Stories old and new

We have stories about many things: about our past, what could have happened but didn't, or maybe a tall tale or two that seems to change and morph with each storytelling. One common theme that we as people share is the story, and the fact that we each have many stories that affect how we approach our new beginnings. Perhaps new beginnings aren't quite new, but are really next chapters in a very large book.

At each junction of our lives, before each decision we make, and behind the preparation of every new step taken is the culmination of years - perhaps generations - of stories. We are in a growing anthology; a book of stories with no beginning, middle or end.

The art of storytelling is something that has not quite been lost, but of late it certainly hasn't held centre court very often. There may be a connection between this gentle drift from storytelling and our struggles as communities - personal and professional - to communicate.

In this case, my story was inherited from a set of parents born and raised on the East coast of Canada. Steeped in folklore and held together by a fiercely strong sense of family, eastern Canadian Maritimers - particularly Acadians, as in my case - are brimming with stories. Our story of Okanagan Writing Services, and how we came to this point, is intrinsically linked to many stories of Acadia.

Listening to Acadian stories as a child was a gift, but also a challenge: colourful and extravagant in texture and content, but sometimes difficult to follow. It might be where I caught my first glimpse into the intricacies of our language. Acadian French is a loose mix - a bit of French, some English, and some words which are entirely and uniquely Acadian. This blend of language is both easy and difficult simultaneously. Acadian stories are a little like a hearty stew, the individual flavours might be difficult to pinpoint but the overall flavour comes through.

And so, a new chapter in this storytelling continues. As promised, you heard it here first.

Okanagan Writing Services is live, launched, and open for business. Please stop in for a visit.

So many thoughts and emotions are flitting through and around me today. One feeling that trumps most others, and the one that I continue to return to, is certainty. Not certainty of 'success', product offering, or future - but certainty of voice. It's been a long time coming that I have felt a degree of certainty in my own voice for storytelling of any kind. Yes, the other thoughts and feelings of uncertainty are still there; likely they always will be with me in some concentration.

For now, I am certain that I have a strong voice to share in the telling of this story, and in the stories of others. With any luck, OWS will allow me to share the stories of others - and lead me into the rest of my own story.

Meanwhile, I invite you to celebrate this pivotal moment with me - many of you have been part of the stories that brought me here, and many more will be part of the stories that grow from here. Thank you for the stories, old and new.


~ Jeannette