What an exhausting week. I am so ready for a weekend with nothing on the agenda. Which is what I have.
Yesterday was a marathon -- a normal workday until 4:30, then an office gathering of the librarians and tech staff, then a dinner with a co-worker, and then an evening event at the Southbank Centre (above). The event was the "grand slam" story competition by The Moth, a storytelling organization that you may be familiar with if you listen to public radio. I'd heard of The Moth but never listened to their radio show or podcasts, so attending this event was me stepping into that world completely cold. (My co-worker Staci had a spare ticket.) The storytelling was fascinating and it was interesting to see how the speakers crafted the arc of their stories, much like I used to do with newspaper articles.
It made me think about what stories I'd tell if I were ever a Moth participant. The fact that my mom wouldn't speak to my dad for much of my childhood? The time I could have died by falling off a cliff face while hiking in Morocco? I'm not what I would call a very linear or polished storyteller -- at least not verbally. I can't even tell a joke. But I suppose, as with anything, practice makes perfect, and some stories are so visceral that they sort of naturally unfold.
Anyway I didn't get home until about midnight, which is insanely late for me. Today is my day for recovery!
Yesterday was a marathon -- a normal workday until 4:30, then an office gathering of the librarians and tech staff, then a dinner with a co-worker, and then an evening event at the Southbank Centre (above). The event was the "grand slam" story competition by The Moth, a storytelling organization that you may be familiar with if you listen to public radio. I'd heard of The Moth but never listened to their radio show or podcasts, so attending this event was me stepping into that world completely cold. (My co-worker Staci had a spare ticket.) The storytelling was fascinating and it was interesting to see how the speakers crafted the arc of their stories, much like I used to do with newspaper articles.
It made me think about what stories I'd tell if I were ever a Moth participant. The fact that my mom wouldn't speak to my dad for much of my childhood? The time I could have died by falling off a cliff face while hiking in Morocco? I'm not what I would call a very linear or polished storyteller -- at least not verbally. I can't even tell a joke. But I suppose, as with anything, practice makes perfect, and some stories are so visceral that they sort of naturally unfold.
Anyway I didn't get home until about midnight, which is insanely late for me. Today is my day for recovery!
Good you have a day for recovery. The Moth sounds incredible. I have always wanted to try that, to be a storyteller.
ReplyDeleteAs your blog proves, you are a practised wordsmith and for that reason, with courage and determination, it is very likely that you could become an effective and entertaining oral storyteller.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a whirlwind of a day
ReplyDeleteA busy day to reflect on.
ReplyDeleteI think you are already a great storyteller. Your blog posts are always interesting and entertaining.
ReplyDeleteYou are not a story teller???!! You have sure got us fooled.
ReplyDeleteI have the "Moth Radio Hour" in my podcast library and listen to them when I'm on long car trips along with "This American Life".
ReplyDeleteI would be too nervous to be a storyteller like that. Of course, you know that you are a wonderful storyteller through your blog, Steve.
ReplyDeleteI love The Moth. They publish volumes of the stories told at their events. They are fascinating in print, too. Such rich story arcs contained in relatively few words. You might enjoy them. I'd love to hear your moth story!
ReplyDeleteI love the Moth and listen often. I didn't know they were international too. You've got this story thing down. Look how you hold our fascination with the Russians and Mrs. K? And having had the rich good fortune to see you in person, you have the energy and presence to pull off a live event with aplomb. Have a great, laid back weekend!
ReplyDeleteI like your stories and think the only difference is that on a blog you read, in that other setting you listen; and there is a way to tell a story through cadence and rhythm.
ReplyDeleteI want to know about your mom and her silence,
The only thing I know about The Moth is that I vaguely know it's...something. So now I know. How did your parents communicate about child sharing arrangements? Also, I am very glad you did not die in Morocco.
ReplyDeleteWhat Ms. Moon said. I have questions.
ReplyDeleteI hear some of those stories on the radio when The Moth radio hour is on. Many times I've sat in the car in my driveway or parking spot and waited to hear the end of the story.
ReplyDeleteI love the Moth story hour though I don't listen to it regularly. I've heard some great stories. If I ever was on I would tell the story of our rabbit. I've written about it on the blog.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of The Moth, but never listened to it. Oral storytelling is an art! I bet you'd be good at it.
ReplyDeleteI also love Moth. The stories are compelling and wonderful to hear.
ReplyDeleteHaving a day of rest after a very full/long day is much needed.
This is a new one for me, and it sounds wonderful. My radio listening is severely curtailed in that I only have service in the car.
ReplyDeleteThe most unlikely people can tell the best stories. I wonder if there's an online resource for past Moth presentations - something for me to look for! Enjoy your downtime this weekend.
ReplyDeletesometimes it's ok to be terribly busy for a while and then take some down time. You're on your down time
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of the Moth but will check it out. Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I can tell a joke and I can write stories pretty well. Does that make me a polyMoth?
DeleteThe Moth is fabulous. How wonderful to attend a live taping. It is available on Spotify and I listen often.
ReplyDeleteI remember the Moth radio hour, vaguely. I think you could enter to get a storytelling chance? Not professional storytelling, talented amateurs. I think.
ReplyDeleteThese stories belong on your blog! I've never heard of the Moth. I'm a good storyteller but not joke teller.
ReplyDelete