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!