A Gratitude Ritual by Debbie Ford The beautiful gifts of gratitude begin at home so today invite a healing to happen in your own body in your own consciousness in your own loving heart that feels blessed to be alive Notice all the riches you’ve been given the feet that allow you to stand the […]
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!
Storm clouds of learning
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 […]
Brandon, Manitoba – Aug. 11, 2012
August 11th, Brandon, Manitoba – 432 km from Moose Jaw (Wal-Mart Parking Lot $0.00) Brandon Wheat Kings – those words stick together in my mind like peanut butter and jam. The name of a junior hockey team based nearly 2,000 km from my home: I wonder how I know that piece of trivia? It was […]
Dreams and Magical Moments
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)
Autumn Leaves
So intent on a goal and overwhelmed with thought we sometimes forget to use our eyes and see how beautiful it is right now, where we are. -Janice Henshaw Photograph ©Janice Henshaw 2014 – Autumn leaves, Front Royal,Virginia
Nests in your hair?

“That the birds of worry and care fly over your head, this you cannot change, but that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent. ~Chinese proverb Photo © Janice Henshaw 2015
Decisions, decisions, decisions…
Having troubles with decisions? Some days it feels like there’s a clear path right in front of us, and then what a bother, just a few feet further on, a whole bunch of boulders jump out and the path is no longer as clear as we might have hoped. We start to feel a little […]
Rail trail to Kimberley Aug 4 2012
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 […]
Rainbows and Dolly Parton
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton Right on Dolly! Photograph of double rainbow at Twin Beaches, Gabriola Island © Janice Henshaw
Which path? Which direction? Now?
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 […]
August 1 Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
August 1st 2012 – Kokanee Creek Provincial Park It was hard to leave Christina Lake because I had had so much fun there, but I needed to get my trailer fixed. With some persuasion I had arranged an appointment in Trail. My neighbour who looked like he was cruising 90 helped guide me out of the […]
Farmer’s Market on Gabriola
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 […]
Perspectives – our unique way of seeing the world
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 […]
Autobiography, Biography, Life story, and Memoir – What is the difference?
Photo © Janice Henshaw Autobiography, Biography, Life story/Memoir – What is the difference? What do they mean? Autobiography – I write an account about my life, and it could consist of just my viewpoint and memories – it’s all about me! Biography – I write an account of someone else’s life – and most likely, […]
“I have forgotten so much…”
“I’ve forgotten so much. Please, please let me keep more than a photograph. When age finally takes the folds of my mind and collapses them, when all goes gray and confused, Let me remember love. ~Michale D. Heilman
Small Miracles are Everywhere
Taking a refreshing deep breath and a moment to look for small miracles in our day can make a whole lot of difference! I noticed in the grocery store that people were keeping their distance, but forgetting to smile at each other. We don’t have to look so grim! Exercise those lips and the lovely […]
Challenge yourself…
“Challenge yourself with something you know you could never do, and what you’ll find is that you can overcome anything.” Anonymous I found the warning sign above marking a park trail. Of course I went up it. I see signs like this in the same way that I think a bull sees a waving red […]
A Poem to Steer Your Life By
Late Fragment And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so? I did. And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth. ~Raymond Carver What a gorgeous theme for living! If we were to use these words to guide our path, wouldn’t we find life’s […]
You are here to enrich the world
“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.” Woodrow Wilson Photograph © Janice Henshaw […]



















