Guys, you really surprised me last week. When it was 6:15 and there was only a dozen people in the entire coffee shop I figured I would have to either cancel the show or push a few chairs into a circle and call it a workshop. But suddenly, at 6:30, 50 people walked in! What happened? Did you all come on the same bus? By the time 7:00 rolled around  we had a full house.

If you’ve been following the show for a while, you know how much I love it when first-timers walk up to the mic. Last Thursday we had a number of them and I’m very happy they finally got up there. Gia has been coming to the show since 2010 and last week she finally decided to share a story. The story was about how watching her sister go through cancer treatment inspired her to become a radiation technician. Two weeks earlier, Gia and I talked briefly about how nervous she was about talking to a room full of strangers. As she walked onstage I was nervous for her. Afterward I asked her how she felt. She said she was excited to do it again! I hope she does. There was a moment toward the end of her story where she talked about how important it is to connect with people, especially if you have patients. Right after she said it the audience burst into applause. I think Gia’s future patients will be happy that she knows much healing is helped my feeling connected.

Maryanne told a very moving story about growing up with a classmate who was bullied in school. I’m guessing they went to school together in the 50s because it was heartbreaking to hear what teachers allowed and even encouraged back then. Maryanne is an amazing southern storyteller who has been performing for decades and her touch with this delicate story was perfect.

I’ve been hoping Maryanne would come by FGS since I met her a few years ago and I’m thrilled she finally made it. She hosts her own monthly story show which often happens on the same day and time as our show so I haven’t gotten to see hers yet. But that will change this week. I’m going to finally catch her show this Thursday at the Starbucks in Madison Park. She has all kinds of stories and guest tellers at her show so you never know what you’re going to get. I’m excited I finally get to see it and I hope some of you will join me. Click on the links below for more info:

http://seattlestorytellers.org/ssg/events/event-7400.html

https://www.maryannemoorman.com/

Chris, one of our regulars, told a story that I think is one of her best. I remember the first time she ever told a story and I can’t believe she’s gotten this good in such a short period of time. Her story Thursday was about the time she and two friends visited the AIDS quilt Washington DC. I’ve known Chris for a few years now but this was a part of her life I never heard her talk about. She talked about how the quilt affected her friends and the promise she made to them that day. It was a beautiful story. Listening to it made me feel even closer to her. That feeling echoed what Gia said about connection earlier in the show and it made me feel like the whole night had come full circle.

Thanks to all the tellers who told that night and to everyone in the audience who gave them their patience and attention. FGS is where people learn how to tell stories and the audience is always so supportive in that. We get folks who have been telling stories all over the world for years and people who have never spoken in front of an audience before. It’s an inspiring mix for me and I hope it is for everyone else.

Our next show is June 28. The theme is “Not What I Thought it Was – Stories of being under the illusion.” I’ll get the invite out as soon as I can.

If you’re interested in seeing what kinds of other story shows are going on in Seattle check out the Seattle Storytelling group at the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/198209904060632/

The woman who runs it does a great job of keeping track of all the storytelling events in or near Seattle.

Have a great June. Hope to see you all on the 28th 🙂

Paul
freshgroundstories@gmail.com