Some may wonder when I started getting involved in scrapbooking and memory making. (Some may not really care but whatever). It seems to me I’ve always had a love for keeping mementos and things. I wrote a couple of years ago about a newspaper I made for my sister Judy while she was away on vacation to catch her up with the family goings on.
I was 16 then. A few years later I taught this same sister how to drive. Not sure what made me think I was qualified to be a driving instructor but I did have my license so there is that. Judy was married at the time and even had kids but thank goodness they were in school when we took our jaunts. She had tried to learn to drive before but I think she said that whoever tried to teach her made her nervous. We know I am an extremely calm person so I told her I’d take a shot at it. Anyway, with a few near misses in three point turns (actually I think she hit a pole) and parallel parking, Judy did in fact get her license. To celebrate the one year anniversary of that life changing event, I made this keepsake for her:
I realize now that this was my first mini-album! Obviously it is a little worse for wear but given the fact that it is 44 years old, I think it is in pretty good shape. I really appreciate the fact that my sister held onto it for so long. She recently gave it to me and I will put it in the collection with the newspapers and short stories I used to write. You never know, when I become famous someone might want these collectibles! It could happen.
from Blogger http://asmile4ufromjanet.blogspot.com/2019/11/november-novelties-2019-early-years.html
via IFTTT
Janet's Smiles 
I truly believe that creative/crafty people are born and not made. Those of us without the gene can do our best, but we’ll never have the same flair and desire to produce things as people like you naturally seem to have within you. This was really cute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Leanne. It surprises me sometimes when people say they are not “crafty” but I suppose you may be right. On the other hand, it may just be that their talents lie elsewhere. You said “desire to produce” and that is kind of key too. I know that if I don’t make time to create in my studio, I can feel the difference.
LikeLike
How fun! And you still have it! That’s so neat 🙂 I certainly think it’s in great condition!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s not bad, huh! I particularly like the picture on the front.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have always had the urge to write and create, Janet. I love seeing things we made when we were children and teenagers. I think it gives a glimpse to our true selves and how we are not necessarily much different as adults. Your sister gave you a precious, priceless gift saving these special mementos. Thank you for sharing:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes she did. Hopefully my skills have improved a little since then – LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful you have these to look back on. Your love of scrap booking and saving mementos probably did start way back then. Love the little news paper, and the mini-album. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Barbara. Kinda fun to relive that experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, LA. It’s been a funny story in our family for a long time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh this is a delight! I love seeing items we made as kids, musing on how they influenced who we are today. What a fun thing to have!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Ally. I was really surprised she kept it this long. Hopefully my talents have improved a bit – LOL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your optimism and that you’re still doing what you loved to do back then! Congrats!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Shelley. I guess I didn’t have much of a social life back then if I had time to do something like this at 19!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL – you were nurturing your creativity, nothing wrong with that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember reading this!! I am so glad my mom had to put up her license, she needed more lessons!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL she passed the test, that’s all I was aiming for!
LikeLike
I really admire your commitment, Janet. We lost Mom in August and this week I received a surprise from my older brother – a thirty-pound box of Mom’s “treasures.” Commencement programs, report cards, school awards, newspaper clippings, birth and marriage announcements – you name it, it’s in this box. Mom was 84 and it covers her lifetime with her family. I was a bit overwhelmed as I went through it, but ideas are starting to form. Just hoping I can channel my “inner Janet” and showcase Mom’s treasures for the grands and great-grands. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry for your loss, but what a great surprise! My mom is 96 but she got rid of all of those kind of things many years ago when she moved from the house we grew up in to an apartment. She had a huge box of pictures and she let us four girls take turns going through it and keeping the things we wanted. I’m sure you will think of marvelous ways to showcase the treasures, although 30 pounds is an awful lot! Let me know if you need other ideas 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person