I came across a random writing prompt the other day: ‘What memory do you wish you could remember better?’
Distant memories, especially, often come to us in mere snippets of images or emotions. They can be fleeting, blurry or vague, leaving us wishing for a bit more. The author of the writing prompt was encouraging writers to unearth deeper details of favourite memories through consistent practice. This would be essential when writing memoir or creative non-fiction.
The fun about writing fiction is that memory may provoke a spark but all the story details can unfold any which way the writer conjures.
An early memory for me is of when my family moved from the farm to town. No longer free to wander the crop fields, I was restricted to playing in the empty lot next door. Our front stoop provided my lookout on the forbidden, heavily wooded area across the road. One day a jangle of mighty, shrill sounds blew my way from somewhere deep in the woods and my imagination was ignited. I began to recognize that the noises were musical but I had never before heard anything like it.
As best my four or five-year-old self could estimate, the music rang out every few days for a couple of months. I thought I was the only one who heard it and was dreaming of worlds beyond my sight. On July 1st that year, I was shocked to hear my music coming from a small group of people marching in the parade. What a sight! They wore skirts and were playing strange looking instruments. That is when I learned about the bagpipes.
I treasure the feeling of wonder of the unknown that I experienced during those weeks. Upon reflection, it probably provided a baby step toward autonomy as the experience was mine alone. Maybe it contributed to my sense of adventure and willingness to explore as I grew older.
Beautiful memories can be a comfort and traumatic ones a terror. It’s a lovely thing to share friends’ and family members’ common experiences and remembrances. Memories are ultimately personal and powerful for each of us. I have always made a conscious effort to remember special occasions – jotting down a detail or two to jog my memory. On occasion I have sketched a beautiful scene when no camera was available – just to be reminded of the image.
What are your earliest memories? Do you worry about forgetting a cherished memory?
Diaries and journals have always been a great help to document recollections, along with oral story telling but today we have much more sophisticated tools. Most of us have access to videos, endless photos and digital exchanges with others. I can revisit the videotaped chats and experiences with my grandkids any time I wish. Smiles and giggles are preserved perfectly and I don’t have to rely solely on my memory.
These days, I am enjoying the end of paid work. Retirement plans include travel in the coming months. Ireland and Scotland are the first destinations and I will be sure to have camera and notebook in hand.
The pipes are calling.
