My son Stephen would say as a four year old, “ Mommy, you know what is my favourite thing to do? I love to talk.” Not intending to dominate a conversation, he meant he loved to exchange ideas with folks of all kinds. Now a 21 year old, he listens as much or more than he talks.

He comes by it honestly. His parents are the same way. We are a social bunch. His two sisters are just as anxious to engage in conversation with anyone when the time is right.

Open up your great big ears and let the tales flow in!

Stories make a home for me. They bring me comfort and sometimes turn my thinking upside down. As the oldest of six children, I had the chance to share my favourites with my younger siblings. I yearned to hear the tales of my parents and of most other folks I encountered. These tales have been generously passed down to me by parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, neighbours, friends and strangers.