Sunday, April 27

Session F • 8:30-10:00am

F1 - Color It Local: Celebrating the Regional in Storytelling

Perhaps more than any other artists, storytellers are able to capture and pass on “local color.” This showcase will demonstrate storytelling that exploits elements of speech, dress, mannerisms, habits of thought, and topography peculiar to a region—Texas, in this case. Learn how anyone can begin to collect and preserve the elements unique to a place and how any teller can choose to portray, through stories, the people and life of any geographic setting.

For: beginner to advanced storytellers, oral historians and other story collectors, writers and educators, regional tourism directors, tour guides and interpreters

Presenter: Donna Ingham

    • Donna Ingham is a retired English professor turned storyteller and author. A native Texan, she has written three books about the Lone Star State, and she travels nationally telling stories. Her Texas and Texanized tales provide lots of local color and important universal truths at the same time.

 

F2 - Finding Inspiration in the Natural World

Northlands meets nature! In honor of the new conference site, come and engage in activities that enhance your dialogue with nature, inspire story connections, and invite healing expressions from the earth. Learn to listen to rocks, and find the keys to your stories, hidden in stone. Rediscover nature as the keeper of stories. Participants will leave with some images to work with, and perhaps the beginnings of one or more stories. Weather permitting, we’ll work outside.

For: Beginner and experienced storytellers, counselors, teachers, clergy

Presenter: Meg Gilman

    • Meg Gilman, MFA, storyteller, teacher, writer, visual artist, and member of the Healing Story Alliance board, designs storytelling programs for 'healing' and educational environments. Her experience with storytelling and healing has encompassed work with individuals and groups on such issues as chronic/terminal illness, spirituality, grief, alzheimer’s, and trauma recovery.

 

F3 - The Bend in Your Road: Using Story to Process a Traumatic Event

The bend in Donna’s road came in 2001 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After sharing a condensed version of her performance piece on facing and surviving cancer Donna will use lecture, written exercises and small-group discussion to help participants reflect on difficult times in their own lives in a safe and supportive space. Patients, survivors, caregivers and others will find encouragement and support as they reflect on their own life’s journey.

For: Storytellers at all levels, Healing Arts, writers

Presenter: Donna Dettman

    • “Donna allows us to laugh in the face of cancer.” Bridget Link, Relay for Life. Traveling the twists and turns of her new road Donna has learned to look for and find life, love & laughter. Dare to expect joy in your life!