I grew up in Carter County, Kentucky. About ten miles west was Carter Caves State Park. As with most Kentucky parks, there was the obligatory lake, lodge, campground, golf course, etc. But I went there for the caves, especially Bat …
Cincy Stories Presents: Alex Stone
Alex Stone shared this poignant story about running a marathon to commemorate a heroic friend at our July 7th Cincy Stories. To find out more about Alex, check out alexstonecomedy.com. Like Alex, do you have a story to tell? We …
Three Ways to Live in a Story With No Spoilers
Since we’re in the storytelling trade around here, I’m probably supposed to hate spoilers. Most people who love stories hate spoilers. People want to get lost for a while in a narrative. They enjoy the suspense of well-told stories. It’s …
5 Steps to Practice Positivity
If I were to quantify the amount of time I spend being happy and positive, I’d say I land somewhere at or around 95%. In fact, an old friend of mine used to call me “Mayo” because he said that …
Permission Granted
I’ve recently realized that I’m tired of waiting. Tired of waiting for permission to do something bigger than myself. I’m over it. Stick a proverbial (not literal) fork in me because I. Am. Done. You see, I’m a dreamer. And …
Be a Pam
A few years ago I read a headline that said simply, “Everything is spinning out of control.” That kind of sums it up, doesn’t it? Hate crimes and random shootings, churches on fire, culture wars that suck no matter which …
Crossing the Threshold
Joseph Campbell wrote about the hero’s journey, which has consistent qualities across all cultures and times. The call has three basic elements – departure, initiation, and return. For our purposes, I will break it into seven additional parts. The individual …
#LoveWins
June 26 was an historic day. After much contemplation (and recently watching Return of the Jedi with my four-year-old son) I feel compelled to say two things to two specific groups of people. Group One: You’re gay (publicly or privately) …
Ten Years
My ten year high school reunion was last weekend (does this mean I’m officially old now?). Unfortunately I was traveling for work and couldn’t attend, but it got me thinking about how much I have changed over the last ten …
I Wanna Rock
Last summer I found myself channeling my inner rocker at a Kiss concert with Def Leppard as the opener. Sweat dripping. Hips swaying. Music blaring. My bare feet slipping on a muddy tarp. It was bliss. I felt …