WALKING MY WAYS

WALKING MY WAYS. In Carmel-by-the-Sea, many residents have multiple homes. In a manner, I do, too. Namely: Trader Joe’s. The Carmel Foundation. Abraham’s Tent. Church. A Zendo. The Post Office. The Little Swiss Cafe. And The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts. This year, the Carl Cherry Center began its PORCH LIGHT STORIES, focusing on short story telling. “Inspired by NPR’s The Moth, the event features community members sharing 5-to-7 minute personal, true stories from memory, on a turning point in their lives.” I applied, and much to my delight, was accepted. Not once, but twice. So I told my first story a month ago and my second last week.

Even though, I discovered that competing wasn’t easy. As I first had to tell my story over the telephone. Which was hard. And when I finished, I had more respect for actors than before. Because memorizing a bunch of lines, proved difficult. Nevertheless, the audience relished the opportunity to listen to real-life stories. In fact, ticket demand was so fierce, that the Cherry Center had two shows. Both of which sold out. 5:00 P.M. And 7:30. P.M. And we were aided by the gifted director, Robin McKee, who helped us polish our deliveries.

Speaking for myself, each of my stories is very personal and deals with unique adventures from 50 years ago. The first about an unexpected episode I encountered in Big Sur. Unplanned in every respect. The second, about a complicated situation in High School. With a surprise ending. But standing in front of an elusive audience, and being illuminated by high intensity flood lights, seemed an additional challenge. At least for me.

And also, THE MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY had an article about the Cherry’s story telling. Last Thursday, July 16, 2026. And even included photos. In any event, I quickly realized that short story telling is here to stay. Especially, if it is part of ones DNA. Or certainly, mine. Finis.