Scrapbooks - It's Never Too Soon to Start Saving Memories

You never know when an athletic or personal highlight will appear. If we don't save it, it slips through our fingers like the sands of time. 

Scrapbooks can be physical, digital, or both. 

I hope this inspires some of you to work on your (or your child's) scrapbook soon.

Why? In the digital age, maybe scrapbooks are passe. But for us 'old timers' a scrapbook captures memories unavailable elsewhere.

Many have athletic and academic resumes far more accomplished than I, but it's never too soon to collect the digital and print grist for your memory mill. It's impossible to know what the media of the future will be (wearable chip?). If I were starting, I'd use both print and digital media.

Organization. Chronological and topical are the two logical choices. A problem arises when you have boxes of photographs and clippings and you're unsure of what went when. 

Location? Pictures could be from anywhere...on the pitch...

Or in a "Garden." 

Content. What's too inconsequential? Nothing. Decide later. Your first hit in Little League or merit badge in Scouts might seem like nothing, but it might trigger gratitude decades later. Maybe it eases that nagging pain in the pitching elbow a little on a rainy day. 

It doesn't have to be only about sports. Include family, favorite stuffy, the cherished pet, school photos with friends, a third grade essay about frogs, a stellar report card or standardized test scores. 

Starting too soon will never be an issue, but starting too late will make your job hard. 

Making it a joint project with family could be even better. 

Lagniappe. Increase your volleyball IQ. 

1. Note how Melrose dominates across the front, even without massive height.

2. Libero Alyssa DiRaffaela's "topspin/sidespin" serves were golden.

3. Melrose outsides used cut shots (short/across) to advantage. 

4. Melrose attacked the corners effectively. 

5. Blocking intimidates and creates offense. 

6. Note how "quick leapers" like Jen Cain got attacks off quickly. 

Lagniappe 2. Increase your volleyball IQ (2)