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.

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!!!

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

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! 

What a week!

Things are ramping up for the Story@Home conference. Last week the board met for a retreat in beautiful Aspen Grove. Not only did I get to spend time in the mountains - which always refills my soul - I got to feel the power of unified dreams and visions as we worked together to make this conference the best it can be.

I feel so blessed to be a part of all this. It's not very often in life that we are able to overlay all our passions into one event. But my love of story, my passion for family, and my commitment to making genuine connections all plays a part in this conference. Yep - I'm loving this!

Come join me in SLC in March! I'd love to reconnect and hear your stories. Whether it's your ancestors, your family, or your friends - everyone has stories that need to be told and heard. The real question is, Are you listening?

It's coming...and I can't wait!!!!!

Celebrate with a Family Story Slam!

I've got a great idea for your next family gathering!

But first - Don't forget you can give a loved on the gift of story this holiday season in a marvelous way. 

They've lived it, now help them learn how to share it at the Story@Home Conference!

At only $265 the gift package is one sweet deal. Your stories matter! Simply click on the link below and go to the registration tab. Don't forget your Family Story Slam tickets too!

Okay - now for the fun idea for your next family gathering!

Happy Holidays! 

Over the coming month or so families from all over will gather together to celebrate their unique bonds, reflect back on experiences shared, and focus on the things that matter most. I’m sure you’ve got some great plans up your sleeve already. I’ve got one more suggestion for you - Celebrate with a Family Story Slam!

We all have them: oft-told family tales we enjoy again and again. But sometimes, they get a little tired and worn out, or the details may fade away into family shorthand. A Family Story Slam is a great way to freshen them up and stir up some good old family competition in the process.


Family Story Slam
You’ll need:
A couple of sets of judges who’ll score the stories on a scale of 1 – 10.
A scorekeeper and scoreboard
A timekeeper with a kazoo or noise maker
Family storytellers
A Fabulous Prize
A Theme Topic such as:
Remember the time?
I’ve never been so afraid!
Wasn’t that funny?
I knew I was in trouble when… – etc.

Here’s how it works.
Put the names of everyone who wants to share a story in a hat. The timekeeper will draw their names one at a time. They’ll have 5 minutes and 5 minutes only to tell their tale. If they go over the timekeeper makes some noise. Now they have 20 seconds to wrap it up. If they fail, the timekeeper lovingly silences them.

Next the judges score the story. There are only 3 criteria: Was it ON TIME? Was it a STORY? Was it on TOPIC? They rate the criteria on a scale of one to ten and call out their scores to the scorekeeper who keeps tally on a board everyone can see.

The winner gets a prize!

Results: A great time had by all and you’ve given new life to those favorite family stories.

Note: Advertise this activity before everyone arrives to really fuel the excitement! Love the experience? Be sure to come to the Family Story Slam at Story@Home and bring your story to a brand new audience!


That’s all you need to get the party started, but If you’re interested in knowing more read on. 

The Rules

·        Story must be true and from your life.

·        Story must be told in five minutes or less.

·        Story must be told live, without notes.

·        Story may be told by one or more people together – but must not exceed 5 minutes.

Tips

Chat over the story with your family.

Clarify your memories.

Compose your story.

(Remember, it’s not a story unless it leads us through an incident that ends in some sort of progress, discovery, or learning.)

Practice your story!

(Remember you don’t get a cheat sheet)

Practice so you can keep it down to five minutes.

(Beware the consequences of going over . . . muwahahah)

Tell it to your plants, pets, spouse, kids or mirror.

 (But know they are a tough audience.)

Revise, Rework, Revamp, Finesse

Shave off another two minutes

The Moth of New York City created the Story Slam model. (www.themoth.org)