How do you get Journaling from Others?

[MaureenH]

I include a lot of journaling on my heritage layouts and I've been asked how I get that journaling from people.

At first I spent about a year asking family for journaling, but got very little. Most people said they couldn't think of anything to write. I did notice that when those same people looked at the photos they would see things in the photo that would trigger memories.

I also noticed that when a few people were together looking at the photos they started talking about the photos and one person's memory would result in a memory for someone else.

So I got a small tape recorder and invited my parents and brothers and sisters for a day and dinner at my house. I gathered all the old photos, passed them around one by one and tape recorded the conversation all day long. I also did a couple more days like that. I was too busy to transcribe it then, but am doing it now. I am thankful I did it then even if I couldn't transcribe immediately because my father has Alzheimer's and would not remember much now.

I'm adding this journaling to the layouts pretty much how people said it it is conversational. It's not as elegant as a single narrative, but is interesting to "hear" different family members memories and viewpoints.

[Sharon1313]

Maureen, that is a great idea and a great way to handle it. It's true, when people look at the photos, it brings up all kinds of things for them and they start talking. Thanks for sharing.

[shazzt]

Great idea Maureen - I have been toying with doing something similar for a while now. You have reminded me that there is no time like the present!

[ScrapMel]

Maureen, a GREAT idea! I wish I had done that years ago- but I still need to do this with my parents now ... THANK YOU for sharing this idea with us!

[emandlivsmom]

I know this is an old thread but I love that idea...I am beginning a heritage album and want all the "good" info...the stories, , memories...

I have another question to throw out there as I am beginning this major project.

1. I have decided it would not be best to refer to people as GreatGrandpa Rogers as he is MY Great G but not my childrens, or theirs, or...well you get the pict! Anyone agree or disagree with this thought? I just hate to start it one way and then change my mind half way through, I want to be consistent throughout.

2. How have different heritage scrappers dealt with the family tree idea? Is it just the order of your picts in the album that tell the story of who married who and gave birth to who...or do you start the album with a page that shows the lineage?

Thanks so much!! And I know everyone does it differently...just need some different ideas to get my mind wrapped around how i want to approach this!!! (O: Thanks again!

[GailS]

Hi Jennifer,
Good questions.....I guess on the first one, you do want to be consistent. The point of reference - if you decide to have one - would need to be up to you. I use myself as the point of reference in all my layouts, since they are my albums, and if I compose journaling, I write it as if I am telling the story (which I am). If I am using, for example, my children as a point of reference, it's usually because they have been included in the photo or layout (i.e. I Love My Grandpa, shopping with Grandma, etc.) as if I am seeing it through their eyes and writing it for them.

As for the order - I never started at any particular point or order; I just kind of go with the flow as the moment inspires me. Some day I hope to have all my heritage photos done (for the most part), then I'll put them in chronological order and print them. I do that now for the more current layouts I have.

Hope this helps!