Memoirs by Design

Article submitted by Nanette Randall owner of Memoirs by Design. She can be reached at 303-885-3790 or memoirsbydesign@comcast.net.

In 2005, an idea formed in the heart and mind of Nanette Randall, owner of Memoirs by Design, a custom life journey and story company. Two events were equal catalysts for generating her new career path.

First, the 2003 death of her beloved father, Jay, was a loss still grieved. His stories were a special gift the family unknowingly took for granted. He often spoke of his life on a small Vermont farm, wild college days and Patricia, his wife of 48 years. He reminisced about his military career, activities and antics of his children and grandchildren, his sports officiating career and the twenty years he and Pat spent gallivanting the country in an RV.

None of his seven children had the foresight to record his story or funny anecdotes. When he suddenly passed away, his history and theirs passed, too. His inspiration became the touchstone for Memoirs by Design.

Nanette's friends, family and sisters, Cheryl, trusted advisor and Laurie, designer of the seasonal tree logo, are invaluable contributors, as is her mother, Patricia, who gave the treasured gift of being her first storyteller.

The second catalyst was in 2005, when after a lengthy career in human resources, her career path changed. A love of people, coupled with interviewing and writing skills, became the cornerstone for Memoirs by Design.

Touchstone and cornerstone are the foundation for this unique story service company, dedicated to capturing an individual's life. Regardless of age, stature or reputation, one story paints a compelling biography, history and learned life lessons.

About Storytellers

Timeless chapters recalled in a life fully lived add the unique voice and rhythm to each story treasure and touch us heart-to-heart and soul-to-soul. Love is the most compelling reason why a person tells their story.

Storytellers have a keen sense of what it means to be young-at-heart. Sharing family history and words of wisdom is no chore, but a cherished gift. Once captured, memoirs live on forever. The interviewer and storyteller spend hours conversing and recalling the past. The interviewing process may range from a few hours to a few days. Trust between interviewer and storyteller is vital. Stories are typically 80 pages finished, with photographs, in a coffee-table type book.

Memoirs by Design is dedicated to writing stories for seniors and their families and offers them a way to hold onto the past. Preparation, interviewing, sound recording, transcribing, writing and editing, photograph scanning and bookbinding eliminate tedious work that family members would face when such a project is undertaken.

Storytellers have a special way of conversing about their lives. There is Lela and Gerry, two veterans of WWII; Eleanor, whose love story with George spanned 65 years until his death; Margaret, with a deep love of family and strong desire that they know their history; and Patt, whose battle in and for life is an inspiration to all who meet her.

One storyteller said, "Seeing and hearing the reaction of my children and grandchildren is all the more reason I am glad I did this. They tell me now that reading both the history and funny facts about our family and seeing the pictures is more precious than anything else I could ever have given them."

Storytellers also receive a CD of their entire interview. One storyteller said, "I would give anything to have a recording of my parent's voices today, and I am 87 years old! It is unimaginable the joy that the voice of my mom or dad could bring me today. Feeling this made me think that my family might like to hear me, too."

Memoirs by Design will travel to any state where there is an urgency to capture and convey a life story. Posthumous stories, anniversary and special birthday stories, as well as manuscript and voice recorded transcription services are available. Begin today, for tomorrow is uncertain!