Oct.21.2009 at 10:10 am | Alix B. Golden
My Sentiments
Being sentimental is something I’ve always been. Not sure where I got the train from, but I’ve always had the habit of collecting and saving bits of memories, reminders, that might otherwise go forgotten.
I have cards, love letters from men and women that are older than a decade. Many new lovers have questioned why I’ve kept them, often voicing their concern about underlying feelings. I feel connected to these items, but not to the people who are part of the memory the item conjures.
Looking at my boxes of memories, I realize it’s been a long time since I’ve added anything new. Sure I have saved emails, texts, IM’s…But everything is electronic. Yes, the memory is still there, but different. Much less tangible.
I get excited when I can find a scrap of paper with my deceased grandfather’s handwriting. There is something about being in contact with something he touched that does it for me. I can see the words he chose, it’s like an intimate look into his mind.
With that in mind, I’ve started handwriting everything. I hope that maybe, one day, someone will actually get a kick out of seeing my handwriting.
I think it is a good idea. I am sentimental as well, but I keep old letters and cards under wraps with new courtships. I think people tend let their minds wander about why these letters or cards are still around, and to a certain degree, I understand. I was telling a friend today that technology has completely change the human experience. I think technology has made us less friendly and certainly less sentimental.
Just like you, I am sentimental. After my brother passed away, I made sure to keep some of his things that contained his essence. Most recently I have started keeping everything dealing with my relationship with my girl Renee. I want to be able to document the progression of our relationship. In my opinion, even the tiniest or seemingly insignificant items can spark beautiful memories.
SweetT
.-= Sweet T´s last blog ..Good Lesbian Fiction =-.
It’s funny that you bring this up..In a past relationship, to up The sentimental/expressive ante {sp?}, I would send her letters..It’s tangible..May have the person’s scent..Because it’s their writing, a unique + specific to them, it’s definitely like having a piece of that loved one there…
Like you said, the letters from past relationships may not be for that person speficially but for the sentiment..There are letters I have just because they are an example of love Being expressed + it’s interesting to look back at..As far as it being an issue with or for a current Boo: if the uber warm fuzzies are there + the connection is legitimate, one will not worry about traces of the past because they will trust the genuineness of the present..It’s when two individuals are not secure themselves + their relationship that these traces of the past become an issue..if you or your Boo is holding onto the past, it will definitely show in other ways..
“I get excited when I can find a scrap of paper with my deceased grandfather’s handwriting. There is something about being in contact with something he touched that does it for me. I can see the words he chose, it’s like an intimate look into his mind. ”
—I feel the same way about the stuff my mom wrote on, I have pieces of paper that she touched and wrote on and with her being gone almost 8 years now, it reminds that she was once here. its a good feeling…
.-= Tami´s last blog ..Giant Cookies! =-.
Oh wow; I’m the same way. I found an old scrap piece of paper a close friend of mine and I passed to each other during Physics class our junior year in high school. I call myself an emotional packrat.
I love having things that remind me of past events. My friends judge me, but that’s ok.
.-= ASmith´s last blog ..I Hate Your Boyfriend =-.
Be careful, don’t forget the possible outcome of such behavior, as witnessed by the condition in which my mother left the family home when she died, never having thrown out a damn thing in 53 years, including my 52 year old diapers! My sentimentality scares me to death, in that I know, in some way, I’ve inherited her gene.
Though honestly, I don’t think hers had anything to do with sentimentality, more a loss of control. And I reckon you’re spared, anyway, because of not having a house.
As for handwriting, *sigh*. I was so extraordinarily late to the computer game, and never even knew how to type, made a point, as a kid, not to learn, as I never wanted to wind up a secretary, which is what seemed to always happen to women in my day. Who knew the entire world was gonna go keyboard?
Anyway, the actual process of writing — with a specific pen, on specific paper — had always been a big part of the process for me, and it was a long difficult struggle to make the switch. Thing is, now, as you’ve probably seen, my handwriting is barely legible, even to me, my fingers can’t even hold a pen properly (though yes, I still carry with me the very special pen I’ve been writing with for oh so many years).
Feel like I’ve gone off point here, but hell, maybe not….
you make it sound like i’m homeless, Em!
No, silly, I just mean without having your own place, you can only collect so much! Plus, you tend to be pretty spartan even when you DO have your own place!
I’m a sentimental person and make no qualms about it to anyone. I’ve lost count of the number of letters and cards I have stored in an old chest. I keep it locked for good measure and I consider these things apart of my past that I get to look back on and read some day. It’s history. I get to remember in greater detail what life was like during a certain time. It’s a beautiful thing and it doesn’t leave quite as much to the imagination when we get that urge to remember. What better way to get a sense of understanding.
.-= knowledge´s last blog ..In My Twenties =-.