by Laura Hedgecock | Memories, Journal writing, Storytelling, Traditions, Writing and Sharing Memories
Here in the USA, there’s a lot of talk about patriotism, but seldom in the form of stories. We proclaim our fierce love of country without explaining what patriotism means to us. Without telling the backstory. If you’re starting to suspect this is a political or...
by Laura Hedgecock | Family History, How-to, Storytelling, Writing and Sharing Memories
“Your Ancestors are Waiting; They Have Stories to Tell,” a 2013 Ancestry.com blog title proclaims . I doubt my paternal grandmother is one of them. During her lifetime, she decided, for reasons that remain unclear, to lie about her past. I’m not sure she wants me...
by Laura Hedgecock | Family History, Storytelling, Writing and Sharing Memories
Americans over 30 probably remember Lay’s potato chip commercials declaring “You can’t eat just one.” Ancestor stories are like potato chips —a non-fattening, healthy version—that shouldn’t be limited to just one. Lest you misunderstand, I’m not making a case that...
by Laura Hedgecock | How-to, Scrapbooking, Storytelling
It’s a blessing to have tons of family pictures, but the options can make it harder to decide which photos represent your family story. Listening to my favorite expert on choosing photos that portray moments that matter brought this precious photo album back to...
by Laura Hedgecock | How-to, Storytelling, Writing and Sharing Memories
When I joined Toastmasters to improve my public speaking, their emphasis on listening skills surprised me. It shouldn’t have. Listening, as opposed to simply hearing, is the key to effective communications. Good listening skills facilitate meaningful conversations....
by Laura Hedgecock | Family History, How-to, Storytelling, Writing Advice
In storytelling as in life, we find ourselves wearing a variety of hats. The professional. The parent. The expert. The questioner. Some situations call for only one hat. Other times, we wear a combination. Which storytelling hat we don as we tell our own and family...