A story that tells why I am here… 

My brilliant father told stories. He was a scientist who founded a large research facility for the University, and he was a scientific advisor at the Pentagon. Yet, he was also a man who told me that an elf might be apt to carry a briefcase while walking in his woodland home. 

Because I had such a magical introduction to the world of stories, I became fascinated with telling my own tales. My stories have frequently been about such important topics as squirrel detectives or pirates feeling ill at ease in proper society. 

I bring that joy of stories told to me in early childhood to my adult life. I write new stories in my mind. I usually practice telling a story many times before I tell it. I do not always write the story down. I use my voice to help become different characters in the story. I like stories with mishaps and several fumbles by the well-meaning characters. 

My fan club includes my grandson in Germany. He frequently likes the same story told to him repeatedly. He corrects me if I forget mention of a certain event in the story and helps me write the story as it is being told. I have also done story telling circles for adult crowds while trying to engage them in telling me something too. 

I am a genealogist. I have my own website and blog written stories on the lives of my ancestors or other folks that I have researched for my friends. Even in my historical blogs, I like to find out something beyond a list of dates. A blog might start like this: “She was 10 years old when she arrived in America…” 

I am always excited to receive comments, a new idea, or any feedback that makes the story breathe itself into one that can be told and retold.