... Return to Normalcy - but what exactly is normal?

The final day of the annual National Storytelling Network conference found the troupe restless and ready to hit the road. Interpreter Libby worked the last concert, and while several attended, others of us felt the confinement of the van coming, choosing to stay in the lobby, which was fun.

Waiting down in the lobby for our fellow troupe members was an experience not to be forgotten. Whether we knew the storytellers attending the conference or not, it was as though we were of one family and strangers no more. Some we had seen in conference sessions during the week, but never got to meet, so this was our chance. And yes, the sound heated up as we greeted, bade farewell and more.

And speaking of the lobby: As some are aware, storytellers cultivate their vocal folds into powerful amplifiers. This storyteller, working downstairs at the public computer found out for herself the trouble we can cause. There I was, typing away, minding my own business when it began - a conflagration of sound coming from who knew where. Nearby, patrons eating or having drinks expressed concern, and that's when I overheard a staff member say, "I'm so sorry sir. I promise it's not usually loud like this. You see there's a storytelling ..." After hearing the same explanation to different patrons several times, I realized we storytellers must practice some wisdom when using our most powerful instruments - our voices.

During most of the trip, I had experienced unusual sensitivity to sound, later diagnosed as an ear infection, so this got my attention. Are we really that loud and disruptive? My answer is "no, not usually," but we can be when we're together. In a world where people are talking less and less, we may stand out more in our exuberance for what we do.

 Joined by our fellow troupe members at the concert's conclusion, those of us on the floor had done a full day's work already, and were ready for the road. Still, there was some reluctance as we knew that no matter what we did, it could never be replicated in exactly the same way. That particular combination of personalities, talents and events had rubbed together, worked and played just long enough to create something special - a treasured memory.

 Tellabration is a time-honored tradition in the oral tradition storytelling world, and one at which storytellers gather to tell stories as close to the Thursday before Thanksgiving as possible; ours is November 20 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center.  That night we'll honor our sponsors by telling our favorite stories from the journey, sharing video footage of our performances at different venues, and recap highlights from the trip. www.storytellersguild.org.

The Uptown Arts Bar - Kansas City

All through this journal, we've described the cooperation found in our storytelling community here in Jonesborough, our sponsors, and especially the Town of Jonesborough. From the very beginning, the National Storytelling Network office was supportive of our road trip efforts, sharing vital contact information that enabled us to book the venues and meet with fellow guild members in four states. What we accomplished still seems almost mythic to those of us who went, and our sense of being a performance troupe continues.

Arriving in Kansas City, we thought the Uptown Arts Bar would be our last gig of the trip. Our new NSN interim director, Robert Buenavitas helped us secure this gig, we were all excited about. Located downtown in the middle of tiny shops and restaurants, the place had an aura that was enchanting from the moment we walked in. The bar is out front, but is divided from the stage hall in the back by an improbable stairway. A charming touch of whimsy, at first I thought it led to nowhere, but not so - there were necessary rooms at the top of those steps, and woe to anyone who couldn't navigate them...

The River and Prairie Storytelling Guild's Steve Otto and others came to hear us and to tell, as we advertised the concert as an olio, but first, they wanted to hear the Jonesborough Kansas City Road trip Troupe tell. It was great fun to tell stories in that black space, as all one could see were the faces nearby. Further back the hall was filled with a wonderfully diverse group of listeners, and later, we discovered the concert was broadcast into the bar as well. The photo below was taken at the Uptown Arts Bar in Kansas City, MO.

Troupe members are decked out in our matching blue vests.