Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Life Stories

Dear Friends,

I read with interest Philip Howard's blog of two days past on the new state project of interviewing and collecting stories in North Carolina. 

This is not a controversial issue. This is important to gather our stories for preservation of our lives; who we are, how we live, and what we leave behind. 

In Indiana there is a similar project called Life Stories. It is a collaboration between the Indiana Historical Society, WFYI, and Storytelling Arts of Indiana.

I was fortunate enough to share my story in August while performing at the Fringe. Ellen Munds invited me to tell my story, anything I want to say!

I had an hour to speak. No problem for me!

At the appointed time I arrived. I have to say I was a little nervous, although I knew what I wanted to talk about without rambling. I decided to share my farm stories when my children were young.

The ladies were trained and were volunteers. They offered me water and told me how the interview would proceed. The microphone was on the table. They were also prepared with questions in case I (or whoever else would be telling) were at a loss of words or stories. They also told me they would take a couple of photos while I worked.

I began. I did not stop or falter. Of course, for me, I love talking. I make my living by talking! The women were interested, nodding me on, laughing or smiling or sharing other emotions as they emerged in the story.

This project is not for storytellers. It is for everyone. I am fortunate enough to have been asked to tell my stories. As you can imagine the hour flew by.

Eventually I will receive the recording which I will share with my children. In the meantime Ken Oguss, friend and videographer, works with the project by editing stories and pulling out small clips. My clip was just finished, and I love it.

I am adding it to the end, please take the time to see and listen to it. No, it is not about fishermen or oysters, but it is about a lovely Indiana farm.

I thought this was a good time to respond to the blog I referred to by giving my experience. Everyone should tell their story!

As always, thank you for reading and listening.

Lou Ann


http://lifestoriesproject.net/homan-lou-ann/


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