Storied Gifts

The Gift of Nostalgia

As we approach New Year's Day I am reminded of why it is by far my most favorite holiday.I love the opportunity for renewal and the invitation to set goals. Each year marker affords the chance to start anew, hope for the future and enjoy the heady sense of determined purpose.

I've seen the excitement of determined purpose that comes when a client shifts and invests in the memoir objective of a Storied Gifts project. Initially they may feel timid in the face of the process. They may think, "I have no interesting stories," but invariably, once they begin to share and to envision the end result of a book about themselves, they become invested in the goal.

The work of preserving personal histories in heirloom books is invaluable work and the outcome is its own reward. However, I'm particularly passionate about the enriching impact that comes in the interview sessions when a person shares their life's stories.

Reminiscing allows us to relive the good and bad times, reminding us that we've endured and changed as a result of our journey. In this way, we have hope that no matter where we are now we have seen the light after dark times before, and growth is always possible.

Nostalgia was the topic of a recent segment on CBS Sunday Morning. Many reasons were highlighted for why we benefit when we take a walk "down memory lane." My favorite concept was that of  "the George Bailey effect; remember not what was, but imagine what might never have been. And envisioning a different path life might have taken could actually help people, says research professor Sara Algoe of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill."

I've heard clients who reflect on their past during the Storied Gifts process yield new realizations, and often acknowledge that they wouldn't undo their past because each event unfolded for a reason.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. I hope you make a point to note the events of your day and remember it is all part of your personal story. What we experience today helps develop the person we are in the future.

Image by Eli  powered by flickr  

#10 DMACC Culinary program an interview with Chef Anderson

Since we started our show, I've been running the board at the studio during the recording of The Delicious Story. I've tried to learn to multitask and navigate dealing with the video AND audio side of things. However there are usually a couple of mishaps each time. As you watch you'll notice strange navigating all over the screen as I try to focus the cameras and remember to run the sound board at the same tandem. These are just a few of the issues I've experienced in my role as "production manager" of the show.  

I've been trying to become more skilled, but I find that I much prefer to be talking with the guest rather than being responsible for the tech side. Imagine my surprise to learn that David would actually LIKE to run the board and let me conduct more of the interview! You can have it Honey. I LOVE to interview and he'd prefer to be in the production hot seat so next time we'll change places.

In this week's TDS we talk with Chef Anderson of the DMACC Culinary program. He's a fascinating and articulate man who engages us with stories of working with students, France, preparing cuisine, and some of his memorable dining experiences. You can catch the archived video version here. Enjoy and thanks for listening. Until the next episode make memories around your table!

P.S. Look for all the The Delicious Story episodes to appear in podcast format shortly. I've just started loading some of the first episodes now. This way you can download a show on the go via itunes or Podbean.  

My thoughtful daughter

I'm a huge fan of NPR (I say this in about every other post) which includes StoryCorps. I know this but I was especially pleased when my daughter thought enough to share this interview with Dave Isay about his book "Listening is an Act of Love" and tips on how to ask questions. Certainly an appropriate topic with the holidays here. Thank you dear Alexandra for affirming your mom's interest and work.

#9 Interview with author Jerry Hooten about Recipes to Die For

Things culminate for a positive episode of TDS. This is where we're goal for the show realized to bring in interesting people that talk about their work, their travels and dining memories. Topics in this show include Chicken Vesuvio, investigation and surveillance, and spinning a good mystery. What kind of food does one eat on a stakeout? Enjoy post and the show.

#8 The Delicious Story and the reality that stuff happens

Check out our 12-minute TDS episode where we introduce Charles Walton who is the Des Moines, Iowa restaurant critic from Examiner.com. It had been our plan to have a full show with a guest calling in, but technical difficulties stopped us short. See how well I handle the pressure . . . not.

How are David and I filling the empty nest void in our life? Trying our hand at internet broadcasting and its challenges! Listen here. Hilarity ensues in this short bit, but we'll rebound for a great show next week.

Testimonial by Neil Henderson

Recently Neil shared his thoughts on why he gave his father Gene a Storied Gift, how he believed Gene felt about going through the process, and ultimately the value of documenting the stories of personal history. This is one of my limited efforts at recording and editing video to this point. I'm happy with the results.

#7 Christine Bertrand talks flavorful meals for elders and intergenerational programs

We've known and loved her for years (we're family!) so are delighted to have Christine Bertrand as a guest on TDS. In this show, Christine provides entertaining memorable meal stories, and compelling information about the importance of providing flavorful food for elders. She also talks about her work creating enriching intergenerational experiences, and baking while helping clients polish their conversational French. You'll appreciate meeting Christine and hearing her stories about Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly, lovely dining events, and her passion for creative cooking. Enjoy the program!