Following some renovations, I had changed the designation of some rooms and of course, re-arranged the whole house again. I guess you could say that renovating or decorating triggers a need for change. I have been in this house too long, 8 years, it’s a record for me. Anyway, being unable to move house I had decided that the old bedroom at the front of the house would become my combined office and sewing/quilting room. The walls are floor to ceiling bookshelves which meant I could get my books out of boxes and place them on shelf like a mini library. Just looking through my books as I placed them carefully in category triggered an assortment of memories.
Some books on historical towns and places in the UK brought back memories of my childhood. Then some books by James Herriot about his life as a vet reminded me of my days as a vet nurse, an early career. The Dick Francis books about crime around the racing industry, reminded me of my school holiday job in a racing stable and my purchase of a not so smart racehorse.
With some books it was not so much the author or the topic, but how I came to have that book. I have an edition of Black Beauty by Anna Sewell given to me as a Christmas gift by my best friend and school buddy Alison just prior to our immigration to Australia.
Even older is a rather worn edition of a book by Thomas Hughes entitled, The Scouring of the White Horse first published in 1859. It’s one of a series written specifically for the education of children and was given to me by my Auntie, who felt I needed a proper education. We spent many hours together as I watched her paint and create amazing works of art.
The final book which triggers memories is one which I do not recall receiving. It was presented to me at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. I, along with many other children in the UK, travelled to London to watch this historic event and we all received a small bible which had our names hand-written into an official royal label. The logistics behind this was never explained, my family certainly did not know the royal family. However it came about, it is amongst my most treasured possessions. These three books come with me everywhere as they create warm and happy feelings of a wonderful childhood. I was blessed with very loving family.
Everything in life can be a trigger, from watching a TV show to attending a local fete. From reading a book to visiting a local landmark. I have had a very nomadic and varied life with a lot of experiences and, given that most of my possessions are of sentimental value rather than of high monetary value, they trigger memories of my life. Let’s hope I am spared the dreaded 'old timers, because I would hate to lose these connection to my past.
Heather Hartland
November, 2023
Some books on historical towns and places in the UK brought back memories of my childhood. Then some books by James Herriot about his life as a vet reminded me of my days as a vet nurse, an early career. The Dick Francis books about crime around the racing industry, reminded me of my school holiday job in a racing stable and my purchase of a not so smart racehorse.
With some books it was not so much the author or the topic, but how I came to have that book. I have an edition of Black Beauty by Anna Sewell given to me as a Christmas gift by my best friend and school buddy Alison just prior to our immigration to Australia.
Even older is a rather worn edition of a book by Thomas Hughes entitled, The Scouring of the White Horse first published in 1859. It’s one of a series written specifically for the education of children and was given to me by my Auntie, who felt I needed a proper education. We spent many hours together as I watched her paint and create amazing works of art.
The final book which triggers memories is one which I do not recall receiving. It was presented to me at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. I, along with many other children in the UK, travelled to London to watch this historic event and we all received a small bible which had our names hand-written into an official royal label. The logistics behind this was never explained, my family certainly did not know the royal family. However it came about, it is amongst my most treasured possessions. These three books come with me everywhere as they create warm and happy feelings of a wonderful childhood. I was blessed with very loving family.
Everything in life can be a trigger, from watching a TV show to attending a local fete. From reading a book to visiting a local landmark. I have had a very nomadic and varied life with a lot of experiences and, given that most of my possessions are of sentimental value rather than of high monetary value, they trigger memories of my life. Let’s hope I am spared the dreaded 'old timers, because I would hate to lose these connection to my past.
Heather Hartland
November, 2023
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