Memoirs from your mother

Description

Memoirs from your mother

A Do-it-yourself Legacy Journal

Foreword by Marina van der Linde, Minister of Religion: Ooskerk

Few things are as delicate and complex as the relationship between a mother and her child. In my work with people, I constantly see that a person’s roots determine who you are and what you become – and with that, I mean, among other things, your relationship with your mother. I believe these memoirs will help mothers and their children meaningfully understand, value, hold dear, and even redefine their relationship with each other and with themselves.

• The ideal Mother’s Day Gift.
• Thereafter, a fitting gift throughout the year.
• Artistically put together, durable, and inspiring.
• Facilitate the daunting process of writing your life’s story.
• Not only a beautiful gift, but an artwork and an heirloom.
• The book consists of eight chapters, each starting with unique, fitting artwork, a poem that takes you on a journey through your own life, and prompts to inspire the mother to write her own story.
• There is a sturdy envelope in which the mom can place memorabilia such as photos, le???? ers, a USB (for videos, photos and voice messages) and a world map indicating her journeys throughout the years.
• Hardcover journal
• 240 mm x 176 mm
• ±100 pages
• ISBN: 978-0-7961-9202-8

Compiled by Anné Pretorius

Artwork by Marié Vermeulen-Breedt

Marié is a well-known artist and is adored both locally and internationally. Several of Marie’s works form part of international companies’ collections, as well as our own Sanlam, Sasol, most banks, large companies, and universities. She lives in the Eastern Cape on a farm near Adelaide. She has three children, Adelai (46), Japie (42) and Jean-Marie (29).

Message for the mother that completes this journal:

It’s worth it

We’ve somehow unlearnt the sharing of our stories with our families. It may be because when we are together, we tend to talk about other stuff, or we don’t see each other that often. Perhaps we’d rather go to a show than talk about ourselves. Whatever your reason, the result is that we’re losing our parents’ stories to the extent that when children, after the passing of their parents and grandparents, start to wonder about their lives – only to realise that it’s, sadly, too late. So, it might feel somewhat intimidating to write your life story. But believe me when I say that it has tremendous value and will be worth it. Every story is different – this book wants to help you and your child to write yours.

Inspirational Prompts

At times, you might find it hard for your thoughts and ideas to flow. For this reason, each chapter starts with inspirational prompts. These prompts will inspire you to rediscover your story so that you may write it onto the open pages that follow without being forced to answer specific questions. Of course, this is up to you, and you don’t need to use the prompts, but they are there if you need inspiration. These prompts are printed on thin paper with the specific purpose of carefully tearing them out before you give the book to your child.

Your Voice

Consider recording your voice or even a video onto a USB stick that you can add to the pocket in the book. Don’t be afraid to get creative. If you want, you can read or recite your favourite recipe or poem or even sing a song you love or used to sing for your child, or you can simply record a short, kind message for him or her. I often listen to the voice messages my mom sends me via WhatsApp, so I certainly realise the deep value this will have.

Difficult Message

Using a pen with invisible ink (find the link on our website) is a novel idea. It allows you to convey confidential information you feel brave enough to share “undercover”. Your son or daughter can read the message with an ultraviolet light.

Conversation with Your Child

Think about this project as having a conversation with your child; they are not just curious about your life but long to understand the depth of your experience, which we don’t usually share in our everyday conversations. This is an opportunity to build a bridge between your hearts. Here’s your chance!

Your Pen

Please ensure that you write with a quality, fine ballpoint pen so as not to smudge your writing, ensuring that your story will be kept intact for years to come.

Contact Us

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if you struggle with something. The original artwork, as well as the limited-edition, signed, and numbered prints, are available for purchase.

Visit our website at www.memoirebooks.co.za regularly for more inspiration and ideas and to place your order.

Email: info@memoirebooks.co.za

We are also active on Facebook, WhatsApp (078 648 9360), and Instagram.

Loving regards,
Anné