Category Archives: Story

Telling a Story? – Tips and Tidbits!

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

A storyteller, though voice and jester, invites people to join him/her on a guided tour of images, the place where a story begins, change happens and where life or someone’s awareness will never again be the same: knowing that the beginning will never be the same as the ending.

  1. Choose a story, myth or tale that you love – if you don’t love it, don’t do it. Ask your self, why do I love it? Why is this important for me to tell? What is the most important part of this story to me?
  1. If it is a myth or a folktale, then look it up in other sources – book and/or audio. Every storyteller adds his or her own unique style and flavor to a story. This might give you some more ideas as you work up your own version. Try reading it out loud to yourself or to a friend to hear the cantor of the story.
  1. Make an outline of the key events. Know your story – never memorize it. Remember every story has a beginning, something that happens that changes everything, now what – how life is different from when the story started.
  1. Practice by telling a friend or a family member. The more you tell it in front of others, the better your story becomes. Watch your story grow and come alive as you “listen” to what your audience is hearing.
  1. Become familiar with and research key elements in your story – main characters, geographic locations, plants, animals . . . Or try changing the setting or the main character in your story ie, retell it from the mouse’s, wicked step sister’s or tree’s perspective. Maybe the tortoise and the hare decided to race through the plumbing in your school!
  1. Review your original sources. It is important to keep the integrity of the storyline.
  1. Remember the ending to your story.  That way you know were you are going.
  1. Have fun. If you love what your are doing and love your story, your audience will too!

“The mythology of Greece survived for centuries before Gutenberg invented the printing press. To know the stories, one had only to listen to keepers of tales – the storytellers. Today, because we no longer need to rely upon the spoken work to know the stories, we forget that they were vividly entertaining vehicles of culture in a pre-reading era. The best written versions, I believe, remind us once again of the oral power of the ancient myths.” Barbara McBride-Smith in her book Greek Myths Western Style: Toga Tales with an Attitude.

Greek Myth's Western Style

Until next time . . . Let a Storyographer’s Journey Begin!

“You can’t teach a pig to fly.”

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

pigs-1520968_640

Can you teach a pig to fly? Great question! A great question desires a great answer. When I find one, I will let you know.

Now in the world of flying or non-flying pigs, I sometimes see myself in the mirror. In the world and reality of single toe ungulates, flying is probably not on their list of goals, go to favorites or even on the list of conscious or semi-conscious reality. Yet for us, in our humanoid form of being, this poses a valid question. Can we teach pigs to fly? Or more importantly, can we teach ourselves to fly.

Porking out on troughs filled with the “I can’t’s . . . I can’t do it . . . If only my boss would . . . The economy . . . I wore pink striped underwear on a blue polka dotted underwear day . . . The list of life’s I can’ts is as long and as creative as the universe itself. In moving through the well crafted, stories of life’s “I can’t’s” let’s step out of the barnyard and into a new story. One that allows each of us to fly higher than we ever dreamed possible. One which elevates us and opens us up to a new level of freedom in our lives.

In your personal life: Who or what is the “pig” you are trying to teach to fly? That ongoing, same old ending story which never seems to change? Capture an image of that story. Go into this image and visually explore other possible outcomes. See and expand on this image. Now, take a few minutes, each day and write down your “pigs” progress. It could be a change in feelings. A change in how people interact  with you. A change in the type of opportunities which come into your life. A change in . . . ? Keep a brief daily record for at least a month. OK, now, how is your pig doing on its flying lessons?

Looking back through your brief, daily logs, it’s content is the basis for a new life story.

What challenges have you overcome?
How is the ending, or where you are now, different from the beginning?
What changes have happened inside of you and your life as a result of this journey?
Who are the “unseen” helpers which have added something unexpected along the way? What are you doing to celebrate your victorious ending?

On the story-development side pig aviation;  think of a favorite story or folktale. Take the main character and ask yourself:

Where are you going?
What seemingly impossible challenges are ahead of you?
Do you care?
Are you so sick of the way life is as it is that you don’t care what might be in the forest ahead of you, or what is across that ocean across from you?
Are you trying to “figure out” how you can get there; if it is even possible; if it is worth all the time and hassle . . . ?
Who and where are you in the journey which lies ahead. Are you willing to allow yourself to do the seemingly impossible which just might be entirely possible?
Where are you in your own pig’s flying lessons?

Now here in lies a new story to tell and an adventurous life to live!

Until next time . . . Let your Storyographer’s journey begin!

Samson and Delilah – Strength vs Doubt

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

An old favorite in a fresh light as I listened to Mary Morressey’s message this past Sunday in Warren, MI. The well told tale unfolds, a rather handsome man, hair long and flowing, the strength of an army. Army, yes an army and the opposing militaristic forces were desperate in search of another strategic idea, or two or three. The idea came, of course, the incredible beautiful, seductress Delilah. The kind of women that could make almost any man’s eye’s glaze over, his heart melt and his truest confessions spill forth. Often makes me wonder if she knew Helen of Troy.

However she has some work ahead of her. Persistent in the heat of passion and romance, she remains centered, focused on the ultimate question – where does your strength lie?

“Honey, I got it, I flaunt it, that’s all anyone needs to know!”

The routine continues, until in a moment of spirited intoxication, in a second of romantic passion, he shares his secrete drifting off into an enchanted sleep. No magic kiss at the end of this one. Bound, the source of his strength now gone with a clip of the scissors, as he hair lies strewn on the ground beneath his feet, he is taken captive by the opposing army. Eyes poked out, now tied to a grinding wheel, he spends his days making small circular rounds.

Strength vs doubt. An intriguing story of personal power, of strength of diverted focus and attention. An inspiring story of remaining true to the uniqueness of who we are and the incredible gifts we have to share.

Until next time . . . let a Storyographer’s journey begin!

Seasonal Mania!

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

Seasonal Story Mania!

The end of December marks the busiest, craziest, most celebrated time of year in the US. Holidays are nothing new, nothing old and happen frequently throughout the year. Only, in late December the celebration takes on a life, or more accurately, a life’s story of its own. More than anything else, this time of year represents the power of story, as many traditions, faiths, beliefs, parental units and media producers spend a great deal of time telling and retelling favorite seasonal stories. Inspired by the power of these stories, the majority of individuals across the country engage in some type of holiday tradition, celebration or obligation.

It’s Time

“Timing, doesn’t anyone get it! A census – Caesar must be crazy. Great, an official head on neck head count. Heads are heads, no matter their geographic location. The idea of traveling off to the city where the Male Head of households’ ancestral line resides adds a new dimension to bureaucratic blunders. Don’t they get it? I am nine months pregnant.”

Securing a reservation with Needle’s Eye Camel Caravan; Mary and Joseph pack their traveling clocks – slash sleeping bags, an extra pair of shoes, some cash and a container for water. Fortunately due to the increasingly large numbers of traveler’s, donkey rental businesses and caravan travel bookers are rallying in numbers to meet the needs of census bound travelers ensuring safer travel by numbers opportunities.

Next stop Bethlehem, the City of David.

Bidding farewell to fellow caravan travelers, Mary and Joseph welcome the business of the city. No longer having to worry about prowling mountain lions, thrill seeking wild boars and theft driven bandits, they find themselves surrounded by adults clutching the hands of young children. Directionless travelers seeking advice from direction filled residents. Merchants lining the streets notifying passing crowds of their goods and services. Their hailed voices lifting above the echoing chanter of daily conversation:  “Flame Baked” “Tree Ripened!” “Ox Strong Donkey Rentals!” “Lion’s Eye Protection: Camel Caravans!” A lengthy list carrying on farther than any eye can see or any ear can hear. Longing for more than a road side slice of land to sleep on, Mary and Joseph search for lodging.

Mary, feeling the early onset of labor reaches out to Joseph; “It’s time”.

“It’s time, what time?” asks Joseph.

“It’s time!” replies Mary.

It’s time for many things. Times filled with hectic schedules, family dynamics, emotions, wonderment, excitement, uncertainty, loneliness . . .  A time of appreciation, stopping to think about the people around us, those who touch our lives. As we again enter another time of gift exchanges, delicious meals and holiday gatherings, maybe considering taking just a bit of time in the expression of gratitude. It might be a great time to stop and share with each person gathered around one or more things that you appreciate about them.

Wishing you all the warmth, happiness and health in this holiday season!

Until next time! . . . Let a Storyographer’s Journey Begin!

Poetry Spirations – Oral Tradition

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

nib-153747_1280Thank you Jerry Neal for your inspirational interview and insights!

I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Jerry, a local poet and author on the subject of oral tradition, the similarities and differences on how poets and storytellers craft their work and what inspires him.

Jerry, smiles, leaning slightly forward in his metal handled chair, recalling an instance when a poet, at a poetry reading, attempted to read a poem that he had not read in almost twenty years. The result was a flattening, lifeless experience for both writer and audience members alike! Shaking his head, Jerry wondered what the poet might have thought, feeling, imagining when they wrote this piece of poetry. He wondered how this poem touched that person’s life, their heart, and what inspired them to write it to begin with. He further talked about wondering what the impact of the poems phrases felt like when this person was writing the poem and how this again comes through in the reading of this poet’s work through the reader’s diction, rhythm and meter of their voice.

I too had to smile! Jerry’s words ignited my inner awareness, enthusiasm and reflections in the art of storytelling and the artistry of story development. How does the story touch me? What images are going through my mind’s eye as I retell this story? What feelings and emotions are part of the story, the characters and the reality of their lives? How is my voice, my jesters and other personal expressions reflect specific aspects of the story and its story-line? Why is it important to me to tell this story? How does this story benefit the audience? How do I benefit from telling this story?

In extended appreciation to Jerry Neal, local author and poet!

Jerry’s book; Collected Poems are found at:
http://www.amazon.com/Collected-Poems-Mr-Jerry-Neal/dp/1499716583

 

Until next time . . . Let Your Storyographer’s Journey Begin

Bringing Joy to the World! Karin Volo’s Inspirational Story!

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

Joy-to-Faith-Cover-200“Every day I had to make a conscious choice between love and fear. I chose love and it eventually won—as it always will.”  Karin Volo

http://inspiringyourverybest.com/       http://www.bringingjoytotheworld.com/

Karin Volo, a nationally and internationally known, acclaimed business developer, success coach, dedicated partner and Mother of two young children, ages 6 and 8, entered into the San Diego airport for a return flight home. Only one week prior to this, Karin’s wildest dreams rapidly unfolded in her life; moving into her dream home, watching the Law of Attraction movie “The Secrete”, preparing for the launch of her highly successful business across two more countries, now standing, with the man of her dreams and business partner, excitedly awaiting a flight back home to their family in Sweden. A tap of the shoulder from an US Marshall at the San Diego, CA airport in March of 2006 changed Karin’s and her family’s life forever.

Karin, being immediately placed under arrest, handcuffed, jailed, accused, yet never convicted or sentenced, for a crime she never committed, in a country that was not her own. This devastating, life altering news reached her family, without even a chance to hug her young children good-bye. Karin, now facing the horrifying uncertainty of living, locked down, in the seamlessly, never-ending, mind numbing lines, rows, and levels of iron bars encasing cement defined rooms. Her life now in ever wavering jeopardy, facing possible extradition to Mexico, strip searches, pat downs and head counts . . . Fear and terror threatening to over take her, determined, she enacted the law of attraction. Armed with the book “Yoga for Dummy’s” from the prison library and her courage, she served to meet the needs of herself, her family and fellow inmates for the next 1,342 days. During this time she led other women in powerful visualizations of their lives, outside iron bars, and cement walls. In these visualizations the women loving transported their children from one activity to another, celebrating their accomplishments, supporting them in their dreams, somehow embracing the knowledge, through faith, that today’s reality would never become tomorrow’s destiny.

Armed once again with books from the local prison’s library, Karin studied meditation and spirituality. During her now daily meditation sessions the image of a girl, named Joy, spoke to Karin. In the course of her communication with Joy, Karin authored 27 books relating the deep spiritual truths that she was learning in a manner that her children would understand. Joy grew illuminating Karin’s mind and her time. One by one, she wrote, illustrated and sent these Joy books to her family in Sweden. It was through Joy that Karin and her family embarked on a life transforming, Spiritual journey together.

Karin’s story so immeasurably touched me, by the incredible gift she gave her family, as during these tough times her books, her words, her presence, her Mothering stood so markedly strong and far-reaching. I am inspired by the strength of Karin’s love and parenting as she continued nourishing and nurturing her family and friends through her inspirational stories. While Karin could not be there in person, she was present in so many other ways. I could just see her children receiving one of these incredible gifts, the kind we all love to give our children. Sitting there with their Father, welling with excitement in anticipations of receiving and opening these immense treasures from their Mother. Through their now Father’s voice, hearing their Mother’s words read through a literary journey of hope, faith and love’s transforming power. Then the excitement of sharing it with their friends:  “Look at what my Mom . . .” The incredible gift of skills, tools, strength, self-worth and empowerment that Karin gave each member of her family. I can not image what Karin’s children thought or felt as they received these treasured gifts from their Mother. Then, 3 years and 10 months later, receiving the news that Mon was coming home.

Thank you Karin and Joy!

The Power of Story Within – Storyteller Bill Harley

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

The power of story truly lies inside each one of us.

 

Images ignite our stories and link us with our audiences and transform our lives.

 

Until next time . . . Let Your Storyographer’s Journey Begin!