One a Pond a Time by Kate Craer

“One A Pond A Time” . . . that's how my two and a half year old niece started when I asked her to tell me a story this weekend, and then she began to weave a tale of a mermaid swimming under water with a banana for a snack. In addition to falling all over myself at her cuteness, I’m amazed that at her tender young age she already understands one of the most formulaic and reliable ways to begin a tale. Without knowing it, she told her audience to open their mind to the possibilities in the story that was about to unfold. 

I’ve been taking storytelling classes for about a year now, and more than just transforming my time with my nieces, it fills my life.  My coffee table and kitchen counter are covered with books about storytelling, and so is my Amazon wish list and library account. At work I remind people of the power of connection through storytelling; it’s not just for kids, it’s a leadership skill.  When I look for events to attend I search for storytelling, and when I inevitably get the question “what do you like to do for fun” on a first date I say “storytelling”.  It enriches my life in ways I can’t fully express yet and it feels like I’ve found a little bit of the magic of life.  And yet, I’ve started to feel nervous when I tell.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m in my 3^rd class and I feel like I need to show progression from being a beginner, or if it’s because I haven’t been as diligent with my practices to be present in the moment when I’m up in front of a crowd.  The idea of being nervous made it so the last time I was going to tell a story publicly, I didn’t invite anyone I knew. I wanted the option to back out in case the nerves got too bad, and I thought if I didn’t know anyone maybe I could convince myself it didn’t matter if I was terrible.  But sitting at the event alone waiting for my turn, I began to realize that I wanted this audience of strangers to be entertained and feel their spirits lifted by my story.  My motivation for telling was to benefit the audience, and the audience wanted me to do well just as my friends and family would have.  Strangers or not, I didn’t want to be terrible for this audience.

Fortunately, I told an excellent story that night. I could tell both during the telling and when I got my scores, I had succeeded in benefiting the audience. As I walked back to my seat though, I realized I had short changed myself by not allowing people I knew to be there.  I wanted to talk about the story and the audience’s reaction, but there was no one to engage with after my time in the spotlight was over.  I loitered around the venue after the show hoping to collect a few compliments, and while that felt great, there was an emptiness in the evening for me.  I wanted more connection.  I like the discussions about what a story means and the conversations that can spiderweb from one story’s beginning and ending.  Storytelling for me is about building community, and that comes from inviting people on the journey with me. Even when I don’t know if the story is going to be terrible or excellent. So next time I’m telling, ya’ll are invited to join me in opening to the possibilities of story!

Comments

[Marian Nance]

Kate, Your blog was full of pearls of storytelling wisdom. I always enjoy your postings. They are just as fulfilling as hearing one of your wonderful stories. Looking forward to hearing many, many more. A big fan.

[Mindytarquini]

Oh how I wish I'd been there to cheer you on and hear your story. I've learned from you from the very first you told a story. I think you're magical. And everytime you or one of our other storytelling family Tells, I think,'Yeah, I can be brave, too.' On the date thing: I'm forever telling people a typical Storytelling Event is a cheap, fun date. And sometimes they give you food. What's not to love? So yes, I want to be on your permanent mailing list for the times you'll be telling.

[Dee Dee]

Kate, I definitely want to be there to cheer for you when you tell next time.
BTW I love the way your niece started her story.

[Gloria S]

Kate, of course you are always growing as a storyteller! I saw and heard your growth from 1st story to last story in one semester. Congratulations for getting out there with your stories!

[Myranette Robinson]

Your post made me remember when I "discovered" storytelling. The story of your niece knowing how to start a story reminded me that I discovered storytelling when I was about her age and the joy I felt when rediscovering it as an adult. Keep telling, and remember that you have a community here that will always love to support you.

[Kathy E]

Kate, just like all the other comments, you are amazing! I enjoy your stories and insights. It is always fun to have someone to support your performances. That is one of the many things I most enjoy about the storytelling community.