Due to the Coronavirus all live storytelling performances are cancelled or will be done digitally.  So, while you're at home and "sheltering in place", consider using storytelling with your family.  Share stories with your children and help them learn more about their heritage. There are also great tellers who have put their stories on YouTube during this interesting time.  Check out my website at stories-by-laurie.com to see a couple of my recorded offerings of story.  Happy Spring!

The Weber State Storytelling Festival was last week and it was a marvelous experience being able to tell to great audiences and to hear the youth and professional tellers.  Our youth are tremendous and so poised on stage that it's a pleasure to hear them.  I was able to share the stage with a professional Japanese teller, Kuniko Yamamoto, that was truly a delight to hear.  The events are free and family-friendly, so plan on attending the last week of February in 2021! 

The Clearfield Storytelling Festival was held last Saturday (the first day of the Chinese New Year) and it was a lucky experience for all who attended.  We had 14 great storytellers who presented everything from mountain man experiences to puppets to personal stories with pizzazz!  Annie and Dan Eastmond (called Harvest Home) played music to all who entered the building and set the mood beautifully for the evening.  A big thanks to all who attended, told and helped in any way to make the event a success for the 14th year in a row!  Now, go home and tell your own stories.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020!  During this cold and dark time of year, why not cuddle up to the fireside with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book?  or a good story?  You might even consider telling that story yourself to family and friends.  Storytelling has always been an important part of the winter season, as families tended to remain indoors more and find sedentary means of entertainment.  Don't let the TV and the internet tell all of your stories:  take an active part in that yourself!  Your family and friends will be glad you did--and so will you.

'Tis the holiday season and whatever holiday you celebrate, there are stories to help that celebration really ring!  Storytelling has been around since man has been and the tales of your culture are essential to pass on to the next generation.  Parties are more festive when a bit of story is involved; children learn about their families and traditions with story; important information about your faith and beliefs can be passed along with story.  Don't be afraid to discuss your important tales with others.  Hire a professional teller to help your celebration to be more festive!  Include things that need to be passed along the generations.  And don't forget, this chilly time of year was when ghost stories were traditionally told. Sit down by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa and a story.   Happy holidays!

The "ghostly season" is officially over, but I enjoy telling (and hearing) ghost stories year round.  Maybe some of you do, too.  I enjoyed sharing the tales and history of haunted Ogden, Utah last month and also telling Halloween stories to a couple of family-friendly groups at schools and libraries.  There is something about the chill and surprise endings of so many ghost tales that really appeals to me.  Now is the season of Thanksgiving and this is the perfect time to share family tales around the dinner table or at any family gathering.  One year I had all my children and grandchildren share their favorite family tale after the big meal on Thanksgiving Day and it was fun to hear what they enjoyed and especially fun for them to hear stories they may not have already known about their parents as children.  That is one of my best memories of the day.  Try sharing these stories and see how many memories you can make this holiday season.  Happy Thanksgiving!

The ghostly season is here and Ogden and Salt Lake City Ghost Tours are up and running!  It's so exciting to meet with people and tell them the history and paranormal activity of these two cities.  Check out the website at www.storytours.com and enjoy a family-friendly but spooky Halloween activity.  This month I will also be storytelling at the Morgan Library on October 21st and at Bonneville Elementary School on October 28th. Check out the upcoming events page for more information. October is the best time to tell tales, so get with your family, turn down the lights, put on the hot chocolate and enjoy some chilling time together.

September is here and that means that fall (and ghost story season!) is just around the corner.  Ogden and Salt Lake City Ghost Tours are excited and ready to entertain you at any time with the paranormal experiences and history of these two interesting cities. We have multiple tours in both locations, so check out the website. I also had the privilege of telling railroad stories at the Pioneer Village in Provo, Utah last month and the audience and I had a great time with the stories, the history and the tall tales that go along with that.  (Never let the truth get in the way of a good story!) What a pleasant way to spend a summer evening!  

Summertime is a great time to tell stories: around the campfire, during a walk in the woods, at a picnic or family reunion, at a festival or celebration.  Share your past with your children.  Share the folk tales of your culture (or another culture).  Add storytellers to your next celebratory activity.  Stories are what make us human, teach us how to interact with others and help the rising generation understand what is expected of them.  Don't let this time of year pass without sharing with those you love!

Yesterday I had the experience of attending a "Patriot Camp" and telling some stories about American history.  I did a "first-person" account of Sybil Ludington, a young girl who made a midnight ride to collect militia for an important Revolutionary War battle and also told a bit about Deborah Sampson:  a female who managed to enlist in the army during that war.  It was exciting to be able to educate some young people about exciting events in the history of the United States and let them know that even teens can make a big difference! What power there is in storytelling.

Summer is here and with it a fantastic season for storytelling!  Camping trips, picnics in the park, fairs and festivals, road trips....wherever you are and whatever you're doing, stories can make it better!  I have just finished telling for the Story Crossroads Festival in Salt Lake City and am looking forward to performances at the Gallivan Center and Pioneer Park in Provo, Utah during the summer months.  Ghost Tours are going year-round and there are many opportunities to tell, and listen, to stories.  Watch for opportunities to catch a professional teller at an outdoor festival and make sure you share family stories with those you love.  Make memories this summer with stories.

On May 10th we are celebrating the sesquicentennial of the "wedding of the rails" here in northern Utah--the time when this large country was finally connected from east to west, from "sea to shining sea", by the transcontinental railroad.  That event changed our way of travel and our lifestyle forever.  Many events are being scheduled to celebrate this and museum exhibits, concerts, songs and stories are being used to bring this to life for a new generation.  Check out the storytelling opportunities in the area this summer and enjoy a bit of history with your stories!

Storytelling events are happening in Utah and it's great to be a part of them!  I participated in the Weber State Storytelling Festival this past February and it is always a pleasure to perform in front of such gracious audiences and on the same stage with the national storytellers.  This past week I was able to watch Bil Lepp perform and that is a treat.  Next month will be the Story Crossroads Festival and I will be participating on May 15.  Good stories, good times!

The holiday season is upon us again, and whatever celebrations you have at this time of year, remember that storytelling is part of every culture!  Share family tales, religious stories, traditional tales or whatever makes you feel warm and friendly with others.  In Victorian times, it was the tradition to tell ghost stories at this time of year.  Why not?  Sharing with those you love is always appropriate and especially during a season that tends to focus on loving and giving.  So give of yourself to others and make some good connections to lighten the dark days of winter.

   Well, the haunting season has passed and it was great fun telling the ghost stories of Ogden, Utah the entire month of October.  One of our more haunted buildings was quite active...I guess the ghosts like to "show off" for their guests this season.  Haunted Salt Lake City, a new book that I recently co-authored, is in stores.  Read 13 stories about some of the haunted buildings in our state's capital. All four authors were involved with book signings this past month and we enjoyed meeting with people and sharing ghostly discussions.
   Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that is a family time that is made so much more meaningful with story.  My grandchildren are fascinated with stories of their grandparents, their parents when they were younger, and even ancestors they have never met.  It's important for children to have roots, so tell the stories that make them laugh, cry and think.  Have a happy holiday season!

This past weekend was an amazing storytelling feast as I attended the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Lehi, Utah.  I heard tales that were funny, poignant, serious and spooky and they raised every emotion by the end!  Stories do that:  they take us out of our everyday lives and transport us to places we have never seen, places that don't even exist and put us in historical events we have not experienced.  It makes me excited to try to expand my own story repertoire and share the stories that are important to me.  Stories are powerful.  Share yours with others.

I can't believe that summer is winding down so quickly!  Where has the time gone?  As school schedules start taking over and events get planned, be sure to include storytellers in your activities.  Stories are the best way to learn literature, history and many other subjects.  Plan ahead for using stories in classes and other presentations.  If you are in the Utah area, check out the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival September 6-8, 2018.  National and international tellers will be on-stage sharing some of their best tales.  Enjoy this beautiful time of year.

We are now in the depths of summer and what a wonderful time of year that is!  I enjoy the freedom from the strict schedules many of us have to keep up with the rest of the year and the feeling of "more time" that it sometimes gives me.  But don't just lounge away the summer.....spend some moments making great memories and turn those memories into stories!  Look for storytelling festivals in your area, or events that sponsor storytelling.  If you are planning a carnival or celebration, hire a professional storyteller and make the event even more memorable.  And remember, ice cream and lemonade always make the season better!

Keep the stories rolling!  Summer and a break from school has arrived and what better way to spend it than with family?  And while you are at the beach, on the road trip or visiting relatives, be sure to share those favorite (or lesser known) family tales.  It's the best way to keep kids entertained and away from the constant stream of technology.  You might actually have conversations together!  If your summer plans include festivals and parties, make sure that storytelling (professional or otherwise) is included.  Children who are exposed to story become more excited about reading, and summer is a super time to get the books out.  Visit your local library and stock up with books, lemonade and your favorite people.  It's a great way to make memories.

If you live in the United States, do you know anything about your culture and history?  We have so many stories from the plethora of immigrant cultures, but we also have stories that are uniquely "American".  Discover your country and claim your heritage!  I have been researching stories of the "American Experience" the past few years and it is an amazing journey.  Find out where your ancestors are from and what they have to offer and then keep digging until you find the roots of American story.  There was a recent storytelling festival in Fillmore, UT that focused on stories from that region and helped those in central Utah feel more connected to their area.  Ask a storyteller or family member to help you do the same!

The Weber State Storytelling Festival was this past week and I was able to tell stories in Ogden's Egyptian Theater--that is always a pleasure!  There is so much ambiance in that location and yes, it also has resident ghosts!  I enjoy asking the people who work backstage about Allison, a girl ghost who died in an accident while the theater was being built and whose antics seem to touch anyone who works there for any length of time.  The theater also boasts a great stage and twinkling lights like stars in the ceiling for an all round fantastic experience.  The artist in me was fully fed.

What a wonderful storytelling festival we had in Clearfield, Utah last Saturday!  It was exciting to see tellers, old and new, perform and feel the audience reactions.  Intertwined within the stories were music, juggling, and puppets.  We heard true tales, tall tales, flights of fancy and "should be true" tales.  There was poetry and laughter, silliness and some more serious reflection.  Storytelling has it all!  Now to the end of February (26-28) when the Weber State University Storytelling Festival (in Ogden, Utah) will be in full swing.  Three days filled with national, regional and local performers and it's all free.  Come and see what storytelling is really all about.

With the holiday season winding down, it's time to start thinking about....Stories!  Yes, winter is the perfect time to cuddle up to some good tales.  Earlier societies used the winter to pass along family tales, folk tales or stories that taught the children family and cultural values.  Get out of the electronics and spend some effort to let your children know about their roots.  Hire a storyteller for an event and find out the beauty and excitement of telling tales.  Any effort you put into this will be well worth it!  Clearfield, UT will hold a storytelling festival on January 27 at 7:00 at the Community Arts Center building 140 East Center in Clearfield, UT.  You could come and hear professional and community tellers share their favorite stories.  It's a free event and will warm up your winter evening!

The storytelling in October was glorious, and now it's time to settle down for family and holiday stories.  With Thanksgiving approaching (in the United States), consider telling stories around the dinner table.  We did that a couple of years ago with my grandchildren, and they absolutely loved hearing about the past, what their parents did as children, and sharing their own memories of times they have enjoyed.  Children need roots AND wings, and we give them roots by sharing our stories, our beliefs, our traditions and our culture.  Have a happy Thanksgiving!

This is a glorious time of year for storytelling....who doesn't love a good ghost story?  Stories that have a bit of chill to match the weather, tales with just a hint of a twist, adventures that excite and make us wonder are all part of the fun of autumn.  I have been working with Storytours and Ogden Ghost Tours for over a dozen years, and it seems we never run out of paranormal happenings to retell on our tours.  Even young children love the stories of this time of year--they just don't need as much "scare" factor.  Be sure to include tales in your October and fall celebrations.  They stir up the imagination and help us appreciate the warmth of our homes and firesides.  

School days are upon us again and the air is getting (a little) cooler, so fall must be on the way!  One of the best things about fall (besides pumpkins!) are the stories and storytelling opportunities.  I love to tell stories with surprise endings and a little bit of chill, and ghost stories and other seasonal treats seem to provide that in abundance.  Don't miss out on the chance to hear, or even tell, a slightly spooky story this season.  As you make plans for harvest activities and family events, include stories in the plan.  After the heat of summer, it's time to cool off with a ghostly story!

What do you do in Utah when the weather stays around 95 degrees for several weeks....go camping!  And when you sit around the campfire at night what do you do.....you tell stories, of course!  It really doesn't matter whether you are spinning family tales, trying to scare the older kids with ghost stories of creatures that inhabit the woods, or just sharing your favorite folk tale, camping and stories go together.  Plan on sharing stories during family outings this summer, and as the summer winds down and school starts, don't forget to include storytelling in your back-to-school activities and carnivals.  Children always love to hear about all their parents' misdeeds and school horror stories.  Let's face it, so do adults.  Happy telling!

This summer seems to be going way too fast!  I just finished a performance called "Sing Me a Story--Ballads, Songs and Stories from the American Tradition" for an appreciative group of "empty nesters" and will be on stage at the Gallivan Center (239 South Main) in Salt Lake City on July 10th at noon for the Lunch Bunch Concert Series.  I will be performing stories and songs with an American theme, as it just seems like the thing to do in July.  It's important to remember our heritage and reconnect with what has made our country free.  Remember to share your family stories with your children and grandchildren as you travel, camp, hike or whatever you do to celebrate the beautiful days of summer.

I just spent a wonderful evening telling American history stories (and one tall tale) to a group of nearly a dozen women.  With all the experiences they have had in life, they were enthralled to hear some parts of history that they never knew, and bits and pieces of stories they hadn't fully heard before.  It's important for us to know about our own culture and stories that make up the "American experience", and so much of that can get lost if we're not actively preserving it.  The stories also got them talking about tales from their own families--these also shouldn't be lost!  We need to tell and hear each other's stories....that's how we pass culture to the next generation.  Culture is best transmitted person to person, in the spirit of love and friendship.

March is here and it seems like spring is around the corner!  That's always good news after a long winter.  Crocus are blooming and their yellow blossoms seem to make everything brighter.  Why not brighten someone's day by telling a story?  Whether you tell a folktale, a family story, something historical, a ghost story, or a healing tale, you have made a connection with your audience (be it 1 or 100).  It's a connection that cannot be made with electronic media, as it's a truly human connection.  Whether we are the teller or the listener, stories help us become more human.  Try it today!

What better way to warm up a winter night than with story?  Cuddle up in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite book and life seems complete.  Of course, it's even better if you spend the evening with family or friends and share your own stories, or versions of stories you have heard.  Winter used to be the time for telling tales...that time when the farm work was less taxing and the evenings were long and dark.  Families had to make their own entertainment, and story and music were the ways to do just that!  Hey!  The evenings are still long, dark and cold, so try story as a way to warm things up this January.

It's the winter holiday season again and whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or Dewali, there are stories to share with others.  This is the time of year for sitting in front of a fire (or in another warm location) and telling stories of your family and holiday traditions.  This is what binds us to each other and to those who have gone before.  And don't forget, when you plan your celebrations and parties, include storytelling.  It makes the time unforgettable!  And remember, in Victorian times, this was the season for ghost stories...try it out!

I just attended a Storyswap with the Utah Storytelling Guild and it was great to see old friends, meet new ones and hear amazing stories.  I have spent the last month telling ghost stories to anyone who would listen and it was a great ride!  With all the talent around the area, if you are in northern Utah and haven't been to a storytelling presentation of some kind...you are just plain missing out!  I have the privilege of performing an hour long program of stories entitled--"From Sea to Shining Sea:  Stories on the Quest for Freedom" on November 11th for Veteran's Day.  I am excited to be able to share tales from our history and those who have given so much for the freedoms we enjoy.  As you gather with family later this month for the Thanksgiving holiday, be sure to share some stories with your children and grandchildren.  They'll remember that long after the leftovers have disappeared!

The air is becoming cooler, leaves are vibrant shades of crimson and gold, the mountains are topped with a dusting of snow...it must be time for ghost stories!!  Almost everyone likes a good ghost tale--one that gives just the right amount of chill, and especially one with a surprise ending, so...get your cup of hot chocolate and doughnuts or popcorn or caramel apples and sit back and enjoy the season and the stories.  Ogden and Salt Lake City (Utah) Ghost Tours offers ghost stories every Friday and Saturday this month, plus on Halloween night.  These are re-tellings of actual experiences people have had in these haunted cities.  Some tours are walking, some are bus tours. Check out the website at www.storytours.com for more information.  If you're having a Halloween party, make storytelling a part of it.  There are great stories for all:  from the little ones who don't need a scare to bigger people who may enjoy it!  Happy Fall!

I started out this month with a wonderful 3 days at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival!  There's nothing better than sitting at the foot of our beautiful mountains and listening to storytellers from all over the country give us their best!  Now is the time of year when the weather is getting cooler, the leaves are starting to turn, and that means...time for ghost stories!  If you live in northern Utah, check out Ogden and Salt Lake City Ghost Tours and hear the history and ghostly encounters in these two haunted cities.  Wherever you are, enjoy the crisp autumn weather and the chill of those stories that always surprise and delight.

I don't know about you, but I have been traveling and seeing some beautiful sights in nature this summer.  The western part of the United States has interesting and unique scenery and it's here for all to enjoy!  It makes me think about the sacrifices so many have made when this country was new, and the pioneering efforts of so many to give us the ease and beauty we take for granted.  These stories need to be told, and I am researching stories that are begging for audiences!  We all need to be more aware of our history so that we can pass the culture down to our children and grandchildren, so that we are informed citizens (wherever we live) and so that we have a sense of where we have come from and where we are headed.  Share stories...hire storytellers who know more stories...share more stories...it's a great way to learn and feel and enjoy life more!

I had a great time telling a program of freedom stories and folk tales at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City last month.  The audience was just wandering around, but the sound system was great and I could see the occasional person stopping in their busy day to listen to a story...we should do that more often!  I have been researching American history stories so that I can tell more of our nation's amazing stories.  Too many don't know anything about the history here, as evidenced by some random Facebook posts that present fictionalized accounts as truth.  The real stories are too good to ignore!  Make sure, whatever culture you hail from, that you acquaint your children and others with the tales that make up your background.  Children need to know where they come from to have a firm idea of where they are going!  So...spread culture and stories this summer!

"June is bustin' out all over"...there should be a song with this!  Summer is truly here and the relaxing and busy times that come with it.  Festivals, parties, get-togethers, reunions...they're all better when accompanied by stories.  I just came back from a wonderful trip to southern Utah and one of the most beautiful places on the globe:  Bryce Canyon.  Before the hike on the Navajo Trail Loop, I had to tell my grandchildren about the time I took that hike as a seven-year-old with a mother who was pregnant and sick, an aunt recovering from whooping cough, a three-year-old brother who had to be carried part of the way and my grandfather.  I was full of more energy than sense, and probably travelled the trail at least twice running up and down in my excitement!  My mother was worried that I might fall off the trail to my death, but she wasn't strong enough to do much about it.  What a great memory and what a fun story for the next generation.  Don't forget to share with your family and friends.  Also, check into what storytelling festivals may be around your area this summer.  You'll be glad you did.

It's May and time to start thinking of summer and vacation plans.  If you are planning a festival or carnival, consider hiring a storyteller to round out the activities and remember...storytelling is not just for children.  EVERYONE loves a good story that is well told!  Stories are the way we share culture, language, ideas and values, so make sure to include it in your summer plans.  If you are traveling with family, there is no better way to keep everyone happy than to share family tales.  The miles will go by much more quickly and there will be less of the question, "Are we there yet?"

April is a beautiful month in Utah--trees are in bloom and flowers spring up everywhere.  It truly seems like a new beginning, and what better way to celebrate a newness of life than to hear and tell stories!  Folk tales from around the world help us connect with other cultures and discover the differences and also the qualities and yearnings we all share.  Family stories unite us with our own backgrounds and traditions, and stories of our cultural and historical heritage help us to know who we are and give us roots.  Try storytelling as a way to bring us all together in a positive manner; it's also a very rewarding way to celebrate this season of beginning.

March is here and spring is in the air!  Why don't you celebrate the change of seasons by hiring a storyteller for your next fair/carnival/ party or activity?  From Irish stories for St. Patrick's Day to celebratory stories for the new life of spring, something will take you into the magical realm of imagination and bring you new ideas and vitality.  If you don't want to hire a teller, do your own telling and share tales of your family or culture.  Stories are how we become more human and share our ideas with others....so share stories this spring and feel the magic of telling!

January 23rd we had an amazing storytelling festival in Clearfield, Utah.  There were eleven tellers and we had everything from cowboy poetry to folktales to puppets to juggling to tender family stories presented on the stage.  The tellers ranged from 9 years old to...well, somewhat older than that.  It was a diverse and great evening for tellers and audience alike.  Here in northern Utah we are looking forward to the Weber State University Storytelling Festival on February 22nd through the 24th.  National and local tellers will take the stage and provide excellent (and free) entertainment!  If you haven't heard storytelling, you're missing out on a great experience.  Stories speak straight to your soul and you can leave feeling refreshed, invigorated, emotionally cleansed, and just plain happy.  Check into storytelling events in  your local area and feel the magic!

Happy New Year and may you have health and happiness in 2016!  Start the year with story.  If you are in the northern Utah area, the 10th Annual Clearfield Storytelling Festival is a great way to do that.  It is held on January 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Arts Center 140 East Center Street in Clearfield, UT. and is free of charge.  Performers will be professional and novice tellers from the area and you will be well-entertained.  Let the stories warm your heart and soul at this frosty time of year!  Those who attend are always glad they did.  Farmington, UT also has a Storytelling Festival on January 16 from noon to 3:00 p.m. Cost is minimal and includes crafts for kids.  If these activities don't fit into your schedule, take some time to spin some tales with your family and friends.  Years ago, winter was the best storytelling time, as the work wound down and people spent more time indoors around the fire.  Those people seemed to sense that story would warm them...inside and out.  When the winter starts getting you down, try story, it's a great pick-me-up and helps chase away the dark.

December is here and with it all the winter holidays...whatever you celebrate!  One of the commonalities of these winter celebrations is the presence of light:  candles, twinkling electric lights, fires, anything that chases away the darkness of this time of year.  One thing that brings warmth and light to our lives is story.  I had the wonderful experience a week or so ago of telling at a senior independent living center.  For about 45 minutes I entertained with historical tales and basked in the warmth of their spirits and their love of story.  I've never had a more appreciative and attentive audience, proving that storytelling is timeless--there is no age limit on the enjoyment and connections that a story can create.  Don't let your holiday go by without telling stories and sharing memories.  We took the opportunity to do that around our Thanksgiving table last month and it was a great time for children and adults alike to connect with adventures of the past.  Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays!

October was an amazing month!  Not only were the trees showing off their finest colors, but the stories were everywhere.  I spent Halloween night doing a ghost tour, including visiting a haunted basement; then I told stories at a party for "big" people--the kind that like a bit of scare.  They all sat around a fire while I told ghostly tales.  Now that November is here, we are gearing up for the holidays and the family occasions that always brings.  Don't neglect to share the family reminiscences, the memories of other holidays, the escapades of when you were a child, and whatever else might come to mind while family is gathered.  Those tales bring you closer and help the children realize that their parents were young once! That is also the way to pass on to the younger generation the things that you value.  Have a great Thanksgiving!

Well, let me just say that October is my favorite storytelling month of the year!  All those ghost stories and spooky tales are great to bring groups together.  (They usually try to get closer for protection, but whatever we can do to bring people together seems to be a good thing!)  There's nothing like a slightly scary story to bond an audience.  There are so many amazing Halloween and harvest festivals around, and some of those have figured out that storytelling should be part of that.  Check out your local area for venues....or, you could just hire a storyteller for your Halloween event.  Parties at this time of year are always better if story is involved.  You can decide how much "fear factor" you want:  storytellers can meet your needs from whimsical to terrifying and everything in between.  So, make a cup of hot chocolate and open up a scary novel to get you in the mood, and then hire a storyteller today!  Many cities also offer Ghost Tours and stories of haunted locals.  If you're in northern Utah, check out Ogden and Salt Lake City Ghost Tours--all the stories and chills without the gore of the haunted houses.

School has officially started, some trees are beginning to turn, and fall is just around the corner.  And, of course, you know what that means.....ghost story season is coming!!  I love to tell the stories that give just the right amount of "spook", stories that have a twist at the end, stories that leave you wondering what really happened and whether it's possible or not.  And as the days begin to cool off, more of those extraordinary events seem ever more possible.  There's something about a cool breeze and leaves beginning to flutter down from the trees that make the supernatural events seem more real.  Whether you like a good ghost story, or just enjoy sitting around a campfire and listening to family tales, autumn is rich in the harvest of stories.  Enjoy, and if you're in northern Utah, check out Ogden and Salt Lake City Ghost Tours...you'll have a great time and you can bring the family, too.

August is here and the summer is winding to a close.  It's time for that last trip to the mountains, the beach, or wherever says "vacation" to you .  Make sure that when you get home, you tell the story of your adventures to your family and friends.  And if you're sitting around the campfire, or the picnic table or in the car...that's a great time to tell stories, too.  Sharing our experiences is what makes us human!  Enjoy these last precious weeks of summer and make story a part of them.

It's summer, and here in Utah it's HOT!  Things are sizzling and that's a good time to share stories.  Sit in the shade, pour an ice-cold drink of lemonade, and just listen!  You can travel anywhere and forget the heat as you put yourself in the story.  In honor of Independence Day here in the United States, I presented at a lunchtime concert at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City and told folk songs and stories of America.  Many know the songs, but most don't know the stories behind them, and that's where the interest lies.  Some stories are inspirational, some silly, some a bit touching, and one was even about an unsolved murder mystery case in the nineteenth century!  Check out storytelling in your community, and be sure to include it in your family activities this summer.  It's what your children and grandchildren will remember.

June is here (already) and what a glorious time of year this is!  Vacations, family reunions, picnics, travel, camping, festivals, relaxation in the sun (or shade)....did I mention story?  Hey, stories can be used at all these occasions.  Anytime stories are shared is a good time.  Ask your relatives, friends, associates, or family about their stories.  You never know when the opportunity will be missed and not come around again.  Then, share your story with them.  Stories are what bond people together, help them see their similarities and keep us human.  When you know someone's story, you truly understand another human being:  and that's beautiful!  Have a great summer!

May is here and the end of school is rapidly approaching.  As we are working our way into the summer and vacation season, be sure to include storytelling in any family visits you might make.  Family members won't be around forever, and when they're gone, so is your opportunity to hear their stories.  So, besides collecting seashells or rocks or photographs from your trips this summer, be sure to collect stories:  whether your own adventures to pass on to others, or from your relatives about their lives and journeys.  You'll always be glad to have these recorded to listen to or read in the future, and your children will thank you, too.  Happy May!

Spring is a great time of year to share stories with your classroom, your family, random children, adults you meet in your life...stories should be shared everywhere.  We relate to each other as humans by story; stories help us connect with others in a way that nothing else does.  So....what are you waiting for?  Share a story today. I teach at an elementary school and am amazed at how many folk tales children don't know. Many of them have never heard of Brer Rabbit, for instance. Historical tales can help us get in touch with those who have gone before and their sacrifices. We need to share some basic tales to keep our culture alive. That goes for whatever your particular culture is. If you need help, contact a storyteller and they will be glad to help you get started on the adventure of storytelling. 

The Weber State Storytelling Festival last week was an amazing event.  I was able to perform a historical tale about two of my ancestors that came to America on the Mayflower and the sacrifices they made for freedom of the soul.  It was great to research and make that tale come alive for an audience.  I was also able to tell some folktales to appreciative audiences of children and adults alike.  I have also been privileged to share some stories with disabled adults and they were excited and receptive to the program.  It has been a great storytelling month, and as we celebrate Read Across America (thanks to Dr. Seuss), my hope is that more adults (and youth) will try their hand at sharing, and listening to, their favorite stories.  It's a fantastic way to promote interest in reading and kindling imagination in our youth.  Tell...and then tell some more!

From Groundhog Day to Chinese New Year, to Presidents' Day and Valentine's Day, February presents many opportunities to tell stories.  Take the doldrums out of a cold winter evening by telling a tale to your family, or listen to a professional teller spin a yarn.  I have just finished with my storytelling festival in Clearfield, Utah, where an eager audience listened attentively to tellers young and old, novice and professional, share their stories.  The end of this month the Weber State University Storytelling Festival will provide three days of entertainment to families and school groups in Ogden and Layton, Utah, with outreach concerts to senior centers, schools, day care centers and other venues.  Local and national professional tellers will share a myriad of styles of telling.  If you find yourself in northern Utah from February 23rd to 25th, check it out at www.weber.edu/storytelling/ .  Events are free.

Happy New Year to one and all!  Let's make this the year of story.  Learn some of the stories and traditions in your part of the world--folktales are everywhere and teach interesting things about our cultures.  Learn stories about your ancestors and the struggles and triumphs in their lives.  Learn about your parents and grandparents and how the world was different when they were younger.  Share these stories in  your family circles; invited a storyteller to share the cultural and folktales of your particular region (or tales throughout the world to broaden your perspective).  Revel in the joy of story!  Stories are how much of our culture has been transmitted through the years; they are also the means by which many truths have been taught and reinforced.  Happy 2015:  Year of Story!

December is here, giving a chance to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and other winter celebrations according to your culture.  Many of our winter celebrations focus on lights, candles, or something to illuminate the darkness that envelopes many of us at this time of year.  All of these celebrations give us the chance to tell stories and enjoy the warmth that brings.  Children's eyes light up when the storytelling starts, as do adults....they are just more subtle about it.  Try hiring a storyteller for your next party or occasion.  It's a different type of entertainment that is enjoyed by all.  And don't forget to share your family and personal tales at this time of year--it's a great way to make family memories!

  November brings cooler days and more chances to get together with family and tell stories and experiences to each other.  This is what brings families together and gives kids roots.  They need to know where they come from and what makes their family special and unique.  Don't forget to share your childhood memories with your children....that makes a big impact in their lives and helps them through the "rough spots" we all have.  Children love to hear about their grandparents and what life was like when they were younger.  It gives them a window to the world that is changing so rapidly.  If you are planning a holiday gathering, why not include storytelling as part of the entertainment?  Whether you hire a professional teller or keep it informal with family and friends, it's a great way to build community.

So....what are you doing during this spooky time of year?  Are you in the mood for a good ghost story?  Maybe you want to hear something that will give you chills, or maybe just something with a bit of seasonal appeal?  This is the season for storytelling!  Carnivals, fairs, Halloween celebrations, and family gatherings are all perfect places to hire a storyteller, or try your hand at telling yourself.  I will be telling again with Ogden Ghost Tours and walking down a street with century-old buildings sharing many paranormal experiences.  If you live close to Ogden, Utah, visit us some Friday or Saturday and learn some local history along with your ghosts.  (www.storytours.com) If you don't find yourself in northern Utah, look around your own area.  Many cities and haunted locations run ghost tours this time of year-- just don't forget to bring your camera.  Some ghosts are not shy and like to "show off" on film.

School has started and fall is in the air (at least in northern Utah) with thoughts of colored leaves, crisp apples, cool nights and of course, stories.  Back-to-school carnivals and other such events are great places for storytelling, as are literacy nights and family get-togethers.  Tell your children what it was like when you went to school, what you did for fun, what your family was like....anything to get them interested in telling (and listening) to story.  What a great way to encourage reading at the beginning of this school year!  Think of hiring a professional teller to add some interest to your fall event.  I told stories at a family event in a shopping area last night and some adults came up and talked with me afterward.  They were thrilled to hear the stories, so don't think stories and storytelling are just for children.  Everyone loves a good story.

August is here already.  Where did the time go?   My storytelling class just finished last week with a showcase performance for families and friends of my young tellers and it was great to see them "shine" on stage.  Stage fright happened for some, but they persevered and pushed through it, which is a great skill for other times in their lives.  School is just around the corner, so make sure to include telling stories with your family as you plan those last camping trips, picnics, and other outdoor activities. With school starting, consider hiring a professional teller for your back-to-school carnival or activity!  You'll be glad you did. 

Happy Birthday, America!  This month is the time for parades, fireworks, picnics and stories!!  When you gather with your family and are waiting for the parade or fireworks show to start...try storytelling to pass the time.  Kids love stories (and so do adults, whether they know it or not).  I have been teaching a youth storytelling class this summer and am working with some exceptional kids who have such vivid imaginations and creativity.  It's been a pleasure to hear them create and tell stories.  Make sure your children have the same opportunities:  they may surprise you.  And for your next reunion or city festival--include storytelling.  Hire a professional and you'll be amazed at how entertaining stories can be.

Summer is officially here and school is out!  Now it's time to get serious about storytelling.  Think family reunions, camping trips, ghost stories around the campfire, summer festivals in the park, picnics with grandparents...all perfect occasions for telling stories and hiring storytellers.  If kids are involved in reading programs this summer (and who doesn't want to sit in the shade, drink lemonade, and read?), encourage them to pick out an occasional book of folktales, myths or legends. Have them become acquainted with world cultures and tales of our own country through story.  Education was never more fun!

Storytelling is in the air this month.  Preparing for summer performances and activities is always an exciting time!  What will you do with your family once school is out?  Make sure it includes stories of family days gone by.  Also, consider hiring a storyteller for your summer event.  Several outdoor venues have already booked me for their entertainment:  don't miss out on the incredible opportunity to hear stories in the outdoors!  Nature and storytelling seem to go together.  Happy May!

This is such a beautiful time of year...flowers are making their appearance, the weather is warmer (some of the time, anyway) and people are starting to make plans for summer activities.  As you start thinking about what to do with your family this summer, consider storytelling as part of your plan.  Share family stories with your children and grandchildren:  they need to know who they are and about their connections.  I teach music at an elementary school and when I use songs from other countries, kids are always excited to tell me where their ancestry is from and how they are related to some of these cultures.  If you are in charge of a big event, consider hiring a professional storyteller as entertainment.  You will be amazed at how stories bridge age groups and create community.  Happy Spring!

It's March and spring is just around the corner!  This is the time of year when I get SO excited about the flowers and the trees in bloom, and I get SO excited about storytelling.  In the Ogden, UT area we just finished with the Weber State Storytelling Festival and what an event that was!  Four national tellers and the chance for the local professionals to shine.  I was able to tell in a set of "French stories" (with music) and some personal tales at a senior center for a very appreciative audience.  When I perform and see the interested looks on the faces of those listening, and hear their conversations afterwards, I know why I love to tell, and hear, stories.  Stories can truly change lives and help us to live better, be more human, and connect more with those around us.  So...join me in the excitement of spring and storytelling.  I'm always available to help you discover the magic of story!

It's February...what is it that you love?  I love God, my family, hot chocolate, reading and of course, storytelling!  This is great time to curl up with a good story, whether you are listening to it, reading it, telling it or going to a professional storytelling event.  Consider hiring a storyteller for your next activity: adults and children alike are mesmerized by a good storyteller.  The Clearfield, UT Storytelling Festival was the last Saturday in January and turned out to be a great success.  The audiences were entertained by 11 excellent tellers and some were amazed by the humor and beauty of the stories.  Don't be the last one to "discover" this great art.  Find a storytelling event and/or a storyteller in your area now...you'll be glad you did.

Happy New Year to everyone!  This is the time to celebrate new beginnings, new goals, new looks and new ideas.  Why not make storytelling one of your priorities during 2014?  Tell stories with your family, friends and associates.  Share your personal culture and beliefs through storytelling....we have just finished a celebration of One who was the greatest teacher through storytelling of all time.  It really works: they will remember what you tell through story better than what you tell in another medium.  Consider hiring a professional storyteller at least once this year for a party or other event, or just to learn (and see firsthand) the power of story. Attend a storytelling event or festival in your community.  Make this a great 2014!

December is here and with it Christmas and other winter holidays.  As the days get shorter and the nights get colder (at least where I live), it's great to have the warmth and light of stories to help us through the darkness.  Stories are what make us human; stories are what connect us to others; stories and their telling are what unite families.  As you participate in whatever celebrations are in your traditions this time of year, be sure to gather family around and tell the stories that make you who you are.  Help your children feel a part of their unique heritage.  And...if you have a special celebration planned, hire a professional storyteller as entertainment.  Your party will be the one others will talk about for months--long after the decorations have been put away.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

November is the month for being thankful, and I am thankful for family and for the stories that keep us connected as a culture and as families.  What would it be like to sit around the Thanksgiving dinner table and  not have stories to share?  Stories make us human; they give us roots; they give us wings; they give us hope through the bad times.  Take some time as the holiday season approaches to think about YOUR family stories, bring them out and dust them off, and be ready to share with those you love.  Consider storytelling at your next holiday party...you might even hire a professional teller as a different type of entertainment.  Be grateful for the stories that connect us.

Well, the haunting season is officially here!  It's time to tell ghost stories and sit around feeling the light chill in the air.... Was that the autumn wind or a specter passing by?  Everyone loves a good spooky story, so share yours.  You might even hire a professional teller to get your blood really racing!  There are many opportunities to hear (and tell) these stories at this season, so start today.  You could even pick up a book of scary stories and read them late at night, if you dare.  Enjoy the feeling of the autumn and the chill of the story.

School days have started again, the air is getting (a little) cooler and we are headed toward Fall.  Now that the kids are back in school, it's time to think about reading and literacy and perhaps harvest celebrations and carnivals.  All of these activities could readily include storytelling!  Stories are a great way to promote reading, and as the days are getting shorter and people are starting to spend a bit more time indoors, storytelling is a good way to make that time valuable.  Why not hire a professional teller for your next harvest event or back-to-school carnival?  You'll be glad you did.

Well, summer is winding down and those busy days of school will soon be here.  As we all head for the mountains or the beach or the park to have our last "summer fling", don't forget to load up on cold drinks, ice cream, hot dogs and STORIES.  Yes, stories will make the event something truly memorable.  You know you have them, share them with your family and friends and anyone who will listen!  It's always appropriate to share stories around the campfire, in the car, or while hiking.  Consider inviting a professional storyteller along when you are planning that reunion or community celebration.  Everything goes better with a story.  Happy August!

Summertime is storytime

Happy Fourth of July (also Independence Day for those of you in the USA)!  I just finished a performance of "freedom stories" at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City, UT and it was interesting to me how many tales from around the world are essentially about freedom.  We all want to be able to find our own way in life, and it's important to transmit that longing and culture to our children.  Tell stories about your youth, your values and your traditions.  Make new traditions by listening to professional tellers and their performances and enjoying the stories that make us human.  Whether around the campfire, at the family reunion, at your summer barbecue or just around the dinner table, tell stories!  And when you plan that special summer event, invite a storyteller to add something different and amazing!

Summer is here, and for those of us who work in the education field, it is the time to re-think, re-group, and re-create what we are doing in our lives and careers.  While I am relaxing and enjoying the sun and family time, I also like to come up with creative ideas for stories and also for my music teaching in the elementary school.  I always hope to end this precious season invigorated and refreshed with new thoughts and stories.  While you are enjoying whatever makes it "summertime" for you, whether that be camping, the beach, extra time to spend with family and friends, or whatever...be sure to tell your stories to all those around you.  My five-year-old granddaughter has decided that storytelling isn't just for grandma anymore.  She enjoys recounting stories she has heard about her parents and has even started "grouping" them--telling a couple that go together (by subject matter) in her mind.  If the pre-kindergartener can do it--you can, too.  There's no time like the present to share with those you love.  Don't forget when planning those fun summer activities to include some time for stories.  You even might want to contact a professional storyteller and get a feel for the power of story.  It truly speaks to all ages.  Happy June!

It's the beautiful month of May again and I am looking forward to the summer season of storytelling.  This is the time to take your stories "on the road"--to camp, on vacation, up the mountains, to the seashore, or just to the back lawn while watching the stars...anyplace is the place for story.  If you are planning a summer event or festival, it would always be better with storytelling.  Invite a professional teller to help you integrate story into your activity, or take the leap and try it yourself.  Make sure your family knows your story.  Telling stories on those long car trips is especially helpful.  Check out storytelling events and reading incentives at your local library.  The possibilities are endless...and so much fun!

The daffodils are blooming, the trees are getting their new green leaves, spring is here, and I am ready to tell stories.  Recently, I have realized how important it is to tell our stories and to tell stories from our culture (and other cultures, as well).  We must preserve our identity and pass our values and traditions on to our children, and that is best done with story.  Stories are what bind us together and make us more human:  it's hard to carry bad feelings for someone once you have heard their story.  So...share with others what is unique about YOU.  And don't forget to plan your upcoming end-of-school-year activities with story in mind.  Hire a professional teller today and get a view of what story can do for children, teens and adults, too.  It's a great way to promote literacy and preserve culture.

The Weber State University Storytelling Festival has just ended after another successful year of youth tellers, local professional tellers and 4 fantastic out-of-state tellers spinning their yarns for three full days.  If you missed the fun, plan on coming next year.  Save the date--February 24-26, 2014.  Events are free and you'll be glad you came!

This has been a LONG winter and everyone in Utah is excited to see the sun and the hopes of spring in the air.  While you are feeling somewhat rejuvenated by that thought, why not start your spring and summer storytelling planning?  There are numerous family, school and community events where the magic of story would be appreciated.  Contact a storyteller today for some added sparkle in your event.  And while you're at it, tell a story to someone you love. 

Well, February is here at last...the month of love, and I just LOVE stories.  The winter in Utah has been especially cold and it's always nice to feel the warmth of story.  So, whether you're visiting with friends or taking the grandchildren on an outing, include storytelling in whatever you're doing.  At a recent storytelling festival held in Clearfield, Utah, more than a third of the tellers were youth.  They ranged in age from 7 to 14 and did a great job presenting their stories to an audience of nearly 100 people.  It's great to see the "next generation" picking up on the importance of storytelling.  Don't YOU miss out on the fun.  Share a story with someone you love today.

Winter is upon us and it feels like the time to curl up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate.  Why not consider storytelling as an occasional alternative to reading?  Check out your local storytelling guild or group and hire a professional teller for a special event, or take the time to tell (not necessarily READ) stories to family and friends.  My four-year-old granddaughter is one of my best story-listeners.  Whenever we get together, she asks for a story.  Now, she can tell many of the stories to me and to her friends.  What a great way to encourage critical thinking, creativity, and pre-reading skills!  And...she's getting pretty good at the telling.  Her stories follow the linear pattern in the plot and are quite entertaining.  Stories are a great gift you can give to yourself and to those you love, so keep telling tales.

Deck the halls with storytelling!  Fa la la la la la la la la!  What a wonderful season to connect with family and friends and renew old acquaintances (lest they be forgot).  While you are doing all this "connecting", don't forget to tell stories to each other...we do that, anyway.  Make sure your children and grandchildren know about holiday traditions in your family's past and make new traditions that you will all cherish in the future.  This is the season of remembering the greatest of Gifts that was ever given, and also remembering those who may be less fortunate by giving our time, talents and even finances to help. Have a Merry Christmas; Happy Holidays; Happy New Year.  And remember to include storytelling (and storytellers) in your plans.

The holiday season is fast approaching. Are your stories ready? I don't mean stories specific to any celebration, but stories that need to be shared with family and friends. Recently we had a family party where some stories of "grandpa", now deceased, were shared. Everyone who had a memory of him shared something, and the younger audience, who hadn't known him, was mezmerized as they learned more and "grandpa" became a real person to them. We all have memories that would bless others as we share the stories. Of course, if you're looking for entertainment for a holiday party or occasion, try hiring a storyteller to add a different dimension to your activity. Stories bond people together in ways that nothing else can. They are reflections of who we are as a culture and who we are as human beings. As we turn our thoughts to the things for which we are grateful this month, let's count our families and our cherised memories as among the most important.

It's my favorite storytelling season of the year. As soon as the pumpkins and scarecrows start appearing I begin thinking about ghost stories...those stories that give you just a bit of chill to go with the cooler weather. Ogden and Salt Lake City Ghost Tours is a great way to celebrate the "season" and hear some of the actual experiences that people are having in haunted old buildings and cemeteries (and even on the street). Check out the website at www.storytours.com and add something different to your October. Don't forget to share some of your favorite autumn tales with your family and friends. Sit by the fire, pop some corn and enjoy the company of loved ones and stories. If you're planning an event, consider hiring a professional teller to "spook it up". Storytellers can tell everything from non-scary fare for little ones to tales that will keep older people lying awake at night. Have a haunting October!

There is a hint of fall in the air, the trees are starting to change colors, school has started--it must be September. Where DID the summer go? As you start to think about spiced cider and costumes, you might want to think about those stories that can give you a bit of a chill that has nothing to do with the weather. Ghost stories are appropriate any time of year, but they seem especially satisfying as the calendar turns toward autumn and October. Do you have any personal stories of unexplained events in your family? Well, we do in mine! Dust those off and share them with loved ones. You might also want to consider finding a teller who can share some with you. There are many story-listening opportunities available this time of year, so snuggle up with your cider and listen to some ghost stories!

August is upon us...the fireworks of July are past. Why not make "fireworks" of your own by telling some really funny or scary or interesting or informative stories? Here in the West it is the camping season and there is nothing better to do than sit around as the dusk begins to settle upon the mountains and tell stories. You could begin by sharing the family anecdotes that everyone enjoys hearing again and again. Then follow with a favorite regional tale ("The Windigo" comes to my mind) and then a folktale. Of course, you always want to end with something a little scary (or more scary if the littler ones have been persuaded to go to bed!). Consider storytelling as part of your late summer family reunion; hire a storyteller to liven up your next barbecue or party. There are so many reasons to tell a story: find someone and tell them a story today! Happy summer!

Happy 4th of July! The month of remembering and appreciating the freedoms we enjoy is upon us...and wherever you live this is a good time to reflect on your heritage and what is important to you. I teach children and have been asked (living in the USA)--"what is our culture?" as I try to teach the younger generation to respect and understand a little about others and their cultures. We have a great opportunity to "pass on" whatever culture we call our own through story. After all, this has been the way of oral tradition for thousands of years--telling stories that help define who we are and what we value. Since I live in the United States, I enjoy telling some tales that are from my cultural heritage. As we delve into our own culture, we very often find that it is not so different from others...we have much in common. Happy telling!

To quote a famous song--"June is bustin' out all over!" The weather here in Utah is glorious, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and my honeysuckle bushes are scenting the air. School has just gotten out for the summer and it is a wonderful time to read, tell and listen to stories. Many of you are probably planning family activities, camping trips, reunions and festivals of various types throughout these next three months of summertime. Don't forget to include storytelling on these occasions. Storytelling is a way to link the generations together, to pass on important information and traditions, to keep the culture of your family and area intact, to remember those who have passed on, and just to laugh and cry and enjoy each others company. If you want a different type of entertainment for young and old alike, hire a storyteller for your next barbecue or activity. It's good, old-fashioned fun at its best. Have a great summer!

May is fully here and with it the end of the school year and the beginning of the summer storytelling season! What better way to celebrate than planning outdoor activities and festivals with a storyteller as the featured event? This is also the time to think about those great family trips and the opportunities to gather your children and grandchildren around and tell them the stories that make them who they are. Children love to hear about those who went before and recognize similarities in talents, looks, and interests with others--it gives them the feeling of belonging, something that can be sorely lacking in today's fast-paced society. So...give yourself and your children (and others you care about) the gift of story. It will enrich you both. Happy telling!

April is here:  spring, daffodils, beautiful blue skies, and many more opportunities to tell (and listen to) stories.  A few weeks ago I was volunteering in a large building in Salt Lake City, Utah.  My job there is to greet people and make them feel welcome.  I was talking to a family and discovered that they were traveling from Iowa, and the exact town where I spent most of my elementary school days...long ago.  After we reminisced about various local landmarks and how the flooding several years ago has affected the area, I mentioned one of my fondest childhood memories.  When I was younger my parents took me to some children's theater productions at the local college.  That is probably the first time that I was introduced to the stage (a passion for me) and was able to see the actors up close and personal, as they came into the lobby and greeted the children as we left.  The "mascot" for this theater was a dancing ear of corn--not a real ear of corn, but someone in a costume!  This dancing corn would introduce each play with the "theme song" of the theater, which was called "Playtime Poppy".  (This really happened:  everything in Iowa is related to either pigs or corn.)  As I was sharing this story, the woman in the group told me that she was on the board of directors for that same "Playtime Poppy" theater, though they now travel and use the stages at local high schools.  They are still producing children's theater for yet another generation of kids.  Her husband said, "Well, you can go back and tell the board how that affected someone."  You see, I happened to be involved with a community theater production at the time we were having this conversation: that early exposure to the stage made me want to participate in it years later.  What a small world this is, and what a difference in someone's life we can make without even knowing who they are.  Those who acted in those plays so long ago didn't have any idea the effect they had on at least one child, who has now acted in over 30 theater productions!  What effect can telling stories have on your family?  your friends?  those you may not even know?  Try sharing a story today and see what it does for you and those you care about.  Consider having a professional teller come to an event you may be planning this spring.  What power there is in story, whether on the stage or in the living room.  Keep telling tales.

These past couple of months have been a feast for storytelling in northern Utah:  three festivals, a conference with national presenters, and numerous opportunities to do what I like best--tell stories to appreciative audiences.  I have heard a plethora of folk tales during these events, as well as reading some to expand my repertoire, and I have been thinking about that genre of story.  What is it that makes folk tales appear in various locations, almost unchanged in basic plot, and makes them told and re-told throughout the years?  Why is it that movie makers keep discovering and re-discovering these stories?  I think the answer is that they always have a kernal of truth that speaks to our very souls.  We want the hero to win because we want to come out "on top" ourselves.  They seem to empower us and give us "permission" to be human, have faults, and still overcome.  Also, they are just good stories!  They have been handed down from generation to generation because we like to hear and tell them.  So...find a storyteller for your next event and experience the magic of folktale.  Or...tell a story to someone else--it will brighten both your days.

Do we LOVE storytelling, or what.?  This is the perfect month to share a story with someone you love--family member, friend or sweetheart.  Nothing brings people closer together than story.  Our recent 5th Annual Clearfield Storytelling  Festival was a huge success.  We moved to a larger venue this year and still filled the room.  Everyone felt the warmth and magic of story on a cold winter evening.  The audience was mesmerized by the tellers, who ranged in age from 10 years to....well... older.  Even the youngest audience members were enthralled with the presentations and at the end we were well filled with story, memories and things to contemplate for later.  We had a great mix of stories--cowboy poetry  to folktale to personal story to historical tale.  If you want to experience to totally new type of entertainment--one for the whole family and even the ADULTS--look up a storytelling event in your area.  Caution:  story-listening is addictive.  You will begin to want more and more of it.  Happy February!

If you're wondering what to do to "warm" those cold winter nights...why not try storytelling?  Years ago, when many people lived in agricultural settings, winter was the time when chores slowed down and evenings were spent telling tales.  Culture was passed down at times like these, and many children learned about values and family from these shared experiences in front of the fire on a frosty winter night.  So...pop some corn, turn on the gas log, and try some old-fashioned entertainment with your family this January.  You'll all wonder why you didn't think of turning off the TV long ago!  Check into activities in your local area:  storytelling may be offered in various venues and can spark your own (and your children's) creativity.  It's a cozy way to spend time in the winter.

'Tis the season when many of us think about the birth of Christ, meet with family and friends, and tell STORIES.  Ssince this time of year brings back so many memories, why not share those with the ones you love?  Children, and even adults, enjoy stories from the family's past, or just items that have happened to you in the day's events.  Turn off the TV and other electronic media, sit down by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy sharing with each other.  Of course, if you have a more structured event, hiring a storyteller is always a way to provide enjoyable and slightly unique entertainment...for ALL ages.  Whatever you do and whatever you celebrate at this season, have a good time with those close to you...wishing all a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

Where did October go?  Well, ready or not, it's November and Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner.  With all the family times ahead, it's time to think about all the stories and traditions your family has.  Be prepared to share those with your children and grandchildren at this festive time of year.  Children (and adults, too) love to hear stories about the past, and especially about their families' past.  What a great way to help others to be grateful this Thanksgiving...give them a sense of where they have come from and where they are going.  Share some fun stories that you enjoy.  Share some memories of times past.  And, if you're planning a holiday get-together, don't forget to include storytelling as part of the fun!

October is nearly here with all its beautiful blue skies, multi-colored leaves and just the hint of "spook" in the autumn air.  Whether or not you believe in ghostly activity, almost everyone loves a good ghost story.  This time of year is just brimming with the harvest of fruits, vegetables and stories to cause a chill up your spine.  Don't miss out on the wonderful opportunities to enjoy these tales.  Storytelling venues abound this month, from those that the littlest children can enjoy, to ones that can cause a bit of thrill to the adults.  Check into what's available and don't let this time of year find you without a good tale to repeat around the winter fire later.

School has started and the feeling of fall is in the air.  Warm days and somewhat cooler nights are upon us and tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables are ripening.  It's an exciting time of year when hopes and goals for learning are bright and each day promises a new adventure.  To me, it means that it's time to start thinking about booking a storyteller into your school for a classroom presentation or an assembly.  It also means that it's time to start thinking about the season of ghost tales and spooky stories. Don't wait to get the magic of storytelling into your life, and enjoy the beautiful days ahead. 

August brings camping trips, family reunions, picnics, and of course, back-to-school activities and the inevitable END OF SUMMER!  (Has it gone as quickly for you as it has for me?)  Well, as you are having last family outings, don't forget to include storytelling with your children and grandchildren in the program.  Our family had a camping trip last week, and as we prepared to leave, one of my granddaughters asked if I was going to tell more stories.  Personal stories, family stories, folk tales, ANY story...it doesn't matter so much WHAT you tell, just as long as you DO!  As you are preparing for that back-to-school time and programs for the children during the year, why not invite a storyteller to your school and introduce your kids to the magic of story.  It's such good food for the brain and the imagination.  We need those interpersonal connections more and more as the world gets increasingly "high tech".  So...start telling,  Laurie

July is the month when we think about our country, patriotism and the freedoms for which we are all grateful.  It's also a great time to think about our history--whether that's the history of our nation, our family, our community or our culture.  What better time to get together and let your children know a little more about their heritage--they love those stories that can be told around the campfire, the barbecue grill, the picnic table or the patio.  Spend some of these long summer twilight evenings exchanging anecdotes and reminiscing about your family.  If you are planning a reunion or a larger "event", remember to add storytelling to the agenda.  There are family members just waiting to tell their tales, or hire a professional storyteller to "liven up" that occasion.  Remember--everything goes better with story, so keep telling tales, Laurie.

Summertime; and the telling is easy!  What a great time of year:  school is out (for most), flowers are blooming, sun is shining, and ice cream is available everywhere.  While you sit in the shade and cool off with a cone of your favorite flavor, why not share a story or memory with someone?  It's a valuable way to cement a friendship, teach a grandchild, or just enjoy the company of another traveler on the planet.  If you are planning a summer get-together, add stories to your plans, whether told by members of your group or by a professional teller that may be available in your area.  It's a "different" type of entertainment that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.  Many festivals in the park now include storytelling in their offerings--hey, that's a good idea!  Keep telling tales, Laurie