I just learned a big lesson in the world of blog posting: write it and save it because if you don't, it goes away.
It has been a trying time for the past several weeks. I'm still in negotiation with a publisher for my book Riding the Clouds, the life stories of our beloved Appalachian Storytellers, still working half-time with the Johnson City Parks and Recreation and plugging in the holes telling stories every chance I get.
My visit with the WaysMeet folks in Berea, Kentucky was all I wanted it to be. For me, with the awakening of interest in all things Appalachian, the trip to Berea was a pilgrimage, but it is one I wish had been of longer duration. The drive was incredibly beautiful, taking me through parts of mountain country I had not seen before. The group I met with was composed mostly of students, which suited me just fine even though I was expecting older folks. The talk changed in response to what I felt coming from them, and I loved the thoughtful expressions I saw on their faces. My hope is they will be willing to 'ride the clouds' themselves, lifting off the ground to taste adventure and live their dreams.
My new postcard brochures and business cards came in and I'm having a blast sending them out. If you read this post and can think of some places a teller of my sort would be appreciated, make a comment - it would be appreciated. I bartered for a brief video clip of my stories and I'm going to put that on YouTube next. After that, the web site . . .
About Me
- saundra
- Born in Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, I am a genuine Florida Cracker--a descendent of sturdy women and men who farmed their way south from North Carolina in the early 1800's. I am a graduate of Florida State University with a BS in Social Science, and earned an MA in Education/Storytelling from East Tennessee State University. My work is deeply influenced by a love and reverence for the natural world and environmental issues and my love of story. Performance Photos by Valerie Menard, Silentlightimages.com.
