How are we all doing ?

I can’t believe how long I’ve had some of these books.The photography books are staying as I look at them and several were presents.I’m trying to be ruthless with the others it is hard though.X

Hi Jane

I am glad you got through to Cruse, I am sure they will be of great help.

Handling possessions is so tough but I am glad you are keeping some of your Mum's stuff which will keep the fond memories of her xx

Thanks Inanna,I’m going through my own books as well and there are a load belonging to my sister.The vast majority will be going.If I have to downsize I can’t take it all.Mum had some work published in books so I’ll keep those.Love Jane x

I hope you will have benefit from the counselling, Jane. I think we feel guilt that we didn’t do enough and may forget that we did all that we could. And I’m aware you were your mum’s carer, which is a wonderful thing to have been able to do. 

I took a load of books from my mum’s flat when she passed away, but I only live in a little house which has hundreds of books already. Now I think I need to start trying to sort through and dispose of them, but don’t know who might be interested in books on napkin folding and the like! It’s lovely for you to be able to keep books where your mum’s work is actually in print.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,Mum had books on all kinds of subjects but some won’t have widespread appeal.I bought most of mine second hand and they were part of a plan to become a photographic researcher.Now my health is not great I’ve concluded that I won’t be able to pursue that dream.I’ve got rid of most of a large collection of cuttings and articles that would have been useful background research.I’ve felt sad about it but I have to be realistic.You might have a fortune in books you never know.Love Jane x

I’m sorry you feel you won’t be able to pursue your dream Jane-that kind of realisation can be hard to accept, and it feels like a loss. I love books…and I hate to have to “get rid” of any of them. But I am trying to be realistic about the amount of “stuff” a Victorian Terrace can hold! A photographic researcher sounds an absolutely fascinating thing to do. Can you pursue that in any way at all now? 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,I’m in an Edwardian terrace.I was a psychiatric nurse by profession a job I loved.I only gave it up because of ill healrh.Like mum my working life has been messed up because of illness.I worked for a local history unit for a while and dated old photographs there.I’ve also dated photos for friends and people via genealogy magazines.I gave a talk to a small group of ladies from the university of the third age which I enjoyed.I’ve been collecting old photos since 1985 though I’ll be selling off some of them soon.I started when I bought some old possessions from a family at a flea market.I set about researching them and became addicted.If I get an opportunity to do any photographic research in the future I will take it up.Love Jane xx

Morning Jane

I find that kind of activity absolutely fascinating-I love history and old photos.  My partner does a lot of family history research and the best thing is finding photos to match the names. Sometimes people on Ancestry can be helpful in sharing what they have found and it has enabled us to have a pretty comprehensive family tree on that side of the family going back many generations. I hope you will be able to find opportunities in the future to do more with your research. 

Sarah xx

Sarah I could not agree more. Have been doing Ancestry research for around 16 years now and am on Ancestry too. It is so addictive. 

Happy searching 

Love Inanna x

I’m addicted to Ancestry as well and came across a picture about the size of a postage stamp . When enlarged it came up with this most elegant lady