This is a Moleskine leather bound book I've recently created - the black leather is very stylish! It's ideal for a story of how a couple met, their wedding or even for a someone's complete life story - and one would certainly make a unique and classy guest register for everyone at a ceremony to sign. The pages lie flat and there is even the same strip of elastic to keep the book closed as you get on a those classic Moleskine notebooks. Remember them?
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So many people have multiple house moves, and even move to different countries. While it's a good chance for a clear out - never, ever throw away old family photographs! Keep them in a shoebox, in a bag, in an envelope - in anything you can find, but never toss them out. There comes a time in everyone's life when it feels important to trace ones roots, ones ancestors - and these old images are priceless in recalling people, places and events. When it comes to having your life story written, these pictures tell a thousand words and once scanned and included in a book, will never be lost. And they will be treasured by future generations to come. I created this book as a unique guest register for a renewal of vows ceremony. I made the last four pages at the back with lines and sections for all the guests to leave their special messages. It caused lots of laughter and comments as people flicked through - reading the stories and looking at the pictures covering the couple's life together. And then I made another copy of the book for the mum of the 'bride' with special pictures and a poem just for her. Am trying out Moleskine covered story books - the leather is so stylish and comes with an elastic tie, like the Moleskine notebooks. This is one I've done for my daughter and son-in-law's wedding - a sort of brag book to have on their coffee table...with the story of their wedding and all the preparations...and all the adventures of the big day - including me nearly missing the ceremony... A couple who are renewing their vows next month have chosen to have a book made as a really special guest register for their celebration, tracing their 25 years together. It's a wonderful journey, not just down memory lane, but a chance for them both to see how much they've learnt, changed and grown over the years. It hasn't all been plain sailing. Life and relationships never are, but they've worked hard to ensure they not only constantly challenge each other but also spend time nurturing their love. Hearing their stories and putting them into both a ceremony and a book have been a wonderful learning experience for me. I've been reminded how vital it is never to take anything for granted and to work hard for the things that are are important in life. A life story book can include only what you want it to...perhaps the happy memories are the only ones you want to record? It's not necessary to dig up hurtful memories that could bring pain to members of your family who are likely to read your book. A sensitive interviewer will discuss with you anything they feel may be of concern and then you decide if you wish to include it in your memoirs. I'm really excited about a new project I've been given - a book about the history of a Sydney show society that dates back pretty well to Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788!
The first St Ives show was in 1921 and featured a ploughing match, melon race, wood chopping and sawing plus exhibits of local produce. At this first show an orchardist won first prize for his farm produce display - he had popped his baby daughter in a basket surrounded by an attractive display of his fruit and vegetables - "a device which, according to other competitors, helped him to win!" Once you've started the quest to find information on your family, any blank dates can be filled in from your relevant state’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Most have online search functions. Another useful place is the The Genealogical Society in your state or local area. Don't forget local, state and national libraries, national and states hold the electoral rolls and can provide lots of information. If you are trying to get some information or stories from a close relative, to help construct a family tree or life story, they may be reluctant to open up to you. How do you handle this? With a parent or close family member, they may wonder why you you want to learn more about them. It's important to reassure them that there are some stories you’d like to hear again. You can also explain that while you know a lot about them already, there are some things you don't know about. Maybe, things you were told years ago and you don't remember well. You can also give a couple of examples of things you have always been curious about – but know nothing about. A good tip when researching your family tree on the internet is to keep a list of which sites you've been to. It's all too easy to forget where you've been and keep on going back to the same sites - trust me, I know! Also it's worth noting where you got certain information from, just in case you want to go back and add some more. Obituaries are a good place to look and you can research them on the net. As family trees work their way back in time from the present, looking for information on recently deceased relatives can sometimes be a treasure chest of information on family units, people and spouses plus date of birth, death and place of burial. This could even help you to find living relatives who could offer more information on your family tree. |
AuthorRebecca Skinner has been a journalist and editor for more than 30 years working in newspapers, magazines, TV and radio. Her caring nature enables her to put people quickly at ease to help prompt their memories. As a writer she can weave anyone's story into a professionally written and produced book that makes compelling reading. Archives
April 2018
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