Wow! what a wonderful storytelling adventure. I too attended the National Institute in Tennessee after taking my first storytelling class with Dr. Cole. I was absolutely gaw gaw at what I heard and who I saw. I could not agree more that is was one of the most gratifying storytelling adventures ever. Every storyteller should go to one. By the by, I consider you one of those experienced storytellers.

I love your favorites. We, book lovers love various books and writers for different reasons. I won't read King because his stories show up in my nightmares. I love Fen Follett, because of his embedded European history; Nicolas Sparks because the setting are in the state I was born in and wonderful; Walter Mosley writes good murder/detective/mysteries spiced with sex; David Baldacci whose exciting mysteries take you abroad; Sue Grafton whose mysteries written in alphabetical order have a marvelous description of California; and Of course Maya Angelou & Earnest Hemingway never gets old. Thanks for sharing your favorites.

Thank you Anna. All you said makes perfect sense. Once I get rid of the fear, I look forward to trusting myself to being a vessel 100%.

Elizabeth, your job is harder than being the president of the US. I applaud you and all the wonderful volunteers who give of themselves to help the less fortunate. There are just too many of them. And why is that? So many reason and affordable housing is high on the list. Wish Washington would work as hard as you to lower the numbers. Less talk - more volunteers.

Welcome back little girl. It's great to know we can bring back "great excitement" through storytelling!

Thank you Liz. This is a goldmine for me. Meticulously outlined and very helpful.

This is a marvelous testament, mini biography and lesson of how to develop an amazing storyteller. In my opinion you are a storyteller icon equal to Donald Davison, Jackie Torrence and Elizabeth Ellis. Looking forward to learning about the other great storytellers and taking other exciting and stimulating storytelling classes from South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute. Before taking your class, how to leap from 20 minutes to 15 hours felt improbable but not impossible. Developing the storytellers repertoire changed that. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE IN BECOMING A COMMUNITY STORYTELLER AND A STORYTELLER EDUCATOR. You have touched innumerable lives with me at the top. Thank you professor Warren!

Rhonda, There is award winning journalism throughout your article. I love your analogy island and your excellent metaphor. All of your stories are like your article. They are written with wonderful lessons and colorful images that add voice to your story. Your dedication shows in your splendid storytelling.

As always your stories anr so alive and mesmerizing. You inspire me. Loved the photo and being a part of the class family.