Wow - what a view! My daughter is going to be green with envy. Horses, blue skies, and all that green. Heavenly. I never knew the rules to avoiding jet lag - thanks. Have fun!

Personal storytelling has been inspirational this semester. I'm so glad I got to hear your stories. Each of them was beautifully crafted and touched upon something to which everyone could relate. You have a talent for telling, even the most simple of life experiences; you find the meaning that is rich and complex - please keep telling!

You DO belong on stage. You light up when you tell - and your enthusiasm is infectious. I can see you as a little old lady telling your stories and making people laugh! It is truly your calling. Keep telling - on purpose!

I love everything about this post! It brought back so many memories - especially about searching through the house for that "perfect treasure" for show and tell. It really was all about storytelling. I hope teachers still do this today - it really encourages kids to share in the oral tradition.

Pat, you tell those stories well - perhaps it IS divine inspiration? Keep listening to the voice that urges you to tell in this genre - whether one is religious or not, the stories offer teachings in such a beautiful way. Good luck on your cultural presentation!

Oh, Nancy, this is beautiful! Thank you for sharing this journey into an understanding and appreciation for your Irish roots. It explains your passion and caring for the downtrodden, as well as your joy in learning more about your heritage. The Irish Folktales class inspired me as well - I'm not as Irish as you, but I feel a calling to explore and learn about the history and beauty of a place so filled with suffering and courage.Well done!

Jelly Belly Bean Boozled - sounds like a story to me! Well said, Gail. I have learned to ignore my perfectionist tendencies (a constant challenge) and embrace awkwardness. That's what personal stories are to me! Awkward, risk-taking, terrifying, satisfying. Keep an open mind and be willing to jump in!

Well said, Mr. Goldman. I love hearing personal stories that make me realize that "I'm, not the only one who feels that way!" When I tell a story and I hear listeners say, "Oh, my goodness, that reminds me of the time . . . " I know I've been successful. Relatable stories beget more stories - and that's what it's all about!

This is such a great post. Oh, how I can relate! I read prompts and stare blankly at them quite often, then I experience the same, "ah ha!" when I remember something. Then I think,"Um, what can I do with this?" We are obviously not alone. Your description of the crafting process was great, reminding me that we all have our own way - and thank goodness for all the great tellers and teachers who give us the tools to create a story! I miss being in class with you Myranette, I always love your stories!

It is the simplest things that remind us that life can still be enjoyed and that we will heal and move on in the face of tragedy.The horror of Las Vegas affected us greatly - but friendships and family remind us that we must not give in to despair. Thank you for sharing this memory!

What a beautiful tribute to a very strong, loving woman. Thank you so much for sharing this story! Your love was shining brightly in every word!

This is a treasure! The memories, the history, the love, and the beautiful sewing machine. Thanks for sharing.

This is delightful - full of so many visual images! I can see that old horse running his laps and greeting the kids after school. Well done!

Beautifully written. As an adoptive mother - I felt the awe that you describe, yet in a very different way. Awe that someone would choose to give life to a child that they couldn't raise. Awe that they chose me to be the mother of their child. Awe that i was given the opportunity that otherwise would have been denied. Always a miracle - and a sacred bond was formed. Thank you for reminding me . . .

Grace, mystery, understanding. I agree - exploring what is sacred to others provides insight and introspection. What is sacred to me? So many things that you listed above: babies, sunsets, the beauty of nature in sight, sound, scent. Ahhhhhhh . . . and then there are the stories! Building connections as we see we are more alike than different . . . and our differences provide further inspiration. Well said, Nancy!

This is so funny! Perhaps Mr. Ackerman could learn how to tell a story that would make people stay awake? I don't think I would want to be so boring as to cause people to fall asleep - I would rather listen to soothing music for that!