Notes From a Life — Angelika
Small fragments of a life, told exactly as the world looked in that moment. Childhood memories from Soviet-era Estonia, in English, Estonian, Russian and Finnish.
Why These Notes Exist
The room says what a face cannot. These memories were not written down out of a wish to preserve them. They were written because they refused to disappear. In time they became small pieces of a life that someone else might recognise as their own. They are told exactly as the world appeared in that moment. The ending belongs to the reader. Notes From a Life begins in childhood and later continues into adulthood, one experience at a time. “Stories are not remembered because they are important. They become important because they are remembered.” — Angelika
The stories
The Estonian Flag Is Red
“Do you promise you’ll remember for the rest of your life what the Estonian flag looks like?” the adults asked, pointing at the red flag on the wall.
Sugar Coupons
“Go next door and get the sugar coupons,” my mother said.
Dad Came to Pick Me Up
“Your dad came to pick you up,” the teacher said, while pushing food into my mouth.
She Can Stay Here
“She can stay here,” the police officer said.
She Was Really Going to Die
“She’s really going to die. Let’s untie her,” I said to my friend.
Sky Blue
“Give me your wages, and we’ll buy your brother a motorcycle,” said my mother.
New memories arrive each week on YouTube. A book — and an audiobook — are on their way. Find Notes on YouTube · Instagram · Facebook · TikTok.
Useful link: Estonian Museum Canada / VEMU.