tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79387722130143490492024-02-02T09:04:19.675-06:00One Story at a TimeWriting stories that matter! See my website at http://www.bethlamie.comBeth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-77855478310951768472013-04-15T11:39:00.001-05:002013-04-15T11:39:52.675-05:00Anthology Book Launch for Harbor House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DuwJLlGzvWq5fayeMBSwIhLAKfTbTOuZGRbu4EexG8ezYIj7woTOz31lWcAsxaK5Qaz0dIPDo7ZCV9mjK0uWc6mBrA_EcD0E5VUMCopAa7p7M9mfUCJ-DJDDiWxtBcz_QyMulwgwlxaf/s1600/Anthology+Cover+031713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DuwJLlGzvWq5fayeMBSwIhLAKfTbTOuZGRbu4EexG8ezYIj7woTOz31lWcAsxaK5Qaz0dIPDo7ZCV9mjK0uWc6mBrA_EcD0E5VUMCopAa7p7M9mfUCJ-DJDDiWxtBcz_QyMulwgwlxaf/s640/Anthology+Cover+031713.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Join us! Book Launch in support of Harbor House</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Monday, April 22,
6:30 PM</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
KCC Iroquois Room</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kankakee, IL </div>
<br />
<i>Imprints of the Past</i> was written by members
of KBBW (Kankakee, Bradley & Bourbonnais Wordsmiths).<br />
<br />
Available on
Amazon.com and WeavingDreamsPublishing.com.Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-5614570325877155612013-04-06T19:55:00.000-05:002013-04-06T19:55:12.305-05:00Blue Skies and Apple Blossoms Available Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk7JI9V5wVNJfylsRdqdYkf1-US9uZ_Is-8dMvLlp_yOQKvFcBPl7C7n2yyh-cQ3bnCw8-WRzGoBv9eYAiPNnaZO8vR6IMZUmkh9L5T0_K3StkGHFuaRlXKHI7iLgWrZ21aXjkc_HNNze/s1600/Blue+Skies+Front+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk7JI9V5wVNJfylsRdqdYkf1-US9uZ_Is-8dMvLlp_yOQKvFcBPl7C7n2yyh-cQ3bnCw8-WRzGoBv9eYAiPNnaZO8vR6IMZUmkh9L5T0_K3StkGHFuaRlXKHI7iLgWrZ21aXjkc_HNNze/s320/Blue+Skies+Front+Cover.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
New book by local author Vern Ream: Blue Skies and Apple Blossoms. Delightful stories about growing up in south-central Pennsylvania near Amish country. Available now on www.amazon.com. Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-81400421950639043992013-03-01T10:00:00.003-06:002013-03-01T10:03:15.922-06:00Blue Skies and Apple Blossoms by Vern Ream<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nmDLrpb19KI9S9hnEWajSoKEuBktUtKXqiN7Sp2uqlTZMe6xJriKpOLHaaRemLPLFUHGvlE8IHHl9sAV1z_HIEmjOLA6F_PcwYwM8XCW9X3sa15RtEGRIoc0Zs-A4Y8pYNloJEAunRj2/s1600/Blue+Skies+Front+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nmDLrpb19KI9S9hnEWajSoKEuBktUtKXqiN7Sp2uqlTZMe6xJriKpOLHaaRemLPLFUHGvlE8IHHl9sAV1z_HIEmjOLA6F_PcwYwM8XCW9X3sa15RtEGRIoc0Zs-A4Y8pYNloJEAunRj2/s320/Blue+Skies+Front+Cover.jpg" width="214" /></a>Here is a better image of Vern Ream's new book coming out this month. It's a delightful memoir of life on a Pennsylvania farm in a much simpler time.<br />
<br />
Congratulations, Vern!<br />
<br />
P. S. It will be available on Amazon.com shortly.Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-88340976443776870552013-02-27T00:20:00.001-06:002013-02-27T00:26:06.271-06:00From a Stack of Stories to a Beautiful Book<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7hJw9UPLUbvQ5utkIboIWxPZmxxGPJ5bzUg3YG63rc_6VbG5spcYzNcyM2dsMdM9e7vbYSwzmZ9BMMXOICB0wJm_Sf6l5ODHP23dXpi1Sv4wb6_BL55p8_J4OhD6TV7aPXhmKRUZ95lo/s1600/99-Beth+and+Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7hJw9UPLUbvQ5utkIboIWxPZmxxGPJ5bzUg3YG63rc_6VbG5spcYzNcyM2dsMdM9e7vbYSwzmZ9BMMXOICB0wJm_Sf6l5ODHP23dXpi1Sv4wb6_BL55p8_J4OhD6TV7aPXhmKRUZ95lo/s320/99-Beth+and+Book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
do you take a stack of unrelated stories spanning some twenty years and create
a cohesive book?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
friend Vern approached me with just that question. He started writing after he
retired and decided he wanted to write a book. With over sixty stories recalled
from his childhood in Pennsylvania, he was off to a great start.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Common themes ran throughout
the stories, such as faith, family, friends, the farm, fishing, the future, and
food—especially food. In fact, he mentioned his mother’s roast beef dinner
multiple times. Not coincidentally, those topics made natural divisions into
chapters for the book, filled with celebrations of humanity, caring, hope,
gratitude, endurance, and respect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Because food played such a
big part in the daily life of this young boy, I was delighted when Vern provided
original recipes from his childhood.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The next task consolidated
related topics into chapters and then into the individual stories. This part of
the process proved both exciting and challenging. Each of the heartwarming
stories was edited and revised, sliced and diced, culled and expanded,
reorganized and reworked, until the book felt right. With such a large variety
of story lines, it became necessary to alternate uplifting tales with sad ones,
heartbreak with courage, and discouragement with hope for the future.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was a pleasure delving
into Vern’s stories and creating the book of his dreams.</span></div>
Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-41787276799121458482012-09-15T14:48:00.000-05:002012-09-15T14:48:36.937-05:00APH Conference in St Louis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1soV9flmhG47XEzGPNJp9SegVt7xPjaQNdsZFZN2AC3ZQVfXCizezpjUz_yxOnqOAEQMLktFCEZmUVgskGxgxoNZyIznnpImq7kBjaRcz7o_6hci27VZSByWU_GrcdqOLx9pCrPNS2Q3/s1600/APH+Conf+Invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1soV9flmhG47XEzGPNJp9SegVt7xPjaQNdsZFZN2AC3ZQVfXCizezpjUz_yxOnqOAEQMLktFCEZmUVgskGxgxoNZyIznnpImq7kBjaRcz7o_6hci27VZSByWU_GrcdqOLx9pCrPNS2Q3/s320/APH+Conf+Invite.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not too late to register for the annual APH Conference in St. Louis.</div><br />
Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-84700798651768945132012-09-14T10:30:00.000-05:002012-09-14T10:41:50.058-05:00Memoir Writing Workshop - October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvIvWPNaKnuSTM0y0wN8hWDEn5OKlQw5d9wNhxABPeonQODHF9Ybiq8qv_rvoa74Ljg7MsbVI523TwAlvFS28Pa1fk-cc10uyGJPcZnqSQJR8vHCwbhqSgJc1B8NK_biwVP4RwCKuetdP/s1600/Chrysanthemum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvIvWPNaKnuSTM0y0wN8hWDEn5OKlQw5d9wNhxABPeonQODHF9Ybiq8qv_rvoa74Ljg7MsbVI523TwAlvFS28Pa1fk-cc10uyGJPcZnqSQJR8vHCwbhqSgJc1B8NK_biwVP4RwCKuetdP/s400/Chrysanthemum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Memoir Writing Workshop for new students and those continuing from<br />
previous classes. <br />
<br />
1. Discover and preserve your own memoir and family stories<br />
2. Use writing prompts, exercises, and sharing techniques to<br />
capture memories<br />
3. Learn to enjoy the process while you ferret out story ideas<br />
4. Organize your thoughts and experiences, or elicit stories<br />
from others<br />
5. Consider publishing options for stories or a book<br />
<br />
Please bring paper, a notebook or journal, and your favorite writing instrument.<br />
<br />
Start Date: Thursday, Oct. 04, 2012<br />
<br />
Location: The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, IL 60464<br />
<a href="http://www.thecenterpalos.org/" target="_blank">The Center</a><br />
Phone: 708-361-3650<br />
<br />
Presenter: Beth LaMieBeth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-85100716941881186392012-04-15T22:35:00.000-05:002013-03-01T10:02:51.266-06:006-Word Memoir Exercise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPy7xD6HGgO9TLxVCVg2CnAlzYELb0LR81a_RLizZ4pD96MsSBOIIgsB-guQqBYwHMbnUmenN1wx5s3F85PerwAM_KlLxGXqPCpc98H4IrE9Darc_nx1uLq0jd4Q4Zmg3V-UBAOqIdCb8T/s1600/Live-Laugh-Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPy7xD6HGgO9TLxVCVg2CnAlzYELb0LR81a_RLizZ4pD96MsSBOIIgsB-guQqBYwHMbnUmenN1wx5s3F85PerwAM_KlLxGXqPCpc98H4IrE9Darc_nx1uLq0jd4Q4Zmg3V-UBAOqIdCb8T/s400/Live-Laugh-Love.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
I'd love to see what you come up with in the Comments below!<br />
<br />
Here are some ideas to get you started:<br />
<br />
Spring renews me and my soul.<br />
<br />
Write. Revise. Rewrite. Revise again. Sigh.<br />
<br />
Fat. Thin. Fat. Thin. Fat. Thin.<br />
<br />
Every 20 years I reinvent myself.<br />
<br />
I dance daily, watched or not.<br />
<br />
I raised a United States Marine.<br />
<br />
Former Doc now wears art smock.<br />
<br />
<b>Beth LaMie’s: Live. Laugh. Love. Thank God Above!</b><br />
<br />
Call to action: Now try your own 6-Word Memoir in the Comments area!<br />
Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-68772270043276925812012-04-11T23:56:00.000-05:002012-04-11T23:56:43.263-05:00Meaningful Work in MadagascarThis is a guest post from my friend, Robin Huffman, who is working as a volunteer in Madagascar.<br />
<br />
Hi there!<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQp47H6m0xI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQp47H6m0xI</a><br />
<br />
By the way, the young woman in the video is Miss Madagascar.<br />
<br />
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).<br />
<br />
Feel free to send the YouTube link to your friends! <br />
<br />
Robin<br />
<a href="http://www.peacefulportraits.com">www.peacefulportraits.com</a>Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-12994381610759548612012-04-09T22:54:00.001-05:002012-04-09T23:00:43.472-05:00Family Story Writing Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnnNf88KtmS4KniIR0-nzr13kHHHQJTgw02GTZjYJp-tArJAVXdeVElEtNdk00R0ThGAAKn9Ks5YYI4toDHn24um_5pdv3DY3awbRB9LiEUaRyMkS3Ha1SSHVGjAd4JY36I1ZAr2ZBqUn/s1600/Memories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="332" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnnNf88KtmS4KniIR0-nzr13kHHHQJTgw02GTZjYJp-tArJAVXdeVElEtNdk00R0ThGAAKn9Ks5YYI4toDHn24um_5pdv3DY3awbRB9LiEUaRyMkS3Ha1SSHVGjAd4JY36I1ZAr2ZBqUn/s400/Memories.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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!<br />
<br />
<b>Basic Writing Guidelines</b><br />
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.<br />
1. Brainstorming – write down a bunch of ideas. <br />
2. Rough Draft – get your ideas down on paper. <br />
3. Revisions – make the story flow. <br />
4. Editing – fine-tune the story. <br />
5. Publishing – print a copy of your story. <br />
Repeat any or all of the above steps until you are satisfied with the story.<br />
<br />
<b>Story Structure</b><br />
The paragraph structure you use can also make a difference in the readability of your stories. Consider following these suggestions.<br />
1. Beginning Paragraph – introduction to the story.<br />
• Grab your reader’s attention & make the reader want to read more. <br />
2. Middle Paragraph(s) – details of the story.<br />
• Describe the person or event and what you or they experienced. <br />
3. Ending Paragraph – wrapping up the story.<br />
• Sum up why the person or event in the story is important to you.<br />
<br />
<b>What’s in a story?</b><br />
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:<br />
1. Who?<br />
• Who was involved in the story you are telling? <br />
• Include details: When you describe who is in the story, your words come alive so your reader can imagine being right there, too.<br />
2. What?<br />
• What is the main event you’re describing? <br />
• 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. <br />
3. Where?<br />
• Where did the event happen? Give enough details so the reader can picture the setting. <br />
• What was the importance of the location to your story?<br />
4. When?<br />
• When did the story happen? Include details like what kind of cars people were driving and what clothes they wore. <br />
• 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. <br />
5. Why?<br />
• Why was this story important to you or the person you interviewed? <br />
• What did you/they learn from it? <br />
• Explain what the experience meant to you or to your subject. Did it change the way you/they looked at things?<br />
<br />
<b>Spice Up Your Writing</b><br />
• The power of words<br />
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.”<br />
• Juicy words<br />
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?<br />
• Using the five senses<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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? <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-27439051145620513992012-04-05T22:26:00.001-05:002012-04-05T22:35:57.423-05:008 Scrapbook Journaling Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1yktVwbKNuWEbtzzLCvHK_dpB7b-zGxs9cQEpoyX70dMzaPjvqSW-RbuXwbbQgpABlqK79zG1GPClv3AtI_qa5qQurTzlJKt01O7dm9FyyGqRessUoqjkCJXBr4e-7YVCcYbVIdnQMTU/s1600/Scrapbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1yktVwbKNuWEbtzzLCvHK_dpB7b-zGxs9cQEpoyX70dMzaPjvqSW-RbuXwbbQgpABlqK79zG1GPClv3AtI_qa5qQurTzlJKt01O7dm9FyyGqRessUoqjkCJXBr4e-7YVCcYbVIdnQMTU/s400/Scrapbook.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>What’s in a scrapbook story?</b><br />
<br />
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:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Who?</b><br />
• 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.<br />
• Include details: When you describe the people in your photos, your words come alive so your reader can imagine being right there, too.<br />
<br />
<b>2. What?</b><br />
• What is the main event you’re describing? <br />
• 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.<br />
• What did you like best about the event?<br />
<br />
<b>3. Where?</b><br />
• Where did the event happen? Give enough details so the reader can picture the setting and share your excitement. <br />
• What was the importance of the location to your story?<br />
<br />
<b>4. When?</b><br />
• When did the event happen? Include details like the time of year, the specific occasion, or which trip/vacation you are showing. <br />
• 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. <br />
<br />
<b>5. Why?</b><br />
• Why was this event important to you? <br />
• What did you or others learn from it? <br />
• Explain what the experience meant to you. Did it change the way you/they looked at anything?<br />
<br />
<b>Spice Up Your Writing</b><br />
<br />
<b>6. The power of words</b><br />
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.”<br />
<br />
<b>7. Juicy words</b><br />
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?<br />
<br />
<b>8. Using the five senses</b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
For more ideas on preserving your memories, check out my website, where you can sign up for a free monthly newsletter: <a href="http://www.bethlamie.com">www.bethlamie.com</a>.Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-21098613053095996762012-02-15T23:16:00.000-06:002012-02-15T23:16:22.467-06:00Teaching About Ethical Wills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DRmJlp4ZpdcL71rkiClP0WHWA-3t05Ld4Pa3w3774Onci8QtIAnnc4FhHx_2meyDPCZHoVK1n_fDAKRYj_-7whKuEAHlDSY-FAKNGZxYsXXcdmN1hMasjE3HBA16BISk-fK8L0dVKDlP/s1600/Writing+Quill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="273" width="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DRmJlp4ZpdcL71rkiClP0WHWA-3t05Ld4Pa3w3774Onci8QtIAnnc4FhHx_2meyDPCZHoVK1n_fDAKRYj_-7whKuEAHlDSY-FAKNGZxYsXXcdmN1hMasjE3HBA16BISk-fK8L0dVKDlP/s400/Writing+Quill.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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?<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Parts of an Ethical Will<br />
<br />
1. Opening<br />
2. Your History - Past & Present <br />
3. Life Lessons & Achievements<br />
4. Personal Values & Beliefs<br />
5. Hopes for the Future<br />
6. Closure<br />
<br />
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.Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-77502377248580965152011-12-08T23:08:00.000-06:002011-12-08T23:08:15.297-06:00Help Save the Gorillas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhxXACyqiyDHWHHcNskx_0UVXIFwnNQBv04rjwmMbt0cGs5q20LbhZeqj5tLn7rDqsDo3MDuXJoEvqmYNoXaHDWY_eruJVILGCoKNmOV2PLP2NyTPJ8h3Cb95TOZw5RPVZ8eQ5oobz0Yv/s1600/RH+Luci+on+Arrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="272" width="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhxXACyqiyDHWHHcNskx_0UVXIFwnNQBv04rjwmMbt0cGs5q20LbhZeqj5tLn7rDqsDo3MDuXJoEvqmYNoXaHDWY_eruJVILGCoKNmOV2PLP2NyTPJ8h3Cb95TOZw5RPVZ8eQ5oobz0Yv/s400/RH+Luci+on+Arrival.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Take action on 5 December and double your impact!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyRqf9ucN1fWrsDjz2Eo-r-9i6lXBQ_8MBMqXlLi_WjSW0nyKhoBKXnJGC-AcBe9lMW69oiBFYBGzdMb-DgscbSwMW9-R2fEhSwetNRQFAoyAZYzXUnt1BA1nN8F3A4Ni-gdJycsZqmBN/s1600/Ape-In-Action.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="111" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyRqf9ucN1fWrsDjz2Eo-r-9i6lXBQ_8MBMqXlLi_WjSW0nyKhoBKXnJGC-AcBe9lMW69oiBFYBGzdMb-DgscbSwMW9-R2fEhSwetNRQFAoyAZYzXUnt1BA1nN8F3A4Ni-gdJycsZqmBN/s400/Ape-In-Action.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Ape Action Africa is excited to be part of this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge - join us and your donation will be doubled!<br />
<br />
<b>Donate here:</b> <a href="http://thebiggive.org.uk">The Big Give</a><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbmynL9TVCBJbIIrDi6c8M3qOOXYVilRw7ggAlQ8bzvKHnrhDLSlQDPUHeH5gGGWq5UKx0_NFGzXVmw0K_JXekB3BhSN-otkT4zFCNwnl1-htgycBf2ChM1VglKDOPV7rKB3P8i9oKJsZ/s1600/BigGive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="93" width="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbmynL9TVCBJbIIrDi6c8M3qOOXYVilRw7ggAlQ8bzvKHnrhDLSlQDPUHeH5gGGWq5UKx0_NFGzXVmw0K_JXekB3BhSN-otkT4zFCNwnl1-htgycBf2ChM1VglKDOPV7rKB3P8i9oKJsZ/s400/BigGive.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Donate here:</b> <a href="http://thebiggive.org.uk">The Big Give</a><br />
<br />
<i><b><br />
How will YOU help charitable organizations this year?</b></i>Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-81246049442971224182011-12-01T15:38:00.002-06:002011-12-01T15:42:13.465-06:00Why Wait? Save Your Family Stories NOWThis was a guest post today on <a href="http://www.simplemarriage.net">Simple Marriage</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPnMqr3X73F6zsC8VkqMmNu1afmfF4AsOrFaJA3lhdoPaZgrt8r8CVmXMhPNM4Za69ab1NM7zhIx2eDT7-f3RJrWPNn1W0AYBsuIrNNKLgb-lGLDffnS9_Je-IJGrObNwyEiOEG-OPXgs/s1600/Cemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="273" width="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPnMqr3X73F6zsC8VkqMmNu1afmfF4AsOrFaJA3lhdoPaZgrt8r8CVmXMhPNM4Za69ab1NM7zhIx2eDT7-f3RJrWPNn1W0AYBsuIrNNKLgb-lGLDffnS9_Je-IJGrObNwyEiOEG-OPXgs/s400/Cemetery.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Four years ago, I took some creative writing and memoir writing classes, joined the <a href="http://personalhistorians.org">Association of Personal Historians</a> (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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Record Them</b><br />
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.<br />
<b><br />
Prioritize Subjects</b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Writing Journal</b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Helpful Websites</b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.genealogy.about.com/cs/oralhistory/a/interview.htm">About.com</a>: Genealogy website has a list of 50 questions to help on interviews.<br />
www.genealogy.about.com/cs/oralhistory/a/interview.htm <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lineage/famhist.htm ">Ancestry.com</a>: 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 <br />
<br />
<a href="http://Bethlamie.com">Bethlamie.com</a>: My website, where you can sign up for a free monthly newsletter (via email) with tips on writing family history. <br />
www.bethlamie.com<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.onestoryatatime.blogspot.com">One Story at a Time.blogspot.com</a>: My blog with writing suggestions and examples of family stories.<br />
www.onestoryatatime.blogspot.com <br />
<a href="http://www.personalhistorians.org/"><br />
Association of Personal Historians (APH)</a>, which offers an anthology of personal stories. <br />
www.personalhistorians.org/ <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cyndislist.com/">Cyndi’s List.com</a>: More than 200,000 website links to help with genealogy and family history. <br />
www.cyndislist.com/ <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.grandparentstlc.com/blog/ ">Grandparents TLC.com</a>: This site offers “Technology to Help Loving Grandparents Connect with Grandchildren!” <br />
www.grandparentstlc.com/blog/<br />
<a href="http://www.Folklife.SI.edu/Resources/pdf/InterviewingGuide.pdf"><br />
Smithsonian Institute</a>: This booklet in PDF format explains how to get started with interviews, sample questions and additional resources.<br />
www.Folklife.SI.edu/Resources/pdf/InterviewingGuide.pdf <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.storyofmylife.com">Story of My Life.com</a>: Free private website to easily gather all your family stories from friends and family and invite participation from around the world. <br />
www.storyofmylife.com <br />
<br />
<i>However you decide to start your own family stories, please start sooner rather than later. <b>When something happens to one of your loved ones, you’ll be glad to have a keepsake of them.</b></i>Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-39255818236488347312011-11-29T16:56:00.001-06:002011-11-29T16:59:37.320-06:00Double Your Donation Dec 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhxXACyqiyDHWHHcNskx_0UVXIFwnNQBv04rjwmMbt0cGs5q20LbhZeqj5tLn7rDqsDo3MDuXJoEvqmYNoXaHDWY_eruJVILGCoKNmOV2PLP2NyTPJ8h3Cb95TOZw5RPVZ8eQ5oobz0Yv/s1600/RH+Luci+on+Arrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="272" width="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhxXACyqiyDHWHHcNskx_0UVXIFwnNQBv04rjwmMbt0cGs5q20LbhZeqj5tLn7rDqsDo3MDuXJoEvqmYNoXaHDWY_eruJVILGCoKNmOV2PLP2NyTPJ8h3Cb95TOZw5RPVZ8eQ5oobz0Yv/s400/RH+Luci+on+Arrival.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Take action on 5 December and double your impact!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyRqf9ucN1fWrsDjz2Eo-r-9i6lXBQ_8MBMqXlLi_WjSW0nyKhoBKXnJGC-AcBe9lMW69oiBFYBGzdMb-DgscbSwMW9-R2fEhSwetNRQFAoyAZYzXUnt1BA1nN8F3A4Ni-gdJycsZqmBN/s1600/Ape-In-Action.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="111" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyRqf9ucN1fWrsDjz2Eo-r-9i6lXBQ_8MBMqXlLi_WjSW0nyKhoBKXnJGC-AcBe9lMW69oiBFYBGzdMb-DgscbSwMW9-R2fEhSwetNRQFAoyAZYzXUnt1BA1nN8F3A4Ni-gdJycsZqmBN/s400/Ape-In-Action.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Ape Action Africa is excited to be part of this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge - join us and your donation will be doubled!<br />
<br />
<b>Donate here:</b> <a href="http://thebiggive.org.uk">The Big Give</a><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbmynL9TVCBJbIIrDi6c8M3qOOXYVilRw7ggAlQ8bzvKHnrhDLSlQDPUHeH5gGGWq5UKx0_NFGzXVmw0K_JXekB3BhSN-otkT4zFCNwnl1-htgycBf2ChM1VglKDOPV7rKB3P8i9oKJsZ/s1600/BigGive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="93" width="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbmynL9TVCBJbIIrDi6c8M3qOOXYVilRw7ggAlQ8bzvKHnrhDLSlQDPUHeH5gGGWq5UKx0_NFGzXVmw0K_JXekB3BhSN-otkT4zFCNwnl1-htgycBf2ChM1VglKDOPV7rKB3P8i9oKJsZ/s400/BigGive.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Donate here:</b> <a href="http://thebiggive.org.uk">The Big Give</a><br />
<br />
<i><b><br />
How will YOU help charitable organizations this year?</b></i>Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-68418288763560099362011-11-24T08:44:00.000-06:002011-11-24T08:44:48.263-06:00Thanksgiving Memories - Keepsake for KidsThis is an encore presentation. Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuP-6Rxi2XIWTv2l3I4DNshqBXQNUdTzbvZRPw2ELGHMMR5lNknkQYpZrGyqBtrQfY1ZaRoVQh6_TiJI5MUQPZcBP8PQwkHX9k24moQ0tfrtp7kI6s9bnuL6qQpBQKabuY4gZ8GSlXMG_/s1600/Thanksgiving+Turkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="372" width="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuP-6Rxi2XIWTv2l3I4DNshqBXQNUdTzbvZRPw2ELGHMMR5lNknkQYpZrGyqBtrQfY1ZaRoVQh6_TiJI5MUQPZcBP8PQwkHX9k24moQ0tfrtp7kI6s9bnuL6qQpBQKabuY4gZ8GSlXMG_/s400/Thanksgiving+Turkey.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
<br />
Use this link to download a free ebook for the kids: <br />
<a href="http://bethlamie.com/resources/books-and-articles-by-beth-lamie/14-free-download-keepsake-for-kids-thanksgiving.html">Thanksgiving Keepsake for Kids</a><br />
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The ebook has activities that combine personal stories, family history, writing, drawing, and interviewing family members and friends.<br />
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<b>Here are some of the questions that children can consider during the Thanksgiving holiday:</b><br />
Who celebrates Thanksgiving with you?<br />
Where will everyone travel from?<br />
Were there any travel problems?<br />
What did you like best about Thanksgiving?<br />
What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?<br />
What foods will be fixed for Thanksgiving?<br />
What will/did you give thanks for on Thanksgiving?<br />
What will/did you do on Thanksgiving morning?<br />
What was Thanksgiving dinner like?<br />
What did you do on Thanksgiving night?<br />
What stories did you hear on Thanksgiving?<br />
<br />
<i><b>What will your kids remember about Thanksgiving?</b></i><br />
I'd love to hear about your experiences using this ebook.<br />
<br />
<i>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.</i>Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-63919759883120505112011-11-16T23:43:00.000-06:002011-11-16T23:43:09.708-06:00Why I Teach About Ethical WillsMany 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
<br />
<i>Ready to start your own ethical will? Consider joining my free teleclass on Thursday:</i><br />
<b><br />
CALL-IN INFORMATION:</b><br />
Dial-In: 712 - 432 - 0900<br />
Access: 197851#<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday 11/17/11</b> 8 PM Eastern / 7 PM Central / 6 PM Mountain / 5 PM Pacific<br />
<i>TOPIC: What Is an Ethical Will vs a Last Will?</i>Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-63873165648069954302011-11-15T22:55:00.003-06:002011-11-15T23:03:22.831-06:00Inspirational Quotes from Darren LaCroix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CuEBI1kLqsjtToGb9LA27mohfCzczcToQ3vipU5Uqfx0mDJYIU6Bjwow5lO6TsVf-QtiKkidkHnwuAJSj26xbWN0zM6Of_Z-mJ0eDx-tX6g9CovynQNYZIQbLB8swU8hbbldiRS1WQTu/s1600/Quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="252" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CuEBI1kLqsjtToGb9LA27mohfCzczcToQ3vipU5Uqfx0mDJYIU6Bjwow5lO6TsVf-QtiKkidkHnwuAJSj26xbWN0zM6Of_Z-mJ0eDx-tX6g9CovynQNYZIQbLB8swU8hbbldiRS1WQTu/s400/Quotes.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Last week, I met Darren LaCroix, who is a World Champion of Public Speaking. He gave an inspirational presentation to the NSA-IL (National Speakers Association – Illinois). I loved that he was so willing to share his knowledge with everyone, which was impressive.<br />
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One of Darren’s free offerings is 365 days of inspirational quotations, which are available to everyone.<br />
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Just go to <a xref="http://www.365InspirationalQuotes.com">www.365InspirationalQuotes.com</a> to sign up.<br />
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<i><b>I’m looking forward to reading a new quote every morning. How about you?</b></i>Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-57277411591774378802011-11-12T23:42:00.002-06:002011-11-13T00:14:33.020-06:00Simple Ethical Will<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRA38B5N5PmEkx-rPFspdsyLFnE5y0Zc9jvCrMSPLCdFj819CL5ZpCg9ADMzS8kSkENRJW9HGmHSx4PISDIIaPLz-SiEOkmp9e3ARtAPtcr-qw_uPoRmtJJCzv_PLts1pMLlPRrHb1NzL/s1600/Jelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="281" width="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRA38B5N5PmEkx-rPFspdsyLFnE5y0Zc9jvCrMSPLCdFj819CL5ZpCg9ADMzS8kSkENRJW9HGmHSx4PISDIIaPLz-SiEOkmp9e3ARtAPtcr-qw_uPoRmtJJCzv_PLts1pMLlPRrHb1NzL/s400/Jelly.jpg" /></a></div><br />
An Ethical Will is a wonderful way to pass your personal values on to your loved ones. It also tells the world what you consider important, as an individual or as a responsible corporation. <br />
<br />
Here is a simple yet lovely example, expressed as a Code of Conduct by the J. M. Smucker Company.<br />
<br />
<b>J. M. Smucker’s Code of Conduct:</b><br />
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• Listen with your full attention <br />
<br />
• Look for the good in others <br />
<br />
• Have a sense of humor <br />
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• Say thank you for a job well done<br />
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<i><b>What values will you include in your Ethical Will?</b></i>Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-81764068275568194832011-11-11T22:47:00.000-06:002011-11-11T22:47:54.020-06:00Veteran's Day 11-11-11Happy Veteran's Day to all our current and retired military personnel.<br />
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Thank you for all you have given for our country.Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-21685294245577577832011-11-10T23:09:00.001-06:002011-11-10T23:19:36.058-06:00Too Early for Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmal5cWPWWssQMUQV_AbEej9dQOEIlf9j2EfQ1hc7MtiviBPy-ghXgsKa0AwbiewcuBThqJ_EbLK2M2BFLVFw6eMiKrTGO8yKMyQdPDkfxNSx0fqQgbU7ifEHJlAFbQa5-sQ8H1iFJ9Vr/s1600/Snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="195" width="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmal5cWPWWssQMUQV_AbEej9dQOEIlf9j2EfQ1hc7MtiviBPy-ghXgsKa0AwbiewcuBThqJ_EbLK2M2BFLVFw6eMiKrTGO8yKMyQdPDkfxNSx0fqQgbU7ifEHJlAFbQa5-sQ8H1iFJ9Vr/s400/Snowflake.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We live in the Midwest, where the weather can be unpredictable and unseasonably warm or cold, wet or dry, or any combination of all of them in one peculiar season. I realize that. However, I somehow missed the weather forecast for today to include snow flurries.<br />
<br />
So when we started getting some pretty heavy snow showers, I was amazed . . . and unprepared. I happen to love winter, but usually we work up to snow season more gradually.<br />
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Fortunately for us, the huge snowflakes melted as soon as they landed on the brick pavers in the back yard.<br />
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Seeing that, and realizing I had nowhere special to go tonight, I relaxed and watched the beautiful flakes swirl around.<br />
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I also realized today was yet another day for which I am grateful. Thank you, Lord!Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-62985938039219977952011-11-09T22:45:00.002-06:002011-11-09T22:45:27.748-06:00Apples in the Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKZOhaem4TRQmTwlu3y2Wr0D01jQNutiJYd4qjI5cYYJ3xJpesfgS_q61fzSNamAqvdClnBEFkr8qhWhbjjN0im3j8fLmwQS1DIrmh_FMM8AqzJ-Zh1oHfuU9Ru2eK88F4PKAbMFlUkKX/s1600/Apple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="292" width="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKZOhaem4TRQmTwlu3y2Wr0D01jQNutiJYd4qjI5cYYJ3xJpesfgS_q61fzSNamAqvdClnBEFkr8qhWhbjjN0im3j8fLmwQS1DIrmh_FMM8AqzJ-Zh1oHfuU9Ru2eK88F4PKAbMFlUkKX/s400/Apple.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b><i>This is an encore presentation from 11/13/2008. I think of this topic every year at this time. Enjoy!</i><br />
</b><br />
Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons with the start of the new school year, foliage beginning to change and the onset of cooler days and nights. One of our memorable pastimes was to pick apples in a local orchard. <br />
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We brought our own containers - a variety of boxes, bushel baskets and tubs. For consistency in measuring how much we picked, the orchard provided their own bushel baskets to use during the picking process, then the apples were gently transferred to our own. It was lucky for us that they could not measure how many apples we managed to eat while picking.<br />
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There was an especially bountiful harvest one autumn when my son Jason was six years old. He and I had recently moved back to my hometown after living in the "City", that is, anywhere north of Interstate 80, as far as my Dad was concerned. It was a beautiful cool, crisp day with the sun shining as we drove to the orchard with Mom & Dad.<br />
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The trees were just covered with a terrific selection of big juicy apples that year: Jonathans, Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious and McIntosh. Naturally, we had to grab the biggest shiniest ones to taste test before we could begin picking. <br />
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As we moved from tree to tree, Jason delighted in running ahead to survey the next target and cry, "Wow, look at all the big ones on THIS tree!" It was so easy to get caught up in the moment of fun & discovery that the four of us ended up picking seven full bushels of apples.<br />
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That was a huge amount of apples for us or for anyone. Fortunately, I had an old spare refrigerator in my garage, so we were able to pack it full with the apples that didn't fit into our main refrigerators. With all that food stockpiled, we stuffed ourselves (as well as family, friends and neighbors) with all manner of scrumptious apple delicacies.<br />
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The delicious aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled our house almost every day. We had apple pie, apple crisp, apple cake, apple coffeecake and apple pudding. And still we had more apples. <br />
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We had fried apples, caramel apples, taffy apples, apple butter, apple salads, apple muffins and apple dumplings. And still we had more apples. <br />
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Jason took brightly polished red and yellow apples to school for his birthday treat, and for his teacher, too. For Christmas, we even hung shiny red apples by ribbons onto our tree. And still we had more apples.<br />
<br />
We had enough apples to last us all through that Fall and Winter and into Spring. By the time we had finally finished eating all those apples, I realized two things: 1) an apple a day really does keep the doctor away because we didn’t get sick all winter long, and 2) I never EVER got tired of apples!Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-21918746796814134422011-11-08T18:53:00.003-06:002011-11-08T22:24:36.150-06:00Ethical Wills InsightsA myth about Ethical Wills . . . and other end-of-life documents<br />
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Some people are afraid of anything that makes them think of their own death. That could be a Last Will, a Living Will, or even an Ethical Will.<br />
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Logically, such a view is not realistic. Unfortunately, a great many older Americans feel that by ignoring what will happen after their demise, they can somehow prolong the inevitable.<br />
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Of course, no one can cheat the Grim Reaper. How much better it would be for the remaining family if someone's personal matters are all in order.<br />
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Whether you are past your prime or just starting out, I hope you consider writing your Ethical Will. Your loved ones will appreciate it, too.Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-77762547932673044042011-11-07T21:26:00.002-06:002011-11-07T22:06:05.781-06:00Ethical Wills - What Are They Really?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXFXM7ZZ-SuWpvhc0QTSihIfTsEnGFhImWGwbBnV-Fp2cIWDLxEp9V1ffOc4c1Wo2TgsL87kTyz4xLQJd4V8hbJH3I5JdjMIXtY9Y0EdA7DTxf3tH2l3D93dmv5hkpd-lqjLu09GEfnjA/s1600/Question+Mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="285" width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXFXM7ZZ-SuWpvhc0QTSihIfTsEnGFhImWGwbBnV-Fp2cIWDLxEp9V1ffOc4c1Wo2TgsL87kTyz4xLQJd4V8hbJH3I5JdjMIXtY9Y0EdA7DTxf3tH2l3D93dmv5hkpd-lqjLu09GEfnjA/s400/Question+Mark.jpg" /></a></div><br />
An ethical will, also called a legacy letter, is usually a written document created to share significant thoughts with loved ones, such as experiences, values, wisdom, and blessings. It can be shared with family members or friends either at the time it is written, or be preserved and read after the author’s death.<br />
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Ethical wills began as a Jewish tradition over 3,000 years ago. Originally, the practice was used to orally pass down values to future generations. Topics usually included the family’s lineage since earliest times. Modern audiences find an updated approach appeals to their current needs to leave a similar legacy.<br />
<b><br />
Definition</b><br />
An <i>ethical will</i> is a document that shares significant thoughts with loved ones. It is also known as a <i>legacy letter</i>.<br />
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Whether an ethical will or legacy letter is as brief as a few paragraphs, or as long as a complete memoir, it is a heartfelt communication that becomes an enduring reminder of a person’s love and caring. The majority of ethical wills are written, but other alternatives will be considered later in this chapter. When written by hand, the document becomes a lovely keepsake of an individual’s handwriting. <br />
<br />
<b>Example:</b><br />
<i>My grandmother passed away some forty years ago, but recently I found an old recipe card in her beautiful cursive script. For an instant, it felt like she was sitting beside me again. That simple card is a priceless heirloom to me, but I wish she had known about ethical wills.</i><br />
<br />
<b>November Teleclass Schedule</b><br />
CALL-IN INFORMATION:<br />
Dial-In: 712 - 432 - 0900<br />
Access: 197851#<br />
Please join us on any of our calls!<br />
<br />
Tuesday 11/08/11 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT<br />
TOPIC: What Is an Ethical Will?<br />
<br />
Thursday 11/17/11 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT<br />
TOPIC: What Is an Ethical Will vs a Last Will?<br />
<br />
Tuesday 11/22/11 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT<br />
TOPIC: Why Write an Ethical Will?<br />
<br />
Wednesday 11/30/11 3 PM ET / 2 PM CT / NOON PT<br />
TOPIC: Why Write an Ethical Will?<br />
<br />
More details about Ethical Wills available at <a href="http://www.bethlamie.com">www.bethlamie.com</a>.Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-2042429030559018222011-11-06T23:16:00.003-06:002011-11-07T00:15:36.349-06:00Family Stories - Will You Wait Too Long?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxOc-9IMdNV6ZOexMuDsqlYr4s_ZT-ZJpQTLmvE1ynj3AXo2mSW-yo5JNY15GHmkHI92ep082fhB7j3cAXem6AwtByixsBODAxgbwmgBojVZAZyeOKLf6IzMFlBHqSICiuqspxKyETE4f/s1600/Cemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="273" width="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxOc-9IMdNV6ZOexMuDsqlYr4s_ZT-ZJpQTLmvE1ynj3AXo2mSW-yo5JNY15GHmkHI92ep082fhB7j3cAXem6AwtByixsBODAxgbwmgBojVZAZyeOKLf6IzMFlBHqSICiuqspxKyETE4f/s400/Cemetery.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Four years ago, I became a Personal Historian, after taking some creative writing and memoir writing classes and joining the <a href="http://personalhistorians.org">Association of Personal Historians</a> (APH). As I started to get more clients, I noticed a disturbing trend: my subjects had a tendency to die.<br />
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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, 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.<br />
<br />
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 I was in 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, I was terribly saddened.<br />
<br />
One of my clients died very suddenly, but peacefully. I had just completed the interviews and written her story; all that remained was to finish pulling in the photographs I had scanned. After talking to the daughter who had commissioned me, we decided to complete her mother’s story in a booklet for the family, which I did two days later.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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. Make an effort to start saving your own family stories now, while you still can.<br />
<br />
<b>Are you ready to start now?</b> Please consider coming to some of our weekly teleclasses, where we can talk about easy ways to find your own stories.<br />
<br />
<b><i>November Teleclass Schedule for Ethical Wills</i></b><br />
<br />
CALL-IN INFORMATION:<br />
Dial-In: 712 - 432 - 0900<br />
Access: 197851#<br />
Please join us on any of our calls!<br />
<br />
Tuesday 11/08/11 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT<br />
TOPIC: What Is an Ethical Will?Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7938772213014349049.post-62126879124349123182011-11-05T22:35:00.004-05:002011-11-06T20:27:04.955-06:00Shedd Aquarium Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAhRMX81p_aeD8z7xlsW6EezGzTIHZec6hVhihmMt58x0jVNNsEbPOH8htFzI6Y2R4iTab1bDsGP-OO1miW8gXbEojcYviXF3tH09VY9KlmpWw_USLlFI_e9EWwO9JoGBN2rL6K5cjB-f/s1600/Turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="276" width="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAhRMX81p_aeD8z7xlsW6EezGzTIHZec6hVhihmMt58x0jVNNsEbPOH8htFzI6Y2R4iTab1bDsGP-OO1miW8gXbEojcYviXF3tH09VY9KlmpWw_USLlFI_e9EWwO9JoGBN2rL6K5cjB-f/s400/Turtle.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today was another delightful afternoon to remember along with my other family stories. My son, Jason, and his two kids, Alex and Nicholas, ages 6 and 7 respectively, met me at Shedd Aquarium in downtown Chicago. I hadn’t been there for some eighteen years or so, and it was nice to see how many new exhibits had been created.<br />
<br />
Everyone’s favorite was the Caribbean Reef, which is an award-winning 90,000-gallon circular habitat open on all sides to allow patrons to walk around and view the huge variety of fish, including gigantic tarpons, Moray eels, parrotfish, sting rays, manta rays, and many more I don’t know the names of.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmwNYgnaXSlcUe_HXIxwuOnxFwzkYvkANFI2L_DAyZf3sm-e1p0TMS_7zG4IoHJzupDRdLYW_m4jg21wsasH60IkJUMOhQK_zwIW7feZ8akSwsg6-jBeNBvqEtMMwWwxnACx92HM_Njix/s1600/Alex+n+Nicholas+in+front+of+Shedd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmwNYgnaXSlcUe_HXIxwuOnxFwzkYvkANFI2L_DAyZf3sm-e1p0TMS_7zG4IoHJzupDRdLYW_m4jg21wsasH60IkJUMOhQK_zwIW7feZ8akSwsg6-jBeNBvqEtMMwWwxnACx92HM_Njix/s400/Alex+n+Nicholas+in+front+of+Shedd.jpg" /></a></div><br />
At the appointed hour, a docent named Lee arrived and asked the surrounding crowd to step back “five giant steps” to outside the blue circle marked on the floor so everyone could see clearly. Amazingly, everyone complied, which was a pleasant surprise, and we had ideal seats for the entire show.<br />
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A diver named Brooks entered the water to feed the sea creatures and interact with them. He stroked the manta rays and turtles as they calmly approached to feed from his hand. Another pleasant surprise was that Lee fielded questions from the crowd and relayed them to Brooks for a response.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhtpG2bBqyDUh_OpZ7qRwB25FyT6IXtigdR8l8QzLixfgCwcpSu_ON_i-eZwj2cvr4bvm3Y7429bCx9KAGsfXpghUFOr7UJg9Q-rsWfOb49-oBI8q-Z6wp9-4P8djdsce3pKAqsYPppJc/s1600/Live+Sea+Stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhtpG2bBqyDUh_OpZ7qRwB25FyT6IXtigdR8l8QzLixfgCwcpSu_ON_i-eZwj2cvr4bvm3Y7429bCx9KAGsfXpghUFOr7UJg9Q-rsWfOb49-oBI8q-Z6wp9-4P8djdsce3pKAqsYPppJc/s400/Live+Sea+Stars.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Alex, my granddaughter, asked if they remove the stingers from the sting rays. The answer is no, they don’t. However, Brooks said the one ray swimming around without a tail was due to a fish that liked to nibble on its tail, until the tail was finally gone.<br />
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Brooks talked about the big green sea turtle named Nickel. He was injured by the motor on a boat and brought to special veterinarians for repair. Severely damaged hind flippers meant he’ll never be released back into the wild, but he’ll always have a good home at Shedd. How did he come by his name? When the doctors took x-rays, they found something stuck in his throat: they removed an old 1975 nickel, so that’s what they called him.<br />
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Nicholas liked a huge old lungfish called Granddad. He had black spots all over his long body. According to the Shedd website, “Granddad has lived longer than any fish in any aquarium in the world.” He came from Australia as a mature adult to Shedd for the World’s Fair in 1933!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk_eVFoJDEwCsiuhmfy4oggfmey405Sd1medr3t2lkG0lnFbdjo_TcTJvxdw2beJdqZhkErW73O8QcjWpa5HXMrK4pG4ORTXT0YfXo5xAuBJP6fkEB0TT3g6KgkQAFeAgRc8szO03QZch/s1600/Jellies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk_eVFoJDEwCsiuhmfy4oggfmey405Sd1medr3t2lkG0lnFbdjo_TcTJvxdw2beJdqZhkErW73O8QcjWpa5HXMrK4pG4ORTXT0YfXo5xAuBJP6fkEB0TT3g6KgkQAFeAgRc8szO03QZch/s400/Jellies.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Some of the other animals we saw were fogs, jellyfish or “jellies”, dolphins, sea otters, penguins, and small turtles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByK_QR-8jSvDt7WUqRvB-VljOS9ZyE42RdWFT3Z9I8qp2mvyBSmd6OWIs4hbJsVxv2JPkC0Kgx72-dL8e0YY6dEnw-dJAisBxbJVg-shIoaF7HfAjQt2gDyc3N9-IBThdAW5sbDUWSyZf/s1600/Penguins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByK_QR-8jSvDt7WUqRvB-VljOS9ZyE42RdWFT3Z9I8qp2mvyBSmd6OWIs4hbJsVxv2JPkC0Kgx72-dL8e0YY6dEnw-dJAisBxbJVg-shIoaF7HfAjQt2gDyc3N9-IBThdAW5sbDUWSyZf/s400/Penguins.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We all had fun while we learned something new about the sea life all around us. This is one place we’ll need to visit again. There was too much to see in one day, plus the exhibits change on a regular basis.<br />
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Have you been to an aquarium recently? If so, what did you like best?</i> </b>Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.com0