In my wanderings, I leave behind what seems to be a beach full of mistakes. Sometimes I even admire their ingenuity, their colours, their unique shapes. For the most part though, I see and feel their darkness, their rough textures, and wonder at the extent of my unknowing. I taste the salty depth of […]
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!
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 […]
Stop ruining love by wanting what no longer exists
“Love is a lost gift. Why wish for its return. Why beg for its flame when you’ve already been burned? Is it not enough to live from day to day remembering its tune like a beautiful melody you heard years ago- is it not enough to see a bruise and remember how it blossomed? Love […]
Kindness and Courage
“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
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 […]
What can you do when there’s nothing you can do?
“It’s all love. It’s been very important to me personally to claim an inner freedom to love. I’ve had frustrating struggles trying to get others to love me or to receive my love. But no one can stop us from finding and feeling love inside ourselves. Love feeds us as it flows out of us. […]
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 […]
Christmas and moving – just moments in time
Today while packing for a move to new digs, I was listening to K.D Lang sing these hauntingly beautiful words: “Once there was a way to get back home again.” With Christmas just around the corner, it made me think about home and wonder if there ever really is a way to get back home. […]
What a joy it is to feel…
What a joy it is to feel the soft, springy earth under my feet once more, to follow grassy roads that lead to ferny brooks where I can bathe my fingers in a cataract of rippling notes, or to clamber over a stone wall into green fields that tumble and roll and climb in riotous […]
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 […]
It’s the possibility of having a dream come true…
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting……Before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams master the lessons we have learned […]
No time to say goodbye
My Dad was killed in an accident in the forest. It happened two weeks after I had been to visit him on the island where he lived. During our visit I had talked about recording his stories, and he was excited about it. He even had a recorder and asked me to take it to […]
Snow and Ice
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 […]
“Spring – “no problems except where to be happiest”
“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good […]
Seven days of looking for the light
7 Days of looking for the light What a gift it has been. “Light is creation. Darkness is the space necessary to create.” ― Erica Jasmin Cartaya
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C. S. Lewis 2014 – Let’s make it our goal to encourage everyone we know to “dream a new dream” in working to save our beautiful planet and all of its miraculous living creatures and amazing life giving plants. We […]
Manning Park to Osoyoos July 26 2012

July 26 Thursday – Manning Park to Osoyoos This morning I opened my eyes, and six inches away were Baloo’s unblinking liquid brown eyes staring at me. I guess my new alarm clock was telling me it’s time to get up. I made coffee with my new bod, which is fast and easy. Just boil […]
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
Fairy Lake Blueberry pancakes and my new inverter
FAIRY LAKE Sunday, July 8 Blueberry pancakes for breakfast with maple syrup and butter, and orange juice, yum! I have a warm camp fire burning to keep me warm because the fog is still in and it is cool. I can’t even see across the lake this morning. As the sun came up and burned […]


















