Because Babies Grow Up

Since our “untimely” move to Tennessee did not allow me to attend the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, I passed my tickets onto a friend of mine you may remember from this post on literacy. She and her family attended the first day of the Storytelling Festival on Thursday. I received this wonderful email from her telling me about their experience. I thought I would share it with you and encourage you to get tickets if you don’t have any yet! September 5th is the last day of the Festival, so you’ll want to hurry. Here’s what Rebecka shared about their experience:

Amber,
You know the story telling festival began today, and I am amazed at
how blessed we are that you thought of us to take your ticket. We went
to the “Look Who’s Talking” event. We heard six storytellers. It was
the best entertainment we’ve seen in, well forever. From touching to
hysterical we were enthralled, and tonight was only the
“taste of what’s to come.”  Steve’s favorite was Bil Lepp who told a
story of being chased by 5 wild dogs and 500 prairie dogs while he
tried to run away on the 12 ft high stilts he’d built to stand on
while he painted the second story windows of his home. Every time Bil
would say, “Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you…….” the story became
more and more crazy and unbelievable. Steve was banging his head on my
knee he was so caught up in the ridiculousness of it all.

Heather Forest told a Jewish folk tale that is the beginning of the
phrase “words like feathers fly.” Her song has the lyrics “cruel words
like feathers fly.” I hope she has recorded this story. I want to use
it in my elementary school classroom.

Barry and I enjoyed all the tellers but were especially delighted with
Carmen Agra Deedy. She told a story that could have happened to any of
us, parts of which have happened to all of us, with voices and faces
that were…….I can’t think of a description, partly because her
performance was beyond words and partly because my past-bed-time brain
is beyond words.

The kids are especially looking forward to hearing Bill Harley
tomorrow. I’m excited for them to have an experience so rich. I was
teasing Steve and asked if the show wasn’t better than playing PS2. He
surprised me by having to debate about which he would rather do: Play
PS2 or listen to stories. This tells me that he NEEDS to hear stories.
Thank you for the perfect medicine.

I will use part of this email in the blog post I promised. Or if you
want to post some of it now feel free. It’s not too late for your
readers to get tickets. And you can see just one event if you want.
www.timpfest.org

Thanks again, Rebecka
PS I hope you are well, miss you and your sweet girls

Thanks for such a fun email! We miss you and your family, too. Can’t wait for the full report on the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. I just want to thank Cherish Bound again for being a sponsor of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival this year and providing me the opportunity to experience their company and sending my friend and her family to the Festival.