“As we open to what is actually happening in any given moment … we can find ourselves rewoven into the pattern of wholeness, into the immensity of life.” – Sharon Salzberg, from Faith
Moon rising over fog bank – South Pender Island
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 […]
Do your work, then step back.
“Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.” ― Lao Tzu Photograph ©Janice Henshaw 2014
Kind People – A treasure to encounter
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 […]
Each one of us is alone in the world
YOUR TRUE HOME “Each one of us is alone in the world. It takes great courage to meet the full force of your aloneness. Most of the activity in society is subconsciously designed to quell the voice crying in the wilderness within you. The mystic Thomas a Kempis said that when you go out into […]
A not so good day just got a whole lot better
Today was one of those days – “it just sucked.” It sounded good when I said those words out loud, and I could almost taste them through my lips. They were better than any combination of swear words, or a litany of complaints. “Today just sucked.” I said the words again, slowly and loudly, with […]
Moose Jaw Saskatchewan – Aug. 10, 2012
Swift Current to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan 174km (38’C) Where to today? I couldn’t wait to get out of the Swift Current campground, King of Grunge, and travelling anywhere else sounded good. I am now in Moose Jaw, camped at River Park Campground, a private campground – they only take cash, $32.00 thank you, and they […]
“Life will go on but never be the same…”
My February article in Seaside Magazine is available at this link: http://seasidemagazine.ca/ The article is called “Life will go on but will Never be the Same.” “Your heart, beating away – counted upon, mostly ignored, often short on maintenance – until one day, it falters, and your whole life changes…” *Photograph courtesy of http://www.nuttycake.com/
Walking on the earth
“People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the […]
Hadancy the Painting Horse
I do a lot of walking but it hasn’t happened before, seeing a white horse sauntering along a quiet island road towards me. In the distance it looked like it was alone, but as I got closer, I saw a woman sitting relaxed on top with no saddle, and no bridle, just a rope looped […]
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 […]
Manning Park, Hampton Campground, July 25, 2012
Manning Park, Hampton Campground, July 25, 2012 If you leave this morning remember why you’re going on the trip – to get some much needed rest, to de-stress, to see beautiful nature and to have fun! So if something is happening that is stopping you from that, then stop and refocus! I believe you will […]
To love is what’s important
“It is better to love wisely, no doubt: but to love foolishly is better than not to be able to love at all.” — William Makepeace Thackeray (English novelist of 19th century – Vanity Fair) Thackeray’s quote is delightful! I smiled when I read it. Another quote by Thackeray “The world is a looking glass […]
Thunder Lake, Aaron Provincial Park, Ontario Aug. 13-14, 2012
Thunder Lake, Aaron Provincial Park, Ontario ($32.00) August 13th I made it to Ontario! And am camped out alone on a narrow piece of land surrounded by the lake (An isthmus? Is this what we studied in geography? A more boring class couldn’t have been designed!). The campsites are lovely, private, forested sites. My initial […]
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
North to Penticton Friday July 27, 2012
The weather forecast for today said it was going to be brutally hot so I decided to take an air-conditioned trip to Penticton.It was a gorgeous drive, around 60km, through Oliver and past the beautiful Skaha Lake, the rich green of orchards and vineyards, and Okanagan Lake. It was like going home for me because […]
Simply speaking truth heals
Each of us has a truth as unique as our own fingerprints. Without knowing that truth, without speaking it aloud, we cannot know who we are and that we are already whole. In the most profound way, speaking our truth allows us to know that our life matters, that our viewpoint has never existed before. […]
A new path – and sunlight in November
This has to be one of the most beautiful Novembers we’ve had in a long time. Today while walking I met the same fellow I met yesterday going to the park. But today I remembered to take off my bike helmet after my ride. I wonder what he thought yesterday seeing me walk Baloo along […]
