Turn Dad Into a Star This Father's Day

“Lately I’ve been noticing I say the same things he used to say
And I even find myself acting the very same way
I tap my fingers on the table to the rhythm of my soul
And I jingle the car keys when I’m ready to go.....”
From ‘Song for Dad’, by Keith Urban

Have you, like I, found that you have unconsciously repeated some of your Dad’s habits and characteristics? He has so many roles in our day to day lives which are rarely acknowledged. Father’s Day, 6th September in Australia, is rapidly approaching and now is a great time to make some preparations for something more meaningful than the same old socks, jocks and slippers.

This year why not give Dad the ‘Star’ treatment and make a movie about his unique life? It’s easier than you think!
• If you have your own video camera, this will be easy, otherwise consider borrowing or hiring one for the day.
• Prepare a script, inviting the whole family to add their input.
• Gather some photos of some of the highlights of Dad’s life;
• Will you needs costumes for some family members to play other roles?
• What about props like Dad’s sporting cups, his Scout hat, his umpire’s whistle?
• Have at least one rehearsal beforehand to ensure that everyone understands their role and lines. Get everyone to tell Dad a story from his life.
• Why not select a couple of Dad’s favourite songs and make a music video with the entire family?

On Father’s Day, after serving him his favourite food for lunch, settle everyone down to watch Dad’s life unfold on the screen. The result will become a cherished family memory with a great video to watch time after time.

Or try making a CD of ‘Dad’ songs including such hits as ‘Leader of the Band’ by Dan Fogelberg, ‘Dance with My Father’ by Luther Vandross, ‘Father and Son’ by Cat Stevens to name a few personal favourites. Check my my website www.historyfromtheheart.com.au for a more complete list of song titles.

Go on, spoil Dad this year with a unique gift just for him!

10 Ways to Uncover Your Forgotten Memories

Do you want to make a start on writing your personal or family history but have difficulty in remembering events or people from your past?

Here are 10 practical tips to get you started:

1. Draw up a timeline - a note book is good, with a new page for each year. Fill in the events/people you remember under each year's heading.
2. Carry a notebook with you to jot down the thoughts that percolate up into your consciousness, once you start your project. Write them down and add them to the timeline book.
3. Dig out old photographs and ask yourself the who, where, when, what type questions as you look at the picture. Write your conclusions down, in pencil, on the back of the photo.
4. Select a family object (the family teapot, Gran's lace fan) and hold it in your hands, trying to recall the first time you saw it; who was holding it, what were they saying about it, where did it come from; how many other people have owned it? Write your answers down.
5. When trying to recall a certain era, why not play some music from those days? Put on the music, close your eyes and let the music release the memories of where you were, who you were with and all other associated memories.
6. How about using your sense of smell to uncover old memories? Open a bottle of Vanilla essence and remember Nan's baking days; or perhaps the smell of Dettol reminds you of when you broke your leg and went to hospital.
7. Think about the first time you tasted something, maybe eating an ice cream. Was it in a cone or a dish? Did mum make it, what flavour was it? Did you buy it at a shop? How much did it cost?
8. Do you remember the texture and feel of some things from your past - Dad's scratchy face in the morning, the swish of Mum's taffeta evening dress, the snuggly wamth of your eiderdown?
9. Think about some of the personal things you associate with certain people: Dad's gold watch, Nana's apron, Mum's black handbag and then remember special times associated with each object.
10. Family memorabilia - cards, letters, post cards from holidays past, passports, luggage labels, school reports or books - all of these have a story to tell to add interest, texture and depth to the fascinating story of your life.