Writing about objects as waypoints on a roadmap

Why do we keep the objects we keep?
We form emotional attachments to seemingly ordinary objects for various reasons. Maybe an object bore witness to a significant moment or event, or was a gift from a loved one, or perhaps it represents an important influence that shaped your life.
The treasures and trinkets on our walls and shelves, stashed in drawers, scrapbooks, and jewelry boxes, hold the stories that define who we are.
It is only in the world of objects that we have time and space and selves.”
— T.S. Eliot
I liken these objects we keep to waypoints on the roadmap of our lives. These waypoints mark the moments, from the mundane to the extraordinary, we experienced as we navigated the route of our life’s journey.
From this, I’ve created the Objects as Waypoints Writing Project. For 100 days, I will write 50 short stories about the objects I’ve kept that represent the waypoints on my roadmap.
This framework motivates me to examine the intersection of memory, emotion, and facts. I believe in writing these stories I will find answers to questions I don’t yet know how to ask. In the curation of objects alone, I’ve already found new understanding, patterns, and themes in my life I was unaware, because I never dug deep.
And now it’s time.
Every few days, I’ll draft a story and share it with a photo.
That’s the plan.
I hope you’ll come along on my “road trip” and if you do, bring snacks and your favorite playlist.
Until next time, XOXO
