Category Archives: Family

Goodbyes are memories to save, too

October 3, 2020Family, Saved family memoriessusanmanzke

This recorded column is from 1988 when we lost my Grandma Jo. I kind of choked up at the end. I thought I was far enough removed, but I guess not.

I have a nicer memory to add.

As I was thinking about Grandma cooking in her kitchen I remembered newspaper.

After Grandma scrubbed her linoleum floor, she’s cover the whole room with newspapers, trying to keep it clean for a few extra days.

You had to be careful how you walked across the paper-covered floor so you didn’t shove the paper out of position.

I wonder now if Grandma ever ended up with smudges of newspaper print on her floor. That could have given her more work–Mom never adopted this floor covering. Maybe that was because we never subscribed to a newspaper and didn’t have the needed supplies.

My thoughts as I remember Grandma today.

A memory saved

October 2, 2020Family, Memories, writingsusanmanzke

I’m always encouraging people to save their family stories. Today’s video is one short suggestion how to get started.

Now look around your home and see what jogs your memory. After you find that item, write down the memory or record it like I have done today.

Dirty Feet

October 1, 2020Family, writingsusanmanzke

Have you thought about writing your family stories? Have you started?

No?

Here is a story from my father’s written words. I wish I had him telling it, but this is the best I can do today. I hope you enjoy one account from his childhood.

Now it’s your turn. Write down or record one of your own stories today. You have to start somewhere.

(Imagine me giving you a kick in the butt to get you going.)

A Charlie Paska story

September 29, 2020Family, Memories, writingsusanmanzke

Something different. Today I decided to record one of my dad’s stories.

My dad told it better, but at least he wrote down some of his stories. This one was adapted in my novel Chicken Charlie’s Year. There you’ll find more action that I imagined and added to fill out this remembrance.

I hope you enjoy it.

Grandchildren visit extended

September 27, 2020Family, fun, Memoriessusanmanzke

This weekend daughter Rachel, her husband Dave, and their three children visited, camping in my backyard. This started with rain and lightening and ended with a cool drizzle.

I can’t keep them here all year, so I thought I’d capture a part to save.

This five second video is for me to use as a daily pick-me-up.

I will also take air-hugs any way I can get them.

This last video is a reminder to laugh as well as love.

Eli, Arianna, and Wyatt, thank you for making today fun and for letting me save a part for days when we can’t be together.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person