While watching TV—a rare occurrence because I’m so busy—I was informed that at any age juggling helps develop your brain’s capacity. I should preface this by telling you: I can’t catch a ball worth a hoot. In most arenas, I have decent hand-eye coordination, but not when it comes to throwing or catching balls. But I thought I’d give juggling a try. As I struggled to snag just one little ball, I heard the moderator say: Juggle fifteen minutes a day, every day. Huh? Who has a daily spare fifteen minutes? Yet to improve my memory, wouldn’t I make time?
You’d think that all the research, reading and writing I do would ignite my memory; my brain should be functioning perfectly. But I’ve heard that once a skill is mastered our gray matter does not work as hard. It’s that learning period, the taxing and often aggravating mental strain, that prods our brains into actually improving. I’ve read that brain scans were done on children learning a new videogame. During the first few hours, their brains were highly dynamic, but later, once the game was mastered, the scans showed little brain activity. I’ve also read that writing or brushing your teeth using the non-dominant hand is a terrific way to keep your mind active. When I injured my thumb/wrist a few years ago, I was forced to brush and floss with my “wrong” hand. What a pain (literally) but I kept telling myself I was improving my memory and brain function. Then why do I continue to forget people’s names—a mental malady since age twenty-four? And lately, I’ve misplaced a few items that have yet to resurface. As for reading, a friend gave me some sage advice: write down the title and author of every book you read so you don’t buy it again. But sometimes I forget to do it!
How’s your memory? Do you have tricks for recalling people’s names and other data you’d care to share with me? Don’t you hate it when you get home from the grocery store and you’ve forgotten the most important item on your list?
Leave a comment or tip below and enter to win this darling Amish-made Spice Mat Potholder and a copy of either Pennsylvania Patchwork or Leaving Lancaster. USA residents only. Winner has one week to respond.
Congratulations to Barbara T., last week’s winner of a copy of Pennsylvania Patchwork or Leaving Lancaster! Thank you to all who left comments!
That pot holder is too cute.
It’s a cutie, Michelle!
I’m good with faces and sometimes really have to use this old brain of mine. Then I remember something about the person and remember their names. Also wanted to tell I finished Leaving Lancaster loved the book !!!!
donna_mutlick@yahoo.com
So glad you enjoyed Leaving Lancaster! Thanks for brightening my day!
I finished reading Pennsylvania Patchwork and loved it. Now, all I need while recuperating from a full shoulder replacement, is your book Leaving Lancaster, to make my day!! Bgauthier49@live.com
Yay, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed Pennsylvania Patchwork! I pray your recovery goes quickly!
No tricks for remembering..sorry. But I shall be watching the comments to see if anyone has any. If I don’t forget to watch. 😉 The potholder is really pretty.
I usually remember things right when I’m ready to fall asleep, Harriet. Thanks for writing!
Ya, memory is a tickle y thing. My bad thing to remember is names….I’m a homebody, so don’t see people consistently enough to cement their name with their face. I struggle yet, but try and associate their “person” with something I do daily…..
Would love to read your books & love tea time….that is so darling!
mandn@wisper-wireless.com
Thanks for writing! I sometimes forget the same person’s name! Although, never my characters’ names …
Love to win. I usually write the list then leave home without it. But I usually can remember cause I did write it down. I have found now to put it on my cell phone it is always with me.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Yes, the leave the note on the kitchen table routine, Diana. But you’re right, the act of writing things down does help
I cannot say that I have any tricks that I do to boost my memory.
Sometimes, I will retrace my steps to see if that will “jog” my memory when I forget simething I wanted to write down. This will work…sometimes.
Most times, I chalk up my memory lapses to being a “Senior Moment”!!!!
Have a great day!!
Elaine Shorb
tinkerbell2by2@gmail.com
When I miss lay something, I often retrace my tracks, Elaine! Often it works! However a few items continue to elude me
I’ve always been pretty good about remembering people’s names and faces but I still take a list with me to the grocery store, that way I don’t forget anything or overspend either.
Thanks for entering me in the giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Good plan, Janet! Thanks for your comment!
I make a list before I go to the grocery store and manage to still forget to add something to it 🙂
But at least you remember the list, Anne! Sometimes, halfway through the store, I cross off the items I’ve found to keep myself from leaving without one. even then …
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Such a beautiful potholder! To me its to beautiful too use, I would hang it on my wall if I won! Caroline Bricker, wblsbb92@gmail.com
It is that pretty isn’t it, Caroline? Thanks for writing!
Such a cute potholder! I would love to win one of your books—I have read many, many Amish books (have about 200) and have never seen any of your books for sale. Would love to find copies of your books—or better yet, win one! jynhoffman@yahoo.com
I’d love to have you read one of my books! Thanks for entering the contest!
Such a beautiful potholder! I have read many, many Amish books (have about 200) but have never seen any of your books for sale. I would certainly like to find some of your books to read—or better yet win one. Thank you. jynhoffman@yahoo.com
I started using Goodreads to keep up with books I have read, that I want to read, and then reviewing them to refresh my memory. It’s a work in progress!
That’s a great idea, Donna! Thanks for writing!
The potholder is so cute. I am very absent minded and forgetful. I have to come up with little word tricks to remind me of names. I use my Goodreads app to keep track of the books I have. I just scan the barcode on the back on the book. I really enjoy your blog post. Thanks for sharing. Mary D quilteddaisydean@gmail.com
Thank you for your kind comments. I used to tell my kids the good thing about having a mom with a bad memory was I didn’t hold grudges and would forget what they’d done “wrong.”
Enjoy all the Amish books so much! The quilt square is beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your comment!
The pot holder is darling.. pretty colors
I love the colors too, Donita!
I am terrible at remembering names so no help there! But as for remembering what books you have – my sister in law actually gave me the idea – we buy lots of Amish books that we share with each other so we have a small notebook that we write down each author’s name then the books we have in alphabetical order. Then we mark them when we read them! Thanks for the chance to win the beautiful potholder and one of your books!
rcourts@twc.com
Your sister-in-law and you have a great routine, Tammy! Thanks for sharing it!
Would love to win. angelachesnut246@gmail.com
Thanks for entering the contest!
Yes, I have read many many Amish books and always looking for more. I have had trouble trying to get my hands on your books because I go through our library. I have to start asking around in the group to see if there are others that have your books on kindle. I would love to start reading your books therefore if I won one that would be a wonderful start.
Would you do me a huge favor and ask your library to carry my books? Good luck in the contest!
What a cute pot holder! Would love to read one of the books 🙂
Thanks for entering and leaving a comment, Liz!
I don’t have any tricks to help with memory except maybe read a lot!! Love the pot holder. rlepree@musfiber.com
Reading does help the brain, doesn’t it, Rachel?
Good Monday morning to you Kate,I hope you’re having a great day.I too have many similar problems as you,I know i’m older than you but it’s not so much our unability to remember but my theory is ,we have too many irons in the fire,you might say.I write myself notes ,even for the simpliest things.Our minds go in so many directions,what and when we need to do this or that .Anyway ,I think that’s our problem.I truly would love to win the pot holder and either book.That would be grand.I love your books.Blessings and have a wonderful week,Linda.
Thank you so much, Linda! Yes, I often feel as though I’m on overload. Too much information flying around … more than I need to know!
I am fairly good when it comes to memory, however do seem to forget what I went to the store for, most often lol. So what I have been trying to do is go get that item first, no browsing along the way either. Then once that goal is accomplished, I can browse and buy things I probably don’t need ;P
My kids and I play Memory Games a lot, so that probably helps a bit 🙂
Info@Imaginary-Bee.com
(That pot holder is adorable!!)
That’s a great idea, Elizabeth! Once that item is in my cart I can browse around. Thanks!
Such a darling pot holder, was hoping you were giving a pattern. Love your books.
alekee02atyahoodotcom
It is so very pretty, Maureen! Thanks for writing and entering the contest!
It is so easy as we grow older to forget things. Part of it we just “blame” on growing older. Sometimes, I think we just get so busy in our lives that we have one of those “crazy” moments.
Yes, there is a lot of busyness going on these days, Rob! Thanks for your comment!
I type a “grocery list” from A-Z of EVERYTHING I buy. I make a lot of copies. I put one on the fridge and just circle the things I need. If I think of something else all I need to do is go circle it. When it’s time to go to the store, I just grab my list! Would love to win.
godskid91@gmail.com
Oh, wow, you are amazing, Rita! Great idea!
Would love to win one of your books and the potholder. Have a God blessed day.
Thanks for writing, Bonnie! Hope you are having a blessed day too.
Thanks for that interesting post, Kate!
I am the world’s worst at remembering names (when I need to, they always come to me later), HAVE forgotten the most important thing on a grocery list, & at times, do silly little things – without thinking. Sorry to say, I don’t have any miraculous remedies – but, I do think that sometimes, we do these things because we have over-extended ourselves, & just have too many things going on in our head at the same time, which makes it hard for us to concentrate, & easy to be forgetful. I also think it can come from fatigue, or, even boredom & inactivity.
I am retired, & have probably let myself become too lax in discipline & exercise. I DO think that reading helps keep my mind more active, but perhaps – I should practice some of those little exercises you mentioned!
I don’t have any of your books, & would love to win one! Thanks for the opportunity!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’d love to have you read one of my books! Thanks for entering and for your comment. I’ve been forgetting people’s names when it’s time to introduce them since my 20s! I’ve wondered if maybe I had an embarrassing situation in the second grade … something that freezes my brain.
My memory is crud. I can remember things I would rather not, but when it comes to remembering something I am supposed to, it’s an iffy proposition. I try doing crossword puzzles, word searches, mental exercise games, etc., but sometimes I remember, sometimes I don’t lol. Thanks for the chance, Kate!
Thanks for your comment, Debbie! I’m often glad when a brilliant person I know forgets something too. Shows were all human. And most are suffering from trying to juggle too many things at once.
This is going to sound werid. I crochet and read at the same time. My kids ask how I can do so many things all together. I an good at remember numbers, names and books I have read. Would love to read and have a copy of your book. Thanks Katie. Love the potholder it beautiful.
You have my admiration, LeAnn! A friend and I were just joking the other day about writing and knitting at the same time (she’s a fabulous knitter and also an author). She said she didn’t think she could do it. Thanks for writing and good luck in the contest!
Sorry I have no tricks to remember people’s names. The harder I try to remember just makes it worse. I do have a trick for remembering to unplug my curling iron. I say out loud “I’ve unplugged the curling iron”. My little puppy looks at me funny like who is she talking to but it works! I agree with the above, if it’s something we don’t want to remember we can’t get it out of our minds….unnecessary clutter I guess. Would love to win, thanks for the opportunity. Just hope I can remember to check back to see if I win–teehee! Linda
dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com
Yes, trying harder does make it more difficult, Linda! Sometimes I’ll say things out loud too. I figure it can’t hurt!
Please enter me in this wonderful giveaway. I loved Leaving Lancaster and look forward to reading Pennsylvania Patchwork. Thank you.
You are entered, Mary! Thanks for your comment!
I usually make a list when going shopping but sometimes still forget to put an item on the list. I also am terrible with peoples names. Most of the time when I get home after seeing them, the name comes to me. I would love to win the book and potholder! Donna d.brookmyer@yahoo.com
Thanks for your comment, Donna! You sound like me! My husband has a fabulous memory for names … at least one of us does.
Love the pot holder! A tip? I try to make lists and categorize to help me remember things! 🙂 jumpforjoy@gmail.com
I need to find a way to organize my lists, Joy! I’m nearing an all-time high for messy desk!
that’s the cutest pot holder.i would love to win.i am terrible with peoplesnames,faces i rememb er well.debbiemosley44@hotmail.com
It is the cutest! Thanks for entering the contest!
My husband is a magician and a juggler! Juggling is not a skill that I have mastered and I don’t know if it ever will! I have a good memory most of the time but other times things slip through the cracks! a_stonecipher@yahoo.com
Really, he’s is a magician and juggler? How fun! Makes me want to go back and give it another try. Thanks for writing!
I have to write myself notes, would love to win! Searcy4U@aol.com
Post-it notes everywhere … even left one for the mailman today! Thanks for entering the contest!
I have to write a list, if I dont I always forget something. Just today went to Walmart and forgot an item for the second time. It is now on my new list.
Thanks
Lisa
korell62@aol.com
Oh, no, you have my sympathy, Lisa! Been there, done that.
I make a list of things I need that I write down and take shopping with me. Sharma Darby
You sound very organize, Sharma! Way to go!
I usually can’t remember a new person’s name no matter what I try. Just a couple of Sunday’s ago when introduced to a new lady I thought cool, her name will be easy to remember because we have a friend with the exact last name. Well would you believe that the next Sunday not only could I not recall her name, I couldn’t even think of the friend’s name! Now that’s bad! I don’t even want to tell you how many times I’ve come home from the grocery store and have forgotten something on my list…even though I had it written down!
Would love to win that cute potholder and one of your books!
Blessings!
Judy B
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
Yes, I do believe it, Judy, because I’ve met people at church and tried my hardest to remember their names … but the next Sunday, poof! I’ve figured one trick: if I make a silly or goofy reference I’m more likely to remember.
I am better able to remember a face, but not the name to go with it usually! I love the potholder, but would really, really like to win one of your books! Thanks for the chance to win!
tscmshupe [at] pemtel [dot] net
Maybe you’re a visual learner, Sally, so that would make sense. However it would be nice to remember that name … Sometimes I get lucky and am amazed. Thanks for your comment and good luck with the contest!
I’ve read the “Leaving Lancaster,” great book! I do not have the “Pennsylvania Patchwork.” THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN IT! I have Fibromyalgia & it can cause Fybro Fog. My memory was so severe. MyDoc says that he wanted a scan to check out my brain. I’m 52 but he said there was no way my brain should be this bad. I had the scan done. I went back in for the results. He was in shock. He said my brain is absolutely perfect. He said that at 50 yrs. the brain slowly turns to calcification/ turns to stone. He said I did not have any. He was in absolute awe of my perfect brain. That is a nice compliment, that I have a perfect brain. Now we know, it is not my brain at fault but the blame from the Fibromyalgia. I love picture puzzles. I do a lot of puzzles on the computer, several of them, 1 at a time, almost every day. Each puzzle is different so you need to work the brain for each one, maybe that is the reason my brain is perfect. Kathleen Harrison jkmharrison@shaw.ca
Opps, a bit on the opportunity to win. Oh well. You at least have my comment on my brain story. Happy Puzzling everyone.
Those puzzles sound interesting, Kathleen! If reconstructing puzzles will help my memory I might give it a try! Sorry to hear you’re suffering from other maladies because Fibromyalgia is no fun and often misdiagnosed! Do you live in an area with Lyme disease?
Kate, I am an avid reader of your blog. As for me, I forget names these days, too. I am constantly “exercising” my brain with my work which entails reading many foreign languages every day. But although I might be able to do that, those names still disappear and I remember them in the middle of the night! Oh yeah, that was “whats her face!” I hate those middle of the night recalls…
You sound interesting, Sonja! I’m impressed that you can read many foreign languages! I usually remember things just when I’m dozing off, like: Oh, no, I forgot to call or email …
Forgot my email: Sonja.nishimoto (@) gmail (dot) com
I have a problem with remembering things I need to remember and can’t forget the things that I want to forget.I can’t do but one thing at a time,if I try,everything ends up a mess and drives me nutty.I have fibromyalgia and this is a very big part of my memory problem.I have to write everything down that I want to remember,from grocery list,birthdays,when bills are due,dr.appts.,school events,books I have read,and etc.I do puzzles and things of that sort to keep my brain exercised.As far as people’s names,I just try not to say any names in front of anyone out in public because I know it will be the wrong one.Love your post.
Thanks for writing, Jackie! If it makes you feel any better, my husband is trained to put out his hand and say, “Hi, I’m Kate’s husband. What’s your name?” He’s been doing this for over 25 years, so he knows the drill.” But I never forget my characters; names!
i would love to win. valerie
impicbb@juno.com
Thanks for entering, Valerie!
Hi Kate! I love the potholder, and I’d love to win! 🙂 It would be a great birthday present! 😉 I’m terrible with faces and names too – and when it comes to shopping, I almost always make sure I have a written list so I don’t forget anything. As far is tricks for faces and names, you’ve got me stumped, but I do remember a secret that my friend taught me: When you meet a person for the first time, either while they are still with you or after they have just left (so you can still see their face in your mind’s eye), say their name multiple times, and apparently that’s supposed to help you remember who they are! Hope it helps! God bless you!
Mallory Fry
seagirl_98@hotmail.com
Thanks, Mallory, I do try to say a person’s name three times when I meet them. Not sure it works, but it can’t hurt. Now, if I can just remember who that person was …
I put everything in my phone and set alarms to remind me to call someone, make appts/keep appts, passwords, etc
Rhonda
rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
Thanks, Rhonda, that sounds like a great idea! What happens if you misplace your phone? You must have a system for that too.
For remembering names, I often associate a name with a song or movie character to remember. For example…my neighbor…I could never remember if he was Roy or Ray until my husband said “Just think of Roy Rogers.” Now we both call him Roy Rogers. My new challenge is, we have a good number of Russians attending our church— with names like Zara, Gulya, Mikhail…..there are no songs or movie stars with those names!
I’ve done the same thing, Renee! Now, if someone named Scarlet came along I know I could … A man recently said, “My name is Ron and my wife is Nancy, as in Reagan,” and click, I can recall their names. I also have a difficult time learning names from the other side of the world.