Among homelessness and drugs, Shadid Muhammad found himself and a purpose when he found art

Originally posted on Neat Nashville:
Ashshahid Muhammad, 39, originally from Memphis, grew up in the streets for many years, before eventually finding himself through art. At the age of 13, Shadid, as most call him, was involved in a robbery. He was convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison but only served six. He…

My Plea to My White Friends and Family in South Carolina

If you are friends with me IRL or online, my political leanings are not in anyway hidden or tamped down. They rarely have been. I’ve been opinionated and passionate about politics for almost forty years (true story). There are many of you who do not agree with me politically about very much. Typically, we just […]

I Remember: The Understory

Originally posted on Tenx9 Nashville Storytelling:
Raise a glass In remembrance of Fire and strip poker and getting away with it, The parents that raised you and the parents that gave you life. Here’s to forest floors and downtown bars To women and their stories, The defiantly political and the depth of the personal. Those…

Jeannie Alexander – A Bee’s Dream

Originally posted on Tenx9 Nashville Storytelling:
At Tenx9’s “I Remember” night, Jeannie Alexander spun a masterful narrative about remembering her grandfather–his grace, words, and beekeeping.  I remember my grandfather’s smell. It is my first memory. My second memory is of being carried by my grandfather through his backyard. So carefully we considered the apple trees,…

When The Narrows Came On Me Like I Was In the Trash Compactor In Star Wars

I shared this story at Douglas Corner Cafe in Nashville on March 23, 2015. This was my 13th story at Tenx9 Nashville. When The Narrows Came On Me Like I Was In the Trash Compactor In Star Wars The year: 1997. Around two years since my last road trip out West. If you are a […]

Creating a Space Where There Was None

Tenx9 Nashville hosts monthly storytelling events in Nashville and around the world. I am deeply honored to be a part of this community of people. Our motto is an Irish saying, “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” The joy, insight and beauty of true stories leaves my heart larger […]

LA MEDIA NARANJA

Originally posted on Margaret Ellis :
There is an expression in Mexico, “La Media Naranja.” Literally this means half the orange, but like most things in español, it isn’t a literal translation. It simply means, the better half, or soul- mate. It sometimes seems that the world is full of people who are looking for the…

BE WARNED: This is a Process Blog Post.

Here is your all-important BACKSTORY:  In July, poof! There was no more job that I love (coordinating ongoing content for small businesses). My position and department were eliminated. And I have three wonderful kids that expect to eat regularly. You wouldn’t believe how often they are hungry. In August, my beloved Papa passed away after […]

October is EVERYTHING

Why yes, it is my birthday month. And the Nashville AIDS walk, the Nashville Zombie Walk, Halloween (!!!!!) — complete with pumpkin spiced anything and everything. It is also Artober. I am a fan of all of these things. The weather is perfect. PERFECT. Here are some handy dandy guides to help you maximize THE […]

Kate Savage – Nashville

Originally posted on Tenx9 Nashville Storytelling:
Here is the lively story on Occupy Nashville from Tenx9 newcomer Kate Savage. ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81TnriOIV7k