One of my favorite stories that I like to tell is how the last time I smoked a cigarette, I encountered a pair of red foxes. It was January, and for some reason they chose that moment to wander around the side of my parents' garage. We startled each other and the three of us just stared at each other for what felt like the longest time. Then, they turned around and walked back the way they came.
I like the implied mysticism of that encounter. Like the only reason I ever started smoking in the first place was to meet those two, and once that was accomplished, I could stop. And I did.
I wonder about an experiment. Micaela tells this story, without frame or context, and four other people tell a story in response. I would be fascinated to track the reactions to each story, as one piled on another. (Repeated with several groups.) What themes would emerge and repeat? How would listeners react and respond to one teller to the next? (What would delight, satisfy, perplex, intrigue, etc.?)
I love this, and I haven't done this experiment, but I do think about it a lot. What inspires us/reminds us of a story? And when do we tell a thematically linked story as a way of connecting with the teller of the original tale? I started writing a longer response to you, Brenny, but I got so excited that I think I'm going to make it a future story letter!!
One of my favorite stories that I like to tell is how the last time I smoked a cigarette, I encountered a pair of red foxes. It was January, and for some reason they chose that moment to wander around the side of my parents' garage. We startled each other and the three of us just stared at each other for what felt like the longest time. Then, they turned around and walked back the way they came.
I like the implied mysticism of that encounter. Like the only reason I ever started smoking in the first place was to meet those two, and once that was accomplished, I could stop. And I did.
I love this!!
I vote for finding joy in a tough moment ❤️
I wonder about an experiment. Micaela tells this story, without frame or context, and four other people tell a story in response. I would be fascinated to track the reactions to each story, as one piled on another. (Repeated with several groups.) What themes would emerge and repeat? How would listeners react and respond to one teller to the next? (What would delight, satisfy, perplex, intrigue, etc.?)
Have you done such an experiment, Dr. Blei?
I love this, and I haven't done this experiment, but I do think about it a lot. What inspires us/reminds us of a story? And when do we tell a thematically linked story as a way of connecting with the teller of the original tale? I started writing a longer response to you, Brenny, but I got so excited that I think I'm going to make it a future story letter!!
“Thank you!!!” from the longest lived bird alarm in history. Each morning Tweetie bird though it would be the last.
I love this story! The brain is amazing, isn’t it?