Inspiration: It Starts With One Story

The Family Famine Series started with one story.

Then another story.

Then another story.

Finally, by 2014 I hope to have 120 new stories in the series.

But is that the end? Of course not.

Something as basic--and precious--as family relationships touch our souls with intensity.

Despite the new stories that will be part of this Family Famine Series, you could say that there is an "ancestral" story that has been the foundation even before I officially named this series.

As a sophomore in high school, I told my first official story entitled "Big Kihuo, Little Kihuo" from the Vakishamba people in Africa. At the time, I was fascinated by the not-so-happy-yet-satisfying ending. The father and son relationship also made me curious.

Since creating the Family Famine Series, I have returned to this story. As a student I connected with the adolescent Kihuo, the son. As a 30-year-old, I ponder more about the father--or at least about parents in general.

Yes, my husband and I do not have kids yet. We are in the middle of the adoption process. Though knowing that perhaps in the next six to twelve months we have have a little one in the home, I wonder what kind of relationship I will have with my children.

As they grow older, will I acknowledge their independence?

Will I provide room for their creativity to bloom?

Would they feel comfortable coming to me in need?

A story told shares more about the storyteller than the culture from which it came.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com/

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com/

Family Famine Series Site: http://www.familyfamine.com/
Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/rachelfans
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Wisconsin Parents Fly for Utah Premiere

This picture was posted by permission of my parents.

Last night it seemed my parents would not come to the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" premiere.

Mom explained how nervous she would be to fly during the winter.

Then that all changed.

Before I walked out the door to attend Cub Scouts Roundtable Training, I received another call from Mom.

She asked, "So. . .you have room at your house?"

"Whoo-hoo!" I yelled so my husband, Casey, and the whole neighborhood knew my joy.

I started to walk wildly back and forth, which is my way to release the energy during such a moment. I would be late for the Roundtable Training, but I did not care!

I thought about the journey to this "yes" from Mom and Dad.

My Mom had clicked "maybe" when I invited her to the event through the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" Facebook support group. That had given me hope for at least a month.

I called Elizabeth Ellis, my professor from the East Tennessee State University Storytelling Masters program and guest emcee for the event. I told her that usually a Mom "maybe" transformed into "yes". Elizabeth wished that it would be true, though she doubted, especially considering the distance from Utah to Wisconsin.

When it appeared that the "maybe" could really turn into a "no", I was disappointed though I could not blame Mom and Dad for that possible answer.

I stressed to Mom that I did not know when I would do anything even close to what I was doing for this premiere. I painted a picture for Mom as to all the details (and money) being placed into this premiere.

At this point, Mom mentioned that they wanted to come to Utah for the 2009 Christmas. I had to laugh, as December was a winter month like February. What happened to her fear to fly during the winter?

Then I said, "Would you be able to trade the Christmas trip for the premiere? There will always be more Christmases."

I expected Mom would want to discuss with Dad, which she did.

Then tonight I received the news: they would be coming.

Their seats have since been reserved on the front row of the Covey Center for the Arts Grand Theater.

Before my parents response, I had already heard from my brother, Nate. He took off work and committed to drive from Idaho to Utah. He also has a front row seat.

My sister, Care, will be missed as she has college classes in Wisconsin and cannot fly with my parents. She will be missed. I told her about what I plan to film on premiere day so she feels part of the event. (You will need to attend and/or pre-order the DVD to find out what that will be.)

And my husband, Casey? He will be there next to my parents and brother. Casey is my constant story appreciator through which we will live "eternally ever after".

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

"Forsaken Brother": Drawing Story Characters to Life

The paper, colored pencils and sharpeners were placed on the table.

Then I took the piles of Ojibwa culture books, mostly from the Juvenile Literature section, and flipped through the pages. These books are wonderful as they tend to have more pictures so to spark the imagination.

If I saw a person who looked like how I pictured the characters in the "Forsaken Brother" story, then I placed a post-it to mark the page.

None of the drawings were traced. They were done free-hand.

I started with the scenery. The story begins during summer, about an hour before sunset. If you look to the left, you can see their lodge, also called a wigwam.

Then I drew the family members in order of age.

The Father--



























The Mother--



























The Sister--



























The Brother--



























The Boy--



























These drawings are for my benefit. The characters are more real and I see them as my friends. I may not be the best artist, but maybe this family will be more real to you, too.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller