What Makes World Stories?

For as long as humans could talk throughout the world stories have been told and retold. In the fabric of a culture, they act as vital threads in the weave. In any society they define the roots and significance of the peoples. As a culture grows, so do its world stories.

I have been blessed by the number of world stories I have found from my travels around the world. I have also had the opportunity to learn a bit about each country. Customs and rituals. Daily habits and geography. In turn, that lends substantial meaning to the world stories I hear. And one of the benefits is to see how world stories come directly from the cultures of origin. The more I experience a particular culture, the more I appreciate the value of their stories. I have visited countries in Europe, Central and South America, throughout Canada, the United States, and Southeast Asia. I find myself amazed at both the differences and similarities of the various countries.

All cultures regard certain notions as sacred. You can also find things demonic. Their stories regularly exhibit these notions. They make up the mythical soil out of which the stories grow. Myth forms the basis for many world stories. Creation stories form the majority of this category, along with other stories help explain the world.

Folktales, on the other hand, are generated from daily village life. Naturally, stories of the folk world are couched in rural settings. The world of folktales is also inhabited by fairy tales. The questioning minds of preliterate villagers found apt expression through stories of magic and mystery. Many folktales were cautionary tales with lessons for avoiding catastrophe. Stay out of the dark forest! Steer clear of wild beasts! Do not talk to strangers! On the other hand, reward and happy endings comprise many folktales. Good and evil are eternal foes. The Golden Rule reigns supreme. No matter what the genre, a good world story brings meaning to the contemporary world as well. And that brings us to storytelling today. Contemporary society is far removed from rural villages of old, but the old stories still remain pertinent.

Some world stories are humorous. Other world stories are mysterious. Many world stories are full of insight. Often world stories are inscrutable. Generally world stories teach. All world stories keep us amused.

No matter what, all world stories maintain a deep bond with the fabric of their culture. People tell of their experiences through world stories. And they have merit in worlds far removed from their origin.

Listen to my CD entitled "World Full of Stories" to enjoy the variety found in world stories. It is an award winning journey that will take you around the globe!

Want a Unique Gift Children will Remember?

I have many memories of my life as a young parent. Some of them are downright exasperating! A good example is the memories I have of buying gifts for my children. Holiday gifts. Birthday gifts. Gifts rewarding good behavior. I spent some serious hours searching for something unique, something meaningful. It was tough going most of the time. It did not take very long to realize that a good gift is rare gift. A meaningful gift is even rarer. And whenever I succeeded in finding a gift that I regarded as special, I treasured it. And I anticipated that my children would do the same.

I am now a grandparent. And I am always on the lookout for a unique gift children would enjoy. Something that is memorable long after the gift is given. A memorable story is that kind of gift. And it is appropriate for all ages, children included. Think of all the pleasurable hours an entire CD of stories can provide. Think of the glimpse it can give into cultures and customs from countries around the world.

You can find three CDs listed on the "Recordings" page of my website. Fables in Four Minutes contains ten wonderful stories from ten different storytelling genres. World Full of Stories has a dozen stories that will take the listeners on a trip around the world. My latest project is Parking in Manhattan, and it contains a compendium of urban folktales that will tickle the funny bone. If you wish to make a purchase of one or more CDs, the directions on the "Recordings" page will assist you.

Hunting for a unique gift children will enjoy and appreciate? A unique gift children will never get tired of? A unique gift children can share with their parents and friends? Give them the gift of story. The kind of unique gift children will treasure for a long time to come.