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!

  • How would it change me – to look for the light – every day?

    Posted on October 4, 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 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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  • Greater depths in the Life Around Us

    Posted on August 7, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    I was on a photo shoot and busy focusing on something else when this river otter came swimming by. It was there, and then it was gone. It makes me think about how easy it is to miss out on the cool things that are going on around us in the people we know, and […]

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  • Light on Quiet Old Boards

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

    As the light shines on the worn boards I wonder who built this house, who lived in it, what were their hopes? Their loves?

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  • Don’t Hibernate for Too Long!

    Posted on March 5, 2019 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Don’t hibernate for too long when the going gets tough because then it gets harder and harder to break through your own built up walls of self-absorption. Fight back against self-imposed limits and ideas. Go out and have an adventure – play! It may be a bit scary, but it’s a lot more fun! Janice […]

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  • Post holiday blues!

    Posted on June 8, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    It’s just not as much fun post holidays. The bills come in, normal life seems kind of dull. The next holiday seems far away. And wow, there are so many chores to catch up on. Other than work and sulk, What can one do? Ah ha! Plan the next holiday and Start counting down the […]

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  • 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. […]

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  • Which path? Which direction? Now?

    Posted on February 13, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Which path? Which direction? Now? Tomorrow? Not ever? So many options! I have to remind myself that all forward motion doesn’t have to be perfect, all thought out, every detail worked out in advance. That sometimes I just have to let go and leap. One step, That’s all it takes. And then Another. Dig deep […]

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  • Which path shall I choose?

    Posted on November 22, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    As I walked through the forest this morning I saw the sun shining in a grassy glade nearby. I crunched over the frost hardened grass and admired the sun beam as it lit up the grass like a pathway, level, direct, and over easy ground. The thought occurred to me – wouldn’t it be lovely […]

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  • Christmas and moving – just moments in time

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

    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. […]

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  • “It is only kindness that makes sense anymore”

    Posted on February 24, 2017 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside, you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing. You must wake up with sorrow. You must speak to it till your voice catches the thread of all sorrows and you see the size of the cloth. Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore, […]

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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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  • Friendship

    Posted on January 28, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Oh, the comfort – the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, Having neither to weigh thoughts, Nor measure words – but pouring them All right out – just as they are Chaff and grain together Certain that a faithful hand will Take and sift them Keep what is worth keeping And with the […]

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  • The choices we make

    Posted on July 19, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes… and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility. Eleanor Roosevelt Small choices, or big juicy ones, we get to choose them all. We have been given the freedom to decide our own path and the responsibility to live […]

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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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  • Fort Steele Aug. 5, 2012

    Posted on July 21, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    Sunday August 5th, Cranbrook A blazing hot sun – it went up to 90 degrees F today, and as I write in my journal this evening at 10:30 pm, the temperature has dropped all the way down to 82. Last night around midnight some people drove into the campground and cranked up their boom box. […]

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  • Seven days of looking for the light

    Posted on October 12, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    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

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  • Manning Park to Osoyoos July 26 2012

    Posted on February 10, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    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 […]

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  • Trust the dreams…

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

    “Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.” ~Kahil Gibran   Photo – Waterton Lakes falls  © Janice Henshaw    

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  • August 1 Kokanee Creek Provincial Park

    Posted on June 13, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    August 1st 2012  – Kokanee Creek Provincial Park It was hard to leave Christina Lake because I had had so much fun there, but I needed to get my trailer fixed. With some persuasion I had arranged an appointment in Trail. My neighbour who looked like he was cruising 90 helped guide me out of the […]

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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.

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.

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

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Janice Henshaw

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