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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!

  • Will that light come again?

    Posted on February 9, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Will that light come again, As now these tears come…falling hot and real!” ― Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Sonnets from the Portuguese Believe that it will, see the stump by the trail – all that remains from a silent stately tree that once reached for the sun. A breathing majestic tree that struggled alone through so […]

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  • Nanaimo incinerator – Gabriola protesters say no way!

    Posted on April 11, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    A beautiful sunny day for a protest in downtown Nanaimo. Just under 200 people from Gabriola headed in by ferry to protest against the building of an incinerator at Duke Point to burn garbage from the lower mainland. Here are some of the people (and canine friends) who believe in standing up for fresh air.

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  • Beauty requires strangeness?

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

    “There is no beauty without some strangeness.” — Edgar Allan Poe How I love that quote! In people, nature, art… it’s what gives us our uniqueness our quirky personalities and if we are generous enhances our love for others and ourselves. Janice Henshaw Photo © 2017

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  • A mighty small package~!

    Posted on October 28, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “A person all wrapped up in themselves makes for a mighty small package.” ~Michael Bernard Beckwith Isn’t that a great description? And oh my gosh, such a challenge to be around those noisy little packages. Luckily these daisies are lovely for the eyes, and easy on the ears a forest treasure! Photo © Janice Henshaw

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  • Pure Concentration

    Posted on June 20, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    Pure concentration A state of inner calm so deep that all external cues and annoying trivia fades away. The body and mind relax and disappear together into a deeply focused state experiencing confidence and an abiding sense of contentment. ~Janice Henshaw Photograph © Janice Henshaw 2016

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  • “Look inside yourself”

    Posted on August 26, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Do you know what you are? You are a manuscript of a divine letter. You are a mirror reflecting a noble face. This universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you are already that.” ~ Rumi Photograph © Janice Henshaw 2016

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  • The Vagabond Girl – My 43,000 km trip in a 14 Foot Trailer with a dog named Baloo

    Posted on October 22, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    In July 2012 I set out on a trip. I drove my Dad’s old diesel pickup and towed a small 14′ trailer. My dog Baloo sat in the co-pilot seat and acted as navigator. He never disagreed with any of my ideas. Nor did he argue when I changed direction, got lost, or was late […]

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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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  • Finding your way out of the depths

    Posted on October 16, 2015 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.” – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Photo Super Moon Oct 2015 © Janice Henshaw

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  • “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

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  • “Know that you have plenty of spirit”

    Posted on January 27, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Know that you have plenty of spirit; for even before you began to equip yourself with maxims which were wholesome and potent to overcome obstacles, you were taking pride in your contest with Fortune; and this is all the more true, now that you have grappled with Fortune and tested your powers. For our powers […]

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  • Hello Beautiful!

    Posted on November 8, 2013 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

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  • “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

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  • Soften your heart

    Posted on November 21, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    “Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” Kurt Vonnegut. Photo © Janice Henshaw 2016

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  • Farmer’s Market on Gabriola

    Posted on September 12, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in Meditative Reflections and Photos

    I love the beautiful colours of fall – and going to the farmer’s market to meet all the growers, bakers, and crafts people. The vibrant colours of the produce inspire me to buy lots!  I also love hearing the stories behind the produce, about the farms, the families, and the crafts. What would our island […]

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  • “Joy arises from within”

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

    “Pleasure is always derived from something outside you, whereas joy arises from within.” Eckart Tolle

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  • Living through the questions

    Posted on March 11, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts, Meditative Reflections and Photos

    There are no easy answers, there’s only living through the questions. ~Elizabeth George, Missing Joseph I find it difficult to respond when people start to expound on all the definitions and facts they know about spiritual matters. I appreciate the depth of their spiritual longings and intellectual exploration but for myself, I have found peace […]

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  • Cherish those who lift your soul!

    Posted on May 23, 2016 by Janice Henshaw in all posts

    “Some people will never ‘get you’. Do not spend eternity asking why. People will see you differently, just cherish those who lift your soul.” ~Dodinsky’s Garden of Thoughts Such a relief when we get this. And staying kind, respectful, and curious without worrying about the “why” gives us such peace. Photo © Janice Henshaw 2016

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  • Waterton to Medicine Hat, Alberta, August 8, 2012

    Posted on August 12, 2014 by Janice Henshaw in The Vagabond Girl - Travel Stories

    Medicine Hat, Alberta, Wednesday, Aug. 8th I left Waterton with no regret while knowing that I was being unfair, I did not explore many of its most beautiful trails. The drive to my next city, Medicine Hat was about 300 km, and as I left the mountains behind, I was entranced by the beautiful colours and […]

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  • Planning a Happy Life?

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

    “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” – Albert Einstein Photograph © Janice Henshaw 2015

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Blog Categories

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

Testimonials

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.

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

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

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Janice Henshaw

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