Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Snapshots from Jonesboro

Voice of Kathryn Tucker Windham  (Click here to hear the voice of Kathryn)

Images of Jonesboro (Jonesborough) still fill my heart and mind as I settle back into my house at White Picket Gardens to do all the catch up work. I don't know how long I have been attending the National Storytelling Festival, but I do know it has been for many years. Next year will be the 40th celebration, so the art of storytelling is beginning to leave a legacy behind and a future to look forward to. I am so honored to be proud of this group of friends of mine that I call 'storytellers'.

The photos are just snapshots to give you an idea of the brilliance of the town. Everyone decks out for this, including alley ways. Folks stay at B and B's, if they can get in. Others (like me and Ellen) drive from Johnson City back and forth each day. Some camp, some stay in their airstream trailers.

Jonesboro, to me, is the heart of story. It is where I began years ago at the old Chester Inn when I took a week long workshop with Kathryn Tucker Windham, may her soul rest in peace; Donald Davis; Doc McConnell, whose voice is still as well; and Ray Hicks, direct from the mountains. He, too, is now gone from us.

Years have passed since that first experience, but I have had opportunities to meet folks, research, travel, write and become even more passionate about my work. Isn't that what our lives are all about? Passion.

So, enjoy these few photos.

Until tomorrow,
Lou Ann

















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