I gave an author presentation last month to a very receptive audience. By the end of my talk, many people were inspired to go home and either write their own memoirs, ask their parents about their lives, or to share their own stories with their young children. I call that a successful event!
One important point I made about recording memories, is that few memories can be considered insignificant. People think their lives are so ordinary, but years later – a generation or two later – the ordinary becomes historic. My own kids find common ground in some of my childhood stories, but are amazed at other details… like, “Gosh, Mom, what did you do without Nintendo?” or, “How could you live without Nickelodeon?” Imagine how interesting simple stories of grandparents’ lives are to children of the “modern world.” My mother-in-law remembers going to school by horse and cart! 
July 4th is coming up – another opportunity for family get-togethers and story-telling. Don’t be afraid to ramble on about everyday life – house, town, school, chores, food, play. Did you get in trouble, what was your favorite game? Remember to use sensory details of sight, sound, feel, and feelings. Reflect upon how you felt, what things meant to you, what you found important and valuable in your life, lessons learned. Allow others to know who you were and how you lived. You really are interesting.
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