Soaring Stories

I performed my parent’s love story, Love is War,  at the National Storytelling Conference this August in Gatlinburg, Tn.  This was quite a thrill.  I had been chosen through a lottery process.  I love the way lotteries work- anyone can throw their name into a hat and if you get chosen, you get to perform.  There is no merit, no success, no money involved- just luck.  Luckily, I was chosen.  This was especially nice since I also won the 2008 JJ Reneaux Emerging Artist award.  This is based on merit and I felt really proud and humbled to have received it.  So, Saturday night came and the house was full.  Many of my favorite tellers were there including Olga Loya, Leeny del Seemonds, Bill Harley, Loren Niemi, Jean Armstrong, Jo Radner, Bill May, and other wonderful but lesser known tellers from around the country. Telling and composing this particular story was important to me for many reasons:

1.  My father is a WW2 veteran and his experience is important.  He was a foot soldier who became crippled as a result of his involvement in almost every major battle in the Pacific arena.  The effects of the war on his health and mind affected our family forever.  Since America is involved in one war after another, we need to hear how damaging war is to our families and also how it has shaped and identified us as a country.

2.  My father passed away this year and I am so proud of him.  I want to tell this story, the universal soldier story, to give voice to his life.

3.  The final word of this tale is about the war within us and coming to accept the tragedy as part of our grace.

Here are some of the comments I received from them after the performance;

Phenomenal- heart wrenching story

Regi, Your performance is a wonder. Thanks for sharing your family’s life.

You are a fine storyteller/performer.  The sky’s the limit for you.

Dear Regi, I loved the music and the chance to sing.  I loved the humor and the images of your family.

Absolutely awesome!  very moving

Wonderful moving stories.  I was with you from start to finish

deft and beautiful and true  told with humor, love and acceptance

Regi, I just LOVE you!  Fantastic job.  You touched my heart sincerely.

Thank you for a well-done, tasteful, funny, poignant presentation.

A beautiful love story with war-torn reality.  Your setting of the collection of memories is very good.  The bookend stories, the war and the barbie aftermath works well.

beautiful!  Nicely crafted and beautifully delivered.

A great show Regi!  I really liked your use of the music of the era to go from one scene to another.  I’m so glad I came!