Storytelling: Not just for campfires

Looking back at pictures from this fall, I have noticed a recurring theme in how I spent much of my time: listening to stories. Storytelling has become my new favorite form of entertainment. From haunted tours, to storytelling events, to stories told through music, I have been captivated by a vast array of stories, ranging from the hilarious to the bone-chilling. As someone who happens to be an absolute debacler at storytelling (no it's not a word, but really, shouldn't it be?) I am easily engrossed in the stories told by others.

Pomerleau Real Estate Building

In mid-October, I was able to take a Haunted Ghost Tour of Burlington. I had no idea how many hauntings were happening just outside my own front door! Besides the various ghost sightings, I also found out that Burlington was once the home of America's first serial killer, H.H. Holmes, while he briefly attended medical school, and was a lengthy stop for Ted Bundy before he was arrested (interestingly, a young woman was murdered in her apartment during the duration of his stay, but her killer was never caught...). Some of the creepiest stories I heard from that night took place at this building, which I've passed many times. Between this and the multitude of haunted restaurants, I will definitely never look at/walk through/eat in Burlington the same way again.

Another far less creepy storytelling event took place the same weekend at Adam's Berry Farm in Charlotte, VT. A group of friends I know through my roommate host a storytelling event every few months. Inspired by the Moth, the format of these events basically entails delicious food followed by an evening of stories told my some of those in attendance. The stories at this event were hilarious, imaginative, inspiring, and just delightful. And the backdrop of this beautiful barn on this beautiful farm made the evening all the more magical.

 

Living in Vermont has inspired many 'first's for me: first quinoa, first hike up a mountain, first apple picking. But one of the most memorable firsts took place this Halloween season when Martine and I, along with one of her friends visiting from NY, went to a burlesque show called Ghouls and Dolls. The costumes were creative, the music was entertaining, and the show itself was completely and utterly spectacular. The women were all shapes and sizes, and their stories they told through the music and their dance was just as captivating as one telling a story with words. The most memorable one by far took place right after this picture was taken: a story told to the tune of Lana Del Rey's version of Once Upon a Dream. It was totally haunting.

Roomies/Partners in Crime

A photo of the Emcee before the show

The final storytelling event of the season (so far!) was the monthly Moth storytelling that takes place here in Burlington.  The theme changes every month, and this month's theme, Rivals, inspired stories with topics that ranged from deranged squirrels, to political cutthroating, to post offices. The stories were terrific and the setting, the Skinny Pancake, was unbeatable. I can't believe it took so long to go, and can't wait to turn this event into a monthly tradition.