My husband and his father have a charming “phone” ritual that always makes me smile. Every call they share begins with “What’s the story?”
I am a lover of stories. I love reading them, listening to them and writing them. Whether it’s a group of preschoolers gathered at the library for storytime, friends regaling each other with their vacation adventures, or reading a bedtime story to a child…stories are what connect us to each other.
I love that stories come in many shapes and sizes….shared through the written word, woven in song, and played out in films. Stories are created with works of art. Beautiful stories are shared through dance. Some of my favorite stories are in photographs…a picture really is worth thousands of words. My kids love our photo albums…they are our family story.
I began to read a fairytale to my daughter the other day that began with the classic “ Once upon a time”…just after I spoke those magical words, Catherine sighed and said “I love those words ‘cause I know something good is going to happen." Those four words hold such promise…you just know that you are about to hear something wondrous from the
One of my favorite ways to share stories with my son is to spend an afternoon with him as a “book buddy” where we curl up in our favorite spots and read (mine in a cozy chair with a warm beverage…his stretched out on the floor) …to me, that is pure bliss.
The
Other ways we’ve spun our stories throughout time…ghostly tales around the campfire, hieroglyphics in ancient times, woven medieval tapestries, the songs of the bards, old wives tales, handwritten letters….I recently read “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” It is a story written through letters. I found this book completely charming! A huge thanks goes out to "Me" over at An Eagle's View for recommending this book! (I highly recommend it too, by the way…)
Stories inspire us, tug at our heartstrings, give us courage and make us look deeper. Each of us has a unique story. Lots of folks lately have taken to writing down their life stories, printing them and giving them as gifts. What a treasure! I have often thought about writing a “mom-oire” to share with my kids. My daughter asked me recently if I would print my blogs so she could read my “book”. I am doing that this weekend and putting the pages in a binder for her. I hope she likes it!
Catherine’s favorite game of the moment (aside from her obsession with UNO) is “Tell Me a Story” from eeboo. You spread out the picture cards and create a story that is laid out in the cards. She loves spinning tales this way. (I highly recommend all eeboo products!)
I have this plaque hanging in my kitchen to remind me every day that I am writing my story through my words and actions.
Each day I create a new chapter…will it be a comedy, a medical drama or an action adventure tale? If Colin Firth or Sean Bean comes by, I can assure you, it would be a sizzling hot trashy romance novel! lol!
Today I leave you with this…
What’s your story?
P.S. Guess how many blogs I stalked yesterday???? Five!!! Wow! Can you believe that?? More sick kid action in my house! lol! Hopefully, today I can get to...oh, I don't know...maybe 10? lol!
Comments
Jamie :)
p.s. hope the kiddos are feeling better soon too.
Now I feel like reading a fairy tale.
until they are adults, anyhow;)
my blog has evolved into more than a family album, though...it's become more like my outlet for expelling whatever needs to be purged from within me.
plus i swear...a lot.
but it is my story, and i suppose it helps me to remember where i've been and it's also a constant reminder of where i want to go.
andy:)
Printing out a blog! Cool. I just have to figure how to do that, Hmmmmm.
Hope you kids feel better.
That story the kids can create sound SO fun...I'll have to look into that!
And here's to better health at your house. :)
Smiles,
June
Your daughter will enjoy your "book" someday!! I know I do :)
I too get behind on the blog stalking! Sometimes I just say oh well I will get to it on Saturday!
Thanks for commenting on the Sweethearts post. I haven't looked for them in the stores yet. Wonder if they are available at Wal-Mart and similar big box retailers? Now you have me curious.
I so LOVED this post...you have such a beautiful way with words!!! :)
I can remember sitting at my desk in 6th grade after lunch listening to my teacher read the Caldecott Award Winning Novels to us. (Everyday was a different chapter from books like Olde Yeller and Island of the Blue Dolphins....that was such a special time!)
Thanks for helping us all remember how much story telling is a part of our everyday lives.... :)
Maybe my kids can read my blogs when they're older and won't be so offended that I refer to them as Snotty & Grumpy. Oops.
I'd been wondering about that book. I saw it at Sam's Club and thought it looked interesting. Now that I have a recommendation, I'll pick it up to read when we take the long trip to Texas next week. Thanks for that!
Thanks!
Love that plaque!
Stories oh boy do I have them, and sadly it would take up too much of your comment field ... LOL :)
Oh no sick kids, hope everyone is feeling better. Much love my dear!
LOVE your button with the owl. I'm looking for something with owls. ITs hard getting older and especially when it seems like no one cares.
I love - What's your story? Great way to start a conversation.
My story is still being written.
And definitely something to think about!!!! Hugs!
This was a wonderful post! I enjoyed it so much! :)
My story? Its a long one..but well worth the ink!!
Once upon a time is truly a great way to start a story :)