#Reverb11: Stories

Stories (Inspired by Molly O’Neill): What stories touched your heart this year? How will you find and cultivate the stories of 2012?

I soaked up so many stories this year, most of which were unwritten bits and pieces of individual lives. Admittedly, most of these stories have come from my job. I’ve found the stories behind co-workers and customers to be quite fascinating and enjoyable. I’ve considered sitting down, creating new aliases, and writing several short stories to document these wonderful tales. I’m a sucker for compelling stories. I also love good story tellers. I became enraptured with Hemingway’s brilliant work — three more of his books are en route to my mail box as we speak, thanks to the magic of Christmas. I’ve met several great story tellers through Reverb 11, and I can’t wait for them to join me during Cultivate 2012 (more on that in a few days). Some of the stories I’ve seen unfold have lifted my spirits, while others broke my heart. Only one thing was constant — all those stories touched my heart.

I aspire to find and cultivate many stories during 2012, literally and figuratively. In a literal sense, I’m considering revisiting old stories and completing them. I’m giving strong consideration to documenting stories that I have and have had the privilege of hearing. I plan to spend more time reading and enjoying stories. I plan to spend more time writing and sharing stories. I plan to visit inspiring locations to cultivate my imagination and my soul. I want 2012 to be a year of embracing stories and story-telling.