"What if imagination and art are not frosting at all, but the fountainhead of human experience?"
-Rollo May

My Story Pages are all about the things I love to do....tell stories to all ages and every sort of group....and teach storytelling in many different ways.

Why tell stories...why teach storytelling.....you might ask?
Stories answer the heart questions....
who am I? ....
Where did I come from....
Where did we come from?...
Who are we?...
Why is there evil/goodness in the world?
What have I/we forgotten that is important to remember?
Why is there evil in the world? Why is there something rather than nothing? What is the purpose of my life? Who are my heroes, helpers, guides?
Stories return to our conscious memory when we need them.

Storytelling Programs offered by Mary Louise

For students:

1. The Place Where the World Began

In ancient times people world over used myth and legend to understand the universe and their place in it. These exciting tales of the exploits of heroes and mortals, explained such mysteries as the creation of the world, natural events such as the weather and the seasons, and the spiritual problems of existence of good and evil, and the relation of humans to the gods and to one another.

Today, science provides the answer to many of these questions-or does it? Do the ancient myths have anything to tell us day? Find your own answer as you listen to Mary Louise spin stories from the ancient ones who inhabited Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. She begins the journey with the story of Bonewoman who lives in a cave on the banks of the Red River.

2. Magic Rings and Broken Swords

" Magic Rings and Broken Swords" explores the influence of ancient myths on the popular culture of the 21st Century. Many popular cartoons, movies, television shows, and fantasy fiction books are modern adaptations of older stories once remembered and spoken by ancient storytellers. Where did Tolkien receive his inspiration for the marvellous Trilogy of the Rings, and how old is Bugs Bunny? Mary Louise spins tales about special births, magical and mysterious objects and dangerous journeys into the unknown. Then students can learn to tell a fantastic myth, or create their own mythic story. Emphasis will be on the spoken word, although Mary Louise will demonstrate how to use thoughts, daydreams, and quick drawings to keep a storytelling idea journal.

For adults:

1. Journeying Together

“To feel ‘less alone’ is, without doubt, an ultimate quest for all life, yet perhaps never before has loneliness been so widespread as it is today.” -Matina Horner

Between our birth and death lie all manner of tales, seemingly disparate, but actually closely related to one another. All stories are heard in the deep heart’s core and answer the burning questions which we all have. Who are we? Where did we come from? Who do we love? What have we forgotten that is important to remember? Why is there goodness and evil in the world? Why is there something rather than nothing? The answers which are the most meaningful come, in the end, from deep within our own selves.

Through the telling of stories and drum, Mary Louise will take participants on a personal journey through the landscape of story. This is a method of reflecting on a story that Mary Louise calls drum journeying. A story is told, and then participants are guided back through the events of the story with the aid of a steady drum beat. The excercise encourages a deeper look at aspects of our lives that we have in common. A story presents us with two realities: an outer one of action, of the sequence of events; and an inner one of meaning, of what is really going on. Each person’s path will be unique, yet at the same time, we will all be together as we walk through the story landscape. Our discussion will reflect on the following themes:
• Learning compassion for others from one’s own experience of grief.
• Remembering that all lives are touched by death.
• Knowing that there is a wisdom that transcends death and grief.

2. “Pathways We Create...so you think you don’t have a story to tell!?!”

A day-long storytelling workshop about the power and meaning of life stories. Using myths, folktales, personal stories and family stories, we will have the opportunity to consider our own life's story and experience how story-making and story-telling might help make meaning in the lives of dying people and their loved ones. For those who are living with cancer, or who are Hospice companion volunteers.

3. “Travelling North: Gaining Wisdom and Age”
Stories about the second half of life, where age brings wisdom.

What do we need to let go of as we grow older?
What do we have to remember as we grow older?
Who keeps our Stories?
How can we learn from our experiences and thus gain new perspectives

Storytelling in the Classroom
A series of skill building workshops presented by Mary Louise Chown, over the course of one or two days

Why tell stories? What kinds of stories can be told and where do we find them? How can stories aid literacy and language learning?

The ancient medium of storytelling is even more relevant today. No special equipment is needed; only your voice and your students as listeners. Learn how to tap into this accessible form of communication. You will develop your storytelling voice, learn where to find a good story, and have a chance to return and tell about your experience of telling stories with your students.

This will be a time of experiencing storytelling by learning in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Topics include as many of the following as time allows:

• how to tell a folktale or myth to students
• how to find and develop your storytelling voice
• completing a story
• making up a story using an outline
• making up a story using props
• developing a story that you have found in printed form in a children’s book or collection of tales and bringing it alive off the printed page.
• finding sources for stories

Stories are for everyone!
Storytelling in the library and in the home. The ancient medium of storytelling is even more relevant today No special equipment is needed; only your voice. Learn how to tap into this accessible form of communication. If time permits we will cover the following topics:
• Learn one story to take with you and begin telling.
• What kinds of stories can be heard and where do we find them?
• How stories can aid literacy and language learning.
• How to develop a story that you have found in printed form in a children’s book or collection of tales... bringing it alive off the printed page.

Why use stories with your students? Stories help bind people together, forge group identities and create a sense of common culture and understanding. Usually, the first storytellers that children know are parents and family members, so listening to stories is often a known, safe and culturally relevant method of imparting knowledge and important values. Whether the stories are family stories, folk and fairy tales, myths, legends, or from literature... if you can put the book down and simply tell the story, you can connect with listeners through an ancient and compelling form of communication.

The Golden Key
The words of the storyteller fall upon the ears of the listener, and unlock images and ideas like a golden key. Mary Louise offers a workshop that begins with the spoken words of a folktale or myth, and then gives participants an opportunity to interpret the story just heard, or create a story of their own; through drawing, painting, or spoken words. The program is flexible, allowing participants to concentrate either on the visual art or the telling of their own oral stories in small groups. Art media used will be decided upon after consultation.

Stories under your skin
Mary Louise Chown offers a workshop on recognizing and developing life stories (our personal histories ) as part of the larger history of humankind. A particularly effective method she has used is to have participants create simple story maps that show actual movement within stories, and between stories. This enjoyable exercise brings stories from the past fully to life in the present. It also emphasizes the joy and the power of our natural imagination.

Shamanism & Storytelling: (2 hrs)
This workshop will examine the shamanic elements found in many stories. What are they? How do we recognize them? What do they mean for us? How do stories work in a transformative and healing way. Learn how to recognizie shamanic elements in stories and gain understanding about how they work in a transformative or healing way. Open to input from participants.