I grew up in my grandparent’s backyard in a small town at a time when there were no cell phones, no computers, no pagers, no e-mail, no Internet. The TV was black and white and offered one clear channel and two fuzzy channels and was seldom watched.  We didn't have Facebook, Twitter or text messaging, but we did have the Davie Street grapevine.   In looking back, I now marvel at the nightly ritual that took place each evening.  My parents and grandparents visited with their neighbors to the right and to the left. They were outside, actually having conversations face to face with other people.  And the stories flowed freely and richly each evening. 
    Today, life comes at us at a fast and furious pace, and the demands and expectations are ever-increasing. We often find ourselves so busy making a living that we fail to take the time to fully and richly live life itself.  Sadly, way too many people today are more comfortable texting than they are carrying on a conversation.  They’re more comfortable behind an electronic gadget than they are in front of another person.  Storytelling is a wonderful art form.  At a storytelling event you can shift life's gears from overdrive into park. And instead of living at a hundred miles an hour, you merely sit. And you listen. And, if like me, you’ll honestly relish and enjoy every moment. Storytelling provides a wonderful way to reconnect with family and friends.

I’ve had the pleasure to listen to a teller speak lovingly of his family and the wonderful times they enjoyed growing up together...warm and wonderful memories.  Laughter and tears.  I thought about my dad being the only elder statesman remaining on my side of our family. My dad is 87. I thought about my children, who are no longer children. Both of my sons, Chris and Ben, have now graduated from Southeast Missouri State University and have entered the workforce.  And I thought: Where have the years gone? As I round each new curve in this race called life, I become ever-mindful of how quickly the years do pass. This life is indeed brief.  
    Another wonderful storyteller recounted his years of growing up in a great ethnic neighborhood in south Chicago. He also told some touching stories about man's best friend.  And as I listened to his stories, if but for a moment, I was once again a little boy hiding out in my secret fort in a mulberry bush, planning my tactics for the next great rock-throwing battle with Terry Henderson in the back alley. And I once again remembered fondly two dogs that I had the pleasure to call my own, Charlie and Kelly.
    Another teller spoke lovingly about one of his teachers, Miss Daisy.  I found my mind recollecting the faith and encouragement of my third-grade teacher Mrs. Helen Hodges, who helped to shape me into the man that I am.

And that for me is what storytelling is...  I love the stories, the lumps in my throat, the tears in my eyes, the hearty laughs and the wonderful recollections and memories.  Through the presentations of gifted storytellers, hours become minutes. Each story has its own unique and personalized impact.   
    I hope you'll mark your calendars and join us for our two great upcoming events An Afternoon and Evening of Ghost Stories in October 2012 and An Afternoon and Evening of Humorous Stories in January 2013. 

    Come share the experience, and start a tradition.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets contact the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau at 573-335-1631 or 800-777-0068.

Chuck Martin is the Co-producer of Cape Storytelling & Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau.