My son Paul says that if I’m going to have a blog, I’ve got to post more often. He seems to like what I’ve done so far, but he says, “Once a month or so just won’t cut it. If people like what you write, they want something new when they revisit your site.”
He’s probably right. He often is. Gotta admit, I like writing this blog and I love your responses. Last week I had a fair-to-middling excuse for not writing. I was in Virginia, helping my step-daughter and her husband who have a gorgeous new baby boy. But most of the time, I’m just lazy and easily distracted.
Recently I wrote Sunday Mornings, a story about sitting with a woman with Alzheimer’s. Mel Davenport, a storyteller from Texas, a woman I’ve never met, not only sent a kind email but sent me a copy of her book, My Part of the Sky.
For you story lovers, the title refers to an old story about a little bird who fears that the sky is falling . He lies flat on the ground, feet stuck up in the air. A passing elephant asks why. The bird replies that he’s holding up the sky. The elephant reminds him that he’s not big enough. The bird says, ” I know…but at least I can do my part.”
The book is Mel’s account of taking care of her mother, dying from Alzheimer’s. I was touched by this generous gift from a woman I’ve never met. And I was touched by her story. She chose the impossible task that so many others also assume, to do their part to hold up the sky. She wrote an inscription in the copy of the book she sent me, “Keep telling the story until a cure is found.”
Thank you Mel.
Amazing, extraordinary, wonderful that I can sit down at my computer and be connected with the world. Reason enough for more posts, more often.
Margaret French, storyteller 
I like this very much, Margaret. I can relate because I took care of my husand who had dementia for many years. The part about holding up your part of the sky is a wonderful metaphor, comforting and rewarding for someone who has tired to do that.
It is a great metaphor, isn’t it. How perfect that Mel came up with it when she wrote her book.
Margaret, I love your stories! And I’ve shared your website with many friends who are also enjoying your tales. And I agree with Paul … keep them coming … and more often! I know that’s easy to say … but you have a special gift to share with many. Keep it up! Joydene
Joydene, How wonderful to know you’re following my blog! You will definitely inspire me to get cracking and write.
Margaret,
I don’t know how Mel found you, but I’ve met her in realy life. Mel and I first met virtually on the storytell listserv and have subsequently met at a number of National Storytelling Conferences. I remeber that she told and sang a wonderful personal story at one of the conferences. She always wears purple fyi.
A small world…
Kate
Margaret, your posts always make me smile. I can hear your storyteller voice in your writing. HOw great that you are getting feedback from all over. Well deserved. Go ahead and be lazy, but keep writing. We need your voice.
Thanks, Marni. Your encouragement means a lot.
Margaret,
Thanks for this little bit of wisdom…just do your part. It’s what we are called to do… Keep doing your part because I love reading this blog! Lorraine
Thanks, Lorraine. Don’t you just love that image of a little bird flat on his back with his legs stuck up in the air?
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greatest I have came upon till now. But, what about the bottom line?
Are you positive in regards to the supply?
Thank you. Your comment is, alas, only too appropriate and you’ve reminded me of my son’s words to me. I’ve gone through a long period of writers block. Good news, though, I plan to post today. I’d love you to check later.
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for.
can you offer guest writers to write content for you?
I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write in relation to here. Again, awesome web site!
So far I haven’t invited any guest writers. Maybe some time in the future. Thanks for the compliment & thanks for asking. Margaret PS If you have a blog, I’d love a link.