Well, there I was sitting at the laptop writing up courses when the phone rang! Not at all unusual, that is what phones do after all. However, I was unaware at first who this person was. You see, a mutual friend had suggested that this lady call me as I might be who she was looking for. Sounds very ‘Secret Squirrel’ doesn’t it.
It turned out that the lady calling me was the Artistic Director of the Big Telly Theatre Company who were coming to Paisley, in Renfrewshire to take part in the Spree Festival an annual comedy, music and arts festival. The Big Telly Theatre Company made a production from the eponymous story in my friend Jane Talbot’s book ‘The Faerie Thorn & Other Stories, (absolutely fabulous book by the way, you really should read it).
“Would I possibly be free on Saturday?”
“Yes,” I didn’t take too long to think about it – there was just the hint of Universal pot stirring and I was so intrigued I had to say “YES”
“What is it all about?”
“I have sent you an email, read that and get back to me. Tell me what you think.”
So I read the email, I had a thunk and hey presto there I was on Saturday morning dressed for the weather – unseasonably warm but still seasonably wet-ish! Well it is Scotland after all.
The story was only one part of a great chase for families on half term. I was to tell the story of the Paisley Witches, and to entreat the ‘spies’ to make sure the baddie didn’t get to sell the spot where the Witches ashes were buried over 300 years ago.
My arena was the garden at Ta Ta Bella’s Cafe on the High Street and I have to thank Hilary, Rory, Jinty and the girls for all their help and the great wee lunch we had there.
I also have to say a very big THANK YOU to Jody, from the Paisley Arts Centre who gave me a lift home.
It was a great experience and there was a fantastic response to the endeavour as a whole. The Big Telly Theatre Company are just the most talented and innovative bunch of Artists and they pulled together an ensemble from the area to take part in this project. I felt energised and inspired with the project, so I say to you all, what will you say ‘yes’ to that can bring you new connections and new experiences in new places?
I had only limited time and knowledge about what to expect but that is the adventure is it not? Are you up for adventure? Are you ready to give your Self to something you know not very much about really? Will you bring your Self to the party and tell your story? Sometimes the things you say ‘yes’ to on the spur of the moment can be the most inspirational and affirming things.
I love to tell stories. I love to make ceremony and all of this means I am working with people from different walks of life every day.
I love my work, and because I love it there is really no ‘work’ involved. Inspiring, breathing in.. to inspire – in Spiritus breathing in Spirit. Well now that’s a joy that never ceases to be awesome.
The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift. Albert Einstein.
Shamanism Scotland 