16 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2019
By Clare Mendez, Resident
My sweet neighbor, Olivia, encourages me on a regular basis to
write my life story. My husband tells me the same thing because
to them, growing up in the mountains of Pennsylvania with eight
brothers and sisters seems like something others would like to read
about. I've written down a few of the more poignant memories to
perhaps pass down to my kids or grandkids. Maybe they will find
them enlightening, and perhaps be told again for generations. Writing
about your life is not quite the same as journaling. Journaling, as you
know, is just keeping a record of an event or an emotion, but to write
a story is so much more. It's about sharing your experience with
someone else. I'm not sure I am up to that task, but dear Olivia has
not given up on me. She keeps asking me how my book is coming.
After talking just a bit with many of our homeowners I've been
amazed by who we are and what we've all been through. Visits to
foreign countries are exciting, but have you lived in one? When and
what did you do there? I haven't done anything remarkable, but
some of you have. Perhaps it is a skill you possess or a vocation
you have pursued. Maybe you're related to a famous person or you,
yourself, are well known in certain circles. Please don't keep your
story a secret. Share it with all who will listen and perhaps write a
little bit of it to be shared in The View. What do you say? I encourage
you to reach out for one of the Communication Committee members
so we can get to know you better.
Storytime