photographs

Two or three things I know for sure, and one of them is that to go on living I have to tell stories, that stories are the one sure way I know to touch the heart and change the world.
– Dorothy Allison, Two or Three Things I Know For Sure

This made me think of the conversations going on between Aidan, Mama, and me, and, I trust, between many women around the country and the world. Nobody should be quieted and shushed no matter who she is. Great stories come from the most surprising places, but most importantly, it is through telling our stories – our authentic, funny, embarassing, honest stories – that we truly know others, ourselves, and our world.

I also have been thinking about how I don’t want to raise a daughter – or a son – who is afraid to share her stories. Afraid that her stories may not be relevant or interesting, worried that any number of external or internal markers make what she has to say less meaningful. I want my daughter to know she is welcome to speak and to trust that she will be heard. I want her to know that I believe the way to know and be known is through authentic and candid sharing of tales. Of course, if I’ve learned anything from Parenting 101, a class I’ve attended so sporadically I could be called one of those middle-aged auditors who sit in the back, randomly writing notes and missing most of the classes for their retirement travel, this means I need to start telling my stories. This shows her how valuable it is, lets her experience the ways the world can react, and figure out how she wants to begin to share her own stories.

And as I think about how I personally share my stories, I think of both this blog and Tabblo. For three years I have been sharing all of my photos – most of which are, of course stories – on Tabblo. An example below. I adore this site and haven’t found another that comes up to its knees. The site is built to tell stories. The photo assortment, the addition of text, the customization of style and size and alignment. I’m crazy about this site.

I hope we are all recommitting to telling our stories and speaking our minds – as we look for fresh and impactful ways to do so, check out tabblo.

Grace, Whit and I went to Wild Child in Arlington to visit my friend Dana Klein (store owner), get photographs taken (she had a photographer there today), and make a couple of small purchases. Grace’s American Girl doll came along for the ride. … See my Tabblo>