Writing Your Life Story Blog

Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives, January, 2012

An archive of previous My Life Story blog entries from January, 2012 regarding personal history, life story writing and more.

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The Lives of You

I know the title above - the Lives of You - is not grammatically correct. But I list it because of an interesting email thread I've been following with fellow APH members.

The thread started because of an article in the NY Times. It was a book review of The Lives of Margaret Fuller by John Matteson. The "lives" - not just the "life". This is interesting because each of us has many experiences over a lifetime and we often have phases where we go through career, lifestyle and personal changes.

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The Pilot Who Soared on Eagle's Wings

My dad served 26 years in the United States Air Force. He loved to fly! He often remarked that he couldn't believe his good fortune at being paid to do it for so many years.

Dad also had a strong faith, but it came after many years of seeking and as a result of some significant spiritual experiences. One of his favorite Bible verses comes from Isaiah 40:31, "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles". That verse really spoke to him. I can only imagine what it must have been like to soar through the clouds at twice the speed of sound in a big bomber jet.

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The Pilot Who Flew on Eagle's Wings

A tribute to my late father, Air Force pilot and great lover of life and God.

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Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives, December, 2011

An archive of previous My Life Story blog entries from December, 2011 regarding personal history, life story writing and more.

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New Mexico - Looking Good for a Hundred!

Tomorrow we get a new Centenarian as New Mexico celebrates 100 years of statehood. The state became a US Territory in 1848, but it didn't get statehood until 1912. There is a lot of history behind that. New Mexico is known as the "Land of Enchantment" and is rich in culture (Hispanic, Native American, Mexican and early Americans) with colorful stories about conquistadors, pueblo Indians, wild west outlaws (remember Billy the Kid?) and many artists (Georgia O'Keeffe among them). The state has a beautiful and varied geography and amazing skies. Plus, we have chile - red and green flow through our veins!

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Writing with Heart, Honesty and Skill

What we get down in writing can be painful, like child birth (I suppose - what do I know? I'm a man). But it also can flow like a mountain stream, tripping and giggling over stones and branches.

When people try to write about their lives I've noticed many freeze up or close down. The mistake that is perhaps made is the expectation you must produce in your first draft brilliance, insight and pathos. Hey, some of that may spring forth, but don't be too harsh of a critic. First drafts should be written rapidly with little attention paid to your inner critic. Just let it come out.

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A Bit About the Obit (Obituary)

If you are the one in the family charged with gathering what would be in a loved one's obituary it is a good idea to prepare ahead of time. You don't have to sit down today and write it, but it isn't a bad idea to have some of the information saved and ready as well as an understanding of what goes into an obituary and how you might want to present it.

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A Bit About the Obit (Obituary)

One of the harder things to do is prepare for the passing of a family member/loved one. If you are the one in the family charged with gathering what would be in a loved one's obituary it is a good idea to prepare ahead of time. You don't have to sit down today and write it, but it isn't a bad idea to have some of the information saved and ready as well as an understanding of what goes into an obituary and how you might want to present it.

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Your-Life-Your-Story - My Life Story Blog Archives, November, 2011

An archive of previous My Life Story blog entries from November, 2011 regarding personal history, life story writing and more.

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