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6-Word Memoir Exercise
This exercise is to write a summary about your life (a.k.a., a mini-memoir) in just six words. You may want to give it a try from time to time to see what strikes you at the time. Have fun with it as you think about writing your own family stories and memoir.
I'd love to see what you come up with in the Comments below!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Spring renews me and my soul.
Write. Revise. Rewrite. Revise again. Sigh.
Fat. Thin. Fat. Thin. Fat. Thin.
Every 20 years I reinvent myself.
I dance daily, watched or not.
I raised a United States Marine.
Former Doc now wears art smock.
Beth LaMie’s: Live. Laugh. Love. Thank God Above!
Call to action: Now try your own:
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
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Meaningful Work in Madagascar
This is a guest post from my friend, Robin Huffman, who is working as a volunteer in Madagascar.
Hi there!
I am remiss in getting an update of my African adventures to you. In the meantime, this link will give you a little flavor for it.... I'm volunteering at an environmental conservation research center in Madagascar called Centre Valbio.
It's located at the Ranomafana national park, which is a rain forest claiming 12 species of lemurs (in addition to lots of other plants and critters that are found nowhere else in the world). The center and the formation of the park are the result of efforts by an American primatologist named Patricia Wright, and has become a center for many things besides science and biology research.
For example, I went along today as they passed out almost 4 tons of rice to families in the local communities devastated by the recent cyclones. And yesterday we visited 3 women's handicrafts collaboratives for which I designed logos.
Centre Valbio also, in conjunction with the US Embassy, is creating a music and arts program. One of the most popular young bands in Madagascar, Ambodrona, recently visited and filmed their latest music video here at the centre and the park. This is filmed right at where I am staying. It's very beautiful; their video will give you a sense of it....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQp47H6m0xI
By the way, the young woman in the video is Miss Madagascar.
Ambodrona is going to be doing a concert here at the centre on April 21, with up to a hundred people making the 9-hour trek from the capital city. I've just extended my visit here so I can attend the concert and help put together the event (in addition to assisting with the interiors of the new 4-story building under construction at the centre).
Feel free to send the YouTube link to your friends!
Robin
www.peacefulportraits.com
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Family Story Writing Tips
Ready to write your own family stories or complete memoir? Think about using some of these writing tips as you go. As always, if you have any questions, please let me know. In addition, comments are always welcome!
Basic Writing Guidelines
Every writer uses roughly the same steps. Sometimes you may be able to combine steps. But stories will make more sense if you generally follow these basic writing guidelines.
1. Brainstorming – write down a bunch of ideas.
2. Rough Draft – get your ideas down on paper.
3. Revisions – make the story flow.
4. Editing – fine-tune the story.
5. Publishing – print a copy of your story.
Repeat any or all of the above steps until you are satisfied with the story.
Story Structure
The paragraph structure you use can also make a difference in the readability of your stories. Consider following these suggestions.
1. Beginning Paragraph – introduction to the story.
• Grab your reader’s attention & make the reader want to read more.
2. Middle Paragraph(s) – details of the story.
• Describe the person or event and what you or they experienced.
3. Ending Paragraph – wrapping up the story.
• Sum up why the person or event in the story is important to you.
What’s in a story?
Writing down your family history is an excellent way to turn memories into an engaging story. To fill out your story, consider using the questions that newspapers answer in their articles:
1. Who?
• Who was involved in the story you are telling?
• Include details: When you describe who is in the story, your words come alive so your reader can imagine being right there, too.
2. What?
• What is the main event you’re describing?
• Describe what happened in a sequence that gives shape to the story: what were you (or the main characters) doing when the story began? Go through the events to paint a complete picture of what happened.
3. Where?
• Where did the event happen? Give enough details so the reader can picture the setting.
• What was the importance of the location to your story?
4. When?
• When did the story happen? Include details like what kind of cars people were driving and what clothes they wore.
• Don’t assume your readers will know what the Midwest looked like in the 1950’s (or even last Christmas). Describe it in detail. When something happened may be as important as the event itself.
5. Why?
• Why was this story important to you or the person you interviewed?
• What did you/they learn from it?
• Explain what the experience meant to you or to your subject. Did it change the way you/they looked at things?
Spice Up Your Writing
• The power of words
Think about how many memories are triggered by the five senses. You may have been on vacation and have some fond memories of the trip. But start remembering the taste of foods you ate, or the smells and sounds of the farmer’s market in the early morning, and you’ll be transported back so that every detail springs to life. Using the right words, you can make stories sound “good enough to eat.”
• Juicy words
Use juicy(!) words to make the story come alive! There is absolutely nothing wrong with using everyday adjectives like big or little. But sometimes you’ll want to stretch your imagination and come up with more stimulating words like humongous or teensy. Choose descriptive details to make them more interesting. Make each story pop for your readers. Think about the difference between a dull sentence and a juicy sentence in a book or story you like. Which would you rather read?
• Using the five senses
What do you think about when you smell the aroma of apple pie baking? Does it remind you of Grandma’s house? There are many words related to the five senses that will help you describe those memories and help your reader experience them, too. One easy way to describe things in more detail is to use the five senses for a kick-start.
Sensory words relate to your five senses (smell, taste, sight, touch and hearing) and they can be used throughout your writing. They can be very powerful when you want to describe an event in detail. Remember that you want your readers to “see” (and hear, touch, etc.) what you are telling in words.
Smells can take your readers to the heart of your story like a bloodhound to a rabbit hole. So, remember to consider your juicy words to describe what you smell. Something can smell spicy, yummy, delicious or even disgusting. Use your imagination to come up with your own words.
Taste words are used every day to entice us. When you see an ad on TV or in a magazine, they often use words that make you think something will taste good, like “ice cold watermelon.” Have you ever walked along the ocean where you can taste the salty air on your tongue? If not, can you imagine how it would taste?
Sight words are powerful tools to write a descriptive story. Use the sense of sight so people can envision or “see” what you are talking about. Use your imagination to help your reader envision being part of your story. Stories may be filled with bright colors, exotic images, minute details, and heart-stopping sunsets. Whatever the case, use sensory words to describe what you want others to see.
Touch is unique for each person. Touch words are very powerful for recalling memories and conveying them in your writing. Sense of touch words may be soothing, comforting, scratchy, welcoming or even slimy.
Hearing words allow you to use sounds and descriptions in your stories; they help your readers hear exactly what is going on. Think of the staccato slam of a door, the piercing wail of a siren and the sharp bark of a dog. Each of them describes a specific sound. Use descriptive words to sound the alarm for your readers.
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8 Scrapbook Journaling Tips
What’s in a scrapbook story?
Journaling in a scrapbook is an excellent way to turn memories into an engaging story that will last forever. To fill out your story, consider using the questions that newspapers answer in their articles:
1. Who?
• Who was involved in the event you are telling about? Be sure to provide first and last names of each person so you can remember them years later.
• Include details: When you describe the people in your photos, your words come alive so your reader can imagine being right there, too.
2. What?
• What is the main event you’re describing?
• Describe what happened in a sequence that gives shape to the story: what were you (or the main characters) doing in the pictures? Go through the events to paint a complete picture of what happened.
• What did you like best about the event?
3. Where?
• Where did the event happen? Give enough details so the reader can picture the setting and share your excitement.
• What was the importance of the location to your story?
4. When?
• When did the event happen? Include details like the time of year, the specific occasion, or which trip/vacation you are showing.
• Don’t assume your readers will know (or you will remember) the timing of the event. Describe it in detail. When something happened may be as important as the event itself.
5. Why?
• Why was this event important to you?
• What did you or others learn from it?
• Explain what the experience meant to you. Did it change the way you/they looked at anything?
Spice Up Your Writing
6. The power of words
Think about how many memories are triggered by the five senses. You may have been on vacation and have some fond memories of the trip. But start remembering the taste of foods you ate, or the smells and sounds of cooking breakfast over a campfire, and you’ll be transported back so that every detail springs to life. Using the right words, you can make stories sound “good enough to eat.”
7. Juicy words
Use juicy(!) words to make the story come alive! There is absolutely nothing wrong with using everyday adjectives like big or little. But sometimes you’ll want to stretch your imagination and come up with more stimulating words like humongous or teensy. Choose descriptive details to make them more interesting. Make each story pop for your readers. Think about the difference between a dull sentence and a juicy sentence in a book or story you like. Which would you rather read?
8. Using the five senses
What do you think about when you smell the aroma of apple pie baking? Does it remind you of Grandma’s house? There are many words related to the five senses that will help you describe those memories and help your reader experience them, too. One easy way to describe things in more detail is to use the five senses for a kick-start.
Sensory words relate to your five senses (smell, taste, sight, touch and hearing) and they can be used throughout your writing. They can be very powerful when you want to describe an event in detail. Remember that you want your readers to “see” (and hear, touch, etc.) what you are telling in words.
For more ideas on preserving your memories, check out my website, where you can sign up for a free monthly newsletter: www.bethlamie.com.
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Teaching About Ethical Wills
Last week I started teaching a workshop on Ethical Wills at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Bourbonnais, Illinois. With eighteen participants, we’ve had some excellent discussions about the merits and purpose of writing one.
I was delighted with the results of the first home assignments they shared. By the way, it’s important to honor their preferences as far as whether to share any of their thoughts or writing. So when I ask volunteers to read what they’ve come up with, each person has the option to pass, with no questions asked. Since writing can be such a personal experience, I think this is an important distinction.
The majority of the participants are mature women, with a few men and younger ladies thrown in. One woman surprised me by bringing in and reading her father’s Ethical Will, written some thirty years ago. Surprisingly, she also brought one that was written by someone for her brother.
Neither document was actually called an Ethical Will, but rather each was a letter to a specific family member. Unfortunately, we seem to have lost the fine art of letter writing. When was the last time you received a letter, especially one with cursive writing?
Wouldn’t you treasure a written letter from a beloved parent, grandparent, or friend who has passed away? If so, please consider writing an Ethical Will to leave for your own loved ones. It doesn’t have to be long or a cumbersome work. In just a paragraph or two, or perhaps a couple of pages, you can leave a precious legacy letter that can be cherished for generations.
Parts of an Ethical Will
1. Opening
2. Your History - Past & Present
3. Life Lessons & Achievements
4. Personal Values & Beliefs
5. Hopes for the Future
6. Closure
Are you ready to start writing your own Ethical Will? Then you’ve come to the right place. Stay tuned for more details on how to create a precious legacy letter.
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Help Save the Gorillas
Take action on 5 December and double your impact!
Ape Action Africa is excited to be part of this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge - join us and your donation will be doubled!
Donate here: The Big Give
The Christmas Challenge is a fantastic initiative created by The Big Give and supported by a range of sponsors. It is a unique opportunity for our supporters to be rewarded for their generosity by having their donations doubled, allowing us to make twice the impact through our work.
The Challenge starts at 10.00am (GMT) on 5th December and runs for just 5 days. To make sure your donations are doubled and help us make the most of this fantastic opportunity, save the 5th December in your diaries. Don’t worry if you forget though - we’ll be counting down to donation day on our website, Facebook and Twitter.
The donations you make as part of the Christmas Challenge will go directly towards the care of our sanctuary’s youngest orphans, including our newest arrivals - gorillas Luci and Chickaboo. It costs £20 a week to feed one baby gorilla – if you can help us to reach our challenge target, we’ll be able to support five babies for a whole year!
Donate here: The Big Give
How will YOU help charitable organizations this year?
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Why Wait? Save Your Family Stories NOW
This was a guest post today on Simple Marriage.
Four years ago, I took some creative writing and memoir writing classes, joined the Association of Personal Historians (APH) and became a Personal Historian. As I started to get more clients, I noticed a disturbing trend: my subjects had a tendency to die.
Most of the life stories I’ve written have been about elderly people. I learned very quickly to determine the most important topics to be covered before staring any interviews, and then address them first. Obviously, none of us know just how long we’ll live, but older people most likely have less time remaining. However, we can lose anyone at any age.
By the end of my first year in business, I was becoming discouraged—not because I didn’t have enough clients, but because the majority of them had passed away. To be honest, I almost felt like the Grim Reaper. For a while, I contemplated whether this was the right field. During the interviewing and writing processes, it was easy for me to get involved with my subjects, through the good and the bad in their lives. When they died, it was heartbreakingly sad.
One of my clients died very suddenly, but peacefully, while watching her favorite television program. I had just completed the interviews and written her story; all that remained was to finish pulling in the scanned photographs. After talking to the daughter who had commissioned me, we decided to complete her mother’s story in a booklet and give it to the family members, which I did two days later.
At the wake the next day, the family made me feel that my efforts were not only worthwhile, they were greatly appreciated. Without the stories I had preserved, the children and grandchildren would never have known some of the details from the woman’s life.
I continue to write life stories for people and encourage them to write their own. The important thing is to preserve those precious family stories before they are lost forever. None of us know exactly how much time we have. Here are some suggestions to help you start saving your own family stories now, while you still can.
Record Them
When you start working on your own family stories, I do strongly recommend getting a digital recorder, which is small, unobtrusive & fairly inexpensive. Mine is a Sony ICD-P520, which is less than $50 on Amazon.com. Another nice feature is that you can use the USB to load it to your computer and create CDs. Once you have a recording, you can also transcribe it into a Word document.
Prioritize Subjects
If you want to capture stories and folklore from the elderly, I urge you to start right away. You never know when they (or perhaps just their minds) may be suddenly taken away. Whenever you get a group of people together, encourage them to talk about their experiences. If possible, record them talking, but if not, then take notes to expand later.
Writing Journal
Keep a writing journal to remind yourself of stories you want them to talk about, or events you recall yourself. Use photos & memorabilia to help them reminisce. That often has a starburst effect - one memory leads to three others and each of them to several more. It is a wonderful way to keep expanding their legacy.
Helpful Websites
Here are some of my favorite websites to help you get started. And of course, my book has some excellent ideas on how to capture your family stories.
About.com: Genealogy website has a list of 50 questions to help on interviews.
www.genealogy.about.com/cs/oralhistory/a/interview.htm
Ancestry.com: This website says, “Feel free to print and distribute” a Script for Video or Audio Interviews with Family Members. www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lineage/famhist.htm
Bethlamie.com: My website, where you can sign up for a free monthly newsletter (via email) with tips on writing family history.
www.bethlamie.com
One Story at a Time.blogspot.com: My blog with writing suggestions and examples of family stories.
www.onestoryatatime.blogspot.com
Association of Personal Historians (APH), which offers an anthology of personal stories.
www.personalhistorians.org/
Cyndi’s List.com: More than 200,000 website links to help with genealogy and family history.
www.cyndislist.com/
Grandparents TLC.com: This site offers “Technology to Help Loving Grandparents Connect with Grandchildren!”
www.grandparentstlc.com/blog/
Smithsonian Institute: This booklet in PDF format explains how to get started with interviews, sample questions and additional resources.
www.Folklife.SI.edu/Resources/pdf/InterviewingGuide.pdf
Story of My Life.com: Free private website to easily gather all your family stories from friends and family and invite participation from around the world.
www.storyofmylife.com
However you decide to start your own family stories, please start sooner rather than later. When something happens to one of your loved ones, you’ll be glad to have a keepsake of them.
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Double Your Donation Dec 5
Take action on 5 December and double your impact!
Ape Action Africa is excited to be part of this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge - join us and your donation will be doubled!
Donate here: The Big Give
The Christmas Challenge is a fantastic initiative created by The Big Give and supported by a range of sponsors. It is a unique opportunity for our supporters to be rewarded for their generosity by having their donations doubled, allowing us to make twice the impact through our work.
The Challenge starts at 10.00am (GMT) on 5th December and runs for just 5 days. To make sure your donations are doubled and help us make the most of this fantastic opportunity, save the 5th December in your diaries. Don’t worry if you forget though - we’ll be counting down to donation day on our website, Facebook and Twitter.
The donations you make as part of the Christmas Challenge will go directly towards the care of our sanctuary’s youngest orphans, including our newest arrivals - gorillas Luci and Chickaboo. It costs £20 a week to feed one baby gorilla – if you can help us to reach our challenge target, we’ll be able to support five babies for a whole year!
Donate here: The Big Give
How will YOU help charitable organizations this year?
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Thanksgiving Memories - Keepsake for Kids
This is an encore presentation. Enjoy!
What are your plans for Thanksgiving? As you consider the food, table settings, decorations and the dozens of other arrangements to be made, here's a suggestion for keeping the children busy and happy. It's also a great way to help them record their experiences and memories.
Use this link to download a free ebook for the kids:
Thanksgiving Keepsake for Kids
The ebook has activities that combine personal stories, family history, writing, drawing, and interviewing family members and friends.
Here are some of the questions that children can consider during the Thanksgiving holiday:
Who celebrates Thanksgiving with you?
Where will everyone travel from?
Were there any travel problems?
What did you like best about Thanksgiving?
What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
What foods will be fixed for Thanksgiving?
What will/did you give thanks for on Thanksgiving?
What will/did you do on Thanksgiving morning?
What was Thanksgiving dinner like?
What did you do on Thanksgiving night?
What stories did you hear on Thanksgiving?
What will your kids remember about Thanksgiving?
I'd love to hear about your experiences using this ebook.
If you are interested in receiving an ebook on other holidays, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, etcetera, please leave a comment below. All suggestions are welcome.
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Why I Teach About Ethical Wills
Many instructors can teach students the mechanics of writing a cohesive story. Some can help writers ferret out individual stories from their lives. However, my forte is combining both of these aspects of personal storytelling to create a compelling ethical will.
My goal is to educate people about ethical wills and how writing one creates an enduring legacy. Many of them are looking for ways to ensure their lives have been worth living and of importance to future generations—they want to be remembered.
During my writing workshops, students learn how to evoke powerful memories by drawing from their life experiences, how to examine their thoughts and select a subject, and how to write a cohesive story. The final step is to create a compelling tale that resonates with their loved ones, who are recipients of the ethical will.
Feedback from my ethical wills workshops has been positive. When participants complete a workshop and walk out with their first ethical will in their hands, I know I’ve made a difference in their lives.
Ready to start your own ethical will? Consider joining my free teleclass on Thursday:
CALL-IN INFORMATION:
Dial-In: 712 - 432 - 0900
Access: 197851#
Thursday 11/17/11 8 PM Eastern / 7 PM Central / 6 PM Mountain / 5 PM Pacific
TOPIC: What Is an Ethical Will vs a Last Will?
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