WALKING MY WAYS

WALKING MY WAYS. Carmel’s non-profit Carl Cherry Center for the Arts is a spiritual haven. It has a host of weekly activities, performances and musical events. And uses all of its facilities for artistic endeavors. And offers different forms of healing, both emotional and physical, including Zen and Yoga. So it was with joy, that I read about their newest venture. Short story tellings, which would be performed in conjunction with the Porch Light Series. Stories of 5-7 minutes duration. And so I threw my hat into the ring, as I really enjoy telling stories. And much to my delight, I was accepted. For their short story telling debut. Which occurred last week. But had been SOLD OUT, for a month.

Although I did have a brief dress rehearsal, at Edi Matsumoto’s Bohemian Salon. A few weeks before. Where I discovered two important lessons. 1. When under the gun, five minutes seem to elapse in the blink of an eye. 2. When making a presentation, one easily forgets important lines and adjectives. Nevertheless, I did remember most of my story. Concerning a personal and unanticipated happening in Big Sur, many years ago. At Nepenthe. Which involved an incredible Halloween party and an unexpected story.

And I told this story twice. First at Edi’s. And then at the Cherry Center, which was The real McCoy. And where we had numerous trials, helped by an experienced stage manager, Robin M. and an accomplished MC, Mark G. And showcased 7 of us. But was very enjoyable. And, when performed on stage, and watched by a full audience, resulted in a tingling mixture of stage fright and exhilaration.

The evening of the actual telling was wonderful. A full house. Very unique stories. Much clapping and laughter. And a thorough belief that short story telling is here to stay. And from a personal point of view, I was thrilled, and hope to tell another one soon. Very Soon. Finis.