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!

  • Thanksgiving 2013

    Posted on October 20, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

      Hello hugs, catching up, laughter, Long peaceful hikes through Forests of fir and cedar boughs And the rich hues of maples.   Followed by fresh baked cookies, Nanaimo bars, pots of tea. Playing games, sharing stories of adventures, Hopes, worries, and dreams, And dear sweet memories of those Who are no longer with us. […]

    Read More

  • Simply speaking truth heals

    Posted on September 20, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    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. […]

    Read More

  • Happy Thanksgiving American Friends

    Posted on November 27, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    A Gratitude Ritual by Debbie Ford The beautiful gifts of gratitude begin at home so today invite a healing to happen in your own body in your own consciousness in your own loving heart that feels blessed to be alive Notice all the riches you’ve been given the feet that allow you to stand the […]

    Read More

  • About me – the lifestorywriter

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

    About Me – The Life Story Writer I am a professional writer with a Bachelor’s degree specializing in English and Business Administration. My name is Janice Henshaw and I live on Vancouver Island. Here are a  a few other facts about me. A business woman – An Executive Director for ten years so I have […]

    Read More

  • Full Moon over Drumbeg Park, Gabriola

    Posted on May 16, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Dark sky, silent sea An orange edge appears, expands Night’s golden promise.

    Read More

  • The day I fell in love with my 14 foot travel trailer

    Posted on November 27, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    July 9, 2012 When I look at my shiny little trailer I can’t really believe it is mine. I had done so much searching of ads online and studying articles on what to buy. First I thought of a truck and camper, but I didn’t like how it couldn’t be left behind, I couldn’t set […]

    Read More

  • “We need so much less than we think, and think so much more than we need”

    Posted on November 27, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    I have the bad habit of turning on the stove to heat a pot of water for my coffee bod and then forgetting about it. When my glasses start to get misty, I look up from my computer and realize that it’s too late – I have to start the process over again, add more […]

    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

  • “This very moment is the perfect teacher…”

    Posted on November 23, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Feelings like disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, resentment, anger, jealousy, and fear, instead of being bad news, are actually very clear moments that teach us where it is that we’re holding back. They teach us to perk up and lean in when we feel we’d rather collapse and back away. They’re like messengers that show us, with […]

    Read More

  • “Eternity in an hour”

    Posted on October 7, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “To see a world in a grain of sand And a heaven in a wild flower. Hold infinity in the palm of your hand And eternity in an hour.” ~ William Blake Waiting for us… if we look outside ourselves and create the space in time Photo © Janice Henshaw 2015 Eagles and seagulls feasting […]

    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

  • “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

    Read More

  • Moon rising over fog bank – South Pender Island

    Posted on November 10, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “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

    Read More

  • Relaxing at Fairy Lake

    Posted on November 6, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    July 7, 2012 morning I closed up my computer and ate some Hawkins cheezies, simply the best junk food going when I am feeling frustrated. Next on the task list was the job of applying an invisible shield to my cell phone to protect the screen. The instructions said to use water, and a squeegee. […]

    Read More

  • Beginning Again – always beginning

    Posted on June 20, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “If the angel deigns to come, it will be because you have convinced her, not by tears but by your humble resolve to be always beginning; to be a beginner.” – Rainer Maria Rilke How hard it is to be always beginning, to push away the chill of frozen judgments and instead, to invite in […]

    Read More

  • 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 […]

    Read More

  • North to Penticton Friday July 27, 2012

    Posted on February 16, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    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 […]

    Read More

  • Yard sales and lightning up

    Posted on July 10, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Just recovering from my first ever (and last) garage sale. The biggest winner was the recycling depot when I dropped off a truckload of special “things.” These “things” that I had packed, and moved, and packed and moved, because I thought they were treasures I couldn’t part with. My change purse got steadily heavier as […]

    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

  • Fall is coming, what’s today?

    Posted on September 12, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Fall is coming faster than expected. What happened to summer 2016? One morning I woke up and it was gone. And so it is with today. Today is a one time gift which we can choose to cherish or not. We can make choices such as putting yesterday behind us and for today engage in […]

    Read More

Blog Categories

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

Testimonials

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 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.

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

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

Recent Posts

Janice Henshaw

  • 250-893-4587
  • Contact Us

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