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 […]
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 we can each find peace in our world
Affirmation: I choose to respond to life’s provocations, not with anger, resentment, or regret, but with equanimity and a focus on positive action. – Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Thank you
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” Meister Eckhart
Dreams and Magical Moments
Dreams and magical moments don’t give a hoot about logic and explanations. So laugh, breathe them in and enjoy the spaciousness and warmth that feels so good when you just let go. -Janice Henshaw Photo © Janice Henshaw (Joyce Lockwood Park)
Swift Current, Saskatchewan and clanking noises – Aug. 9, 2012
Aug. 9th Thursday – Swift Current Saskatchewan ($20.00 + tax) I am in SASKATCHEWAN, the third province over from the west coast. I pulled in just before dark, and am now unbagging an instant caesar salad and singing along to John Lennon’s “Come together, gotta be free.” Yeah, right on! Strange words to that song, […]
“Force our wings to unravel”
“I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going. And I have trained myself to love it. Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and alas begin our flight.” ~ C. JoyBell C. Photograph © […]
The Desire to make something beautiful…
“Maybe the desire to make something beautiful is the piece of God that is inside each of us.” ― Mary Oliver, Blue Horses: Poems Photo © Janice Henshaw 2016
Meandering Moments
Last Sunday I was ready for a walk even though it was really cold (for us west coasters that is) and I decided to drive down to Whalebone Road and start from there. It is so much fun to walk somewhere new, enjoying each step, with no particular destination or time limit – without knowing […]
Grow in the Open Air
“Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons. It is to grow in the open air, and to eat and sleep with the earth.” – Walt Whitman Photograph © Janice Henshaw 2014 – Joyce Lockhart Park, Gabriola Island
“That’s too Easy”
“Of all my children, you were always the hardest on yourself. You were always looking for the right way to behave, so concerned you might make a mistake. But, darling, there are no mistakes. There are only our wishes, our actions, and the consequences that follow both. There are only events, how we cope with […]
A Pure Clear Moment
A Pure Clear Moment It wasn’t until I had climbed up Many seemingly impossible hills Fallen down into the darkness Of unknown ravines, And gotten lost A thousand million times That I began to notice How simple things Without warning or invitation Could draw me in As though to another world Early morning raindrops Pure […]
A blessing greater than riches
I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more. ~Mipham Rinpoche (1846-1912) I remember a wonderful holiday to the Hawaiian islands. During our stay, we blew the budget one night and went out for dinner and a show. At the next table sat […]
North West Ontario, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Aug. 15, 2012 (390 Km from Aaron Prov Park)
August 15th, North West Ontario, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park ($37.00 fee – it didn’t include power) I found it quite a boring drive from Aaron Park to Thunder Bay, scrubby forest on both sides of the road and an unbelievable amount of big trucks and construction slowdowns and stops – it all made for a […]
Camping in Zeller’s parking lot – Chilliwack – July 24, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012 – Camping in Zeller’s parking lot So that’s how I ended up on my first real day of travel on the mainland, 75km from my starting point in Surrey, sitting last night in the hot and deserted Zeller’s parking lot having a power picnic that consisted of lukewarm root beer and […]
The call to adventure – and courage

“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 […]



















