Another cat herding adventure

[mizarchivist]

Oh, yes. I didn't mention this before but after writing to my aunt on the topic and particularly saying the following: "Like so many projects of this nature, it's akin to herding cats. I dislike that past-time a great deal and yet I always find myself with the catherd's crook and a field full of truculant tabbies."

Now, the context: this past Monday would have been my maternal grandmother's birthday. She's been dead for 8 years now. She was the first of my grandparents to die and the one I felt closest to of the four. As is the nature of things, my memories of her have become rather unfocused. I thought it would be a thoughtful tribute to her if her friends and family wrote up some of their memories about her and illustrate the final product with images and art (mostly done by my mom) of said matriarch. Mom and the younger of the aunts were very enthusiastic. My dad agreed to polish the final product after I edit. The remainder of the family I wrote to: dead fucking silence. I will keep in mind that what I sent was not only emotionally charged, but requires them to do something. Also, these are not geeks; email response for them would never be what it is with my friends. Perhaps they also thought it a good idea and are working on their own writings that will trickle in eventually. In the meantime, I'm left playing Ben Stein's role: "Bueller? Bueller?" My current take on it is that I can't make people do this. If it happens, great. If not, I will be disappointed in them, but I won't waste too much time over being upset.

Comments

[drwex]

Given their ages, would it be likely that a personal letter (even if identical to the email) would produce more response?

[mizarchivist]

I've been talking with previously mentioned Aunt today and she suggested something similar. Given I'm about to do the Holiday Card Thang, now I'll have something particular to say in them. So, yes- I hope so!

[drwex]

Cool! Good luck. It occurs to me that if they saw some of the holiday cards you'd made yourself then they'd understand just how skilled you are in this area and that might further encourage participation.

[caulay.livejournal.com]

I always find myself with the catherd's crook and a field full of truculant tabbies

Complete with lacy little bonnet and everything?

Love that expression though, I shall have to save it for my own use (with proper credit, of course).

[sauergeek.livejournal.com]

I am now envisioning mizarchivist in a lacy little bonnet and a frilly dress. And giggling.

[awfief.livejournal.com]

Seriously? make it extendable. I bet that once you make something and send it out to your family, they'll all want to add to it.

[mizarchivist]

clever!