“When one feels pulled to do a particular thing, when one has passion for a certain life path, karma is always involved. In such an instance, when the goal is worthy and makes one happy, one should continue on that same life path. Just because the elephant cannot carry you anymore doesn’t mean you should […]
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!
Rising every time we fall – it’s all just for practice
“Our greatest glory is, not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Who said those words? Quote Investigator: In 1760 and 1761 a series of letters written by an imaginary Chinese traveler based in London named Lien Chi Altangi was published in “The Public Ledger” magazine of London. The actual author was […]
Early morning light on bamboo
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Desire to make something beautiful…
“Maybe the desire to make something beautiful is the piece of God that is inside each of us.” ― Mary Oliver, Blue Horses: Poems Photo © Janice Henshaw 2016
Sun shining through maples
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin it now. Goethe
Not health, but healing, not being but becoming
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 […]
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)
Fog and getting out of bed
Yesterday morning my alarm woke me and my first thought was to pick it up and heave it across the room. But I remembered in that infinitesimal nanosecond of time that my little Iphone is actually pretty handy, and the bureaucratic hassles of getting a new one are most decidedly not worth one moment of […]
Our window on the world
Our window on the world Is as big and generous As we choose to make it. Photo Horseshoe Bay © Janice Henshaw 2015
Is it time to leave Fairy Lake?
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, […]
Cherish those who lift your soul!

“Some people will never ‘get you’. Do not spend eternity asking why. People will see you differently, just cherish those who lift your soul.” ~Dodinsky’s Garden of Thoughts Such a relief when we get this. And staying kind, respectful, and curious without worrying about the “why” gives us such peace. Photo © Janice Henshaw 2016
The Gift of Love
“This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love: the more they give, the more they possess.” Rainer Maria Rilke
Camping in Zeller’s parking lot – Chilliwack – July 24, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012 – Camping in Zeller’s parking lot So that’s how I ended up on my first real day of travel on the mainland, 75km from my starting point in Surrey, sitting last night in the hot and deserted Zeller’s parking lot having a power picnic that consisted of lukewarm root beer and […]
Nanaimo incinerator – Gabriola protesters say no way!
A beautiful sunny day for a protest in downtown Nanaimo. Just under 200 people from Gabriola headed in by ferry to protest against the building of an incinerator at Duke Point to burn garbage from the lower mainland. Here are some of the people (and canine friends) who believe in standing up for fresh air.
Each day is too short for all I want to do
“I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.” ~John Burroughs What a gift! What contentment To be free To fill each day With such lovely pursuits. […]
Making the journey – that’s what counts – it matters not whether we achieve our goals
Ithaca When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the angry Poseidon — do not fear them: You will never find such as these on your path, if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine emotion touches […]
Closed for the Day
Some days – even when the door is closed – we can still enjoy what’s right in front of us.
Your Own True Adventure

“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 […]
There are two ways of spreading light
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Edith Wharton
“A feeling of wonder”
“It creates a feeling of wonder that so much beauty should be apparently created for such little purpose.” ~ Charles Darwin Photos © Janice Henshaw


















