7Stories needs tellers + 2 new shows in Seattle

7Stories had some tellers cancel due to sickness and need a few more to fill out their show tomorrow night (Friday) in Burien. You can tell a story on any theme you want as long as it follows their usual rules. Click here for more info: https://www.meetup.com/7-stories/events/299082266/

Also, our new friend, Nick who opened our show last week, just sent me links to two new storytelling shows he and his partner Rebecca are running in Seattle. (Naturally, his email came two minutes after I hit send on my own email to everyone). Below is the text he sent me describing the shows.

The first show is called Bar Stories: Live on Stage.

It’s held on the second Monday of each month at Drumlin in Shoreline (in the Ridgecrest neighborhood). 

Sign-up opens at 6:30, show starts at 7.

It’s open to all stories and storytellers. It’s a lot like Fresh Ground Stories, with some Q&A after each story mixed in, and then an invitation for people to come up on the fly if inspiration strikes. The link to our Facebook page is attached here:

https://www.facebook.com/BarStoriesLiveOnStage

They’re also starting a monthly storytelling workshop called Bar Stories: Sunday Salon that Rebecca will host.

The Salon begins on March 17 and will be held thereafter on the third Sunday of each month at Distant World Coffeehouse in Roosevelt (near the corner of 65th Street and Roosevelt Way). It will be an afternoon thing, running from 3-5 pm.

This will be a storytelling show that invites and incorporates feedback, note-taking, mingling, networking, etc. We’re still hammering out the details and will be launching the news this week. The storytelling portion will be about 90 minutes, after which there will be an opportunity for workshopping in small groups, giving feedback, or just casual Sunday mingling.

Contact Nick or Rebecca if you have any questions. 

barstoriesLOS@gmail.com

I love that so many new shows are popping up. Get out of the house and make a new friend. I know, it’s weird making new friends at our age. Try it anyway. The worst that could happen is you go home with a new story.

Paul

No mic, new people, and a great show

What a great night we had! The amp died and two of the recorders came up empty, but we still managed to hear some great stories. Thanks to everyone who came out and leaned in closer while we did a show for the first time ever without a microphone. Yay for good acoustics!

We started off with Nick telling us how he created, lost, and then rebuilt his fake ID empire 20 years ago in NYC. Afterward, we all decided that Idaho is the New Jersey of the PNW. I’ll be driving through there this summer. I might stop in Coeur d’Alene and see how they feel about that.

David was up next and shared a story about deciding to be a dad even though he was scared he’d become the dad that he had. I think a lot of parents have had that fear. I know I did. Turned out I ended up a little like both my parents. Some of it was the good stuff and some of it was the bad stuff. My son comes to the show every month with me and helps me set up so I guess it was at least 51% of the good stuff. I’m still trying to work the bad stuff out of me. David’s kids turned out great. Through all the ups and downs in his story, I was happy to hear that. I hope if there was anyone in the audience wondering about what kind of parents they’re going to be that David’s story showed that you can be exactly the kind of parent you want to be.

Akasha, one of our new regulars, got up and told a story that I wish I didn’t feel so close to. It was a story where the blame for something was laid at everyone else’s feet until she realized her own responsibility. It was the kind of story I love to hear and then hate how much it reminds me of myself. It takes a lot to tell a story where you’re not the hero. Akasha is that kind of storyteller.,

Gretchen threw her name in Mr. Coffee mid-show when she got inspired to tell a story that had just recently happened. Very few people can tell a story without prepping (and I tell people all the time not to do that) but Gretchen has been telling stories for a long time and I knew if she said she could do it then she could. And it was great! I love stories that make me want to immediately get up and do something. Gretchen’s story made me want to eat sushi. I even wanted to go to that vegan sushi place two doors down from the Chabad. Yes, the story was so good she made me want to go eat plant-based sushi. Not sure if that counts as sushi, but one day soon I’ll find out and report back.

Our old friend Brian was next and told the first story we’ve ever heard about the importance of Hee Haw. Hee Haw was a country-western variety show that ran from the 60s through the 90s. It was where a lot of us first saw Roy Clark and a bunch of other world-class country musicians. No one I knew ever admitted to watching Hee Haw but we all did. I know we all watched it because I sang a parody of the show’s iconic song as the opener for the first speech I ever gave in high school. Everyone laughed and outed themselves as Hee Haw watchers. It wouldn’t be the last time I made a room full of people uncomfortable. Anyway, Brian’s story was about much more than Hee Haw. It was also about George Straight’s song, “The Fireman.” And it was about getting lost on a mountain as a young man and realizing no one was going to save him. George Straight and Hee Haw got him through a long, cold night on that mountain. I love it when a teller completely surprises me with things I haven’t thought of in years. Thank you, Brian.

Our only first-timer of the night also got inspired during the show and threw his name in Mr. Coffee mid-show. Don told a story of a squirrel running up his shirt and stealing his Hershey bar. He also set the record for the shortest story ever told at FGS. It was so short that the audience burst into laughter when he suddenly stopped talking and sat down. I think the entire story took 30 seconds. I’ve never laughed at the absurdity of someone telling a 30-second story but I’m so happy Don graced us with that. Everyone in my car laughed again as we drove down Queen Anne Hill on the way home. I hope we see Don again soon. 

My son Taran was up next with a story about being a para-educator and moving from a grade school to a middle school. Yes, maybe I shouldn’t have laughed so loud when he talked about the difficulties of handling teenagers. Yes, maybe I shouldn’t have strongly considered yelling out in the middle of his story, “My how the worm turns, kid!” But how often does a dad get to hear his son complain about unruly boys? If you ever want to know what your loved ones are up to, bring them to FGS. Sooner or later they’ll get up and tell a story you never heard before. And you’ll turn to them on the way home and say, “Did that really happen?”

We closed the show with one of our long-time regulars, Obie who told the beautiful story of traveling through Southeast Asia and realizing the importance of relationships. Whether it’s an intimate relationship with your fiance or a strangely personal relationship with the man you spend hours designing a wedding ring with, they all mean something. They stay in your heart and shape who you become. 

Obie could have been talking about storytelling too. I’ve made more friends than I can count through storytelling, particularly through running FGS. Even if I only see some of those friends a few times a year, they’re still in my heart here in Olympia. You can’t listen to the kind of stories we tell at this show without connecting with someone in that room. I hope each of you heard something you needed to hear that night. I hope that some of you walked up to a teller whose story touched you and said hello. That’s how it all starts.

Our next show is Thursday, March 21. The theme is “Mountains into Molehills – Stories of realizing you’re going to make it.” I can’t wait to hear stories of where you thought you were in over your head and then suddenly everything works out. I’ll get the invite out as soon as I can. 

Our friends at 7Stories have their show this Friday, at the Highline Museum. They have two themes for that night, “Perfect Storm” or “Hot Mess”. I am 100% sure that everyone reading this could tell a story on either of those themes 🙂

https://www.meetup.com/7-stories/events/299082266

Our next monthly online workshop is Sunday, March 3. It’s a great place to get feedback on a story you’re working on for FGS, 7Stories, The Moth, etc. It’s run by two accomplished tellers who love meeting new people. 

https://www.meetup.com/fresh-ground-stories-storytelling-workshop/events/299022923

If you miss the workshop, I’m always available to help with stories over the phone. Write me at freshgroundstories at Gmail dot com and we can set up a call.

Take care, everyone. See you in March.

Paul

See you this Thursday + I won a contest!

I hope you’re all looking forward to our show this Thursday, and that some of you are working on a story to tell. I’ve already heard from a couple of people who have stories and I can’t wait to hear them live. You don’t need to contact me if you want to tell a story. Just show up before 7pm and throw your name in the Mr. Coffee carafe.

This month’s theme is “In Retrospect – Stories of things you didn’t want to do but now are glad you did.”

https://www.meetup.com/fresh-ground-stories/events/298764519

A couple weeks ago I saw a storytelling challenge on Matthew Dicks’ Facebook page that piqued my interest. The challenge was to record a short video (4 minutes or less) where you introduced yourself through story. I’d never thought of introducing myself to anyone with a story so I thought I’d give it a try. A week later I found out my 72-second story won!

This is the first time I’ve ever won a storytelling contest. It definitely felt weird knowing that other people lost. But everyone in the contest seemed upbeat and not too upset about it so that made me feel better. The prize for winning was a one-hour coaching session with Matt on Facebook Live where I would learn ways to expand and improve the story. It was a fantastic session. Everything he said made sense and made me want to try the things he suggested. Here’s the link to the coaching session. He plays my story at the beginning so you know what we’re working from. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/storyworthybusiness/permalink/944494483499405/?mibextid=oMANbw

I’m not in business but I still joined the group a few months ago because I knew at some point I’d learn something about storytelling or coaching. Every month they have a new challenge. This month’s challenge is to use a story to make a toast. I’ll probably try this one too. I may not upload a video and enter the contest but I love trying new storytelling exercises. Here’s the link to the Facebook group. If you have any questions you’ll have to contact Matt through FB. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/storyworthybusiness

I hope to see you at the show this Thursday!

Paul

Freshgroundstories at Gmail dot com

Thank you!

Hi All,

Thank you so much for supporting all our tellers last week and helping us have such a great show. It was a wonderful evening. Send me an email If you told a story and would like the recording of it. I’ll get it to you as soon as I can.

If you want to catch another great story show, and maybe even tell a story yourself, our friends at 7Stories in Burien are doing their show tomorrow, Friday, at the Highline Heritage Museum. They still have room for 1-2 more tellers.

They have two themes for the night. “Brush with greatness” and “You only live once.” Go check them out! Meetup is the best way to get their invites and upcoming themes.

https://www.meetup.com/7-stories/

If you’re still working on a story don’t forget about our free monthly workshop. It’s a great place to get feedback whether you’re just starting one or looking for ways to polish one. Their next Zoom call is Sunday, February 4, at 1pm.

https://www.meetup.com/fresh-ground-stories-storytelling-workshop/events/298426939/

That’s all for now. Special thank you to everyone who told a story with us last Thursday. As always, it was my favorite night of the month. 

See you at our next show, Thursday, February 15! The theme is, “In Retrospect – Stories of things you didn’t want to do but now are glad you did.”

https://www.meetup.com/fresh-ground-stories/events/298764519/

Paul

Freshgroundstories at Gmail dot com

FGS: In Retrospect – Stories of things you didn’t want to do but now are glad you did

I love not doing things I’m supposed to do. I’ve been told it’s my superpower. I like to think of myself as a prodigy. A prodigy for not doing things I have no good reason for not doing.

For years I didn’t have a microwave. Partly because I had other things I needed to spend that money on. But also because I didn’t grow up with a microwave so it never occurred to me that I needed one. 

When I was a kid, the only people I knew who had a microwave were David Mason’s family. It was one of those giant 1970s models with a big dial as a timer and one temperature setting – volcano. David and I would put two slices of American cheese between two slices of Wonder bread and press our noses against the glass to watch everything melt into liquid rubber. I’m sure we were irradiated. It was the 10-year-old’s version of the Manhattan Project.

When I started living on my own in the 80s, my apartments never came with a microwave and I never got around to buying one because there were always diapers to buy or a car to fix. So I ate all my leftovers cold and thought nothing of it. Of course, I saw people using microwaves when I was in their homes but I probably went years between the times I used one myself. Most of those times were at quickie marts heating up frozen burritos. In my mind, microwaves were invented for 7-11’s and Circle K’s. Anyone who had one in their home must have money to burn. It seemed like the least necessary home appliance, right up there with pasta makers and pizza scissors. 

After a while, I started taking pride in not having a microwave. I’d boast about it when it came up, “I was into slow cooking back when that was the only speed we had.” My lack of microwave paired well with the old typewriters and fountain pens I had lying around the house. I was proud of my analog kitchen and the cast-iron pans I inherited from my dad. I didn’t even have Teflon pans! I had a frying pan, a Dutch oven, and a couple of pots. What more did I need? Did everything stick to the frying pan and have to be scraped off with steel wool and blow torch? Yes. Did I try 42 ways to season those cast iron pans and fail each time? Of course. Did it ever occur to me to buy a Teflon pan? No. 

Four years ago, I bought my first house. People started bringing over food as a housewarming gift. When they’d set the casserole dish on the counter they’d always do a slow turn and say, “Where’s your microwave?” When I said I didn’t have one they looked like I’d just admitted that I didn’t have a toothbrush. The look was somewhere between confusion and pity. So I finally bought a microwave. A used one. I did it so people would stop asking if I’d like the spare one they had in the garage. I’ve probably reset the clock on the thing more often than I’ve used it to heat anything up. 

My four-decade cold food diet was going great until I started going out with Marni. Watching me eat leftovers without heating them up drives her crazy. I think it activates her Neanderthal DNA (verified by 23-and-me). I can hear the voice in her head saying, “We go through the trouble of discovering fire and you’re not even going to use it??”

So last month I started using the microwave. I  was beginning to wonder if I was missing out on something. Are leftovers that much better hot? It turns out they are! Has everyone been heating up their leftovers this whole time? I had no idea hot food was so much better than cold food. I’m like Oppenheimer in the kitchen now. I put everything in the microwave. Buttered toast? I nuke the butter first. Baked potato? Into the magic box it goes. Am I a Victorian dandy? No, I’m a 21st-century man. I’m saving thousands of dollars on tin foil alone! You have no idea how much this has changed my life. Hot food, people. That’s where it’s at. I feel like I just invented the light bulb, the printing press, and heated car seats. 

Deep down I know why I kept putting off buying a microwave. I was attached to the identity of Analog Man. I thought doing without a simple convenience gave me integrity. Sometimes ego looks like integrity. I didn’t have much but I could show people I could do without an affordable modern tool and somehow make that look like a principled stand against technology. But really it was just ego and arrogance. Twenty years in therapy and 11 years in a 12-step program and I finally figured that out. Turns out cooking isn’t the only thing I’m slow at.

And that’s the kind of story we’re looking for. Come tell a story about a time when you finally gave in to doing something and ended up being glad you did. What was it and why did you push back against it? Was it getting married? Going to school? Having kids? Maybe you quit your job to travel the seven seas. We’d love to hear the story.

Remember to practice your story out loud on as many people as possible and time yourself when you’re doing it. Please don’t get onstage if you haven’t practiced your story. The audience is giving you their time and attention. It’s not fair to them if you get up there and try to wing it.

All stories have to be under 8 minutes. Stories can be as short as you want but not over 8 minutes. Stories also have to be clean in both language and content. Send me an email if you have any questions about that.

The rest of the rules and guidelines are below:

Storytelling Rules and Guidelines

Workshops are a great way to get feedback on a story you’re working on. Here is one I highly recommend. It’s run by two people who have told many times at FGS and other shows in the area:  

https://www.meetup.com/Fresh-Ground-Stories-Storytelling-Workshop/

I’m also happy to help anyone with a story they’re working on. Send me an email and we can set up a phone call.

See you on Thursday, February 15 at 7 pm, at the Chabad of Queen Anne – Magnolia. 1825 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 (Remember, no non-kosher food in the building)

Paul
Freshgroundstories at gmail dot com