Now that you have at least one memoir written, have organized your notes, and have learned how to write memoirs, it is time to enrich your stories and your memory. There are many kinds of “memoir-abilia” and we’ll look at each of them separately. Included on the list are:

• Photographs
• Movies & video
• Tape recordings
• Certificates, diplomas, and documents
• Letters
• Trophies, medals, collectibles and other physical objects

Each of these items can both enrich your memoirs and jog your memory.

Let’s start with photographs. You may have paper photo albums with pictures neatly displayed and labeled, but if you are like most of us, that accounts for a fraction of the photos that are in shoe boxes, desk drawers, slide trays, and one-hour photo envelopes. And if you have a collection of digital photos on your computer, I’m willing to bet they are no better organized than my shoebox.

Don’t even think about organizing them all today!

Today we are just going to look. It will be fun! You’ll need a clean-writing ball-point or gel pen and Post-It® notes. Print the Remembers When Lesson 8 Worksheet and make yourself comfortable with a photo album or your shoebox and your how to write memoirs notebook. Start going through your pictures. Whenever one reminds you of one of your memoir-able experiences, make a note of it on the worksheet. Write the same words on a sticky note. If the photo is loose, attach the sticky to the back of the photo and put it in a pocket insert in your organizer. If it is in an album or collection you don’t want to break up, put the sticky on the album page and note the location in your workbook.

Here’s a hint that you might find useful. Don’t just flip through albums to find appropriate pictures. Really take the time to enjoy your photos. Remember? You took them because they meant something. Take a moment to relive the experiences. You might have fun sharing this exercise with a friend, spouse, child, or grandchild.

REMINDER: Don’t write on the back of your photos. Even if you are careful, you run a huge risk of damaging them. Use the sticky notes.