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!

  • 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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  • “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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  • Ordinary heroes

    Posted on December 13, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    We have within us the strength to be a hero. Unsung, unremembered may we be, but from somewhere deep inside we dredge up buckets of tremulous courage and top them off with undaunting determination. A hero nonetheless. When we meet up with others, we never know what they too are silently facing, and thinking of […]

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  • Don’t let the elephant get you down…

    Posted on February 6, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “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 […]

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  • Snow and Ice

    Posted on December 13, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Walking along icy sidewalks is a reminder of how unyielding our hearts can be if we carry inside all the hurts that have come our way. We hold ourselves tightly take little steps and focus on the small area directly in front of us. We remember when we last took a fall and how bruised […]

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  • The magic of enthusiasm

    Posted on December 8, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.” – Anonymous Oh to be surrounded by people with enthusiasm! The world becomes a brighter, happier place, infused with light and hope. Photograph © Janice Henshaw

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  • Kindness and Courage

    Posted on October 19, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Life is mostly froth and bubble, Two things stand like stone. Kindness in another’s trouble, Courage in your own.” – Adam Lindsay Gordon   Photograph © Janice Henshaw 2014

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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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  • Grumbling…it’s a practice

    Posted on November 6, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Unquestionably, there are sad things in the world right now… but grumbling doesn’t make anything better. In fact, it makes things worse. The Buddha taught, ‘Every mind moment conditions the next.’ Grumbling gets the mind bogged down in the weariness of its own story. Happiness pulls it back out and gets it going again.” ~Sylvia […]

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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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  • Cranbrook, Jim Smith Provincial Park (Aug. 3, 2012)

    Posted on June 23, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    Cranbrook, Jim Smith Lake Prov Park The wind blew up last night, and it kept me awake. It was a short night because I wanted to be early at the Balfour ferry terminal, I had no idea whether or not there was a high demand for the crossing.  I was first in line! A true […]

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  • How can you hesitate?

    Posted on December 11, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    How can you hesitate? Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinion of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth. -Katherine Mansfield   Photo © Janice Henshaw 2014

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  • Love and Being with the Dying

    Posted on October 22, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Life Stories

    My mother died of lung cancer, a long and painful journey.  It took me several years to find my way out of the sadness. One thing that helped me was to read books about the dying process. I was touched that there are so many loving wonderful people working with people who are dying and […]

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  • Practice kindness every day…

    Posted on October 13, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Practice kindness all day to everybody and you will realize you’re already in heaven now. That’s the story. That’s the message.” ~ Jack Kerouak Have you ever noticed How a simple act of kindness sticks in your mind, no matter how small? And how an act of selfishness also sticks in your mind? Every moment […]

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  • Autobiography, Biography, Life story, and Memoir – What is the difference?

    Posted on August 18, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Life Stories

    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, […]

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  • Looking for the light

    Posted on October 21, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    It had rained hard during the night and everywhere I looked it was dripping, grey and dismal. I walked looking down at the ground to avoid mud puddles and slippery sections. Then I looked up, and saw this light – an open window beckoning me on, at the end of the, er, tunnel – of […]

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  • A Meditative Walk in the Woods

    Posted on September 11, 2018 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    We went for a meditative walk in the forest, one slow step at a time, no talking, a space between each person of at least 30 feet. Instructions were to not step on rocks (no twisted ankles!) and not on tree roots. It was a walk like no other, an opportunity to sink into the […]

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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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  • A worthwhile goal for 2017

    Posted on January 11, 2017 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    A life lived with kindness is worth living, our hearts feel deeper and more connected because kindness is contagious. Smile, hug, listen, help others, be polite nurture a spirit of generosity, be Kind, instead of right Simple things… We can expect our gifts of kindness to warm the hearts of those close by and reach […]

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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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Blog Categories

  • 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.

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

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

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.

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Janice Henshaw

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