Introduction: We memorize state capitols, math formulas, and pop songs, why not our own family, our own grandparents? Too often, family heritage is treated like genealogy. But, it should be a matter of the heart and artistry. What would it mean to create beautiful visualizations of our own family that we are proud to have andContinue reading “Visualizing You | and Your Great-Grandparents”
Author Archives: Life Story Books
5 Things to Consider When You Start a DIY Family Heritage Book
DIY #1 | Create Your Family Heritage Book The Purpose: The focus of this series of is to help you feel more comfortable creating your own Family Heritage Book. 5 Things to Consider When You Are Starting Get rid of perfect. What is most important? What defines your emotional investment? What sits at the center ofContinue reading “5 Things to Consider When You Start a DIY Family Heritage Book”
Brief Thoughts About the Small Joys When Writing Family History Books
Should family history books contain more poetic sensibilities? Captions, with dates and names does get repetitive and easy for readers to skim, scan, or overlook completely. Naming things can emphasize interesting details and can evoke a poetic sensibility. There is an art to staying out of the way, and letting the artifacts and information speakContinue reading “Brief Thoughts About the Small Joys When Writing Family History Books”
Cultural Traditions: Honoring Your Family’s Generations
Novel Ways to Invite Family Generations Back Into Your Home Many cultures have strong traditions that intentionally and lovingly invite family members and ancestors back into the home. Two examples are: *Ofrenda: is the Mexican and Mexican-American tradition of an “offering” built to help family remember, to learn about, and celebrate their ancestors’ lives. *Continue reading “Cultural Traditions: Honoring Your Family’s Generations”
How Do We Capture the Most Meaningful Things We Know?
Producing boutique books has never been easier. Self-publishing is a booming industry and there are quite a range of interesting models meant to help you capture your life/family stories and histories. The publishing part is easier, more dynamic, and cheaper than ever, but the main barrier remains … How do you help people produce meaningfulContinue reading “How Do We Capture the Most Meaningful Things We Know?”
The “Dawson Coffee Shop” -1945
Here are a set of photographs connected to the history of a family, the Nelson’s, from Dawson, Minnesota. With details and archival materials provided by Susan Boehm and Jean Thompson, we wrote and placed this story in the Dawson Sentinel (April 15th). It was recently featured on the “Dawson History” Facebook page.
Laura Lewis on the Open Road / 1937
“the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.”Continue reading “Laura Lewis on the Open Road / 1937”