Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Happy Independence Day!

Every year, my family goes up to my Gramps's house on the 4th of July. He lives up on a hill and his backyard has a gorgeous view of the entire city -- and, on this night, the fireworks show. It is one of my favorite holidays because it is not as hectic a gathering as Thanksgiving or Christmas; in the languid summer heat, we spend more time simply sitting around and telling stories. I especially love my Gramps's stories about growing up in a small farm town in Ohio. Many of them later find their way into my own writing, in one form or another.

Who are your favorite family storytellers? Do you have friends or family members who might have great stories to tell, if only someone -- you -- took the time to listen?

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