It all started . . .

Bradley Creek, Wilmington, North Carolina

Sitting on my balcony with a friend, who told me I had a gift for storytelling and should write my stories down. It was one of those moments of clarity that hit you out of the blue. A perfectly ordinary conversation between friends, a chance turn of phrase that strikes you smack in the face. I remember it vividly; in my mind's eye, I watch her turn her head to look at me and see her lips move, and almost see the words in the air. By all rights, just a perfectly ordinary conversation, but it has had a profound impact on me!

The next day, I started a list, just off the top of my head. It got longer, then longer again, a mix of my own stories and those of my forebearers, of important events and little ones, people I have known, adventures I've had. Somewhere along the way, I began thinking more seriously about it, took a couple of writing classes and decided to put my web skills to work for myself. My stories will probably appear as blog posts, but really they are essays, and are in completely random order.

It would be great to hear some of your stories too, so if something I write about resonates with you, please comment. I always have to rein myself in when I respond to a Facebook post when I get in "let me tell you about my experience" mode. No one wants that and its rude to make it all about yourself when someone just wants some love. This is not Facebook. I really do want you to make it about you, so tell me about it!

Let's honor the past and make waves in the future!