I was looking forward to further touring around Bridgewater, Lunenburg, and area, and also looking forward to my storytelling at the ARK in Bridgewater. I’ve told there on an earlier trip to Nova Scotia. I let my friend know in advance so arrangements could be made with staff.

For anyone who doesn’t know about ARK, it’s a workshop for folks with intellectual disabilities.

https://www.thearkbridgewater.org/

Because it’s summer, some clients were away or otherwise booked, however I had a small group keen to hear stories.

The day was full of rain.  What better time to gather around and hear stories. My storytelling took place on the second floor at 11:00 am after the sign language class with Tabitha.

Tabitha and me

Clients at the ARK and my friend on the right front

story listeners

I told the two stories (Oh, Brother, and the folk tale The Princess Who Could Not Cry) that I had prepared especially for this audience. Then there was time for a third. I had to think which story I could add, and decided on one that would appeal to east coast audiences, Rita and Me.  About my experience learning about and meeting Rita McNeil.

My audience was attentive and responded to emotional cues where the story was sad and where it was happy. One woman was moved to tears when I shared parts of my story about my brother, and laughed when it was funny. They were all good listeners. I was so glad they enjoyed the stories, which was a gift to them that wet and otherwise dreary morning.

Tabitha engaged her audience with invitations for the clients to tell a story they had. Their responses were slow coming, and I was able to add to it, to help them engage further. We did get a few stories.

Afternoon that day was time for rest and relaxation. I got out my paints and watercolour journal too. The sun came out later and we were able to get outdoors awhile.

Come back for the next post, on Wednesday in Lunenburg and Blue Rocks.