I had no idea what was going on at home. It was my first year of university and I had been away for the last four months. It was December and I was just finishing exams. My flight was booked for December 23rd. I would be able to get home just in time for Christmas. …
My Auntie Lyd used to buy the best presents.
She always knew what I loved. One year, I don’t remember if it was for Christmas or my birthday, but her and Uncle Kel bought me an art set. It was incredible, especially to a 12 year old me who loved anything crafty. Upon releasing the small snap along the side, the black plastic case …
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A Gift Tag from Uncle Ross
I decided to cut out and save this gift tag when I was a teenager. I used to carry it around in my wallet. It now sits in my jewelry box. Way back when, I somehow knew its value. I just didn't know that he wouldn’t continue to be a part of my life. …
a letter to my 16 year old self.
What would you say to your 16 year old self? What would you want him or her to know? Hey Lainie, This may seem a bit creepy but this is a letter from your future 38 year old self. See! I told you this is weird, but stick with me. I know …
What’s the Story of Your Name?
Do you have a great story behind your name? Or do you wish that you did? The Story of My Name I was born, Lainie Beth Johnson. My mom was going to name me Andrea Kelly. On my mom’s side of the family, I was the first grandchild to be born. My parents liked …
The Fire: Part 3
Today we move to the last part of the triptych, The Fire Poppy and plaques (7. 8. 9.) In my collection, an actual fire poppy would be pressed and presented between two pieces of glass. image of poppy from: http://www.explorediablo.com/2015-02.html 7. 8. 9. To …
The Fire: Part 2
Today I'll share the middle section of this writing collection. #2. 3. 4. 5. and 6. I picture my writing like an exhibit in an art gallery or museum. A 3D paper icosahedron presents the stories of many. The first three stories come from a text message conversation between my mom and I, excerpts …
The Fire: Part 1
This piece of writing is a part of a larger collection. If you'd like to see what it's about, read The Fire: Healing Through Story.
The Fire: Healing Through Story
I’m going to share the story of The Fire with you. I wrote it for a life stories writing class that I'm taking. I've been reflecting on key moments in my life and The Fire is definitely one of them. It happened over 20 years ago. You will hear about what happened that …
Narrative Identity: What Stories Do You Share About Yourself?
When someone asks you, tell me about yourself, what do you usually tell them? Northwestern University psychologist Dan McAdams says that our life story isn’t an exhaustive one of everything that is happened. We make “narrative choices” and our stories tend to focus on the most extraordinary events, good and bad, because those are the …
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