Our window on the world Is as big and generous As we choose to make it. Photo Horseshoe Bay © Janice Henshaw 2015
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!
Adventures – and living life
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.” Edward Abbey During my travels, I have often been lost. And sometimes upset and fearful and angry at myself, thinking, “Wow, you’ve really done it this time. Why the heck didn’t you bring a compass, and why didn’t you take the […]
I only went out for a walk…
I was delighted to find this boulder with (my hero!) John Muir’s quote inscribed at the trail in Whitewater Canyon Preserve, northwest of Palm Springs, off Interstate 10. We had a great hike/climb up to the top of a mountain (a Hugh Grant mountain?) which rewarded us with a stellar view while we enjoyed our […]
Living through the questions
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 […]
The Vagabond Girl – My 43,000 km trip in a 14 Foot Trailer with a dog named Baloo
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 […]
The choices we make
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 […]
A reminder… to fall in love with your own life
Everyone’s story is a gift…and so is today. “An old man and a little kidling are gonna show you how to fall in love with your own life,” Here’s the video:
Nanaimo incinerator – Gabriola protesters say no way!
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.
“A feeling of wonder”
“It creates a feeling of wonder that so much beauty should be apparently created for such little purpose.” ~ Charles Darwin Photos © Janice Henshaw
“Truly, it is in darkness that one finds the light,”
Truly, it is in darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest of all to us. Meister Eckhart
Splash into the Incoming Tide
Discard like unwanted clothes, all thoughts of what you need, who you should be – just splash into the incoming tide and allow the cool silken waves to curl around your bare ankles – and wait for it – the delicious harmony of being fully alive in this moment, without wishing for anything different. […]
“To love is to be vulnerable”
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up […]
How would it change me – to look for the light – every day?
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 […]
This moment
“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” ~ Omar Khayyam Photograph © Janice Henshaw 2015 Cortes Island
Yard sales and lightning up
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 […]
Hiking and bears – Waterton Lakes National Park – Aug. 7, 2012
Tues, Aug. 7th Waterton Lakes National Park After the blissful start to a day of sunshine, coffee and breakfast the first thing on my agenda was to drive out to the Red Rock Parkway. It is fifteen miles through the Blakiston Valley, and follows an ancient bison trail. Along this route, there is a great […]
Curiosity and why?
“Satisfaction of one’s curiosity is one of the greatest sources of happiness in life.” ~ Linus Pauling Why? Why I ask? I sometimes wonder Why I can’t just accept things as they are… Because I so love the answers. Janice Henshaw Photo © Janice Henshaw Pender Island “Young buck”
Lighten up your picture
Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up. ~Allen Klein Photo © Janice Henshaw 2016 Spring tulip
Joy can find space to enter
Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh, green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath […]




















