"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." - Jane Goodall

A Prayer for the World
By Lisa Kagan

A Prayer for the World, Mixed Media by Lisa Kagan

Every person in the whole entire world
has a story that they carry with them
these stories are often invisible to us
hidden inside the pocket of themselves…

“I am a nine-year-old girl
who loves to sing
I live in Italy
when I open the window
my songs fly out like birds
desperate to be released”

“I am a seventy-five-year-old Indian man
I am writing the story of my life
for my children and grandchildren
my English is rough
but good enough to become a bridge of knowing between us”

“I am a father of two, a husband, a son
living on the island of Crete
tending my grandfather’s grove of olive trees
I smell of sage
can taste my grandmother’s stuffed squash blossoms
each time, a homecoming”

I am an artist
my ancestors are Jewish immigrants
I live in Portland, Oregon
I sit in my studio and watch the rain
quietly, I cut and paste
creating a prayer for the world.


Writings Prompts for You:

• What is your prayer for the world right now?
• What kind of difference do you want to make in the world right now?

A page from the book, Our Story, A Family Legacy produced by Family Heirloom Arts for the Saltzman family

Love Letters

Over the last few weeks, I have had a number of people contact me who have wanted help putting together a book featuring their love letters or the love letters of their parents. With all this time at home, I wonder if people are being called to reread their old love letters as a way to tap directly into that space of intimacy. Often these letters were written during times of forced separation, during a war, or other extenuating circumstances. It is interesting how being removed from your loved ones can generate a unique brand of courage to express yourself in ways you might not otherwise. I think the letters also remind us to stay connected to our hearts, as that is where our greatest power lies.

If you are feeling called to create a book of your love letters or those of your ancestors, feel free to be in touch and I am happy to share ways we can help you with the book creation process.

Honoring Life Milestones from Afar

Art image celebrating the life's work of Dr. Churchill, Chemistry professor.

Custom art created by Lisa Kagan for a client’s retirement celebration

During this time of separation, so many of us are trying to come up with innovative ways to honor important life milestones such as; the loss of a loved one, getting married, becoming a parent or grandparent, celebrating a significant anniversary or birthday, and transitioning into retirement. With a focus on pivotal life junctures, books and art about life milestones honor powerful periods of change and transformation and make wonderful gifts.

Contact us if you would like to set-up a free consultation to discuss your life milestone book project ideas.

A Few Points of Inspiration to Check Out:

Sugar Calling Podcast with Cheryl Strayed produced by The New York Times

“IKASU! Come Alive!” An inspiring article by Diane Durston posted by the Portland Japanese Garden exploring the Japanese word Ikasu. It can be written with two different kanji characters, one (生かす) means to revive, to bring to life; the other (活かす) means to make the best of something.

“2020 Vision,” a beautiful song written by Danny Schmidt during and about the quarantine.

Oral History Interviews
Writing & Editing
Book Layout & Design