The Life Story Writer
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  • The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy amidst the simple beauty of nature. …I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.

    – Anne Frank

    Sunset Malaspina Gallery Park (1 of 1)
  • Away from the tumult of motor and mill

    I want to be care-free; I want to be

    still!

    I’m weary of doing things; weary of

    words

    I want to be one with the blossoms

    and birds.

    – Edgar A. Guest

    butterfly on lilac
  • There is something of the marvelous in all things of nature.

    – Aristotle

    arbutus tree reduced size
  • There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

    – Albert Einstein

    Full moon Drumbeg Park May14 2014JH (1 of 1)
  • Look!
    Look!
    Look deep into nature and you will understand everything.

    – Albert Einstein

    Eagle (1 of 1)
  • Sunset Malaspina Gallery Park (1 of 1)

    The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy amidst the simple beauty of nature. …I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.

    – Anne Frank

  • butterfly on lilac

    Away from the tumult of motor and mill

    I want to be care-free; I want to be

    still!

    I’m weary of doing things; weary of

    words

    I want to be one with the blossoms

    and birds.

    – Edgar A. Guest

  • arbutus tree reduced size

    There is something of the marvelous in all things of nature.

    – Aristotle

  • Full moon Drumbeg Park May14 2014JH (1 of 1)

    There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

    – Albert Einstein

  • Eagle (1 of 1)

    Look!
    Look!
    Look deep into nature and you will understand everything.

    – Albert Einstein

Let’s begin the journey today!A Life Story is a Gift…

Shaw TV Interview – How I became the Life Story Writer

There is no greater gift than sharing the experiences and wisdom of a lifetime with family and friends.  How do family members know who they are if they don’t know where they came from – their roots? But the challenge is in getting started.

In his book On Writing Well author William Zinsser said:
One of the saddest sentences I know is “I wish I would have asked my mother about that. Or my father. Or my grandmother, or grandfather”…

It is sometimes difficult to write about yourself in a detached manner that provides an interesting read for others.  Many people put off this activity and never find the time. With some encouragement and a good guide, however, it can be a pleasant, rewarding journey to tell your own unique story.

I live on Southern Vancouver Island and can travel to record your memories of past events and the people who have made your life special.  In the comfort of your home this process will be relaxing and enjoyable. It will no doubt be fun too. We will add photos and special documents if applicable, and then we will have your story professionally printed. What a gift – for you, your family, the next generations, and friends – can you imagine holding the book in your hands, seeing it on your coffee table, in your bookcase, reading stories to your grandchildren?  It will be much cherished.

How often have you wished that your forebears had left written stories of their lives?  A family tree may appeal to some, and facts may appeal to others, but stories are how we get to know people and the times in which they lived.

You may not think you have led an exceptional life, but I am sure that through this process, you will end up thinking otherwise. You will have fun, perhaps shed some tears, and remember details you may have forgotten, but overall, you will be thankful that you made this journey into your past. It will be the creation of a special legacy for your sons and daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren, or friends; they will be so grateful that your stories are preserved.  Don’t wait – give me a call and let’s get started.

Family and Friends
If you are a family member or friend, here’s the most special gift you will ever find for your loved one. Give the gift of a life story book to a beloved parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend.

Retirement Gift
A book of photos and stories from coworkers makes an amazing and unique retirement gift.

Your Company History
Make it work for you! A short publication packed with personal anecdotes and interesting photographs can be an ideal gift for clients, and a wonderful coffee table book in your office. Highlighting projects and giving clients the opportunity to learn more about the special people who work on them can be a determining factor in developing trust. Posting the business memoir to your website will make your company stand out from all the rest!

  • “Know that you have plenty of spirit”

    Posted on January 27, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Know that you have plenty of spirit; for even before you began to equip yourself with maxims which were wholesome and potent to overcome obstacles, you were taking pride in your contest with Fortune; and this is all the more true, now that you have grappled with Fortune and tested your powers. For our powers […]

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  • An eagle – fierce and independent

    Posted on October 10, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    The light can be fierce and direct, and unrelenting. It feels good not to hide.

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  • Is it time to leave Fairy Lake?

    Posted on January 1, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    Is it time to leave Fairy Lake? Or should I just think about it? July 10, 2012 Camping hint 101: put away chairs at night or fold up – else you get a wet bum in the morning Last night as I sat beside the fire and listened to the light breeze in the treetops, […]

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  • Let it all go…

    Posted on November 21, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Sometimes the best thing you can do is sit back close your eyes and let the world go by.   Photograph © Janice Henshaw 2014 – Baloo enjoying the sun in PEI

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  • Storm clouds of learning

    Posted on April 9, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Last week I was learning a new software program. I started off first thing in the morning buoyed by excitement and the positive belief that I would succeed if I kept focused and my butt pinned to the chair. Eight hours later, with storm clouds of doubt, self-castigation, and frustration boiling around my head, I […]

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  • Be Nobody But Yourself

    Posted on October 22, 2019 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else – means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.” e. e. cummings

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  • Emails home – it’s so much fun to use my new camping supplies!

    Posted on November 14, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    July 8, 2012 I love cooking with my new stove and dishes! I found out from the park ranger that I can stay here for 14 days, and I just might do that! I have the best campsite at Fairy Lake, #20, the sun warms me up in the morning, and I can walk right […]

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  • Full Moon over Drumbeg Park, Gabriola

    Posted on May 16, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Dark sky, silent sea An orange edge appears, expands Night’s golden promise.

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  • The life of a bunny – worth trading for a day?

    Posted on March 14, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like “What about lunch?” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh I agree – some days it all seems a bit too complicated, in so many ways, especially around income tax time. Last week I passed this little guy […]

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  • Fairy Lake Blueberry pancakes and my new inverter

    Posted on December 10, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    FAIRY LAKE Sunday, July 8 Blueberry pancakes for breakfast with maple syrup and butter, and orange juice, yum! I have a warm camp fire burning to keep me warm because the fog is still in and it is cool. I can’t even see across the lake this morning. As the sun came up and burned […]

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  • North West Ontario, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Aug. 15, 2012 (390 Km from Aaron Prov Park)

    Posted on November 9, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    August 15th, North West Ontario, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park ($37.00 fee – it didn’t include power) I found it quite a boring drive from Aaron Park to Thunder Bay, scrubby forest on both sides of the road and an unbelievable amount of big trucks and construction slowdowns and stops – it all made for a […]

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  • Dreams and Magical Moments

    Posted on November 8, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Dreams and magical moments don’t give a hoot about logic and explanations. So laugh, breathe them in and enjoy the spaciousness and warmth that feels so good when you just let go. -Janice Henshaw Photo © Janice Henshaw  (Joyce Lockwood Park)

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  • Thanksgiving Pumpkins

    Posted on October 16, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Thanksgiving

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  • “In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence” Robert Lynd

    Posted on November 14, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Yesterday while out on a walk I heard a flurry of wings, and looked up to see an owl landing on a branch. It seemed very curious about me and Baloo. I googled BC owls and think that it is a Barred Owl – apparently also known as the the ‘hoot owl’ or ‘black-eyed owl’ […]

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  • To transform ourselves

    Posted on November 22, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “The ultimate reason for meditating is to transform ourselves in order to be better able to transform the world or, to put it another way, to transform ourselves so we can become better human beings in order to serve others in a wiser and more efficient way. It gives your life the noblest possible meaning.” […]

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  • Which path? Which direction? Now?

    Posted on February 13, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Which path? Which direction? Now? Tomorrow? Not ever? So many options! I have to remind myself that all forward motion doesn’t have to be perfect, all thought out, every detail worked out in advance. That sometimes I just have to let go and leap. One step, That’s all it takes. And then Another. Dig deep […]

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  • Rail trail to Kimberley Aug 4 2012

    Posted on July 21, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    Saturday August 4th Cranbrook I walked a good ways around Jim Smith Lake and wondered who he was. For breakfast, I cooked up blueberry pancakes with peaches. Then I read for a while and looking at the pine forest and breathing in the sweet air, I thought this moment, this experience is a pretty great […]

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  • Perspectives – our unique way of seeing the world

    Posted on January 26, 2017 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Do you ever wonder why life can’t be simpler and slower, flowing like golden honey rather than rushing by like stacatto footsteps? Filled with more optimism good works, friendship, and understanding? Is it our limited perspective that impedes the flow of so many luscious moments? If so, then how can we…smooth out? Perhaps awareness is […]

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  • Off to the Ferry at Swartz Bay

    Posted on January 10, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    My journey east has begun! I carefully hooked up my trailer at Oceanside RV Park and after a walk to the beach, headed out early to my hometown of Sidney to pick up a coffee before catching the ferry. I was also returning a cooking grate to the hardware store and hoping that I wouldn’t […]

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  • Be Gentle With Yourself

    Posted on September 18, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Be gentle with yourself You’re doing the best that you can. And so is your friend, your sister, your children, your co-workers, and all those other people… Photo © Janice Henshaw 2015

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Blog Categories

  • Meditative Reflections and Photos
  • Life Stories
  • Vagabond Girl – Travel Stories

Testimonials

Just lovely!  The photos are beautiful, and the articles are interesting.  I was left wanting MORE! I love, love, love what you are creating.

Lori W.

I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your web blog.
Keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one today.

Rosalie

What a great book you wrote for our family! It doesn’t get much better than that! MH

I found your writing to be lovely and the pictures are just as wonderful.   Keep writing from your heart.  It shines through your words. Clear, simple and profound.  Thank you for sharing this.  It drew me in and warmed my heart.

Patricia D.

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Janice Henshaw

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