David and Goliath

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

Wow! Looking at the story as taken from the Dead Sea Scrolls. It makes me think about what I am focusing on in life and what really motivates me into inspired, excuse-less action. The kind of action where my identified problem is really secondary to what I really want at this precious moment in life.

David, a young Shepard boy, takes care of sheep. A rather thankless job in almost any culture, often “dumped” upon the younger siblings. Sheep, not being the most intelligent of creatures, create their own set of unique challenges. They actually remind me of the “I don’t get it’s” of society.  It isn’t that they don’t care or really want to figure it out, they just have a unique talent for missing the obvious.

David, a sheep milking herd protector, and “if no one else is available” errand boy heads up to the front lines of the latest battle to deliver food to his older brothers. While standing around the camp fire, listening, he hears a voice, a voice that is louder than any voice he has ever heard. Looking up he sees a man larger than any man he has ever seen. This man, dressed in armor, calls himself Goliath.

Hum, fight me and the war will end. The battle has been long. Front lines meant hand to hand combat – bodily intact-ness, breathing by night fall realities lie in certain question. The King of the Isrealites offers enticing incentives to the one brave enough to step forward. David, learning of possible marriage to the King’s daughter and tax free bonuses, steps into action.

King Saul’s heart goes out to this young man. In the moment he offers him his armor. The armor is for made for someone of specific size, training and stature that David is not. A nice armor-ed offer, but definitely not a fit. Gathering the courage within himself, his belief in God and belief in God’s belief in him. Further fueled by the King’s bonuses, David schedules an appointment with Goliath.

Five Smooth Stones

In preparation, David accesses his tools, his knowledge and his skills. He knows the importance and value the his work has in the lives of his sheep and the financial impact in the lives of his family. He has fought off many a wild, teeth bearing creäture threatening the life and lively hood of his precious flock and anyone that dare stand in their way. Kneeling down beside a stream, David carefully selects five smooth stones. Armed with belief, courage, a sling shot and five smooth stones, he defeats the giant, Goliath. And yes, the King remains true to his word, for there is a wedding to be planned and previously designated tax gratuities is now available for other uses.

When faced with the Goliath’s of our lives, where is our focus? Are we only seeing Goliath or are we seeing the joyous rewards that victory will offer us? Our dream job or business venture . . our dream home or car . . .the love of our lives . . .  the acclaim we have always striven for . . . the appreciation we receive for the unique gifts that we have to offer and the impact they make in other people’s lives. Do we let our circumstances define us or do we step out with the incredible resources that lie within us, with our focus  on the prize that lies ahead of us, and with our new story’s redefining, circumstance-ing outcomes?

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!

Stories – Images – Crafting the Stories of Our Lives!

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

A friend, an incredible friend showed me a bench he made, a simple, yet eye-catching blend of curved lines, legs extending  inward, forming a eye-catching bench. I smiled at the quality of his workmanship, the ah in his eyes, a job well done.

His image, his pride, his success in his craft. Images flood my mind. So often in the role of storyteller, social worker, life living individual on the earth plane. How often I forget to take time to develop an image, a goal, a destination in my own life for the things I truly desire. So at the end, I too can uphold the end result in pride, quality of a job well done.

Thank you for the lessons of work well done, an image provided direction and a celebrated outcome.

What is the image you hold in your mind today? What project, idea or goal do you have and what image do you add as your desired outcome? What is your story today and the large story for tomorrow? Images are the key to stories, images are the key to shaping the stories of our lives.

Hum . . . to an imaged filled day with celebrated results!

Until next time . . . Let a Storyographers Journey Begin!

Re-visualizing Bank Robbery’s Painful Replays

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

Wow! I was so honored by some many courageous people re-entering the workplace following a robbery. These courageous people went on to share their stories of what happened, how it effected them and how life is now different for them. So many individuals talked about the images, replaying the images of the robbery in their mind. A very normal response, for the moment.

Images, the foundational fabric of storytelling, their imprints on our minds eye and their impact on our lives. Maybe it is time, in our minds eye, to change the ending, or even the beginning. No one has the right to take up space in any one elses mind.

Yes, it is true, the armed robbers jumped the counter and instructed tellers to line up by the vault. No one ever expects a robbery to happen, but at that moment it did. Laying awake at night, or even during the day, seeing the robbers coming over the counter leaves one in a continue state of feeling powerless and vulnerable. Finding the courage to acknowledge that you did exactly what you needed to, knowing that you have nothing to do with the robber’s desire for the bank’s money, then changing the course of action in your own mind.

Hum, robbers entering the building at the precise moment the sheriff walks in to deposit his paycheck. The robber’s now startled, pause, pausing  just long enough for you to hit the silent alarm button. panicked, the robber runs out the door, with out the cash, unexpectedly  into the backseat of a local police car. A smile crosses your face as you watch the police car fade out of sight on its way to the police station.

The stories people tell have a way of taking care of them. If stories come to you, care for them and learn to give them away where needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive. That is why we put these stories in each other’s memories. That is how people care for themselves. – Barry Lopez

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

www.storyographers.com

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 Old Man and His Young Son – Aesop Fable

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

As Adapted and Retold by Storyteller Grace Wolbrink – All Rights Reserved @2010

donkey-310798_1280Standing in a narrow, splintered wooden pen, an old man and his young son assisted a first time Mother giving birth to . . . OH MY! . . . Yes, I guess it is . . . Sniff, Wow! A lavender-scented, pink polka doted, pork-a-belly donkey! Quite sure to be the first, possibly only one of its kind ever conceived, birthed, delivered. The day came, as it does for many a growing donkey, to make its way into service at the local market place.

Riddled with fear and uncertainly of the Market buzz and marketability of such an animal, the old man, his young son and their lavender-scented, pink polka-dotted pork-a-belly donkey started on their journey. Stopping along the road way, they meet a large group of well-meaning travelers, also on their way to the market place. The old man and his young son heard:

“Nay I say. Nay I say. Who would pay for a lavender-scented, pink polka-dotted, pork-a-belly donkey?”

“Ah, thought the old man, who would pay for such a creäture.”

Entering a small village, the old man and his young son found a stand with a sign which read:

FOR SALE
Common Sense Marketing:
Donkey Abb Toner – Permanent results guaranteed!

“Hum,” thought the Old Man, “yes, there is nothing better than common sense.”

Purchasing a bottle, they continue on their journey.

Passing some well-meaning merchants along the way, the old man and his young son heard:

“Nay I say, Nay I say, who would pay for a lavender-scented pink polka-dotted tight abb-ed donkey?”

“Ah,” thought the old man, “who would pay for such a creäture?”

Passing a traveling salesman, the sign on his cart read:

FOR SALE
Common Sense Marketing:
Donkey Hair Toner – Permanent Results Guaranteed!

“Hum,” thought the Old Man, “yes, nothing better than common sense.”

Purchasing a bottle, they continue on their journey.

Hearing their music, looking up, the old man and his young son smile at a band of wandering minstrels passing on the other side of the read. The old man and his young son heard them say:

“Nay, I say. Nay I say. Who would pay for a lavender-scented, chemically treated, tight abb-ed donkey?”

“Ah,” thought the old man, “who would pay for such a creäture?”

Passing a vendor set up on the outskirts of the market place, they see a sign which reads:

FOR SALE
Common Sense Marketing:
Authentic Donkey Scent – Permanent Results Guaranteed!

“Hum,” thought the Old Man, “yes, nothing better than common sense.”

Purchasing a bottle, they continue on their way. Entering the Market Place just before nightfall, they pass through the front gate. Above their heads hangs a huge banner which reads:

MARKET BUZZ – SENSATIONS!

Featuring the worlds, quite sure to be the first, possibly the only one of its kind, ever conceived, birthed, delivered – WORLD FAMOUS – Lavender Scented Pink Polka Dotted
Pork-a belly Donkey!
Wealth equaling Millions!

Owner, please sign here. Sale of donkey not required for payment. First in line photo-opt in exchange for payment.

The Proud Sponsors of
Aspiring Beyond the Myth of Common Sense  Marketplace Conformity

For the last time anyone knows, the sign still hangs. The promoters still in search of the stories they once heard of a rare and unique lavender-scented, pink-polka-dotted,
pot-bellied donkey.

 

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

Images of Slavery – Laura Smith Haviland

Posted on by Grace Wolbrink

boat-151887_1280The power of images. Our minds think in images – not words, not ideas, but the visual images behind those words and ideas.

These past few months I have been meeting the challenge of crafting an original story out of historical research. One of these stories involves the life of Laura Smith Haviland, arriving as a young child in the Michigan territory in 1820. A women that mobilized people, changed institutional policy and forged ahead on her personal belief’s in her work on the underground railroad and participation in the Civil War.

Early in life, once her family moved to the Michigan Territories, no longer being able to attend school, she began to read everything she could, including the books of her parents. One book specially seems to have profoundly impacted the course of her life. A book written by John Woolsworth on the middle passages of the slaves.

Throughout her autobiography, Laura Haviland speaks of the images of slavery; the shackles that held humans together in terror, trauma and degradation. She talks of the sharks following the slave ships cleaning up the dead and dying that were being overboard. Though out her life’s work, the words and images from his book and the images within the stories of the freed slaves she risked her own life to assist further shaped the course and purpose of her life’s journey.

Another image impacting me is her vision. When she still lived on the her family’s farm, she opened a school. A school that was available to all children, including African-American children and Indian children. During this time in her life she was running the school as well as helping to raise their 8 or 9 children and actively working with members of the underground railroad. On night she had a vision. In this vision, she saw an angel riding a horse, then stopping in front of their barn. At the bottom of the Angel’s feet was a fresh grave. Her youngest child, approximately 1 1/2 years old, was standing on the edge of the grave. In her vision she cry’s out, fearing her youngest child will join the dead. The Angel spoke to her saying “Let the dead be buried, you have much work to do.”

Within two weeks Laura’s husband, Mother, Father, sister, oldest child, youngest child and another family member died. Still in the early stages of grieving, she somehow met the challenges of meeting the needs of escaping slaves and their unimaginable needs and escaping the bounty hunters who held a high price tag on her own life.

What images are impacting us as we develop our stories? Allow these images to come forward in your story’s story-line as they already have a great deal of meaning for you in why you choose this story or this story-line. Then allow other characters, adventures and the physical reality of the story’s location come in and round these main images or main points of view.

In story as in live, maybe too you might ask yourself: What images are impacting the life living reality of my life.

 

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