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Ex Fabula: The Importance of Listening

Art Montes
Storyteller Anne Basting.

The holiday season is in full swing. As the months speed by, calendars fill up and to-do lists seem never-ending. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the chores, the must-haves and checked boxes. Often, we find ourselves so wrapped-up in our shopping, cooking, and planning, that we forget to take time to just listen. We miss out on the sounds of the moment, as well as the stories told by old friends and new acquaintances alike.

We’d like to take a moment during this Thanksgiving weekend to extend our deepest thanks to you, our readers, listeners, and loyal Ex Fabula audience, who make our StorySlams a priority every month. We’d also like to thank our brave storytellers, dedicated volunteers, and our incredibly supportive Season Sponsors.

This week we’re featuring Anne Basting, our Special Guest Storyteller at last season’s “Forgotten” StorySlam.  When Anne and her boyfriend decided to visit her ill grandmother, the car was filled with awkward silence. Anne decided to fill that silence with stories of growing up with her grandmother. Yet, with every story she recounts, she is met with more silence.  When they finally arrive at the nursing home, Anne is greeted by yet another kind of stillness, which leads her to a life-changing realization.  Listen to Anne's story of love, family, resilience, and the importance of listening.

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