Welcome

 

Join me… in celebrating our stories… honouring our elders… preserving that which is so easily lost... helping reveal the hidden and giving voice to the silent…

As I share my vision of families really knowing their history – not just the bare bones of names with dates of birth and death, which are like the warp and weft of the fabric of their heritage, but the colour, texture, and design of the tapestry that is made up of stories – I realize that this is a fairly new pursuit. Sure, genealogy has become a big thing in the public’s imagination. But to hear, collect and preserve the stories, the memories, of the elders is still in its infancy in mainstream culture.

So this blog gives me a place to share what I am currently thinking about or working on as I move forward on my two aims: one – to really bring this focus on the stories to everyone’s awareness and the second – to preserve and share those stories I come across.

So you’ll see everything from a mini interview, audio or video, to all the reasons why you too ought to be interested in hearing and preserving what your great-aunt or grandfather have to say, to ceremonies that can help you make a space for the elders and ancestors of your family.

I look forward to your comments and I hope that me sharing my joys ignites a desire in you to listen to the voices and stories of the past!


Tell It Forward: Sharing our Family Memories – Season of the Darkest Days and the Coming Light

[1] Sunday, December 4, 2011; 1:30-4:30 Location: 1620 Dupont St. Toronto OK... I know that some of you are sitting on the fence and thinking,"...I like the idea but I can't really remember any good stories..." Well, read on and see what happens! Words, faces, phrases, memories, stories... it's all stored in the computer we call the brain... a computer which sometimes needs a serious decluttering or a defragging. We think we've lost something and it's really just buried. So let's try sparking some memories and some stories!! So, in your head (or out loud if you are not self-conscious) think about: the present that took your breath away the crappy Christmas tree stand midnight mass something your family does and that has become a tradition your favourite recipe something your mother always does discovering the power of mistletoe the green Christmas something seasonal your family "brought" from "the old country" putting cookies and milk out for Santa the time there was an airline strike when Dave cooked the turkey the old and new decorations the time the candles on the menorah put something else on fire the first present you bought with your own money the feast, the treats, the sweets, the snacks, the egg nog the department store Santa Claus the off-color story that was shared at the family dinner table So what did I tell you? I bet something has surfaced and you need to let me know ASAP that you will be joining us this Sunday for our 3rd event!! Sign up on Facebook (search: Tell It Forward) or email me at: Michaela@ancestorspeaking.com [1] http://ancestorspeaking.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/F1000107.jpg Read More …

Tell It Forward: Sharing our Family Memories – Season of the Darkest Days and the Coming Light

Sunday, December 4, 2011 - 1:30-4:30pm 1620 Dupont St, Toronto         Halloween was hardly over and there we are being bombarded by holiday jingles and accosted by seasonal decorations and encouraged... no, manipulated into buying, buying, buying! Ancestor Speaking invites you to slow down and take some time to reflect on holidays past, see your connection to your elders and honour your ancestors as we gather to share our memories and stories of this holiday season of light. Come and share your memories of this beautiful yet stressful, hopeful and sometimes trying season of the year. They could be funny stories like when the dog ate the turkey... they could be stories of family traditions like who lights the candles on the menorah... and they could be stories of family gatherings. You could tell the story of when you found out that Santa Claus was a ruse or the best present you have ever given or the most enchanting moment of the holidays. Whether you and your family celebrate Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Diwali or Christmas, come and share your stories as we celebrate the season of the darkest days and the coming light. Seasonal goodies will be served amidst candlelight. In return for sharing your family story you will receive a digital audio file that you can add to your family archive! In this season of giving, we ask that you bring either non-perishable food or monetary donations for Daily Bread Food Bank. To reserve your space, please RSVP to michaela@ancestorspeaking.com by Nov. 28 Read More …

Tell It Forward: Sharing Our Family Stories

Hello everyone who has RSVPed and everyone else who has not! So… if you haven’t already told me you’re coming, this is your last chance! I’m ordering the Mexican pastries tomorrow morning… (note to self… hope they have Churros…) and if you show up on Sunday we might not have one with your name on it! So if you’re waffling (other kind of pastry, sort of), just commit and shoot me an email. It will make your ancestors smile. Logistics I have sent some confusing messages about the date and time - so here is the absolute correct version: November 6 at 1:30. It's happening at 1620 Dupont Street, Toronto. The closest intersection is Dupont and Edwin. Please bring 1 or more pictures of your ancestors you would like to honour (they will go on the alter for the duration of our gathering) AND 1-2 stories about them. Think about a story that really reveals: their character… or, their achievements… or, what they have contributed to your lineage… or, what they mean to you… or, anything else you would want to share about them. If you have any questions, just email me. Read More …

Tell It Forward: Sharing Our Family Stories

So… are you starting to regret how many of those mini chocolate bars you've eaten since yesterday and would like to experience Halloween in a totally different way? Come and join me in a kind of Mexican Day of the Dead meets Ancestor Speaking! Mexican Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday where family and friends come together to celebrate and honour those who have died and takes place November 1–2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). They celebrate by having picnics in graveyards, building alters and serving their ancestors' favourite foods. Ancestor Speaking is committed to preserving the stories of our elders as a way to honour their achievements, and to understand our past and present. So this Sunday, November 6 at 1:30, come and join us as we honour the memory of our elders who have passed over by creating a communal alter and sharing their story. In return for sharing your family story you will receive a digital audio file that you can add to your family archive! Please RSVP by November 3, 2011 to michaela@ancestorspeaking.com Read More …

Events

Tell It Forward: Sharing Our Family Stories Sunday, November 6, 1:30pm - 4:30pm Location: tbd Formerly event was known as "Speak Up: Sharing Your Family Stories" Mark your calendars! November 6, 2011, 1:30 pm. Ancestor Speaking's second gathering! Since Halloween is almost on our doorstep, come and join us in our way of celebrating the Mexican Day of the Dead. Bring a photo or two of relatives who have passed on and who you would like to honour. And bring a story about them. We'll create an alter together and listen to each other's stories. In return for sharing your family story you will receive a digital audio file that you can add to your family archive! Please RSVP by November 2, 2011 to michaela@ancestorspeaking.com Read More …

First Post: First Things First!

Hello everyone! I've come to realize over the last little while that what I take to be a given is not readily and easily shared with others! And that is - it's important to preserve your family's stories! So what I've decided to do is to share over the next while… (drumroll please)… 50 Reasons to Preserve Your Family's Stories. Reason #1: Be a Legend - Tell People Who You Are There's nothing like telling your story in your own words in your own timing. Sure, your kids, your siblings or your spouse could share something of your life story. But it would never be the same as what you would tell and how you would tell it. So… I bet you get this part. But… being a LEGEND… no way! You’re thinking, “I haven’t won the Nobel Peace Prize nor found the cure for cancer… I’m not famous. I’m no legend.” Well… I beg to differ. I bet you’ve become the master of something and deserving of a prize… could be you bake a mean apple pie or you’ve put food on the table for decades or you built a family business up from the ground… or, you’ve discovered how to really touch your granddaughter’s heart – whether you acknowledge it or not, you are known for something you do or something you are. You are a legend. So, you’re willing to entertain the notion of being a legend. But you still have some reservations because isn’t it a bit like bragging or blowing one’s own horn? No! No! No, it’s not! Now I know why you may feel this way. Many of us have grown up in families where compliments and acknowledgements were rare because “you could get a big head.” In other words, you could become conceited and prideful. But, it’s taking it too far to not openly admit and even celebrate your talents, skills and accomplishments. In fact, your being willing to be seen for what you’ve achieved and what you do well gives all those around you permission to do the same. Now, wouldn’t that be worth it? So pick what's noteworthy in your life. Share your triumphs. Share your struggles. Share your journey. Let your existing family and those to come fully see who you are, what you've accomplished and how you've contributed to the history of your lineage! After all, a story that is handed down from generation to generation is known as a legend. <!--more--> So, however you choose to do it - grab one of your relatives or friends who is a great listener and knows how to work a digital voice recorder or video camera, or do it by yourself because you know how to use these new-fangled machines - or, hire someone professional (like us!). Just do it! You'll be surprised what comes of it. And hey, there's nothing like being a legend in your own time and having a hand in the story you leave behind. Read More …