My First Storytelling Review

(Tombstones on my 10-day, solo cycling tour in Ireland)

One of my fellow storytellers sent me this link the other day, for a blog post made after my storytelling event: http://thewanderingjewess.wordpress.com/2013/10/27/artist-date-45-the-sometimes-kindness-of-strangers/

It is very exciting to write something, have an audience member relate to it, continue to think about it after the show is over, and then write something too!

(one of the many spots on Mt. Haguro where I sat and listened and thought)

I was especially happy since I had some doubts about the story. This was a tough writing and editing process and it was an intimidating performance process too -- that began with a directors suggestion that I try out Welsh and Australian accents and included a lot of tricky jumps in scene and timeline and thought bubbles verses narration. I was aware a more seasoned performer could have brought something to the piece that was beyond my limited skills.And I admit, when I arrived at the technical rehearsal and performance night and heard Clover and Eric's stories -- with deep revelations about poverty, mental illness, abandonment -- I was worried that my mostly perky little story would come across as "Whenever I get sad, I take a trip!"

My blogger/reviewer is not alone with her tendency to compare!!

(Camping in the Outback)

I hope I get to read (or hear) some of the art that comes from this blogger's year of self-discovery and loneliness too.

Cream Clock

From one of my Black Boxes filled with Favorite Things.
I believe this belonged to my Grandma Schemanski but it possible belonged to my great Aunt Val. I even love the yellow stains left by the scotch tape that, for years until it dried up and fell off, covered the crack. This palm-sized clock, like all of the watches in my favorite things collection, does not work.

Creamsicle Orange or Robin's Egg Blue?

I am telling a story tonight at The Kindness of Strangers storytelling festival. This weekend, in addition to rehearsing and being nervous, I had to decide what to wear. It came down to a choice between two much loved pairs of shoes. One is creamsicle orange and the other is robin's egg blue. I wasn't sure what I would choose before I went out for a walk. These are the things I passed.

Turquoise doors and bright blue domes.

Blue porch chairs, window frames and mosaics.

Old blue cars, splotches, and dots.

I decided on the blue.

Black Boxes and Favorite Things

Comcast is too expensive and never works.
I can't remember the last time I turned on my tv.
I miss looking at my little shoe collections.

So, while I need to figure out something for internet eventually, I cancelled, packed up the TV and filled the gap in my shelves with things I love.

Enter photo documentation project Number 2: Black boxes and Favorite Things.
These boxes are PACKED with treasures!

Locks and Keys and Doors

Starting up a locks and keys and doors project.