NATIONAL STORYTELLING COMPETITION

In 1998 THE MOUNTAIN WOMEN won the National Storytelling Competition. At that time. THE MOUNTAIN WOMEN consisted of Carrie, Jenny and me. We won a Waterford Crystal Clock and $2000. Of course, $2000 divided 3 ways is not a lot of money but we were thrilled nonetheless. The celebrity judge that year was Jim May. That is, also, the first time we met our precious mentor, Lyn Ford. We competed against Bruce Smith of Yelm, Washington; Carol Milligan of Westerville, Ohio; Jim Flanagan of Circleville, Ohio; and Kathy Blair of Jonesborough, Tennessee.

The next year we were invited back to be judges. We met and got to know Bobby Norfolk. What a delightful guy. He gave us some tips on "what comes next" in the storytelling world.

Since that time we have performed many times in Hillsboro in schools and churches. It is a lovely little community. There no longer is a National Storytelling Competition. That's kinda sad since it was a great opportunity for storytellers to showcase themselves. Charlene Tarr and Jeanie Snap did an excellent job putting the whole thing together. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

THE PATCHWORK COAT

I love telling the story THE PATCHWORK COAT. It is the first story that I wrote about my family. My Aunt Louise had told me so many stories about her childhood that I wanted to share with the world. THE PATCHWORK COAT is a familiar tale about a poor Appalachian family, in this case, my own, who could not afford to purchase a coat for one of their children so the mother made one out of pieces of worn clothing. Dolly Parton wrote a similar tale and made it into a song called THE COAT OF MANY COLORS. There is, also, a book called THE RAG COAT by Lauren Mills. I was surprised at how many similarities that our family story and these others have in common. Our story is about my grandmothers struggle making ends meet after my grandfather was killed in a mining accident. She was left with 9 children to raise alone in the depression era. She made the coat for my Aunt Louise who was second from the oldest. The story is, also, about bullying and how mean words can injure a child more than fists. But it is a redemptive story. Peace is made and my Aunt Louise becomes a hero. In this story I combined the truth of the actual story with my imagination and the art of embellishment. When I retell the story it often makes me cry. I can see my little granny working morning to night, by scrubbing floors and taking in ironing's, to provide for her family. I wonder, did she ever have time for fun? Did she ever have a day "just to relax"? Was she ever discouraged? Was she ever lonely? Whatever the case, she raised those nine children all by herself. She, my friends, is what HERO is all about. KATIE KANE VINCEN COBB MILLER, my granny, my hero.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO A PERFORMANCE

In 1999 through 2003 THE MOUNTAIN WOMEN performed in the West Virginia State Park system. Have you ever heard of Kumbrabow? It is a lovely park in the middle of nowhere, WV. After you leave the hard road there is still miles of gravel road to travel until you reach the dirt road. We performed in a garage with, sometimes, 6 to 10 people there. But the ranger in charge loved us so we went back every year.

One park had, apparently, heard nasty rumors about us before we even got there. Check out the picture on the left. RABIES WARNING...THE MOUNTAIN WOMEN are coming!

Often times towns, like Farmington, WV, would roll out the red carpet for THE MOUNTAIN WOMEN. It was always such a compliment.

On our way to Tomlinson State Park we encountered a terrible storm. Rain, hail, winds and darkness was everywhere. After the storm passed by we stopped to take a picture (right picture) of the unusual sky. When we got home we sent it to a metorogist and were told that it was an "after tornado" sky.

STORY STARS WE HAVE KNOWN

In the 16 years that I have been a professional storyteller I have had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people both on and off stage. It is unbelievable how people open their hearts and lives to you through story. Here a just a few of the story "STARS" the MT. WOMEN have had the honor of sharing a stage with.

LYN FORD

We met Lyn in 1998 at the National Storytelling Contest. We loved her from the start. She kinda took us under her wing and advised us on the professional side of storytelling. Through the years she has proved to be a dear and treasured friend. I, honestly, believe Lyn is one of the best tellers of story around. We truly love her.

THE "REAL" DONALD

Having the honor of performing with Donald Davis in Pittsburgh, PA was a true highlight for us. I remember hearing him laugh as I told the my "Dracula" story and thinking, "Wow, Donald Davis thought I was funny!" I believe Donald may have been one the first professional storytellers that I had ever seen. That was back in 1988. He is truly a storyteller extraordinaire.

DAN KEDING

Dan is one the loveliest men in storytelling. We especially loved his tales about his relationship with his grandmother. He, also, sings, plays the guitar, banjo and spoons. He is a lovely balladeer. Dan is a special kinda guy.