Last Saturday, it was over 100 degrees in downtown Sonora but pretty cool inside Sonora Joes during an open telling that included people from all over! We had two new people from far, far away: One, a guy from New Zealand, put together a very interesting story about his wife's favorite flightless bird. The other was a guy from Kentucky. He knew Appalatchan stories! This guy had gone to storytelling events before, but had never told before. He did a great job, including an excellent story for Out on a Limb (coming up October 19, 2018, learn more!). Four members of the Mother Lode Storytelling Guild also told stories. The theme was campfire tales. All in all, about ten people were present and we raised some donations. The Mother Lode Storytelling Guild aims to bring together people who are hungry to learn more about storytelling in order to improve their public service, all over the Mother Lode region. Skilled professional storytellers in our region educate and entertain, and community members learn expanded storytelling skills, strategies, and techniques.
-Charley

​The Mother Lode Storytelling Guild Story Swap has continued to meet for storytelling on the last Sunday of every other month in Calaveras County. The July 29 Story Swap was attended by about ten people people, including one couple visiting from Sacramento. They came here to escape from the smoke . . . . not realizing how smoky it is in Angels Camp. These fires are affecting storytellers, our friends, and all people and animals all over Northern California and beyond! Half the attendees told stories, including one story about New Zealand. That story was very informative. Did you know there are 40,000 acres of California Cost Redwood trees in New Zealand??  I know, who knew? It was a very low key, but fun time. We meet the last Sunday of every other month (Jan-Mar-May-July-Sept-Nov) from at 4-6 pm at Manzanita Arts Emporium, 1211 S Main St. Suite 110, downtown Angels Camp, California. We'll see you in September (hey, isn't that a song?!).
- Kathy