POWER OF STORIES: 20+ WAYS TO SHARE THEM - FREELY AND LOVINGLY

In Part 1 of my Power of Stories, Barry Lopez's beautiful Crow and Weasel quote nudged you to share stories of all kinds to nourish each other.

Then I wrote of the moving HI workshop where R. Carlos Nakai exhorted us all to share precious family stories with kids. To deeply connect kids with their precious roots. (If you missed Part 1 of Power of Stories, please read it HERE before you dive into Part 2 action.)

In Part 2, I suggest 20+ ways to share your family stories. Who knows what surprises and synchronicities you'll discover as you explore your family's roots?

This topic's especially poignant for me today as it would have been my dear parents' 65th wedding anniversary. They made it just three weeks shy of 62 years! Happily together til my dad's passing shortly after a stroke and mom following just 18 months later.

How I wish I'd asked for more stories. You always think you have more time with loved ones, don't you? Don't wait til it's too late. Ask for their rich stories to send through time...

Share Family Stories in 20+ Fresh, Fun Ways

Once you've collected stories, record them for your family in: writing, audio, videos, images, artifacts, etc. Then share them freely and lovingly. Get kids - of all ages - involved!

Start by putting some family stories in writing. For a twist, write one or more from the viewpoint of one or more of the following:

• Another family member

• Beloved pet(s)

• Family home, land or vehicle

• Place of significance (building, park, monument, body of water, mountain, etc.)

• Homeland

• Favorite living relative, friend or neighbor

• Ancestor from way, way back

• Fresh fictional character

• Omniscient narrator

How would that twist of viewpoint impact your story? Think outside the box. How else could you write your family's story?

Now, bring those multi-layered stories to life - visually - through: photos, videos, drawings, maps, personal letters, historic documents. mementos (clothing, jewelry, awards, etc.)

Next, consider sharing family stories through some of the following:

• Create collage of images and mementos. Include: event tickets, card game tallies, ribbons won, newspaper clippings, membership cards, jewelry, badges, etc. (Maybe items long tucked away in a relative's attic or basement. )

• Create a scrapbook. Pressed for time or energy to tackle such a daunting project? Many craft stores offer colorful scrapbook pages and goodies to embellish books. Add items from collage idea. Make a mini-book or huge book. (Still have my grandma's jam-packed, leather-bound scrapbook, from St. Paul's Central High School days, packed with handwritten memories, clippings, photos, momentos like a prom corsage, etc.)

• Frame your family's written memories as a:series of greeting cards, mural, shadow box, poster, etc. What else could you frame?

• Create family photo quilt. Fabric and quilting stores have patterns and could help you sew this truly unique keepsake. If you're not that ambitious, turn family photos, fave quotes, or mottos into colorful pillows, mugs, placemats, wearable art, etc.

• Fill a journal with random, moving, heartfelt, fun, and funny family stories, recollections, etc. Ask family members to share them via phone, e-mail. snail-mail, or social media. Then, have one or more people create the book (or series of books). You could send the journal around and have everyone add a memory, pic, etc. and then pass it on. Great way to connect families often scattered far apart these days. (Watch for steps to make a memory-packed, altered book in an upcoming post.)

• How about a fave family recipe book, set of cards, or full menu ideas? Great-grandma's stuffing, meatloaf, or tuna noodle hotdish topped with crushed potato chips. Dad's "secret" grilling tips. Your fave Thanksgiving dishes in menu form. Right up to today's faves. Could great-grandma ever have imagined baked kale chips or lite lasagna?

• Make a family mobile showcasing: fave photos, momentos, and treats like fave jokes, quotes, stories, etc. Hang it prominently and admire it as you walk by! Sure to be a great conversation starter when folks drop by.

• Make a pack of "family cards" - a la baseball cards. Choose a great photo of each person. Add "stats" on both sides: significant dates, family link, nicknames, fun facts, claim to fame, motto to live by, best bit of advice, etc. Add tidbits like fave: quote, book, food, movie, place visited, memory, etc. (How about adding a regret? Maybe something you could follow up on to remedy in their honor.) Make a pack for your immediate family and/or extended family. The more, the merrier.

• Could your family recollections, photos, or artifacts be used in a local interpretive program or history center exhibit? Who knows? Your family might help heal a wound, share fresh insight on a world event, or be a missing puzzle piece in someone else's life. Volunteer to share your family's story if they offer a special event.

• Make a slide show or film your family story - highlighting fave songs. (If your family's musical, record their versions.) Interview family members for individual or group shows. Share with relatives - or world. Make a DVD or put it on YouTube for all to see!

Cont. blog post with even more creative ideas HERE.

[Photo of my beloved parents, Marge and Wayne Sorenson, with Mitzi at my grandparents' St. Paul home. Thanks for all the great memories we made as a family and all the love you freely shared. May we carry on your lasting legacy of loving.]

Linda Sorenson helps people, projects, and causes make a positive impact. As a writer, editor, and consultant, she draws on her unique global experiences at pivotal moments in time to make a joyful difference through all she creates. Learn more at her website and then connect with her. Take flight together today!

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