Big thanks to everyone who came out to the show last Thursday. It was great to see so many new tellers! We even had a surprise new teller, Gabriel Spitzer from KNKX’s Sound Effect. Gabriel has been so supportive of FGS by putting so many of our tellers on his show. I was happy everyone could finally see him in person and listen to one of his own stories.

There were a lot of beautiful moments last Thursday. I wish I could recreate all of them in print for you. Ben, our Scone of Courage recipient, told a story about how dangerous cancer survivor camps can be. If I ever beat cancer, please don’t take me white water rafting. Take me to a camp where I get free pizza and unlimited massages. Ben, you are a survivor of more than just cancer. I’m glad you found us.

Another first-timer (whose name I can’t confirm because I lost half the slips) ended her story with an image I’m still thinking about. A few years ago she went swimming in the Indian Ocean and ended up floating quietly above a 30’ whale shark. Everyone in the audience became quiet as she described the moment her feelings shifted from fear to peace. It felt like we were all experiencing that peace with her years later on the other side of the earth.

Dave, one of our regulars, told a story about starving in the wilderness that I’m going to remember every time I order clam chowder. Mark, (another first-timer whose name I can’t confirm) told us how humbling teaching third-graders in the Bronx can be. We also discovered that Chris was the kind of kid who, when her parents went out of town, decides to remodel the kitchen. She’s the only teenager in history who was hiding paint cans instead of beer bottles from her parents 🙂

Thanks again for everyone who came out that night to support the people who told stories. Even if you never walk up to that mic yourself, I appreciate all the love and kindness you show to the ones who do.

Before I let you go, I want to let you know about some great stuff coming up.

The last Thursday of each month is our sister show, Auntmama’s Storytable. I love this show and nd recommend it to anyone who loves FGS. It’s always on the last Thursday of each month at Olive Way Starbucks.

MAY 30, 2019
Theme: MEN AND MACHINE
Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Featuring:
Music by Wes Weddell
Auntmama (Mary Anne Moorman), Kathya Alexander, Olubayo are joined by storytellers Siv Prince and Lance Lambert

We also have two great (and free) workshops for anyone wanting helpful and gentle feedback on their stories.

June 2:
https://www.meetup.com/Fresh-Ground-Stories-Storytelling-Workshop/events/261233390/

June 13:
https://www.facebook.com/events/321234631907363/

Also, North Seattle Storytelling just shifted their website to their facebook page. Be sure to like it so you can be notified up their upcoming events.

https://www.facebook.com/northseattlestorytellers

Lastly, as I mentioned at the show, KNKX’s Sound Effect and FGS are producing a live storytelling show together on June 4. It’s free and awesome. We’re getting a lot of RSVPs so be sure to get there early for a good seat and considering carpooling 🙂

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4236885

That’s all for now. Next month’s show is June 20th, The theme is “Strangers – Stories of chance encounters.” I’ll get the official invite out as soon as I can.

See you then!

Paul
freshgroundstories@gmail.com