Dear Karen,

I've recently become interested in genealogy, particularly researching my father's family, since I am the only living descendant. All these people died when I was very young, so I hardly knew them, and when I find a letter or newspaper article or other information about them it fills a 'missing part' of me in some way that's hard to explain.

Because of this, I've started collecting pictures and personal writings of some of my living relatives. Although I don't know if it would mean the same as it does to me, I want my children and grandchildren to have the opportunity to experience the pleasure (if it is for them) of knowing something about their families. Since I am just starting major-league clutter clearing at the same time I'm starting to collect these items (which I do love - at least for now), my thought is to follow what appears to be your advice in other responses - keep them organized and tidy and review them periodically to see if they still have the same meaning.

Any advice?

- Linda Baugh, USA

Karen's reply:

Current projects do not count as clutter, especially projects you feel so strongly about and that cause this wonderful energy 'click' you describe when you find new information. I wholeheartedly encourage you continue and, as you say, keep the items organized and tidy and review them periodically. You're definitely on the right track here.