Course
This is Your Life Scrapbook
Lisa received a grant from the Dunstable Cultural Council
and has worked with the seniors of Dunstable to create a "This
is Your Life Scrapbook" or "My Memories" as
many of the Seniors called their book.
Lisa begins by recording their fondest stories while they sit and reflect
back on their life. The reflections ranged from very funny to rather heart
aching stories. Lisa uses the simple concept of taping their responses
to some interview questions and the stories that follow. .Lisa asks the
seniors key questions, tapes them and transcribes their memories, and
stories. This has been the most amazing experience, they are so happy
to tell their stories, and it has brought them great joy!
They receive copies of their transcriptions for editing throughout the process and their books are nearly complete. Some seniors wanted to start their memories with the birth of their children, some of them put pictures in - some stories were funny, some endearing, but many stretched all the way back to the early 1900's.
Lisa has created a way to make this simple and exciting for
these Seniors to tell their stories. Approaching them with basic
questions unravels a natural flow of stories, that they naturally remember
from their past. It is only a conversation for them and perhaps some of
the captured stories are already familiar to some of the children. But,
there are always plenty of surprises worth capturing on paper, for safe
keeping.
Seniors are rarely at a loss for funny stories to share, and have remarkable
stories to share about their lives, the world and how they've seen society
change. As you might imagine, they are truly wise beyond our years, and
their life experiences rich, entertaining and knowledgable.
Some sample questions:
- Do you have any great childhood memories?
- What were some of your best memories of your life when you were growing up?
- Was there a Historical Moment in your life that comes to mind and would you like to share it?
- Which relative has really left a lasting impression on you and why?
This is a great gift idea for parents and grandparents to capture their stories so they don't get lost.
Lisa now works with folks on an individual basis and on a first come
first serve basis. Lisa does travel to homes of the senior's to record
their session interview (90 minutes long) that is taped, typed and edited
for their approval. Seniors also get to create their book with a background
color or put in pictures, mementos, and whatever they want to create.
Feedback has been positive and suggests these make an extraordinary
keepsake for their children and their grandchildren.
I applaud them and their inspiring stories!
978.649.5887