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!

  • Who says life has to be so serious?

    Posted on November 1, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    EEK! Who says life has to be soooo serious? I think I may go out right now in the torrential rain and dance around in the long grass and perhaps splash through a very large mud puddle…for the fun of it. Who says life has to be soooo serious? When I look in the mirror […]

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  • Impossible? Or just too hard?

    Posted on February 4, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “There are many things that seem impossible only so long as one does not attempt them.” ~ANDRE GIDE French author (1869-1951) Photograph © Janice Henshaw 2016 Oasis in Mojave Desert

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  • “This very moment is the perfect teacher…”

    Posted on November 23, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Feelings like disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, resentment, anger, jealousy, and fear, instead of being bad news, are actually very clear moments that teach us where it is that we’re holding back. They teach us to perk up and lean in when we feel we’d rather collapse and back away. They’re like messengers that show us, with […]

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  • Technology – you gotta love it, right?

    Posted on November 19, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    The other morning I had an action list with about 15 items on it. I was eager to get going. The first item went well, and I happily drew a line through it and for extra good measure, placed a large self-satisfied tick beside it. Then I moved onto Item #2, which involved just a […]

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  • Fall Leaves and Sunlight

    Posted on October 20, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Fall Leaves and Sunlight

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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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  • Loneliness – where the deepest activities begin

    Posted on December 5, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Yet it is in this loneliness that the deepest activities begin. It is here that you discover act without motion, labor that is profound repose, vision in obscurity, and, beyond all desire, a fulfillment whose limits extend to infinity. -Thomas Merton   A different thought… “Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of […]

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  • “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.”

    Posted on January 7, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    ‘Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit. ‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. ‘When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.’ ‘Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,’ he asked, ‘or bit by bit?’ ‘It doesn’t happen all at once,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘You become. It takes […]

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  • Walking on the earth

    Posted on January 14, 2018 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the […]

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  • Taking Time To Do Nothing

    Posted on February 28, 2018 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective.” ― Doe Zantamata Small changes, large changes in our life…quiet time spent in contemplation and relaxation before we make those decisions can help us find our centre, and allows us time to listen to our heart. But it’s important to realize that there are many […]

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  • Farmer’s Market on Gabriola

    Posted on September 12, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    I love the beautiful colours of fall – and going to the farmer’s market to meet all the growers, bakers, and crafts people. The vibrant colours of the produce inspire me to buy lots!  I also love hearing the stories behind the produce, about the farms, the families, and the crafts. What would our island […]

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  • Not health, but healing, not being but becoming

    Posted on March 15, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness, not health, but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not yet finished, but it is going on, this is not the end, but it is […]

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  • Choices

    Posted on January 25, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Alice came to a fork in the road. ‘Which road do I take?’ she asked. ‘Where do you want to go?’ responded the Cheshire Cat. ‘I don’t know,’ Alice answered. ‘Then,’ said the Cat, ‘it doesn’t matter.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland Many years ago, when I was young and thought I knew just […]

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  • “Whole against the sky”

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

    Once the realization is accepted that even between the closest human beings infinite distances continue, a wonderful living side by side can grow, if they succeed in loving the distance between them which makes it possible for each to see the other whole against the sky. Rainer Maria Rilke Photos © Janice Henshaw

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  • Your Own True Adventure

    Posted on June 26, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts

    “If what you are following, however, is your own true adventure, if it is something appropriate to your deep spiritual need or readiness, then magical guides will appear to help you. If you say, ‘Everyone’s going on this trip this year, and I’m going too,’ then no guides will appear. Your adventure has to be […]

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  • Our window on the world

    Posted on November 17, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Our window on the world Is as big and generous As we choose to make it. Photo Horseshoe Bay © Janice Henshaw 2015

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  • Finding peace

    Posted on July 17, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” Buddha   Photos © Janice Henshaw

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  • Courage is the quiet voice

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

    “Courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice a the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.” ~Mary Anne Radmacher Courage is the quiet little voice that says I can make it through this I can hold on for an hour If not an hour, then for sure five minutes […]

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  • It’s easy to find magical things when you create time to look for them!

    Posted on April 26, 2019 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    How can we find magic when our nose is buried in a cell phone? On my travels I have seen people screech to a stop at a scenic view lookout, take a quick shot with their cell phone, jump back in their car, and take off in a cloud of dust. I wonder if they […]

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  • It’s so easy to love children and dogs!

    Posted on August 11, 2018 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    We love our little kids, and we love our dogs and cats, no matter what they look like or how outrageously they behave. Yet many (most?) of us are confused about what love is, and how to love others! And so we have a multi-billion dollar industry that thrives on that confusion. But what happens […]

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

Testimonials

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.

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

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Janice Henshaw

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