Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Oma Books

The Oma Storybook Collection is one of my hobbies.

I'm writing our family history as a children's book, with stories about Dee and I growing up, how we met, and anecdotes about our parents and grandparents. At the same time, I'm assembling materials and doing research for a children's book on our family in England from the Battle of Hastings until they came to America in 1630. It's an exciting and overwhelming project that I've been working on for the past few years.

But the grandkids aren't waiting! I want them to grow up knowing these stories and since they're growing up faster than I'd anticipated, I print out each chapter as I finish writing it, put a spiral binding on it, and send it off to them. Eventually they'll get the chapters all compiled and beautifully bound together in one book, but this way they can learn our history step-by-step as I go along. Seeing their excitement is my motivation to keep typing and make this a reality.

My biggest challenge has been how to illustrate my books without plagarizing other people's art work. I need to get away from scanning and learn how to create my own, so I'm trying out different ideas with each chapter I print for the kids. I just finished Dee and the Giselas, a story about Dee as a little boy, and this time I staged some photo-shoots using the grands as the main characters. It was so fun to have them learn about Opa as they acted out his story for the camera. Then I collaged them together (since the kids live in five different states!) I just have to share some excerpts:


















Gordon B. Hinckley said our own family stories are worth telling and re-telling.
Have you recorded yours?

13 comments:

diane said...

I love this story and you are an amazing author.

Maybe someday when I have Grandbabes I will print out my blog in book form and they can see what a crazy lady I am. I hope they remember my shoes.

marta said...

mom, this looks so great. can't wait for my very own copy. your stories are treasures. thank you for doing this for us. another fantastic volume!

Anonymous said...

This is FANTASTIC! I love it-- and the photos, what a fabulous idea. Hmm, I think you could get paid to publish your stories. You should at least write this up for the Friend.

gramakas said...

That is a wonderful treasure you are creating! I don't know about your kids and grandkids but I have tears running down my cheeks... so sweet.

Christie said...

I can't wait to get my hands on this one and add it to our collection of Oma stories. They are truly amazing and we love them a ton.

Polly said...

i loved the story! and using your kids pictures is such a great idea! i want a copy!

marta said...

p.s. i loved whit's debut! they just keep getting better, oma. way to work your magic and legally!

gab said...

Ours JUST arrived today. The twins loved it and I did too! I will be using in Seminary for something...Thanks for using your talents to bless our lives!

Sheri said...

What a wonderful idea--you are so ambitious and creative.

Anonymous said...

Marty, this story is delightful on all its many levels. I continue to be ever impressed by you--and your amazing family.

ELLOUISESTORY said...

What a lovely and creative way to tell a family story - bringing it to life so vividly. Congratulations.

Jenibelle said...

What a marvelous legacy, thank you for sharing.

Keri said...

Fabulous story! What a cool book. Such skill and talent.