Listen!

The annual conference of the Association of Personal Historians was held in Franklin, TN, November 8 – 11, 2007. It was an amazing weekend of speakers, workshops, music and conversation focused around the theme of storytelling; specifically the importance of listening to personal stories and preserving those stories for future generations.

It's hard to put into words the fullness and richness of the experience. For now, please listen to the tune Jane Baxter, owner of Roots and Branches Productions and our conference host and organizer, wrote. In my opinion the inspired song reflects the real, raw, root passion and spirit of the APH community – a community I'm honored to be a part of.

I thank everyone at the conference for reminding me of the essential role of storytellers. Simply, storytellers keep history alive. Sharing stories is fundamental to understanding one another and understanding ourselves. Whether you tell a story to heal or to teach, it's important to tell it. Your experience, your perception is unique to the world and you never know who you will effect by giving. The other side of telling of course, is to listen – with attention and presence; a larger challenge at times. By joining the APH community, I link forces with others who share my values and commitment, on a personal and professional level, to become a better storyteller and an active, open listener. And, wow, the weekend was a testament that in the act of listening, you receive.