Page Stuff: The Things We Keep, The Stories We Tell

Stuff on Page that Shape Us

We all have our favorite things—objects, books, songs, or even place souvenirs that feel like extensions of ourselves. These items are more than just possessions; they are containers of memory, identity, and emotion. In memoir writing, these beloved artifacts—our page stuff—offer a way to navigate the past with clarity and purpose. They are tangible keys to unlocking stories that would otherwise remain buried in the blur of time.

Page Stuff from Our Youth

Think of the first object we ever treasured. Perhaps it was a beloved toy, a family heirloom, or a handwritten letter from a childhood friend. These seemingly useless and ordinary items, infused with emotion, are magical bridges to the past.

I remember a handkerchief my mother gifted me – a tangible expression of her love and creativity. It's a miniature work of art, adorned with three vibrant orange flower buds sewn onto the grass-green fabric. Each stitch, each carefully chosen color, reflects the care and affection she poured into this project. This handkerchief is an imprint of her love, evident in every piece of clothing she made for us during our childhood.

Books as Keepsake

Taking stock of the books on our shelves can reveal a lot about how we've grown as individuals. More than just decoration, these books act as windows into our past and present beliefs. They reflect our evolving interests and the ideas that have shaped us over time.

One novel I loved reading from when I was majoring in English was Thomas Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd. Bathsheba Everdene's independence and unconventional spirit are unforgettable. After that, I read more books with strong female characters. I discovered some amazing women in the planet of letters, like Kira Arguonova , the double spy from Ayn Rand's We the Living, who used her lovers to escape communist Russia. I was also deeply moved by Sethe in Toni Morrison's Beloved, who had to deal with the terrible impact of slavery, and Mrs. Dalloway in Virginia Woolf's novel. And I can't forget Penelope Keeling in Rosamunde Pilcher's Shellseekers. These characters showed me different sides of women and expanded my understanding of the world.

Family Heirlooms and Sentimental Stuff

Photo albums capture precious moments of family bonding. Even though digital platforms have become commonplace, I still cherish my physical photo albums. These plastic-covered collections of sepia-toned memories offer a tangible link to my family's history. They document our awkward teenage years, our participation in school plays and sports teams, family celebrations like holidays and reunions, the joyous arrival of in-laws, and the ever-growing number of nieces and nephews popping into the frame. Each photograph tells a story of our shared history and sense of belonging.

Music and film can transport us back in time, etching specific moments into our memories. While now relics of the past, cassette tapes, videos, and DVDs hold a special place in my heart. These aren't just physical objects; they are windows into the past, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. These precious artifacts deserve a more fitting home than simply being tucked away in boxes

The Objects We Lose

We lose a lot of things over time – some forgotten, some stolen, others simply lost in the ebb and flow of life. But the memory of these objects often lingers, sometimes even more strongly than the objects themselves.

I remember a blood-red diary where I poured out my heart during my teenage years – my first heartbreak, my dreams for the future, my deepest insecurities. To my dismay, my mother discovered this notebook and read through it, leaving me deeply embarrassed. In a fit of youthful anger, I burned the diary. The first blush of young love, the unrequited feelings I poured onto those pages, now exist only as a poignant echo of that lost time.

Writing a memoir is not just about documenting what we've kept, but also acknowledging what we've lost. The way we grieve these lost objects – a diary, a childhood toy, a cherished piece of jewelry – can reveal much about our values, our regrets, and the enduring impact these losses have had on our lives.

What Page Stuff Write About Us

Writing our memoir is like excavating a treasure chest filled with the memories of our lives. Let's take a moment to look around us. Let's find that cherished book, that faded photograph, that old piece of jewelry – objects that hold sentimental value.

My burned journal, those well-read books, the long-forgotten video cassettes of my favorite songs and movies, and my mother's lovingly crafted handkerchief – these are more than just things. They are tangible reminders of my past, each one holding a unique story. As I hold these objects in my hands and feel their weight, I let them guide me back to the memories, the emotions, and the stories waiting to be told.