Preserving Moments: From the Capitol Protest to Empty Milk Bottle Diaries
Have you ever visited the site of a protest in major news headlines? As someone who participated in the 2nd anniversary of the insurrection at the US Capitol in Philadelphia, PA, I can attest that it was an experience filled with a mix of emotions but ultimately a peaceful one. Like many others, we stood uphold the ideals of freedom of speech and assembly as enshrined in the US Constitution, with both pro and anti-Trump demonstrators present.
Repurposing Empty Milk Bottles as a Personal Diary
After witnessing such an emotionally charged event, I started to think creatively about how to capture and cherish these moments in a more meaningful way. Have you ever considered what to do with those empty milk bottles after finishing your beverage?
My idea was simple yet profoundly impactful. Empty milk bottles became personal diaries. For every month of 2022, I sourced a milk bottle and filled it with positive moments of the day. This was not a typical diary; each bottle was a unique record of every day in the year, serving as a collecting vessel for memories, feelings, and experiences.
A Diary of Positivity
On a daily basis, I would jot down a positive moment of the day on a small chit, writing down the date, day, and month in detail. Even on days that were difficult, I found something to appreciate, and recorded that too. Some days were filled with sunshine and laughter, while others were tough, but each one was a piece of the puzzle that made up the year.
The act of writing these daily reflections on empty milk bottles was a meditative process. It helped me focus on the positive aspects of each day and promoted a sense of peace and contentment. I even borrowed some bottles from friends to ensure I had daily records. These bottles, now affectionately named 'Bottles of Happiness,' collected a year's worth of joy, triumphs, and resilience.
Sharing My Journey
To document my journey, I started a blog, 'My Gallery 365 days, and 12 months in 12 bottles.' It was a visual and written account of my experiences, shaping my outlook on life and helping me appreciate every moment, no matter how big or small. Sharing these stories has been a significant source of inspiration and connection.
At 88 and Counting: A Life Well-Lived
This past month marked my 88th birthday, but age does not define the zest and enthusiasm I still have for life. Even though I cannot walk anymore, I strive to do everything a 30-year-old could do. I remain a high-functioning individual, managing all of my personal affairs, working tirelessly in animal welfare, from local to international levels, and indulging in a myriad of wonderful hobbies along with my cat companions.
One of the challenges I face is the long wait times for food delivery, often not arriving until 4 p.m., which is particularly difficult during the dark evenings. I understand the dilemma, but for now, I'm focusing on the moments that matter.