 I had a great time in
Jonesborough, Tennessee last month as 'Teller In Residence.' A highlight
for me was devoting a day to an organization close to my
heart. Bead
for Life is "eradicating poverty one bead at a time"
by empowering African women to lift themselves and their families
out of desperate poverty. In the morning I did
a performance of "Hope Is
Back On Me - A Storyteller's Journey In Africa." All day long we
showcased the beautiful (and affordable) jewelry the women make by hand
from recycled paper. With the help of ISC staff and volunteers, we
raised $4,127! And all of us in this tiny Tennessee town
felt a deep and profound connection with the women in Uganda and
their stories.
If you are interested in hosting a Bead for Life
jewelry party, please contact BeadForLife.org. They make it very easy for you
and it's a lot of fun! |
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Storytelling for Every One
Saturday Workshop August 7th, 2010 |
 I love telling
stories and teaching workshops is my passion. But I know that for
many folks, finding a whole week, or even a full weekend to attend a
class can be a true challenge in our busy lives - and may be a stretch
financially. So for the first time, I am offering a one-day
Saturday workshop here in Asheville that makes it not only very
affordable to explore storytelling but also easy to fit into your
schedule!
This seminar is for everyone: writers,
teachers, sales professionals, grandparents, attorneys, presenters,
tellers, coaches, and all those curious. Come join me in Asheville on
August 7th to nurture the storyteller in you!
For workshop details, registration and other Asheville
happenings, click here. |
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Traveling to another time |
 What amazing
stories were created this last week at our annual summer retreat! I
am so moved by the participants' willingness to open themselves to the
process of delving into their stories. Through partner exercises,
'walking through memories,' poetry, and performance, each person went
home with brand new insights and stories to tell.
A very special part of the week was our journey to
the Hicks' homeplace. As many of you know, Ray Hicks, an
Appalachian storyteller who passed away in 2003, was an American
treasure. His widow Rosa and son Ted welcomed us with open arms
and lots of traditional stories and delightful ballads. We had time to
visit, enjoy Rosa's flowers, and Ted's stories took on a new sparkle
with our eager ears. Stepping into the almost 100 year old
springhouse, we were transported to past times, and came home with very
full hearts.
Click here for more photos from our visit to the
Hicks' |
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“All the plans I had were the plans of a poor
woman but now I no longer call myself poor.”
-- Millie, one of the Bead For Life
beaders, Kampala, Uganda |
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"Connie, I loved your
performance yesterday. I'm an old guy that sometimes dozes during
performances, especially if my wife doesn't keep poking me. Between my
admiration of your talents, the laughter of the audience, and my own
laughter I didn't need even one poke. But, I did miss my nap.:) You do a
very good job of reading and working the audience."
-- Jerry Paulsen
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The Fine Print: You are receiving
this email because you are a storytelling friend or we have done
business in the past. Storytelling thrives by word of mouth - please
pass this along to others who might enjoy storytelling workshops or
news. Thanks.
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