Postcards for Posterity

My mom, Donna, on scrapbooking, memory-keeping, and what she's learned helping clean out the homes of people who've passed.

I recently finished The Art of Making Memories by happiness researcher Meik Wiking — and this episode is about the ideas that hit hardest as a parent of a young child. The reminiscence bump, what the science says about baby memories, and the family story I had to rewrite as an adult. Related post: lovemaddily.com/blog/8-ways-to-make-memories-that-actually-stick

Today’s episode isn’t about a memory-keeping tool or a travel story—it’s about one of the most important parts of living a life worth remembering: the people you live it with. If friendship feels thin right now—or you feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people—this one is for you. Show notes

If you've ever wanted a fun, low-pressure way to make a trip more memorable for your kids — this episode is for you. I'm sharing how two tiny souvenirs from our Japan trip became a creative travel activity, and eventually a custom children's storybook made in Chatbooks.
Show notes: lovemaddily.com/blog/postcards-for-posterity-cat-adventures
Photo book comparison: https://lovemaddily.com/blog/4-photo-book-services-comparison

We took the Amtrak Coast Starlight from LA to Seattle with our 10-week-old — and it became one of our most memorable family trips. Show notes | Full itinerary + tips

Yoto isn’t just for kids—it’s a simple way to keep voice memories accessible without screens. Maddie shares how she recorded bedtime stories, made a custom card, and shared ideas for additional personal messages. Show notes | Research | Favorite books

Capturing grandparents’ stories can feel overwhelming—so this episode makes it simple. Maddie shares how she used 52 questions, weekly touchpoints or a 4-session build to capture stories and turn them into a keepsake book.
Show notes  | Grandparent Interview Kit 

If you have trip scraps—tickets, stickers, postcards, and little “I can’t throw this away” pieces—this episode is for you. Maddie shares a simple method to turn those artifacts into a framed collage you’ll actually display, plus how to use a shadow box collage to remember someone you love in a way that feels meaningful (not overwhelming). Photos in the show notes.

This episode is a kinder reset inspired by gap vs. gain: a simple, journal practice—3 gains, 3 intentions, and 1 memory—to help you focus on progress (not perfection) and keep the story as you live it. The Gap and the Gain | Show Notes

If your camera roll is overflowing but you rarely look back, this episode is for you. Maddie shares why Postcards for Posterity exists, what she tried (private Instagram + Chatbooks), and the shift to keeping what matters without living behind a screen.