My Portfolio

To answer this week's story prompt about having been fired, laid off or firing or laying off an employee I offer this story among many. Except for jobs in my teen years I have always been self-employed. With that comes great freedoms and opportunity. But, there are many downsides too. I've...

Who knew my Great Grandfather born in 1867 had a scar on his abdomen or that his eyes were gray.

I am a Personal Historian and I am passionate about my work helping others to gather, organise and preserve their life stories to leave as a precious legacy for future family generations. My passion for life stories began as a wee girl, snuggled on Nan's generous lap, when I constantly requested...

With my diploma fresh in hand I was hired to teach fifth grade in Roanoke County, Virginia, which was 32 miles from my mom's house.  I was given a choice, first grade or fifth grade.  Having my mom and her sister my Aunt Helen as veteran fifth grade teachers as support, I chose...

I don't know what drives me to start up and run new businesses. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, having tried so many things and failed more than I have succeeded. The part I like most is the dream and bringing the dream into reality. I believe most everyone has at...

I had no idea what I was letting myself in for.

Becoming a court reporter would have never entered my mind as a 20-year-old.  At that time in my life I was playing piano up a storm and intent on graduation from college as a music major.  Fast forwarding 32 years in a chance perusal of the employment section of our Columbus,...

  Annie Payne is an Australian personal historian, who founded her business, History from the Heart, in 2006. She first commenced interviewing people about their life stories in 1988 as a Bi-centennial project and hasn’t stopped following her passion. Her love of family stories was ignited as a small girl, begging...

A very shy college student came home for the summer, sat down at her grandmother's feet and said "tell me the stories you used to tell me". Since her grandmother adored her, she granted her wish. She spent the afternoon singing, laughing, and sharing with her grand daughter the moments that...

You already know how valuable a family story can be.  It can bring back memories, shape our character, build self esteem and strengthen  our family.  But did you know there is a way you can preserve these stories in a book, along with your photos? Heritage Makers is an online publishing company that...