Place

I just spent a week at "Fernwood Farm"—the Revolutionary War–era farmhouse where my dad grew up and where my cousin and her family now live in NH.

It wasn’t always certain that the property would remain in our family for three generations, but it has. And I’m deeply grateful.

The wild blueberries on the hill. The forest ferns. The lane where my grandfather took his last walk into the woods. Goldenrod and newts. The view of Lake Massasecum, and then kayaking on it with the loons.

Being there reminded me how a place can awaken memories I’d never recall sitting at my desk in LA. There’s something about the quality of light bending through the trees—my body remembers, even when my mind does not.

This is the land of my ancestors. And next spring, I’ll return to tap the sugar maples for the first time. I love the idea of creating new memories in a place already so rich with history. Some of the trees might have just been little twirliwhirl seeds when my dad was young.

In my work with legacy videos, I aim to help people uncover and preserve those “golden” memories from their lives.

Here are a few place-based questions you can reflect on—and perhaps ask your elders next time you connect:

🌿 Is there a place in your life that stirs up positive childhood memories?

✨ When you’re there, what surprises you?

👨‍👩‍👧 Have you made new memories in that place with your family?

💭 What does it *feel* like to be there?

🌲 When you visit next, what do you hope to do? Who do you hope will be with you? How can you take a step toward making that happen?

If this sparks anything for you, I’d love to hear about it. You can contact me here or connect on LinkedIn.