My Story
It seems that I am constantly telling someone a story of what inspires me: a person, an event, an animal, and even my house. My love of language began as a child. My mother read to me every day; poetry, folk tales, fairy tales, animal stories. My father, an oral storyteller, recounted humorous vignettes of human foibles.
In school I studied public speaking and dramatic readings, which led me to a college major in Speech and Drama with a minor in Education. After college I formed Storybook Theatre for children by writing, directing, and narrating performances. For a number of years I acted on stage, including the role of Peter Pan, and on film for screen and television.
I became a professional storyteller nearly half a century ago. I have performed in schools, libraries, museums, senior centers, at special events, and “anywhere people enjoy a good story.” My audiences range from ages 3 to 103.
I have taught Storytelling Magic, a program I created for grades 3 to 6, but reformatted for adult classes at several Community Colleges. Exploring Russia Through Its Art and Stories has been a popular college class that I have taught and I have presented hundreds of assemblies on this subject for elementary students.
Although I tell stories from a variety of countries and genres, I specialize in those from Russia, rewriting ancient tales into an appropriate style for storytelling. In 1995 I was awarded the Parents Choice Gold Award for my recording of Russian Wonder Tales in Stories from the Hearth.
I am writing stories for children, many of which I originally created and performed as a storyteller. Over the years I have written newsletters and speeches on a variety of subjects. My articles and essays have appeared in newspapers and magazines such as Christian Science Monitor. A fascination with history led me to write historical biographies, commissioned by well-known Oregon families.
In addition, I write for others. I happily compose letters for those who may lack total command of the English language. I write personal profiles for submission to magazines or for use as eulogies to be read at funerals and celebrations of life. Drawing on my sensitivity and insight, I love to help others express their deepest feelings and longings.
I am fortunate to be able to use my love of language to create pleasure, excitement, and beauty.