Category Archives: Blog

Once Upon a Time…VASA President’s Message 2020

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Posted on by

When I came in a few months ago as the new VASA Board President, we were all in COVID-19 lockdown. Our annual meeting – the Virginia Gathering – had moved to a Zoom platform, performances and schools were cancelled, libraries and gathering places were closed. We don’t know how long the social implications of COVID-19 will last. The Black Lives Matter movement has opened our eyes further to injustices in and around us. Climate change and partisan politics threaten and divide us more than … Continue reading →

How Storytelling Can Save the World

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Posted on by

Posted by Les Schaffer Once upon a time, I heard, storyteller Dovie Thomason say something like, “Whenever I did something bad, instead of punishing me, my Grandma, told me a story. I got to hear a lot of stories.” I can certainly relate to this as my Grandma did about the same. I might not have always listened, but I sure got a sense of right behavior, who I was and where I’m from. My Bubbie’s stories helped save this … Continue reading →

A Hearty Yes! The Human Thirst for Tales of Heroism

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Posted on by

Editor’s Note: Scott Allison, my friend and true hero in his own right, reminds us of our need for Hero Stories, as almost never before in these strange and dangerous times. We storytellers may not be the creators of a Covid-19 vaccine, but by bringing Hero Stories to today’s audiences, we will provide a virtual fail-safe medicine for soul and spirit. Les Schaffer, August 10, 2020 A Hearty Yes! The Human Thirst for Tales of Heroism by Scott T. Allison … Continue reading →

VASA Blog Needs Feeding

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Posted on by

What is a Blog? Blog  [bläɡ] NOUN: a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style. synonyms: description · report · version · story · narration · narrative · statement · news VERB: add new material to or regularly update a blog. “it’s about a week since I last blogged” Now that you know what a Blog is, it’s time for you to support … Continue reading →

Jackie Baldwin

Virginia Storytelling Alliance Posted on by

Dear storytelling friends, Many of you already know that our dear Jackie Baldwin transitioned last month. While we knew her as a storyteller and owner of the Story-Lovers website that gave us all so many gifts of story, there was so much more to this warm, remarkable, generous woman. Jackie’s daughter Val posted this about her and she gave me permission to share it with all of you. What a life she lived! “On June 12th our family lost its … Continue reading →