Can't find a unique gift worthy of that special someone? Give them a gift that tells them just how much they matter to you: the gift of being heard.

gift ideasDawn M. RoodeDecember 16, 2019gift certificate for personal history book, the gift of story, the one hour heirloomComment

Ghosts of Christmases past

While the Christmas season can be difficult for those of us missing a loved one, remembering them—out loud, with others who knew them—is a balm to the soul.

remember lost loved ones, the art of listeningDawn M. RoodeDecember 9, 2019Christmas memories, missing family during holidays, grief support, holiday memoriesComment

Life Story Links: December 4, 2019

A smattering of pieces on the distance between memoir and history, the importance of memories, storytelling as an act of restoration, plus unique gift ideas.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeDecember 4, 2019Comment

5 most unique gifts for sentimental loved ones

Five unique gift ideas that put a premium on family memories & legacy. Start holiday shopping or pick up a birthday present for a loved one who has everything!

gift ideasDawn M. RoodeNovember 25, 2019family history gifts, luxury gifts for family historians, unique holiday gifts for loved ones who have everythingComment

Life Story Links: November 19, 2019

A wealth of personal history news, from immigrant memoirs to Thanksgiving story sharing, from archives of the past to the value of writing and remembering.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeNovember 19, 2019memoir recommendations, food memories, healing power of remembranceComment

Most thoughtful holiday host gift

Just in time for Thanksgiving: A Taste of the Past, a family history recipe card set for preserving not only family recipes, but the stories behind them.

food memories, family history, gift ideasDawn M. RoodeNovember 11, 2019family history recipe card set, food memories, the power of food to recall memories, holiday gift ideaComment

Life Story Links: November 5, 2019

A virtual tour of what's worth reading this week about memoir, family history writing, and life story preservation, including how language impacts meaning.

curated roundupsDawn M. RoodeNovember 5, 2019memoir recommendations, reminiscence therapy, food memoriesComment

The spirit of scrapbooking, elevated

While scrapbooking & personal history share a goal of preserving family memories, key differences include the approach to storytelling and the finished products.

family history, photo legacyDawn M. RoodeOctober 30, 2019scrapbooking to save memories, personal history vs scarpbooking, leaving a legacy, essential readingComment