The Life Story Writer
  • Home
  • Services
  • Sample Life Stories
  • Testimonials
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • 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!

  • This moment

    Posted on February 3, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” ~ Omar Khayyam Photograph © Janice Henshaw 2015 Cortes Island

    Read More

  • 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 […]

    Read More

  • 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

    Read More

  • Rejoice in the way things are

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

    Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” Lao Tzu

    Read More

  • 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

    Read More

  • 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 […]

    Read More

  • Closed for the Day

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

    Some days – even when the door is closed – we can still enjoy what’s right in front of us.

    Read More

  • Sometimes the brain gets in the way of the heart

    Posted on August 14, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Rabbit’s clever,” said Pooh thoughtfully. “Yes,” said Piglet, “Rabbit’s clever.” “And he has Brain.” “Yes,” said Piglet, “Rabbit has Brain.” There was a long silence. “I suppose,” said Pooh, “that that’s why he never understands anything.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh Photo © Janice Henshaw 2016 (I looked for a rabbit, but only found a frog)

    Read More

  • Kind People – A treasure to encounter

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

    Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving love creates love.” ~Lao Tzu Kind people are around us – they are a treasure to meet! A few weeks ago I had driven for a couple of hours to attend a meeting. I was at an intersection turning off the main […]

    Read More

  • Sweet white blossoms of spring

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

    The world is even more beautiful than we can imagine.  But we have to slow down enough to see, and feel, and inhale it.  Do you have a time-out (time-in the moment) planned – for you – today?   “Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only […]

    Read More

  • “Zen in the Art of Writing” Ray Bradbury

    Posted on June 16, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “And what, you ask, does writing teach us? First and foremost, it reminds us that we are alive and that it is a gift and a privilege, not a right.” ― Ray Bradbury, Zen in the Art of Writing

    Read More

  • Rest over the holidays!

    Posted on December 20, 2017 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “The purpose of a vacation is to have the time to rest. But many of us, even when we go on vacation, don’t know how to rest. We may even come back more tired than before we left.” Thích Nhất Hạnh Instead of trying to figure out how much we can fit in on a […]

    Read More

  • 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 […]

    Read More

  • 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

    Read More

  • 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, […]

    Read More

  • There are two ways of spreading light

    Posted on November 26, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Edith Wharton

    Read More

  • A Life Story is a Gift…

    Posted on October 20, 2013 by tlsw_admin in all posts, Life Stories

    A Life Story is a Gift… 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? The challenge is in getting started. It is sometimes difficult to write […]

    Read More

  • 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 […]

    Read More

  • “We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned…”

    Posted on March 6, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.” ― Joseph Campbell

    Read More

  • Obatanga Provincial Park Aug. 17, 2012 (247 km)

    Posted on September 25, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    A little boy snagged his lure (a plastic pretend lure) in the high branches of a tree at my campsite early this morning so I helped him to get it down by putting pressure on the lure from another direction. I talked to the little boy and his sister and they told me that their […]

    Read More

Blog Categories

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

Testimonials

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.

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

Recent Posts

Janice Henshaw

  • 250-893-4587
  • Contact Us

(c) 2017 The Life Story Writer - Website by Nikkles Design Agency