"If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive."
—Barry Lopez, in Crow and Weasel
Once, a long time ago... for I was there and can tell you this story today... a young girl wrote a story. Her greatest desire was to grow up and be a female detective just like Nancy Drew and write spell binding, exciting mystery stories set in far away, exotic lands.
One day, her teacher, who encouraged her to pursue her "great ambition", asked her to read a story she had written to her classmates. Shyly she went to the front of the class to begin her reading. In a shaky but clear voice she began with the title.
"My story is called the "The Mystery of the Leaning Tower of Pizza" cause I don't know how to spell the word that they call that place in Italy."
Even though some of the children began to snicker behind hands pressed to their mouths, the young girl bravely ventured on At the end of her reading, her teacher praised her and most of the children clapped. But the young girl instinctively knew in her heart, she was "in for it" after school!
Sure enough, some of her classmates followed her home from school that day taunting and teasing her all the way.
"Dummie who can't spell!"
"Hey idiot, where did you learn to spell?"
"Hey Miss Detective who writes stupid stories..."
The young girl began to run as fast as she could. She arrived at the steps to the front veranda of her aunt's home out of breath, tears streaming down her face, and wailing indignantly.
It was four o'clock. Her aunt's neighbour friends were all gathered on the screened veranda for the daily ritual of "afternoon tea."
The young girl's aunt, hearing her cry, rushed quickly to open the screen door. Deftly, she swept the girl off her feet and into her consoling arms.
"What's the matter sweetheart? What's happened? Why are you crying?" her aunt inquired in a soothing voice as she stroked the blonde curls of her little niece, dabbing away the tears with her hankie.
Between sobs, the young girl told her of the day's happenings. Her aunt listened attentively.
"Sweetheart, I think you write lovely little stories. But you know, you can also tell stories instead of writing them. You have such a sweet voice. Would you like to tell us your story instead? I think we would all love to hear it."
Her aunt's friends all nodded in agreement. The young girl wiped away her tears. She smiled and began to tell her story.....
On that day, I began my journey as a weaver, writer and collector of tales. I have been spinning, writing, collecting and gathering stories ever since.
"Timeless Tales - Vintage Stories from Around the World - Volume 1" is dedicated to the memory of my wonderful aunt Inez.
It has only taken me over 50 years (chuckle) to gather, write, revise, adapt, sort through and choose my favourite stories to record for you and your loved ones, friends, youngsters or seniors alike, to cherish and enjoy along with me.
I sincerely hope you find as much joy in listening to them as I have had in recording them for you and story lovers everywhere.
Gratefully,
Sharon House,
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