On the third Wednesday of the month, our home routine stops.
We do not dine together. Each of the two men with whom I live (husband and son) know that to interrupt me between around 7.15pm and 9.00pm is temping fate! Microphone tested, headphone checked! I am ready to zoom. I love it!
The Storytelling Zoom! I become engrossed in the tales told. Each theme elicits personal tales, folk tales, sad tales, happy tales, historical tales, fairy tales, Fables. My genre (if I am game enough to allocate the term “genre” to anything I tell) is personal tales. I believe that stories and the telling of them are what will keep me alive even when I’m gone! When reactions come through the chat, I feel connected, recognized and valued! Some of the many things I miss in retirement, especially during COVID! It is not the same as personal connection, seeing faces, eyes, smiles in “the flesh” but it is a pretty good substitute.
I’ve connected with people from all around the world. Every new teller from new country or region, the story, the accents, the gestures, the songs, open up a whole new awareness of connection with people even though where I live is so far away from them.
I’m nearly 72. Being part of storytelling keeps my brain working, remembering, and feeling grateful for what I have learned and lived and loved.
The encouragement in the responses from those present lifts me up!
Louise Roach.
Join the monthly Story Swap on the third Wednesday of each month. 7.20pm - 9pm. Information found at australianstorytellers.org.au/events
This is a free online session of Oral Storytelling with tellers and listeners from all around the globe. Enjoy a variety of story styles and genres.