Papers

If you were to ask my mom, I have papers everywhere.

Bills, school papers, crafts, newspapers, coupons, magazines, scribbled messages, etc.

Any house that I've ever lived in has various landing pads for papers. And, more often than not, I'll be searching desperately for that one piece of paper needed for any particular moment.

Tonight, I was going thru some boxes to get some items to donate to the preschool or old things to throw away when I came upon several papers. They were buried in with baby shower cards and pictures and expired diaper rash ointment coupons from four years ago.

My first find was a book of Persian art. The lithos are small, but they are most definitely frameable (which appears to be the purpose of this old book, as there is no text). I thought they might make an interesting art project.

My second find was a Zip-Lock baggie that I've toted from house to house in my adult years but never really examined. In it is a detailed reference guide of my mother's side of the family's geneaology, done back in the 1960s by my Grandma Cleary and her relatives. I was astonished to find one paper dating back to 1706 tracing my family tree back to my great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, Johann Leonhard Reber. More to come on that and some of the interesting tidbits I'm learning.

Additionally, I found my Great-Grandfather Raymond Reber's marriage certificate to my Great-Grandmother Marie Rowe, dated September 6th, 1917. How incredible to hold such a piece of family history! And it's in unbelievable condition! Like marriages back then, the paper they were marked on must have held up better (ha ha!)

Additionally, I came across a pre-World War II bright orange booklet titled "Popular Home Remedies and Superstitions of the Pennsylvania Germans", of which my mom's side of the family is largely descended. Chris and I shared a smirk or two at some of the proposed remedies. In example, did you know that if you name your dog "Water" or "Fire", he cannot be bewitched? (Dad, are you reading this...?) Also, if you are looking to cure epilepsy, simply swallow a rattlesnake's heart (now available at your local Walgreens).

I also came across some family Christmas letters my mom had written back when I was four and five years old. I marveled to Chris how creative she is and how much I've really grown to take after her in some respects. She could describe the year, in great detail, for seven family members (me plus my three brothers and sister plus her and Dad) on one piece of paper!! We are definitely two very different people, but, Mom, I'd like to thank you for passing along your kindness and cheerful heart. I love you!!

Lastly, I came across something my mom printed out for me some time ago that had belonged to my Grandpop Cleary - "How To Tell When It's A Bad Day". Here are some excerpts that made me bust out (thanks, Grandpop, for making me laugh from the Heavens):

You know it's a bad day when...

• your boss tells you not to bother to take off your coat.
• the bird singing out your bedroom window is a buzzard.
• you put your bra on backwards and it fits better.
• your Income Tax Return check bounces.
• you see the team from 60 Minutes waiting outside your office.
• your horn goes off accidentally and gets stuck while you're following a group of Hell's Angels down the highway.
• your wife says "Good morning, Bill" and your name is George.

Have a great week, everyone!!!