Let’s talk about ephemera. That’s right e-fem-e-ra! Let’s start by checking the Oxford Dictionary’s official definition of the word, which states the following:

“things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time: there were papers, letters, old boxes—all sorts of ephemera” and also

“collectable items that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity: Mickey Mouse ephemera

So  here’s a question for you, when is being a hoarder a good thing? I’m sure many would answer “never”, but trust me it is a good thing when it relates to keeping family records, documents, ephemera and photos.

Almost half way through the Family History Through Alphabet Challenge, and  my head has decided to go on holidays, it has had no bright inspirations for the letter K at all. I’ve been trying to come up with something super exciting for K for the past couple of weeks, and still nothing! So for this post I’ve decided to take a look in my copy of “What Did They Mean by That?: A Dictionary of Historical and Genealogical Terms Old and New” and list a few of the old words starting with K that are in there.

K is for … Old Words

Cruising … it sounds ideal doesn’t it? Accommodation, meals, and all entertainment provided for. No housework and no cleaning for days … and you get to visit exotic locations along the way. Not to mention it’s time off work – so, what could make this cruise better? Make it “genealogy-style” by adding in a genealogy conference on board, and that’s exactly what the Unlock the Past team have done with their 3rd History & Genealogy Cruise.

Anyone that really knows me … knows that I am a total jewellery freak (the top picture is just a few of the M-A-N-Y necklaces I have). I love my rings, bracelets and necklaces … so it made sense to write about jewellery for this post. Though not about ‘my’ jewellery, but rather heirloom jewellery.

J is for Jewellery

While these items would be classed as useless jewellery to others, each has sentimental value, which is something that cannot be replaced.