Rich retired two years ago from his job as a computer programmer. When he retired, his wife, Alice, told him he needed something to do to keep busy and involved. Fortunately, at that time he attended some activities at the Mid-Continent Public Library, Woodneath branch, associated with the Kansas City Storytelling Celebration, including a workshop given by Joyce Slater and Sue . That's when he thought that this could be for him.
He then joined the River and Prairie Storyweavers (RAPS) storytelling group and quickly was elected as Secretary for the group. He says he is glad he joined RAPS because "they have taught him so much about storytelling." He became a MO-TELL member when he decided to compete in the Missouri Liars Contest. Having heard several of his stories, I can attest that Rich has a flair for the Tall Tale. Whether it is a about the Clary boys or about an ill-fated canoe trip, he makes it a story that is a delight to hear. Apparently other people agree, because Rich is a finalist in the 2019 Kansas Storytelling Celebration Tall Tales Contest, which will be held on April 26th this year in Downs, Kansas.
So as can be seen, Rich did listen to Alice and found something to keep him busy and involved. The world of storytelling is richer (pun intended) with the addition of another storyteller.
Storytelling is Magical.
Whether you tell a personal tale or a folktale or a fairy tale or one made up in the corners of your mind; you are creating magic. We recognize the power of the oral tradition and we are transformed by it.
It is February, a month dedicated to so many things like love and history and even groundhogs. What stories will you be sharing? What is your love story?
I started telling stories in childhood probably like the rest of you. I never realized I would fall in love with this art and champion it where ever I go.
Tell your stories of love to all you meet. Listen to stories too, because listening is a big part of storytelling. When you hear a story that moves you, tell us about it.We want to share your discoveries with our members in the “Break a Leg”column.
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
A thought for Your Day:
A good storyteller is the conscience-keeper of a nation.
- Gulzar,poet, lyricist,
and film director (b. 18 Aug 1934)
Once there was a crow who had grown so thirsty he could barely caw. He flew down to a big pitcher where he had gotten a drink of water the day before, but there was only a little bit of water remaining at the bottom.
He tried and tried to reach it with his beak, but the pitcher was too deep and his beak was too short.
But just as he was about to give up, he knew what to do. He flew back and forth from the garden to the pitcher until he was able to drink easily from the pitcher while sitting on its edge.
What did the crow do?