Beginners and Basics
Old Favorites Revisited - People, Place or Thing.
By Kim Demmon
Aug 12, 2005, 19:32

We all know the family documentation we are creating for our children and/or family will be pasted down for generations, or at least we hope.  Our layouts will hopefully give a glimpse into what our lives were like, how we lived, who we were.  I was recently given a few old photographs of my Grandfather as a child.   Looking at the background, I noticed so many things that were a part of life in the 1920’s.  I wanted to know more, but sadly, there is no longer anyone to ask and there is no other information on the back of the photos beside names (at least there were names).   Then it got me thinking how I would LOVE to have detailed information about my childhood.   Not just photos of people and events, but of the every day happenings.  I lived in 5 different locations and 15 houses by the time I was 14.  Only in my mind do I try to trace the memories of each house or town.    Asking my mother for more information is on my list.

I keep this in mind while creating layout ideas for my son.   I took detailed photos of the house he was born in, the same house my husband was born in.  I took photos of our neighborhood in each direction from our home, I even documented the address.   I took photos of some of my favorite baby outfits, and his favorite toys and books.  I can only imagine how funny they will look to him or his children in years to come.    For my inspiration, I just try to think of the small details I would like to know about the places and things in my own childhood. 

To help you think outside current events, here are a few questions to get you started.  These questions are great for all generations, young and old.

• What do you remember about your grandparents? 
• Tell me about a family pet, how many animals can you remember?
• What are your favorite hobbies?  What was popular when you were a child?
• Do you or did you have a nickname? 
• Were you a mischievous child?  Would you get punished and how?
• What was your favorite job and what was your hourly wage?
• What was your favorite toy or game as a child?
• What was or is your favorite meal?
• Do you have a favorite vacation? 
• Where did your family go for vacations as a child?
• What style or décor was popular when you were a child or teenager?
• What music did you listen to and what movies did you watch?
• How much was a gallon of gas, milk, etc…….
• What is your most embarrassing moment?
• What is your favorite television show?
• What are or were your holiday traditions?  Who would be there?

I have to remind myself that I am telling a life story.  What I might not think is very interesting now, may be our family’s most cherished memories.