It's the end of a decade

Seems to me now

That the dreams we had before

Are all dead, nothing more

Than confetti on the floor

It's the end of a decade

In another ten years time

Who can say what we'll find

What lies waiting down the line

In the end of eighty-nine

(Happy New Year

by Abba)

As much as I love the holidays, I love the last few days before the end of the year. I love to reflect on the year that is ending and look forward to the year to come.

This year is extra special because it's also the end of a decade which reminds me of my favourite New Year's song I listen to every year. If you could travel back in time to 2009, what would "2009-you" be amazed to know happened in the 2010's?

Imagine it's the end of of 2029, what do you hope your life will be like then? If you like lists or resolutions, write down your hopes and dreams and store them somewhere special.

I wrote my dreams in this journal for the first time in January 1996.

Life is the music
that dances through our days,
our nights and our years.

It's interesting to see what I dreamed of then, to see the ones that happened and also how I feel about those that didn't. Am I disappointed? Do I still hope they happen? Using a journal also allows for future edits or additions.

Since 2005, I have made a playlist of my favourite songs every year. At the end of 2009, I made a list of my favourite songs of the decade (2000's). I am continuing that tradition by creating a playlist of my favourite songs of 2019 and the 2010's. If books or movies are more your thing, would you enjoy making a yearly list of your favourites?

I spent some time this week looking back at my photos from 2019. If you had asked me to tell you what I did all year, I wouldn't have thought of some amazing moments. Looking back at the photos reminded me of experiences I loved and want to remember.

What were your favourite moments of 2019? What experiences do you want to remember?

Some experiences are unforgettable. I won't forget breaking my arm, going on vacation, attending the Raptors NBA Championship parade or launching my Revive55 Project. What are some smaller moments that are worth remembering but could be forgotten?

I love the colours of the Caribbean Sea.

This is one of my favourite photos of the year:

Can you guess where it is? Some of you can but if I had seen this photo years ago, I wouldn't have guessed.

This is not a perfect photo, but it's a moment when I am reminded that I can see beautiful Lake Ontario colours a short drive from home. I didn't have much time to admire it on this fall day. I was with friends and we were going for a quick dinner by the beach before a movie. I want to remember this moment as a reminder to go next summer and truly enjoy Lake Ontario and the beach we have. I'm adding that to my New Years Resolutions.

Celebrate the past

Create a time capsule or best of lists of what 2019 or the 2010's were like for you.

Ideas include:

1. Favourite Photos and Videos
2. Stories or things that happened to you
3. Mementos or Purchases
4. Accomplishments or Celebrations
5. People you spent time with, you met or your favourite celebrities
6. Outings or Activities
7. Places like a country, city or place in your neighbourhood or in your house

If this seems overwhelming, you can just spend a bit some time remembering your favourite moments.

Did you start a Memories timeline? Take a few moments to add 2019 or 2010's events on it.

By looking at what you love from your past, you get clues of what you will love in the future.

Dream for your future

What kind of photos and videos do you love? What kind of outings and activities do you most enjoy?

How can you plan to create more moments that you'll love just as much in 2020?

By looking back at 2009, I was reminded that I was about to go to the Olympics in Vancouver for the Opening Ceremony and Men's Moguls - our first Olympic gold win on home soil. That trip is one of my highlights of the decade. Before we had children, we used to go on a yearly ski trip to Whistler. I have wanted to go back especially since they co-hosted the 2010 Olympics. As an Olympic host city, it would be even more special.

Since starting this post and doing my own reflection, I have booked a trip to return to Vancouver on the 10th anniversary of the Opening Ceremony and then to go to Whistler where I will see the Olympic rings and ski the Olympic downhill run.

If I am super lucky, one of the Olympic cauldrons will be lit while I'm there.

Sometimes, we need to reflect and to plan in order for our hopes and dreams to happen.

Create a Memories Timeline

Some dates are easily remembered like:

• birthdays and anniversaries
• deaths of loved ones
• Mother's and Father's Day
• Valentine's Day
• Religious holidays

There are other days that are also worth remembering and could bring happiness to our lives by reminiscing and reliving these moments.

Revive55 Challenge:

1. Create a memories timeline. You can do this in a spreadsheet or document. 
2. Find dates to add to your timeline. For example (besides the obvious ones), find: 
• dated photos - especially the ones you added in your memories folders from Revive55 Challenge #1 and #5
• your mortgage for the date you bought your house
• ticket stubs for a sports event or concert
• Google for dates like: 
• Jays first World Series win October 24, 1992
• Raptors NBA Championship June 13, 2019 
• Mike Weir Masters win - April 13, 2003
• your city or town's birthday (Toronto - March 6, 1834)
• Live-Aid - July 13, 1985
• date your favourite album or movie was released
• work dates on your résumé
• graduation 
• passport stamps
• Timehop app and Facebook Memories remind us of what we posted on social media on certain dates.
3. Add events to your calendar or Day One-type app to be reminded of them on anniversaries.
4. Keep the timeline handy to add more events as you are reminded of them. 

Result:

As you add more events, you'll end up with a list of wonderful memories that you can remember and celebrate.

As a New Year's resolution last year, my husband and I started a timeline of our lives that included dates for our significant life events. This is a sample of a long document. I have taken out some of the personal identifying details but it looks like this. The colour codes refer to work, home and travel.

As I started the Revive55 Project and was going through my childhood mementos, I wanted to add dates that were on programmes, photos and certificates of minor events.

I found that minor events were cluttering up the prettier table so I decided to make a spreadsheet that would hold more information. Here's a sample that includes major and minor memories:

Eventually "fun memories" will be divided into concert/music memories, sports events, family and friends memories.

For example, on the anniversary of the day we went on a special trip we can celebrate by enjoying the photos and videos we took; by making a meal or going to a restaurant that reminds us of that trip; documenting the stories or travelling back to the location.

We can celebrate the anniversary of a special concert by listening to a playlist we make that duplicates the setlist of the concert or watching videos of the band playing live. I love the setlist.fm website that posts setlists to most concerts I have attended.

Do They Know It's Christmas was recorded on November 25th 1984. In 2009, I wrote this blog post about listening to that song every November 25th.

I am posting this specific challenge today because it is Friday the 13th. December 13th may not be significant to most of you. I normally remember it as my friend's birthday. This year however, I am remembering it differently because it reminded me of December 13th 1996 which was also a Friday.

I was pregnant with two due dates: December 9th and 12th. Throughout the pregnancy, I thought it would be cool to have a 12/12 birthday boy. With my due date past, 23 years ago, my husband and I went to see The English Patient at Varsity Theatre on Friday the 13th. We sat in the last row close to the exit door in case I went into labour. Luckily I didn't.

I am being reminded of the time before we were parents. I got my pregnancy journal out and reminisced about the days when it used to be just the two of us. Rewatching The English Patient, as much as I enjoyed it at the time, isn't something that will add happiness to my life today, but I watched some clips on YouTube that I enjoyed.

We had plans to go see a movie at the Varsity Theatre tonight, but with a tickle in my throat, that's not meant to be. I still enjoyed reminiscing, writing this post and coming up with the term "Memories Timeline".

By travelling back in time to meaningful memories, we can look forward to future moments that will be worth remembering by reminiscing, reliving or creating new memories.

In a future Revive55 Challenge, we will make future plans to create new memories inspired by our past experiences.

Memorable Traditions

Christmas is considered a magical time of year. One of the reasons is because of our traditions  associated with the holiday.

Blue Mountain Christmas Lights

Are you taking the time to enjoy the holidays or are you on auto-pilot and putting decorations out or baking just because it's what you have always done.

Do you sometimes find yourself in January with the disappointment that the holidays got away from you and you didn't enjoy them as much as you could have? I certainly have some years.

By being mindful and taking the time to reflect and plan, we can ensure that this Christmas is a memorable one.

What are your favourite holiday traditions? Who do you love to spend time with?

Take a moment to reflect on your favourite Christmas memories.

When you take your Christmas decorations out, what are your favourites that bring a smile to your face when you see them? Do you have decorations that you would rather donate than keep? Sometimes when we have less, we appreciate our favourites more.

What is your favourite ornament? Do you put it in a prominent place on your Christmas tree?

Favourite Ornaments

Some people love the tradition of preparing and enjoying special meals and treats. Do you like the tradition of making and enjoying the same foods year after year? This year, consider getting a new recipe from a Christmas-themed magazine or from a friend.

If you love Christmas music or movies, are they the same every year or do you add new ones?

Introducing new favourites to our traditional favourites can make this Christmas more memorable.

There are many Christmas events in the GTA. Do you prefer to return to the same event like the Distillary Christmas Market or the Nutcracker every year? Or do you like to experience new events?

Most towns and cities have special Christmas events like:

• Toronto Christmas Market - Distillery District
• A Nutcracker Christmas At The Castle - Casa Loma
• Evergreen's Winter Village - Evergreen Brick Works
• Toronto Aurora Winter Festival - Ontario Place
• Holiday Fair in the Square - Nathan Phillips Square
• Terra Lumina at the Toronto Zoo

• Christmas Glow at Toronto Congress Centre in Etobicoke
• Winter Festival of Lights - Niagara Falls
• Blumination Dream Trail at Blue Mountain
• Santafest at Santa's Village in Bracebridge
• Gift of Lights - Bingemans in Kitchener
• Festival of Lights - Kapuskasing (my hometown)
• Alight at Night Festival - Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg
• Winterfest - Canada's Wonderland

Dream Trail at Blue Mountain

These are just a few ideas. What is happening in your city or town? 

Sometimes even finding a beautifully lit street is worth the drive or walk in the evening. Inglewood Drive in Toronto is lined with giant-sized inflatable Santas every year.

Santas on Inglewood Drive

When we recognize what we love, we can create more of these types of memories. 

For those who love markets, return to a favourite or experience a new one. If you love music, find new Christmas songs to love.

What brings a smile to your face during the holidays?

• The scent of our Christmas tree brings a smile to my face every time I enter the house or room. To have that feeling before we get our tree, I purchased a pine and balsam scented candle.
• I love tourtière and shortbread at Christmas time. I used to make peppermint patties but haven't in years. It may be time to revive this tradition or find a new recipe. I just re-read this blog post from 2011 where I wrote about my favourite Christmas foods and traditions. It's definitely a good reminder to keep the traditions I love.
• Is there a Christmas movie you haven't seen that can be added to your Christmas tradition? I had never seen Elf until I visited my brother-in-law in DC for Thanksgiving less than 10 years ago. It is now one of my favourites. Click here for a list of Christmas movies for inspiration.
• What are your favourite Christmas songs? Did you have a favourite album growing up? Create a playlist of your favourite songs.

Imagine that it's January 1st. What do you hope to have experienced over the holidays?

Revive55 Challenge:

• Make a list and check it twice ;-)
• Ask friends and family or Google for new ideas
• Add events in your calendar
• Enjoy the holidays
• Take photos and videos
• Journal memorable stories
• Share the photos, videos and stories!!

It's the last Christmas of the decade, make it a special one!!


*********************************************************************************

I wrote this post yesterday knowing I would be out most of today at a Positivi-Tea event with Brenda Jasmin and Tea with Tracie.

If you're in the Oakville area, I highly recommend their events. One of my friends at the event also told me that the Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights is beautiful!

I want to share my favourite takeaways from this event as an addition to my post.

The theme of the event was "Infusing Positivity Into Your Holiday".

We discussed many aspects of the holiday season and what is meaningful to each one of us. Just like I mentioned to find the traditions that are meaningful to us, Brenda asked us to list activities that were sources of depletion or repletion. It wasn't only what do we love or not love, but what drains or adds energy to our holiday.

My favourite takeaway from the event is:

Look for the Good.

Instead of being stressed and noticing what is missing or not perfect, look for what you love and what you did accomplish.

Brenda shared this in the context of being an optimalist rather than a perfectionist. An optimalist is a healthy high-functioning perfectionist. An optimalist still has high standards but the vision is closer to reality. You look in the direction of where you're going rather than the perfect destination.

I love that.

I will also add that instead of thriving for the "perfect" Christmas or holiday season; prioritize and focus on what matters most to you.

Book I 💙: The Art of Making Memories

There's a quote I've read that says "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear". I had this kind of experience recently.

When I started the Revive55 Project, I searched for books, websites and podcasts to learn as much as I could about preserving memories. I found a few and have been reading and listening since.

I already knew a lot about making photo albums from my years as a Creative Memories Consultant. I wanted to learn even more though.

I recognized that digital photography and social media changed the way we make, share and preserve our memories. I wanted to spend the 55 weeks learning and updating the way I used to preserve memories and recognize which memories were the most meaningful.

I am just realizing that the story I'm going to share begins Thanksgiving weekend. I am so thankful for this story so I love that I opened an email from Indigo on Thanksgiving Sunday. I rarely click on regular emails from them but for some reason, I did that day. In the email it didn't show a book I was interested in but for some reason, I clicked on it anyway. Scrolling down through the list of bestselling books, I saw this one:

Coincidence? Serendipity? I immediately walked to Indigo to pick it up. It is EXACTLY what the Revive55 Project is all about. 

When I started reading it, I was a little sad in a way because I read about things that I had thought of using as my own in my posts. On the super positive side however, it is saving me SO much time because the book has all the scientific research to back everything up.

As excited as I was to be reading it, I was trying to slow myself down because I wanted to savour it. A week later, I received an email from a friend who thought of me when she received an inviration to an event coming up in Toronto.

Ten days after I bought the book, the author would be in Toronto!

Why is Meik Wiking in Toronto promoting his book? I couldn't believe my luck. Not only had I found a book that would improve my Revive55 Project but I would get to hear the author speak.

I devoured the book before the event and absolutely loved it! It was above and beyond what I had been searching for.

The timing couldn't have been better. I had already written quite a bit of ideas of where I wanted the Revive55 Project to go. I already had thought of many of the things in the book, so I don't feel like I would be copying what was in the book. It came early enough in the process though that it has changed how I see some things. I really feel like I took a huge leap forward by reading the book.

After his talk, I got to meet Meik. I told him that I believe that I will remember reading his book as a before and after moment. My Revive55 Project before reading his book will be different to the project after reading The Art of Making Memories.

Meik Wiking may not actually be my teacher, but reading his book has been very educational for me. 

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.

I highly recommend it to anyone interested in making and preserving memories.

Mini-Project #2: University Days

My main goal for each mini project is to complete what I call: 5Top5.

My Top 5 in 5 Categories:

1. Stories
2. Photos
3. Mementos
4. Accomplishments
5. People

My university days included a four year degree plus two years working in research at the University.

I really enjoyed recording the stories while walking my dog.  I'm happy that the stories are recorded so that they are available if I want to write them out some day.

1. STORIES:

1. Fed Hall Days (favourite campus dance bar)
2. Meeting my future husband
3. I'm a DJ! (campus radio station)
4. Stats take-home exam I did without a computer because I went to Toronto to help my future husband who ended up in the hospital. I think I chose well to help him instead of maintaining a high mark. 
5. Technology (typing essays, renting VCRs, working at printing business, telephones, records)

2. PHOTOS:

First day in my residence room.
Pretending to be on the phone calling home.
So many memories in this photo.

Couple of months into first term.
Changed up the room by lifting my bed
and shortening my hair.
One of my favourite sweaters that my Mom knitted for me.

4th year: meeting my husband-to-be
We weren't dating yet but chatting at Fed Hall.
A friend of his came in between us
for a photo taken by another friend who was
taking photos for the Math Society I think.

Walking back from the Molson Indy.
I'm wearing the shirt I bought that day.
I think I was a little cold by this time of day.
I was probably wearing a black and white
crop top and shorts.
We decide to have a little fun on University Ave.
Took a few photos with funny faces; artistic ones
like me lying down on the grass and just my knees.

I love this photo because it is the time
where I loved my hair the most.
I used to take it to hairdressers to try to
replicate it, but I never did get it this great
(in my eyes)

 3. MEMENTOS

1. Olympic Petro Canada glasses
2. CKMS cassettes (recording of my radio show)
3. My top scoring test (Science of Aging) and essay from correspondence course I took during my summer in my hometown (Pollution from the Pulp and Paper Industry). The test is in long answer form so love seeing my writing. My daughter asked why I don't write as pretty as I did then. Perhaps I should improve my penmanship. The second was a typewritten essay and has all kinds of feedback from my professor. The memories of typing and making sure there were no mistakes are priceless.
4. Sugarcubes CD and concert ticket (my first Toronto concert)
5. Painted t-shirts from Queen Street West (I no longer have the t-shirts but have photos of them)

4. ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1. Overcoming first year challenges to graduate with a Bachelor of Science.
2. Member of diving team and pushing myself to the limit of my fear.
3. Weekly radio show on campus radio station
4. Jobs during last (part-time) term: Microbiology teaching assistant, Manager of word processing business and tennis instructor
5. After graduation research position in the Chemical Engineering Department which included co-authoring two scientific publications.

5. PEOPLE

1. Future husband-to-be 
2. Roommates and Floormates
3. Co-workers (hometown summer jobs)
4. Friends (esp. J, C, K and R)
5. Professors in my research position

I am also excited to have completed putting photos into my childhood to university days photo albums. I originally had one album that I expanded to three albums. I included certificates, report cards, ribbons, ID cards and other mementos with the photos.

I haven't journaled in the albums yet but having the photos and mementos preserved is really rewarding.

Mini-Project #3 will be about my Toronto Days from the time I moved from Waterloo to the time we had our first child.

Playlist of my Life

"What seems to happen is that

a piece of familiar music serves as a 

soundtrack for a mental movie 

that starts playing in our head. 

It calls back memories 

of a particular person or place, 

and you might all of a sudden 

see that person's face in your mind's eye,"

Petr Janata

Source: University of California-Davis

Music has always been a part of my life. I played the piano and sang throughout my childhood and listened to music on records, albums, 8-track cassettes, audio cassettes, CDs, and digitally on iPods, iTunes, iPhones and computers.

It's amazing to reflect at how much technology has changed over the years.

During my childhood-themed mini project, I took my 45's out of storage and was enjoying seeing my record box on display, however, I decided to go one step further.

Over 10 years ago, I had made a CD with my favourite childhood songs. I didn't find the CD but found the list of songs on it.

I made an Apple Music playlist with these songs and others that I found while looking through my records. There were a few songs that were not on iTunes however. I decided to look at record players to see how much they were. They averaged $75 on Amazon. I saw reviews on Amazon that were not that complimentary. I have never returned something to Amazon so in case I would want to return it, I checked Best Buy. The same record player offered in various colours at regular price was on sale in grey for $27. I figured that it was meant to be and ordered it.

I am not recommending this record player. The Amazon reviews are accurate and the table wobbles but I am keeping it anyway. I initially played my new U2 albums I received from being a U2 subscriber. I figured that once I started playing my old records that would wreck the needle, I wouldn't play new records. I quickly noticed though that I didn't really want to play my new records on it. It's good enough for what I wanted it though.

I have continued this music theme and made a playlist of my favourite songs from High School and University Days.

Listening to these songs has revived so many memories for me of the places and people in my life. It has also reminded me of songs I had forgotten.

Music is profoundly connected to our memories.

Dr. Petr Janata tested the hypothesis that music and personal memories are linked in the same region of the brain: the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). His study entitled Neural Architecture of Music-Evoked Autobiographical Memories was published in Cerebral Cortex in November 2009. His results found that songs linked to strong memories had greater activity in the MPFC. This supported the idea of a "hub" linking music, emotions, and memories.

"What seems to happen is that a piece of familiar music serves as a soundtrack for a mental movie that starts playing in our head. It calls back memories of a particular person or place, and you might all of a sudden see that person's face in your mind's eye. Now we can see the association between those two things – the music and the memories."

It's therefore not surprising that listening to these songs, I can picture myself:

• in my childhood home
• in my bedroom, basement, living
• at a bonfire in the field behind our house
• on the dock at Ouellette Bay (Remi Lake)
• listening to the radio
• going to hilltop rendez-vous in Timmins where cars would line-up to request and dedicate a song live on radio
• at school for a gymnastics routine
• at friends' houses
• at the movie theatre
• at the piano
• singing/playing in front of the school
• in the gym
• at tournaments and meets
• warming up in the parking lot at OFSAA
• at dances
• at McDonald's (where I worked)
• in my university residence room
• at the Jack Pine and the Commercial (hometown bars)
• at Fed Hall and Bombshelter (university bars)
• walking to campus
• at CKMS where I DJ'd
• at concerts
• and more...

Although I may not like some of these songs anymore, it has been wonderful to think back about these wonderful memories that involved music in my life. It is also a great reminder to continue to enjoy music, especially in the context of making new memories that I will want to remember in the future.

Mini Project #1: Childhood

There are 10 months remaining in my Revive55 Project!

I am really excited at the progress I made in my Childhood Mini Project.

My main goal for each mini project is to complete what I call: 5Top5.

My Top 5 in 5 Categories:

1. Stories
2. Photos
3. Mementos
4. Accomplishments
5. People

It's difficult to just have 5 in each category but I think it's a great exercise to just reflect and try to choose.

I think even with my childhood long over, it's a work in progress. As I was writing this post today, I remembered my badminton racquet that I kept and was in our furnace room with other sports equipment. I am adding it to my mementos list, bringing it out of the basement and into my memories room.

So here goes my 5Top5:

1. STORIES:

1. I like it my way
2. I'm Number 3/Almost Perfect
3. Childhood Dreams/Ambitions
4. Family trips
5. Tourist Hostess Summer Job

Although I have blogged and written many of these stories, I started recording my stories while walking my dog using the Voice Memo app on my phone. When I arrive home, I label the voice memos to find them more easily in the future. I haven't decided what I will do with the recordings, but for now, the stories are preserved.

What are your top 5 childhood stories?

2. PHOTOS:

5 months old

I'll sleep anywhere
At the airport on our way back from Florida in 1977

Back from school trip with some of my souvenirs
Love my school jacket on the suitcase as well
(jacket was originally my brother's)

I'm so happy playing badminton
wearing my favourite outfit at badminton camp

The Terry Fox monument in Thunder Bay
was originally on the side of the highway
Terry Fox died in June 1981
Monument was unveiled in June 1982
We visited a few months later when we drove
my older sister to her new home in Thompson, MN

3. MEMENTOS:

1. trophies, medals and plaques (I can't pick just one)
2. badminton racquet
3. records (45's and albums) (just one? really?)
4. charm bracelet (and high school ring)
5. shells from our Florida trip in 1978 (and shells necklace)

I am preserving some of my favourite
childhood mementos in this
heart-shaped Lindt box

I'm not sure if this 45's box was originally mine
(it may have been my older sister's)
but I have taken it out of storage and
enjoy seeing it on display

4. ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

1. 2nd Franco-Ontarien Track Meet 800m
2. OFSAA competitor volleyball and badminton; All-Ontario track 3000m
3. Music Festival and Royal Conservatory Grade IX
4. Offered job at my first interview & tourist hostess job
5. Badminton training regime, learned to sew to make badminton warm-up outfit I loved

5. PEOPLE:

1. Family (👋🏻 to those reading)
2. Childhood friends
3. McDonald's boss
4. Grade 1 and Grade 13 English teacher
5. Coach

Along with my 5Top5, there are other parts to Revive55 Project that are works in progress.

I bought a shelf for the trophies I'm keeping. I need my husband's help to put it up on the wall. It has pegs for medals and a corkboard.

I am updating my Personal Timeline which is a chronological list of memorable events in my life.

I am updating my childhood album. Years ago, I took the photos that were originally in my magnetic childhood albums and preserved them in a Creative Memories album. After making albums for my siblings when they turned a special age, I found lots of other photos from my childhood that I am adding to my original one. I am splitting it up and also adding mementos like report cards, ribbons, certificates and newspaper clippings. My first album is from birth until Grade 8 and my second is my high school years. I will make a third for my university years.

I think that I had decluttered quite a bit from my childhood already so there wasn't too much more to do besides trophies, report cards and certificates. I had one big box of childhood memories that I have split up into smaller boxes that are more easily accessible. Things that could be added to my childhood albums are preserved there.

I have started Mini Project #2: University Days.