Sunday, November 2, 2008

OVERWHELMED WITH PAPER!!

Blue Monday is hosted by Sally at Smiling Sal. Check out her blog for a list of those participating in a variety of blue on a Monday!




I submit the following for Blue Monday in hopes that my new pretty blue magazine holders qualify!!



While Bob has been toiling away putting up crown molding and painting in our computer room; I've been trying to make some sense of a bunch of paper stuff that was stored in the room. I believe the fancy name of this stuff is called ephemera! You see both Bob and I grew up in this "Happy Days" small town in Colorado. Both sides of my family had lived in "Happy Days" since the 1870s - we still have relatives there!


My family were Savers (with a capital S). They saved every type of paper: checks, letters, postcards, bills, photos, etc. And somehow, a lot of it seemed to have landed in a cupboard in our computer room. Plus, I must admit, Bob and I have such fond memories of "Happy Days", we have added to the pile of paper by buying postcards, etc. of our then idealistic little town. I've been wanting to move that cupboard to the back porch for storage of cushions, etc. for over the winter. So, you guessed it, I had to deal with all of the paper stuff. It was time to sort it out!! So for two days, I've been OVERWHELMED WITH PAPER. This is what my guest bedroom has looked like.


I really am trying to make some sense out of it.
I found 97 different picture postcards of "Happy Days" dating from 1897 to the 1980s; pictures of the schools, churches, farms, ranches, street scenes, and celebrations.

There are over 100 statements of accounts at a variety of businesses including cancelled checks and letterheads dating from the 1800s. There is a check written by one of my grandfathers to my other grandfather on the other side of my family paid in full for sheep. There are checks that my mother wrote at Bob's family grocery store.

I just can't make myself dispose of this slice of history! It is sad, really, because the town of "Happy Days" has deteriorated and is wasting away. There are very few businesses anymore, population has declined.

So I organized it as best as I could in notebooks and pretty blue magazine holders so it will fit on a couple of shelves in the bookcases. Someday, maybe we will donate this ephemera to the little museum in "Happy Days". I was feeling pretty good about accomplishing this task, when Bob reminded me that there are still several trunks in the shed to be gone through. I guess I'm still behind on my paper work. Oh, well, another time!!

See my pretty blue magazine holders.



When I was feeling overwhelmed, I thought of this picture I had taken of a gas station in "Happy Days". This desk has been in this condition for about 10 years. Do you suppose the owner feels just a little BLUE and overwhelmed? Sorry, about the quality of the picture; but this desk was just too good (or bad?) not to share.

So, when you get behind on your paper work, just remember someone is further behind than you!!!



Thanks for stopping by,
Sally

19 comments:

brettinsky said...

That desk is too funny! I don't think I will ever forget that, LOL! Thanks for sharing!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Love the picture of that desk! Your blue magazine containers are wonderful. I have the same problem with old paperwork. I do think it is important to save-especially since everything is now being done by computer. In the future, I think children will be looking at paperwork in a museum and be amazed at how everything was put on paper "back in the olden days"! laurie

SmilingSally said...

Whee, I'm glad that desk is not yours! The pretty blue magazine holders certainly qualify for Blue Monday! That's a lovely shade of blue. Even though your guest room is overwhelming, I can see the organization of how you're working this mountain of paper. Bit by bit you'll get it done--even the other trunks. Just keep buying more blue.

Picket said...

Oh girl...I feel you pain...I don't like to keep alot of things but it is so hard to part with little bits and pieces of family history...I think you are doing a fantastic job! Alot of my Family is still living in "Happy Days"! lol Have a beautiful day girl!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Too funny.. there are days my desk looks just like that one..thanks for sharing a little bit of Happy Days history..Hugs and smiles Gloria

onlymehere said...

I think the file folders qualify as blue! I especially liked the desk at the end bz now I can feel good about how mine looks! Paper multiplies overnight, I swear it really does, LOL!! Glad you've got it all organized now for a minute~!

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

That desk is a hoot! My goodness! I'd hate to be the one to have to go through all those papers and sort, and sort and sort some more.
Your magazine holders are perfectly blue and I think it's great you're holding on to memories of "happy days". What a wonderful thing that is to pass on.

Coloradolady said...

I am sure I would feel that way about the desk. But you know, I bet they could find anything in that pile. Funny. Great post. Happy Blue Monday.

Missy Wertz said...

Your desk does make me feel better... Happy Blue Monday!

Knitty said...

Yikes!!!!

LOL!

Anonymous said...

Oh my that desk! Now I don't feel so bad LOL!

Manuela

nikkicrumpet said...

Well it looks like you got everything organized nicely and in a way that will keep the special stuff safe. And now that I've seen that desk...I actually feel good about mine!

Missy Wertz said...

You said>>That chandelier is great!! Did you spend any of that money? Sally

Check back tomorrow. ;-)

bj said...

OMGosh..the pic of the desk is soooo funny!! GOOD GRIEF...I will never again think I am so far behind in getting rid of PAPER WORK...hahaha...
And,I adore your BLUE magazine containers...By the way, where did you get them? I need mag. containers in the worst way!!
love, bj

Anonymous said...

Evening, Sally! Oh, my, I'm laughing my head off at that desk!!
Wow, I'm intriqued at all the paperwork and postcards you have from your family. How wonderful of you to sort it all out. It really is a slice of history hopefully you can pass down some day to other family members. Now I see my breakfast room cafe curtain fabric on your pillow. Don't you just love that material?
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Sweetie said...

It is hard for me to part with some things. Your blue magazine containers are great. And - you are doing a wonderful job.
Sweetie

imjacobsmom said...

The gas station owner needs pretty blue magazine holders to sort things out, too. I think they are a great idea. I use magazine holders inside my computer cabinet to help organize. Now if I would just use them...LOL! Happy Blue Monday! ~ Robyn

Anonymous said...

And I thought I was behind in my paperwork or that I had a full desk..:) Happy late Blue Monday...

Neabear said...

Looking at that desk makes me feel better about all my behindness in stuff to sort. Makes my head spin sometimes to think about sorting. Ugh! The pretty blue holders are a good way to start though!