My thoughts are turning to diaries and memoirs. I wrote daily dairies from the age of 13 to 24. About 10 years ago I threw those same diaries into the tip. Eleven years of life dumped in a council tip - why indeed?I might regret losing the vivacity and immediacy of that period, especially since my memory isn't what I'd like it to be. But there is a responsibility for committing thoughts to paper. Who might read it and how might it affect them?
Memoirs might have to acknowledge (but never wallow in) some negative but they must always splurge in positives: show how we hold onto hope or how some trial has helped us in the greater scheme of life.
It's my birthday today and I'm wondering whether to start another diary in case my memory forgets how good this life of mine is.
6 comments:
I keep a diary now and would never want to throw it away, i made a point this year of keeping more of a journal than i had done previously. I threw away my adolescent and student diaries because they were so utterly embarressing, but I've kept the letters I wrote to my parents from University as a reminder of those days.
Happy Birthday, Carol!
And 'Happy Writing', too.
Hahahahahhappy Birthdayayayayay!!!
Happy Birthday, Carol!
I have an archive of photos by myself and other family members - a sort of visual diary. I feel I should put some narrative together to indicate what has been photographed and my thoughts and recollections and the thoughts of other people. Some of this paper and film archive has now been translated into my current visual diary.
Best Wishes
Rhys
Thanks for the birthday greetings everyone.
cgp - Journal writing - absolutely essential to keep the writing muscles trim.
rhys - Visual diaries are wonderful. I made one for Luke & Wez. It covers from birth to teens. Well worth the 'Not another photo, Mum!' The problem is that I was the photographer so they don't have a record of me being there.Ahh well, let's hope they remember that bit...!
I've kept a diary for years and like Crafty Green Poet, could never throw it away. There are certain bits I can't bear to re-read but other sections give me great pleasure if ever I re-visit.
Post a Comment