DIg out those old photos and start writing!

A three book series that you can be a part of!
By David D Dickinson and Americans Everywhere

Written as a three part series, American Wisdom and Memoirs will have a separate book for each generation of Americans:

• American Wisdom and Memoirs: Seniors Edition
• American Wisdom and Memoirs: Baby Boomers Edition
• American Wisdom and Memoirs: Young Americans Edition

Most all of us have boxes or albums full of old family pictures. Take a moment and dig them out. It's amazing how the memories come flooding back to us. Be sure and make some note or write a short story to go with each of those old photos, so that your children and their children don't lose the valuable family history that goes along with them. It's up to each of us to preserve and pass down the stories and the wisdom that each piece of that captured history represents. If you don't know or remember the significance of some of those pictures, now is the time to get together with family and friends to sort through them and recapture that history. Do it now, before it is too late. As each family member passes this life, a piece of your family history goes with them. We each hold life by a thin thread and never know when our time with our loved ones is going to be over. Make it your personal responsibility to document as much of that family history as you can. Sure, you're busy with the chores and events of everyday life. There always seems to be so much to do. But, ask yourself... what could be more important than to pass on the memories and the wisdom that exists in each of our families? Don't let the memories slip by so that the generations that follow can only wonder who the faces in those old pictures are.

In the American Wisdom and Memoirs book series, you can leave those stories and bits of wisdom that has been passed down for not only your family to see, but for all of America to share, as well. Some of the stories will make us laugh and some might make us cry, but in each of us is a story or two that will make others feel something. Each written contribution in these books will be accompanied by an acknoledgement of the individual and if so desired, a picture to to enhance the written entry. If you are writing about a funny story about your grandmother or a bit of wisdom passed down by your old Uncle Frank, include a photo to go along with it. A picture goes a long way in making a story come alive.Below are just a handful of my old family pictures and when I look at each one, the memories come to life, stirring emotions and keeping my old family members fresh in my mind. It is reassuring to know that they will not be forgotten even after I am gone.

My father, Robert Dickinson, and his mother, Nelle "Queenie" Shurtleff Dickinson in 1949.

My mother, Edie, and my step-dad, Ed Wright, on their wedding day... 9/1/1956

My mother made this Choo Choo train cake for my 7th birthday out of angel food cake, complete with animals in the cages.

My brother and I with a family friend at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington in 1954. My mother always dressed us alike. quite stylish, aren't we?

The proverbial buck naked baby picture. Thanks, Mom!

The website at http://www.americanwisdomandmemoirs.com/ will be up soon and you will able to submit your writings and photos in our easy to use format. If you have any questions, please feel free to E-mail me at dddickinson@AmericanWisdomAndMemoirs.com.

You probably know someone else that has lots to say and we we welcome you to spread the word. American Wisdom and Memoirs is a grass roots effort and we need your help in getting the word out. For now, get busy and think of what you will contribute to this book series that we are certain will be cherished by Americans all over for many years to come.

David Dickinson