My Portfolio

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, yet an image doesn’t always tell the whole truth, does it? What better way to right the record than in the voice of the one who knows it best?  One might look at this photograph and see an ordinary stoop and never...

Add a story, photo or Pict-Oral Memorytm They say a picture is worth a thousand words, yet an image can't always convey the full range of senses, can it? What better way to right the record than in the voice of the one who knows it best? When you add a...

Add a story, photo or Pict-Oral Memorytm about hope in adversity Adversity: Recovering Heroes They say that angels come in many forms, and we sense their nearness when, in crisis, help arrives. But sometimes, in the aftermath of what they do best, our heroes need healing, too. On September 11, 2013, I...

Add a Story, Photo or Pict-Oral Memory about an embarrassing moment to your Legacy Portfolio Have you ever seen the Youtube footage of former President Gerald Ford as he tripped and fell down the steps of Air Force One?  My mother-in-law calls those moments "hummers," and when we see or hear of somebody...

Perhaps you’ve heard the expression: “Nobody wants to read your diary except your mother,” but if that were true, why do so many of us love autobiographies? Is it because we feel less isolated when somebody else shares his or her secrets? In Diane Keaton’s book: “Let’s Just Say it Wasn’t...

LEGACY LESSON: YOUR EPITAPH Hi Everyone, Very few people ever write their own epitaph. Yet an epitaph is often the only way will be remembered beyond a birth and death date.  An epitaph can be the single life statement that entices future generations to learn more about you, much like a...

Free StoryKeeper User Guide In an effort to save the living history of our time, I want to offer you this StoryKeeper User Guide as a complimentary gift to download now. The guide offers interview techniques and over 220 life review questions. Used in conjunction with our Certified StoryKeeper Course for...

Ask anyone who in their family maintains the family tree and takes the pictures at reunions and celebrations. Without hesitation, "Oh, that's my niece" or "My sister does all that". These remarkable people are the heart of every family, StoryKeepers  who preserve and manage centuries of family history that can inspire...

Vintage pictures are some of our best memory triggers. But, you may be amazed at how certain smells and odors can conjure up memories, both good and not so good. Try this exercise. Close your eyes and think of the sweet scent of Mom's apple pie or cinnamon buns just coming...

YOUR PERSONAL YEAR IN REVIEW! Hello Friends, 2013 is about to become history. Each of us experienced memorable events that stand out over the past year. A milestone reached, a defining moment such as a birth, death in the family, promotion, new career, an injury or personal victory. This is your...

GETTING STARTED A fire breaks out in your home and you only have time to save one or two of your most precious items. What will they likely be? You already know the answer. Vintage family photographs represent the majority of the recorded personal history of one’s life. Not only do...

Life Lessons & Values Thank you for taking the time to document and record your life lessons and values. Actually, your loved ones will thank you even more! Life Lessons and Values are an important component needed to build a 21st century durable legacy. Following the simple instructions in this tutorial...

  OVERVIEW Thank you for implement our Pict-Oral Memoirtm program. The information below will help guide you step-by-step through the process of implementing the Certified StoryKeeper Course into your organization. It is our hope that by teaching your volunteers how to teach caregivers and families how to create a Pict-Oral Memoir,...

LEGACY MATTERS COMMUNITY HERITAGE PROGRAM When presenting the Legacy Matters Program most people will see the enormous value propostiion to secure an honored place in family history for under $100. It's an offer they almost can't refuse. But, if that's not enough to entice them consider partnering with a local library...

PART THREE SHOWTIME THE BIG DAY! Now that you've done all your prep work it's time for the big day. If you have not started the host's Legacy Matters Program you'll need to plan to arrive 2 hours prior to the Legacy Talk. Do everything except burn the archival DVD. If...

PART TWO PRE-TALK PREPARATION AND FLOW PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE Your primary goal when presenting Legacy Talks is to establish a relationship with new clients. Secondarily, you want to be paid for your time while there and maybe even make a good profit by selling Legacy Matters Programs and gift certificates. Once...

PART ONE ORIENTATION AND COLLATERAL This 3-part process will provide all the tools and information needed to conduct a successful Legacy Talk. Lesson one is all about orientation, purpose and opportunity. Everything written in this course is relevant and so try not to scan through it or it could cost you...

HOW TO GIVE KEEPSAKES AND HEIRLOOMS AN HONORED PLACE IN FAMILY HISTORY Throughout the course of our lifetime we accumulate mementos and keepsakes. These special objects represent unique life experiences. The stories behind these keepsakes are often the difference between being tossed by the next generation or becoming an heirloom. The...

LEGACY MATTERS WELCOME PROGRAM CERTIFICATION LESSON-4 Welcome Neighbor Activity The Legacy Matters Program is designed to help assimilate newcomers into the community at large. An activity that  makes them the "stars of the show" is part of the plan.  You will work with the Activity Director to create--and preferably participate in--periodic...

LEGACY MATTERS WECOME PROGRAM CERTIFICATION LESSON-3 Conducting the interview Ideally, use a laptop with wireless connection or the facility's computer with a built-in or external plug-in microphone, or with an iPad and LegacyStories app. This is the quickest and simplest process. This way it's just a matter of recording directly to...