By Pat Larsen
For Capital Region Independent Media
As a writer, I am often asked to tell a story about an experience that I have had or about a story that others have contributed to. Today’s column will be a little bit of both and then some.
In researching this topic, I found that many storytellers and book writers have chosen our area as the backdrop of their stories. I found that very intriguing.
The best part about stories is that they let us share in experiences or information in a way that creates a bridge leading us to an emotional connection. We learn from each of our stories.
We even define aspects of who were are through this give and take that occurs and the result can then lead to a powerful bond, sometimes one that is invisible but nevertheless there. Or we can allow the story telling of others to impart a new idea or way of thinking that we may not have considered before segueing to our imagination.
Ahhhh, the power of the written word.
It takes a great deal of honesty and humility to tell your own story. It can mean stepping up to a true acknowledgment, refusing to make up aspects of stories to justify mistakes or limitations. Full accountability in telling your own story can be especially cathartic and healing for both parties, the writer and the reader.
So how do we represent ourselves in our stories and what “medium” do we use to show ourselves to our friends, families, community and world outside of ourselves?
By medium, I mean whether we choose to tell a story in the written form, perhaps, as I share stories in a local newspaper’s column, or maybe the story is conveyed verbally to those who listen with rapt attention, especially if the story is intriguing enough.
From what I have personally experienced, I have seen many different sides to the human personality in my hypnosis work in the community. The importance of developing a relationship within the framework of the individual’s “story” is the basis for the very outcome or solution to a presenting issue.
For example, if someone wants to work on feelings associated with alienation from a person or issue, they have to first begin with telling their “story,” hearing themselves as they relay the details of the tale and then sitting with the resulting interpretation of the story as they are telling it. As I suggested, it takes a lot of trust and honesty to step up to this plate.
But before I get too far ahead, I’d like to bring the art of storytelling back to this area and the overview and symbolism of the short story of Rip Van Winkle.
This short story was written by American author Washington Irving, first published in 1819. It follows a Dutch-American villager in colonial America named Rip Van Winkle, who imbibes a lot of liquor and falls asleep in the Catskill Mountains, much to his nagging wife’s chagrin.
The symbolism reflects on RVW’s desire to get away from his difficult wife, who was forever inferring that Rip was lazy. To get away from her, he goes into the mountains and falls asleep for 20 years. (At this point, my husband is taking notes and I am not laughing.)
When Rip comes back, almost no one knows or recalls who he is and everything he knew has changed. (There’s a great metaphor for today’s world if I ever heard one.)
We can then look at Rip as a symbol of the “past.” RVW was seen as having a “lack of industry” or skill at running his farm. He left his fences unmended, his cows wandered off, and weeds grew tall. He would walk off into the forest, walking his dog to avoid these tasks.
The lessons of the story reveal that upon Rip’s awakening he found that time had indeed moved on and changes had taken place, leaving him behind in an unrecognizable place. The question posed by many an interpreter of this tale relates to discussing whether this is a story of punishment or a gift of time.
By all means, do some research for yourself about his story and you’ll find yourself pondering this question as well.
In researching the history of what is know as Cat Lit (literature of the Catskills), I found a wealth of books both fiction and non-fiction varieties, written about our area.
Here’s the short list, if you’re looking for a good read that touches on the location and creation of all things Catskill:
- Philip Roth, “The Professor of Desire”
- Allegra Goodman, “Kaaterskill Falls”
- Elinor Lipman, “Paradise, New York”
- Norman Rush, “Subtle Bodies”
- Helen Benedict, “Wolf Season”
These classic tales take place in and around our area and are well worth the read.
I’ve recently learned of a book signing that took place at The Shamrock House by the native-born author from East Durham, Doug Lowe, who has written a new novel entitled “In the Back of the Shamrock.” Much of the story takes place in the ‘50s through ‘70s.
It is a humorous account of the antics of some boys who grew up in East Durham at the time. There will be a lot of old memories in store for the reader with an interest in this area and time period. I’m looking forward to the book signing and to hear about the background to this story. It’s not often that we get an opportunity to meet and greet an author. I’m happy that Doug is taking the time to share with us locally.
Before I conclude this column, I promised a story that I had wanted to share about my own experience and desire as a writer. I recalled being asked as a young teen, back in the day, late ‘60s, by a guidance counselor, what I wanted to do when I “grew up?” Some would question IF in fact that time has come yet, I will say I have moments of feeling a bit grown up now and again.
My reply was… “I want to write.” The response from my counselor at the time and indeed from my father was, “That’s not a good job for a woman” and “Your job will be to have a family and raise them,” I was told insistently. But I never let their opinions stop me from writing stories in my journals (which to date number well over 100) every day. I also stepped up in my profession to write in health magazines. I knew writing was always something I would do and could do all of my life.
Now I also am a listener of the stories of others in my hypnotherapy work. It’s all fascinating.
Stories create the connections to every relationship we have. It’s a great means of connecting the past to the present and I believe even Rip Van Winkle felt that way after his long sleep brought him back to the current day of his time.
Pat Larsen is a licensed fitness instructor specializing in health and fitness programs for baby boomers, seniors and elders. Classes ongoing at The Shamrock House in East Durham on Monday and Thursday mornings. Transformational healing is offered through hypnotherapy by appointment. Please feel free to contact Pat Larsen by email at Pelarsen5@aol.com or by phone at 518-275-8686, text or call, or on social media through Facebook “PAT LARSEN” to see class and program schedules.
