Saturday, December 29, 2012

Arrington Wedding Sale!

Taunalee and Peter
Meet the Arringtons....
Okay they aren't the  Arringtons yet, but they are going to be! This month brought a marvelous gift into our lives. Peter Scott Arrington asked Taunalee Clark to marry him and she said yes!  On March 28, 2013 in Nauvoo, Illinois they will be become man and wife, forever - just forever!
Nauvoo Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Photo by Taunalee Clark
 June 2011
Obviously, such news deserves a celebratory sale.
 (Not to mention we've suddenly got a wedding to pay for!)

So, here's the deal - I'm extending my Holiday Special.
 Buy Wears Like Iron now and save.
 30% Off and the more you buy the more you save.

Wears Like Iron is a great tool for triggering your own memories or inspiring your loved ones to share memories of their own. The strength of a family can be found in the stories they tell each other and the stories they share with the world. Buy Wears Like Iron today and strengthen your family.


The Special is over - but you can still purchase CDs through the link on the bar to the right.
Oh come on - you know I had to post it!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Exciting Story@Home News

SALT LAKE CITY-
RootsTech, the largest paid family history conference in the United States, is pleased to announce the addition of Story@Home, a two-day conference offering classes and workshops dedicated to the art and inspiration of connecting generations through stories. Story@Home will enrich the RootsTech experience for anyone interested in learning how to preserve and share their personal and family stories.

Held in Salt Lake City, March 21-23, 2013, RootsTech is a conference experience for young and old alike, regardless of expertise. World-class speakers including nationally renowned storytelling experts Syd Lieberman and Kim Weitkamp will offer the latest tools, techniques, and technology to help attendees find, organize, preserve, and share family connections, history and stories.
RootsTech 2013 will offer the following:
  • Full Story@Home -over 20 classes offer insight into how to successfully research, tell, record, publish, and share family stories.
  • Getting Started track -more than 30 classes and labs will help those new to family history learn where to start, how to build their family tree, and use technology to explore their connections.
  • Huge Expo Hall -a 40 percent bigger exhibit hall will bring in many new exhibitors, allowing attendees to discover all the latest products and services.
  • Over 250 Classes and Workshops
Full conference attendees get access to more speakers, 
classes, and interactive workshops to choose from.
Conference Costs
Full 3-Day Pass $149 (Ends December 31, 2012)
Full One-Day Only Pass $89
Student 3-Day Pass $39 (School ID required)
Getting Started 3-Day Pass $39 (Early Bird)
Getting Started One-Day Pass $19 (Selection of fundamental classes)
Developer Day Pass $89 (Full-day technology program for developers)

About RootsTech
RootsTech is a unique conference focused on helping individuals learn and use the latest technology to get started or accelerate their efforts to find, organize, preserve and share their family's connections and history. The first annual conference was held in 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by leading genealogical organizations, the conference includes hands-on demonstrations and forums to provide a highly interactive environment and accelerate learning. Content is geared to young and old, beginner to advanced levels.

About Story@Home

Story@Home is a conference that celebrates the power of story. No matter how you tell your stories - through your family history, at your child¹s bedside, on your blog, or from a stage - the Story@Home conference will help you find, capture and share your stories. Workshops and performances by award-winning storytellers, performers, and speakers will help you explore ways to use the power of story in your home.

Cherish|Bound produces Story@Home. Cherish|Bound is a personal publishing company that specializes in helping you tell your stories. With an online publishing tool, hundreds of pre-designed templates, and a full product line of Story Starters, Cherish|Bound is the simplest way to tell your story - one chapter at a time.

http://www.cherishbound.com/blog/storyathome/register/

Saturday, December 01, 2012

Holiday Special

Holiday Special




 I love the holidays! There's something magical about slowing down, circling the family, and celebrating the life we share. Thanksgiving was a perfect example of that for me. Four generations of our family traveled hundreds of miles to gather in my oldest daughter's home. My youngest daughter brought along her new best friend and introduced him to the family en mass! It was loud, and crazy, and fun, and filled with laughter and great food and the sharing of story. I loved every minute of it, but I think one of the things I'll cherish most was watching everyone share our family stories with my daughter's guest. It wasn't performance based at all, just a natural outflowing of explanation and joy. Families speak in short hand. We have a special code. In less than ten words we can remind everyone present of an epic event from our past. Be it funny, or sacred, or somewhere in between we all do it. It can be tough to be an outsider dropped into a family gathering, because when the shorthand starts flying they are lost and shut out. It's rarely intentional, but it happens often. However, it didn't play out that way this year. Each time the shorthand came out, someone would pause to share the back story. It was a tremendous way for our guest to hear the classic family stories and a delightful way to embrace him into the fold. It is through our family stories we choose to share over and over again with ourselves that our identity as a family is solidified.

That's why I've decided it's time for a Holiday Special. I tell family stories to help others remember and share the stories that matter most in their families. The stories I tell may not be anything like the stories that are a part of your family lore, but they are sure to trigger memories and get your family talking. That is music to my ears!

So here's the deal. For December only I'm offering 30% off my regular CD price. If you buy more than one, the savings grow exponentially. Stories are magic - they never wear out. So why not get some magic today and share it with the people you love?! Simply click the "Buy Now" button above.



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Loaves and Fishes

Several times this week I've awakened with one of my favorite Bible stories on my mind. Gee, I wonder if someone is trying to give me a message? I think I even know what the message is, but first a brief review.

The story is the story of the loaves and the fishes. It's actually recorded in all four Gospels. It goes something like this. Jesus and his desciples have traveled outside of the city limits for some quality solitary time. But people have witnessed them leave and have followed them. We're not talking a handful here, we're talking thousands of people. They all want to hear what Jesus has to say. They want to hear his stories and listen to his words. They want to be emotionally and spiritually fed. In their haste they did not prepare for the day.

This isn't hard to imagine. If a crowd of teenage girls saw the cast of the Twilight movies walking down the street they'd rush after them for as far as they could, just for the chance to see them, or talk to them. They wouldn't stop for dinner at McDonald's they'd just rush along, trying to keep up.

That's how this crowd was. So, night is drawing nigh. Dusk is fast approaching and Jesus realizes that these thousands of people have not brought food with them. In his concern he asks his disciples if they have any food to share. They assure him there is none. No one planned on 5000 plus guests. The only thing they can find is one young boy with a basket holding 5 loaves and 2 fishes. The disciples are troubled as there is clearly not enough food. But Jesus simply looks up towards heaven, blesses the food and breaks it into baskets and instructs the disciples to gather the people together in order and pass the baskets around. At the end, they collect 12 baskets of leftovers and 5000 men beside women and children are fed. A short time later, this miracle is repeated in much the same way for 4000.

The miracle is that all those people could be fed. But there's so much more to this story. The miracle is that someone was willing to share all he had. But there's so much more to this story. For me, the miracle is that the Lord took all the boy had to offer and increased his capacity to give more.

There's a key here for all of us. So many people I know and love are feeling over-extended at the moment. They feel as if they rush from fire to fire putting one out just in time to address the next one. They fear that in the end, in spite of giving all they have to give that it won't be enough and they will fail somewhere. That's a feeling I've dealt with often. Sometimes, I'm sure I'll break just trying to keep it all together. Life is filled with pressing expectations that demand our attention. We'll fail because it's too much for us to carry.

Actually, we'll fail, because we think we have to carry it all alone.

There is nothing in this life we deal with that the Lord does not stand by willing to help us. All we have to do is ask. All we have to do is show him our little basket with 5 loaves and 2 fishes and acknowledge that we're giving all we have but it's not enough. That's when he'll step in with the miracle. That's when he'll increase our capacity to give. The demands will not be lessened. Over 5000 people still needed to be fed. You will still be expected to do your part. The basket of loaves and fishes was still required. But your capacity will be increased. Your ability to complete your tasks will be magnified. Your potential for reaching farther than you thought possible will be increased. I've been blessed with this miracle often and every time it amazes and humbles me.

The miracle is the Lord took all the boy offered and magnified his capacity to give more. He will do the same for you, if you but ask.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Call Me Unashamedly Patriotic

The S. L. Clark Family
4 July 2012

















It's safe to say - our family is patriotic. Ask any one of us what our favorite holiday is and its a good bet you'll hear, "Independence Day." 

We're proud to be Americans and we have gratitude filled hearts for the men and women who serve to defend and protect our freedom.

Photo by Bryan F. Tidlund
Idaho Falls, Idaho 4 July 2012













We love fireworks and the National Anthem and our flag. It's not about picnics and parades, it's sacred. It's about liberty and independence and understanding the sacrifices that have been made so we can live the way we choose. Our roots trace back through every war this country has been engaged in. Our ancestor patriots fought for the right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness in a God-fearing and free country. You could say it's in our cellular memory to love and revere this country and the freedoms it provides. Stand beside us when we're singing the National Anthem and you'll probably discover we're just a little teary. It may be cliche' but it's us!

We take the pursuit of happiness very seriously, so it's not every day I get all fired up about something. I'm truly a pretty chill individual. But mess with my flag and I get a little over-heated. This past weekend we drove past a business in West Yellowstone that had posted a line of altered American flags. They clearly felt they were being patriotic by blending images of what they were passionate about overlaid on the flag they love. Sadly, their actions were inappropriate. It got me a little agitated, I'm not gonna lie.
Photo by Stuart L. Clark
 USS Arizona Memorial- Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
10 May 2012

Far too often of late I have driven by businesses and seen the flag of the United States desecrated with some form of advertising overlaying the flag. Or I've seen people in parades wearing shirts obviously cut from a flag. Or I've seen the flag altered so a logo can reside where the field of blue should be. Clever, gimmicky, perhaps even fueled by well meaning intent, but desecration none the less.

Elsewhere, I've driven by businesses, schools, churches and more who are flying a flag that is faded, tattered, and torn. I've seen flags posted and unlit, left standing alone in the dark. Call me unashamedly patriotic - I love our flag. I love our country. I love our troops. I love everything our flag symbolizes and when it is defaced I feel sick inside. Don't misunderstand. This is not a diatribe against any one particular person, political party, or organization. This is simply a plea for Americans to remember and display an ongoing respect for Old Glory. 
US Marine Memorial (Iwo Jima)
Arlington Cemetery, Washington DC
In a world where our flag is being desecrated and burned by those who fully intend to bring us harm, shouldn't we - as a nation - be showing greater respect for our flag? I don't care what your political views are, as a nation we have men and women representing us who are risking their lives every day to insure our flag still waves as a symbol of liberty and hope for the world. When some are giving so much, can we give any less?

I have a friend who drove past a local high school and saw the stripes of their flag were starting to separate. She didn't just tell them to replace it, she went out and bought them a new flag and hand delivered it; then asked them to respectfully discard of the old one. Her action took my breath away. Can you imagine the impact if we all acted in such a way? 
Photo by Taunalee Clark
BYU Idaho - 11 September 2012
Come on America! Step up - show some pride. If you know someone who has some great marketing idea to overlay on the flag - tell them it's not okay. Let businesses and organizations know it's not okay for them to alter the flag for their marketing purposes. Take the time to let someone know when their flag is too worn to be flown. Buy them a new flag. Offer to help them discard the old one respectfully. We may not have global impact as individuals, but we can do this. 

Honor, cherish, and protect our flag!

In the spirit of 'knowledge is power' here's some links for your review.

We all learned about flag codes and etiquette in grade school, but if all that knowledge has begun to fade you can read up on it here: http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/04C1.txt

Did you know you can purchase a flag that has flown over the US capital? You can even request the day it's flown. I've done it. We fly a flag that was posted on our wedding anniversary. (3 July) We gave such a flag to my parents as well. I love it. This is a quality flag with embroidered stars and stitched stripes - pure class. You can purchase your own flag this way.  Go to this website to find out how: http://www.usflag.org/capitol.flag.html

Photo by Rachel Clark
Idaho Falls Parade
4 July 2012
Eventually, flags need to be retired. This symbol of freedom and liberty must be discarded with the utmost respect. Here's how to make sure you're honoring the flag you retire. From USA FLAG SITE:
http://www.usa-flag-site.org/forum/proper-flag-disposal-964.html

There are several ways in which you may give your American flag the proper retirement without showing disgrace to this great country. If you would like to dispose of the flag yourself then the most fitting way is to hold your own, private ceremony. The U.S. Flag Code states, "The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferable by burning." After your flag has been burned, the ashes should be buried. If you cannot burn and bury the flag yourself, then there are several organizations that will retire your flag in a proper and respectful ceremony. Among them are:
VFW @ vfw.org
American Legion @ legion.org
Boy Scouts of America @ scouting.org
Girl Scouts of America @ girlscouts.org

Marine Corps League @ mcleague.com
Contact one of the organizations obove and they will be able to direct you to a local post, troop or location near you.

~ May God Bless America ~

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Utah this weekend!




SAD BREAKING NEWS: (Pun intended) My brakes failed - I've had to cancel. 
Please go to these events and enjoy them anyway!!!




A Tale from the Decameron by John William Waterhouse 1916


































I'm telling stories at the Utah Valley Renaissance Faire (in costume) at the Timpanogos Park in Provo Canyon from 11 - 12 am this Friday the 21st.


Pioneer Children of my gr. gr. grandma, Catharine Houtz Boyer
Lydia Meleta, Francis Christian, Mariah Catherine
John Sell, Emma Elisabeth, Philip Henry
I'm also telling stories at the Utah Genealogical Fall Conference. The conference will be held at the Sandy Campus (Larry H. Miller) of Salt Lake Community College near the 10600 South off ramp of I-15. 

Friday Evening they are offering some evening activities for Families. I'll be leading a hands-on workshop on family memory at 6:15 pm and performing an hour of family friendly stories at 7:30 pm.

I'll be a part of the keynote panel and presenting two workshops on Saturday morning as well.

I'd love to see you at any of these events!

If you want more information about the Renaissance Faire go here: http://utahvalleyrenaissancefaire.com/tickets/

If you want more information about the UGA Conference go here: http://www.infouga.org/aem.php?eid=5

Sunday, September 09, 2012

Gold Star Mother Tea

 It's no secret I love what I do. There is an indescribable satisfaction that comes to my heart when I am able to share stories with others. You can't see it, but there's a heart line that forms between the listener and teller that bonds them together during the story. The storyteller is no longer simply telling a story, the storyteller and listener are sharing an experience. The experience refills my soul every time. I always feel blessed when I am invited to partake of such a moment.

Yesterday, however, the blessing went beyond the norm. I was invited to share a story at a Gold Star Mothers tea presented at The Stillwater est. 1997. The gold star represents those who have lost a son or daughter in battle. Every guest at the tea was someone who had experienced such a loss. Miss Tonia had told me that she had felt a tangible reverence as she had been preparing for the tea, so I thought I knew how I would feel. In truth, I didn't have a clue.

The emotion in the room was palatable. Pride, pain, peace, anger, ache, longing, celebration, love, wisdom, support, yearning, satisfaction - I could go on and on - it all swirled through the room. As I looked into the eyes of my listeners I realized I may have an academic understanding of the last 10+ years of war our country has been engaged in, but it's all been sterilized somehow. But yesterday, I felt the emotions these people carry in their hearts each and every day. Reverence is an understatement.

In truth I felt reverence and so much more. I also felt an overwhelming wave of pride and shame.







Pride because our nation has a completely volunteer army. There are those who claim this negates the honor somehow, as if they are all mercenaries, not patriots. Nothing could be further from the truth. A sentiment I heard voiced over and over is that these warriors were there because they felt it was where they should be. One mother shared the peace she felt from a picture of her son taken just the day before he died. The image is of children reaching out to her son [in full battle array] with obvious gratitude on their faces. The son's arm is outstretched back to the children, the look on his face is one of pure love and joy. A burned out building creates a stunning backdrop to the image. She declared the picture brought comfort because it reminded her that he was where he knew he was supposed to be serving to make the world a better place for those children and for all of us.


Shame because as a nation we've turned this into a silent war. We support the troops, we put the yellow ribbons on our cars and we thank those in uniform we see....but what of those we lose? Someone expressed to me the helplessness she feels when she sees the gold star. "I don't know what to say, nothing I say will help them, so I say nothing." I don't think she is alone in her discomfort. Can you imagine the deafening silence such an act creates in the lives of those who mourn a soldier?

I read an article yesterday that declared on average we've lost a soldier a day. Statistically, that's a dramatic improvement over the losses our nation suffered in past wars, but statistics mean nothing to the families of those dead soldiers.

I was deeply honored to spend time with these valiant survivors. The last Sunday in September is Gold Star Mother's Day in the United States. I'm pretty certain it wouldn't be too hard to find such a mother, sister, brother, father, wife, husband, cousin, or friend, near you. It seems to me a hug and a 'thank you' is a good place to begin to break the silence. Ask them to share their story. Let them tell you about their fallen hero, I promise as you listen you'll discover a heart line forming a bond for you both.

To learn more about the Gold Star Moms organization visit:
http://www.goldstarmoms.com/
http://www.goldstarmoms.com/whoweare/history/history.htm





Monday, July 23, 2012

World of Storytelling Radio

Exciting things are happening in the world of storytelling!

Not the least of which is the global outreach of A World of Storytelling Radio.
All over the world - any time - day or night - folks are tuning in to listen to stories! You can too.
Simply visit: http://www.live365.com/stations/storytellingradio
And now, I'm thrilled to announce, when you tune in to A World of Storytelling Radio, you may just get to hear one of my stories off my 2012 CD release, Wears Like Iron.

Would you rather curl up with a good book?
You'll find a few of my stories in the new book, Value Stories for a Young Woman. This is the kind of book that's perfect for road trips and lazy summer afternoons.  The book is full of inspiring stand-alone stories all carefully selected and crafted to strengthen moral courage.
Available from http://deseretbook.com/Value-Stories-Young-Woman-Marilyn-O-Diehl/i/5085535

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Heart to Heart

The stories featured on Wears Like Iron are all about generations connecting heart to heart. I crafted them imagining families bonding and snuggling closer as they listened. Yesterday, I experienced a gift of Grace as I witnessed just that. Four generations were represented in my audience. (As well as some inquisitive wild life.)                      

That spells P-E-R-F-E-C-T for me!

Tonia, my dear friend, and proprietor of the Stillwater Mansion, created a magical space for the sharing of my tales. My love of nature, people, story, and God were all beautifully represented and honored in her garden sanctuary. Consequently the afternoon felt more like a blessing than performance and my audience felt more like family.


Whenever I tell a story I feel as if I am fulfilling a calling. For whatever reason I believe I've been given this gift to help bring light and wonder more fully present into this world. I always feel satisfaction after I've told.

But yesterday was extra-ordinary, what I thought was a gift to others was actually a gift to myself.

The afternoon was renewing, affirming, enlightening, and motivating. I felt closer to those I have lost. I saw the impact of my words on the hearts of my listeners with deeper clarity. I felt embraced and carried. I felt validated and assured I should continue on.

I am left invigorated and grateful...and filled with longing to do it all again! If you weren't with us - I missed you. Tonia's garden is waiting - let me know when you want to play.














By the way - I'm leaving my CD special open for a week. It's the best way I can think of to share the joy. Just click on the Buy Now button within my last post.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

CD Release Party Special

Hey!
Wishing you could come to Idaho Falls for the "official" release party of my new CD, Wears Like Iron, but you simply can't? Well - you can still get in on the release party price. Click the button and order today. Hurry - this post will disappear come Monday, June 18th.

Help spread the word and bring some friends. Plan to come!!! The performance is FREE.

Saturday 16 June
2:00 PM
387 North Water
Idaho Falls, Idaho

The Stillwater Mansion Est. 1997 presents:
Teresa Clark telling stories from her new CD, Wears Like Iron.
There's nothing that compares to hearing a live storytelling performance. Come hear Teresa share the tracks from her latest CD surrounded by the victorian ambiance of the Stillwater.
RSVP 208-200-4473


Monday, June 04, 2012

Principle Based Learning Likes My Story!


Principle Based Learning selected my story, There Was a Time, to inspire families to take time to  look for those deeper feelings that come when connecting with family on any level. Coming from this organization I consider that quite the powerful complement! 
But it works out to be a nice gift for you too! Click on their link: http://pbparent.principlebasedlearning.com/?p=197  
and listen to my story! 
If you like what you hear feel free to purchase the whole CD simply by pushing the Buy Now button. 


What is Principle Based Learning (PBL)?
While researching the best sources about what makes for great teaching and learning, the founders of PBL searched for common threads among the writings of great thinkers, mentors and authors such as Charlotte Mason, Maria Montessori, John Holt, Stephen R. Covey, John Taylor-Gatto, Oliver and Rachel DeMille and others. They looked for the themes that were repeated over and over throughout this literature and ended up with 7 Principles. As people learn, apply and teach these principles for themselves, great learning will manifest. They have adopted storytelling as an educational tool in their programs and started a family storytelling club.

I love what they had to say about storytelling on their blog:



Learn more about Principle Based Learning here: http://www.principlebasedlearning.com/


Eastern Idaho
Don't you just love a good story? 
Reserve your spot for the FREE storytelling concert!
June 16th
2 pm 
Stillwater Mansion
387 North Water - Idaho Falls
Presents a CD Release Party for Teresa Clark. 
I will be telling all of the stories from my new CD, "Wears Like Iron." 
This event is free, but reservations are required: 200-4473. 


"In her sweet, clear voice, Teresa Clark blends folktale and personal story, generations of family wisdom and experience, and the wonder of rare insights that seem to come only after we have lived long enough for our memories to span the decades."


"Teresa Clark delivers! Her easy telling style calls us home, back to the people and places that give us the gentle strength and life lessons we so dearly need. These are stories that can be listened to over and over again whether you are by yourself or with a loved one." 


Learn more about the Stillwater Mansion est. 1997:http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Stillwater-Est-1997/202718456496819?sk=info



Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Listen to the Review

     My favorite line from the recent review of my CD is spontaneous shared at the end of the interview:

"This is the kind of CD that's going to have people talking about similar mishaps and similar instances in their own lives - which is what personal stories do, that's why so many of us tell them because when we tell them we get to hear so many delicious stories."

     I'd love to hear your delicious stories spawned from listening to my CD. Get the CD by clicking on the Buy Now button on your right. Listen - then share your stories with me!!!

         You can listen to Linda Goodman's review of "Wears Like Iron" at http://www.herewomentell.com/archives/archives.html   (I'm #68) 


Save the date! 
June 16th - 2 pm 
387 North Water
Idaho Falls, Idaho
The Stillwater Mansion Est. 1997
Presents: Wears Like Iron CD Release Party 
There's nothing that compares to hearing a live storytelling performance. Come hear Teresa share the tracks from her latest CD surrounded by the victorian ambiance of the Stillwater. 
RSVP 208-200-4473

Thursday, May 03, 2012

Wears Like Iron - Review

Check out this legit review that is scheduled to be featured on Here Women Tell (http://www.herewomentell.com/) beginning May 14th!

I don't tell for fame or glory, I tell in the hopes my experiences can touch, lift, or inspire others. I tell because I believe our world will be a better place if we can only understand and respect one another. Linda Goodman's generous review makes me feel as if my efforts have wings.

Thank you, Linda.

Wears Like IronReviewed by Linda Goodman 


            "In her sweet, clear voice, Teresa Clark blends folktale and personal story, generations of family wisdom and experience, and the wonder of rare insights that seem to come only after we have lived long enough for our memories to span the decades.
            In Wears Like Iron, Teresa bears her heart to the listener, and the listener feels honored to be a confidant.   There Was a Time wraps a personal story about an inconvenient grandmother inside an honored folktale that pays homage to the wisdom of the aged.  Think that youngsters are not interested in the lives of pioneers? Think again.
            Grandpa’s Gift is a story of religious bigotry going up against a wall of faith.  Courage passed from generation to generation is doubly strong. Bigotry and ignorance do not stand a chance against a true believer.
            Watch It will bring a smile to the face of anyone who has ever had a bad experience as a new driver. Can bad driving really be genetic?
            The title track from this CD, Wears Like Iron, is a thing of beauty. The Barbizon satin that Clark uses in her quilting is “soft as a whisper, cool to the touch, and wears like iron.”  The ties that bind, however, are formed by family love. Clark reminds us of this in a way that we will not soon forget.
            Clark’s stories are rich in detail and exquisite imagery.  As I listened, I vividly saw the grandmother who rolled her support hosiery down “like donuts” and let them fall “in a puddle” at her feet. I felt Clark’s fear as she was confronted by one who did not respect her faith.  I remembered driving mishaps from days past. I reached for my mother’s quilts for comfort. For me, this CD was a walk down Memory Lane, one that I did not mind taking, for a change.
            Laura Dowling designed a beautiful cover, featuring a sepia toned heart, that perfectly captures the intensity that builds through this CD.  There were some distractions created by glitches in the sound, particularly in There Was a Time, but they did not take away from my enjoyment of the stories. Clark’s fine writing and melodic voice form a magic carpet that lifts the stories beyond technical imperfections."

 Buy Wears Like Iron here! Simply click on the Buy Now button in the column on the right.

Save the date! 
June 16th - 2 pm 
387 North Water
Idaho Falls, Idaho
The Stillwater Mansion Est. 1997
Presents: Wears Like Iron CD Release Party 
There's nothing that compares to hearing a live storytelling performance. Come hear Teresa share the tracks from her latest CD surrounded by the victorian ambiance of the Stillwater. 
RSVP 208-200-4473

Friday, April 20, 2012

     Once upon a time I told some of my grandkids a folktale that included some Water Buffalo leaving their droppings in holes in the road so people wouldn't trip in them. It's just a sweet little tale that brings on the giggles. Yesterday those same grandkids went for a walk with their momma. Along the way Hadley observed there were a lot of horse droppings in the road. To which her little sister, Madison, declared, "I put those there so you wouldn't step in the holes!"
     Okay, as a grandma I obviously love this exchange. Why? They remember the story, thus they remember me. (That's always good.) Plus, what began as a folktale will now evolve into a family story. It will be one of the oft-told tales that brings smiles to faces for years to come.
       
     That's why I tell, teach, preach, and demonstrate story.

     I love the organic way story swirls and weaves around us. In my mind the demarcation between folktale and family lore is fuzzy at best. We learn, remember, cherish, and reflect best through story. We honor the past and inspire the future through story. Recent studies have even identified that metaphor embeds more deeply into the memory center of our brain than simple data.
   
     That's why I tell, teach, preach, and demonstrate story.

     Last week I was blessed to spend some time with some Family Historians. They've dedicated their existence to researching and documenting the lives of the past. Their pride in their heritage and yearning for others to share their passion is palpable. Yet, I saw pain in their eyes. Somewhere along the way the story of the research has overshadowed the story of the people. What we were able to discuss and understand together is the simple fact that focusing on the stories of the people they have researched will embed the memories of those loved ones deeper than all the historical data they find. The dates are important because they bookmark significant stories from real life. But the stories are what make the dates important.
   
     That's why I tell, teach, preach, and demonstrate story.

     So, I have a challenge for you.

Simply making memories with Oobleck!
     Go through the day with story seeking eyes. Recognize those little moments that swirl around you are the stuff story and memory and family history are made of. Observe it, reflect on it, record it, and celebrate it.

     In other words - Cherish the memories!


Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Titanic Teas

Titanic - simply say the word and the mind conjures up countless thoughts and images.

So much was learned from this epic disaster. My grandma was ten years old when it happened. You wouldn't think a  little girl in Magna, Utah would even remember such a thing, but she clearly remembered the News Boys on the corner selling the Extras that proclaimed the news of the calamity. "It changed everything," she'd say, "We all looked at the world differently."

The Stillwater Est. 1997 recognizes that the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic merits some form of commemoration and reflection. Step into this 1898 home and you're instantly transported to a different time and life style. The Stillwater provides the perfect backdrop for these customized evenings of historical reflection.

I am delighted to be a part of this 1st Class experience at the historic Stillwater. I'll be sharing some inspiring stories and insights from survivors of the Titanic disaster while the Stillwater offers up the ambiance and some tasty morsels from the menu of the Titanic.

Revisit history while creating your own unique memories today!

Check out this news story about the Titanic Teas: http://www.localnews8.com/news/30822173/detail.html

Book a Titanic Tea with the ones you love by calling:
208-200-4473.
Miss Tonia will be happy to accept your reservations.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Dream Fulfilled - The Journey Continues

I've been taking a few days to process all that happened at the Power of Story@Home Conference. I've talked about it and planned for it for so long it's difficult to believe its happened! But it did, and it was wonderful!!! 500 registrants - Bloggers, Family Historians, and Storytellers - all came together and recognized they each had something to learn from the other. Mmmm... I love it when that happens!

For me, however, the part of the conference that brought me the most joy was how many of our attendees were introduced to these worlds for the first time. They came not fully knowing why, but knowing they wanted to be there. They left embracing the discovery that story touches everything!


Shared laughter and insights forged and deepened family bonds.

The delight on the faces of our audiences tells the tale.

I actually got a kick out of hanging out in bathrooms and hallways to listen in as conference guests shared their delight and spoke of their plans to implement all they were learning. I'm aware of several multi-generational families who walked away already communicating on a deeper level. The conference didn't end when the doors closed. Cars full of people shared story and made plans all the way home.

Story turns hearts, it heals, it inspires, it strengthens family dynamics. Families can affect the way they view themselves and the world around them by the stories they choose to tell each other. That's powerful. I was blessed to share this weekend with my remarkable daughters. We took advantage of the I-tell booth and recorded our thoughts and stories about being Clark Women. It was a moment I will cherish forever. We just don't naturally take such opportunities. Story@Home even reminded me to magnify the meaningful family moments I hold so dear.

Storytellers went home entranced with family history research. Family historians went home ready to share the stories that make all those dates significant. Bloggers went home ready to share stories from the past as well as the present in bold and colorful ways. I've even heard from some spouses who didn't make the conference; they declare that there's no way they are going to miss out next year. Which means, of course, that there will be a next year!

Story@Home was not a flash in the pan. We're here to stay and we want to reach out to as many people as possible. But a year is so far away... So, we're taking a condensed version on the road. Look for us at selected Family History Expos. http://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/  
We'll be in Albuquerque in April.

Saturday, March 03, 2012

What is Story@Home? Listen to this!

Here's a great interview with Carol Rice about the reasons for the Story@Home conference March 9-10, 2012 on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. If you're still wondering what we're all about this interview will help explain many things.

The interview begins 5 minutes into the program.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/geneabloggers/2012/03/03/telling-the-story-of-your-family-history

Story@Home Website: http://www.cherishbound.com/blog/storyathome/

Come play with me!!!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

I love it when the Press gets it!

Got this great write up in the Ogden Standard Times.
http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/02/27/story-tellers-entertain-laytons-apple-village-assisted-living-center#.T06i8lqZAiU.email

The story I told is from my new CD, "Wears Like Iron." (You can order your copy today by using the PayPal link on the right.)

It was a fun afternoon. My favorite part was when the residents shared their stories!

You can create such priceless moments too. Join me at the Story@Home conference to learn how. (Click the Story@Home link on the right to learn more.)


By Nancy Van Valkenburg

Standard-Examiner staff

Monday, February 06, 2012

Wears Like Iron

I am so excited to introduce my latest CD, Wears Like Iron. It has definitely been a labor of love and I am quite pleased with the results.
With this CD I am returning to what I was born to do, I am coming home - home to family story. Family informs who we are and how we see the world. It provides the bedrock of what we become. It's not always a world of happily-ever-after, but it is a world that reminds us of where true happiness lies. We become who we are because of the family we surround ourselves with. These might not be stories from your family, but they're sure to conjure up a wealth of memory from your own.
"Teresa Clark delivers! Her easy telling style calls us home, back to the people and places that give us the gentle strength and life lessons we so dearly need. These are stories that can be listened to over and over again whether you are by yourself or with a loved one."

Getting your own copy is easy! Simply click on the Buy Now button on the right of this post. I can't wait for you to hear it.

Of course such a project is never completed without the help of others. I need to give a shout out to TreeHouse Artists for their incredible artistic vision and generosity. They not only listened to my stories, but to the intent of my heart. Designer Laura Dowling captured it all in stunning one-of-a-kind, made-especially-for-me artistry. Art::Music::Design::Story - If you're in the market for creating a CD - Kim Weitkamp and her friends at TreeHouseArtists are the place for you!