Overcoming Shyness Through Storytelling

Posted on March 3, 2010 by Cynthia Griffith

My husband, Christopher, is a writer (The Juggling Writer), and he realizes that he may someday need to read or speak to audiences to help promote his writing.  He was always incredibly shy, but has been finding ways to overcome that over the years.  Not only does he try to strike up conversation with strangers more often (both to overcome shyness and because of his natural curiousity as a writer for how people interact), he went to Toastmasters meetings and learned how to give speeches and get past being nervous to speak in front of groups.

He’s also realized a great way to combine public speaking with his love of stories:  the Moth.  There are “MothUps,” meetings where storytellers come together and share real, personal stories in a set time limit, and using a theme for the night.  Dallas now has a group, and they had their first MothUp February 26, 2010 using the theme “Love Hurts.”  It was a fun success, and the storytellers seemed to have a blast, as well as the audience (it was held at a bar in Dallas — the patrons didn’t even know about it and seemed to get into the stories too).

Christopher was the second storyteller of the evening, and he did a great job although he was incredibly nervous.  You can read about the evening on Christopher’s blog entry here, and check out the video of his story below.

I must say that I’m very proud of him for giving this a try and having fun with it.  I look forward to hearing more of his stories — and best wishes to the Storyteller Ranch group!

Christopher Gronlund from Marcel Cairo on Vimeo.

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Fiddle Introductions: Part II, T. Fiddle

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Cynthia Griffith

As I mentioned in my first entry, Aisling was no longer working out for me.  I didn’t want to go through a lot of money and trouble to find those “perfect” strings, because I had a feeling no matter what I tried, I’d be disappointed.   It’s a low-end fiddle, and I’m sure there is only so much I can do (I would love to replace the bridge, but wondered if even that would be worthwhile).  There was just something about Aisling’s tone that literally hurt my ears.  Plus, I just felt clumsy like I had no idea what I was doing (and I was definitely practicing enough).  I chatted with my fiddle/mandolin-playing friend, C., and her banjo/fiddle/mandolin-playing husband, T.  They loaned me T. Fiddle (I named it after her husband — T. Fiddle is one of his two fiddles).  I was excited to try another instrument to see what I might like about this one, and to see if it would help me.  The tone was also a lot warmer to my ears.

Not only was I excited to try another fiddle, it seemed to be working!  I started feeling like I was making progress again.  It was a HUGE help, and a much appreciated gesture from friends.  There were a few quirks I had to get used to.  T. Fiddle is a little more touchy to temperature changes, so I had a fight with the strings depending on how hot or cold it was.  In summer, the wood expands so much I can’t budge the pegs.  In winter, they not only come out of tune, I’ve found a peg on the floor after getting spit out from the string unwinding so hard!  There are some things I would love to have if I ever buy another fiddle, so trying another one has been a big help.

Unfortunately, I started having more problems again.  I’m self-taught, so I probably have some bad habits that keep me from progressing until I discover and fix them.  I had some issues with sore hands.  My left hand would not relax, no matter how hard I tried, and eventually even my right — the bowing hand — ended up stiff and sore.  I tried my best to limit practice times, to ease into faster songs, and just to relax.  I ended up letting the fiddles sit for a while out of frustration, and because the holidays were keeping me busy.  My husband ended up laid off a few days before Christmas, so I didn’t want to disturb him with my practicing while he was trying to write, job hunt, or deal with important paperwork.  If I feel like I’m going to be disturbing someone, which happens when I don’t feel confident, it’s a vicious cycle and I get worse and worse.

I started questioning my ability to play the fiddle.  I didn’t want to stop, but I didn’t want to hate it either.

Next Monday: My realization, and another fiddle!

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Fiddle Introductions: Part I, Aisling

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Cynthia Griffith

Since I don’t want this page or blog to be solely about sewing, I thought I’d kick off the music entries with one about my fiddle.

Meet Aisling, named by a friend when I asked what I should name her.  This actually isn’t my very first fiddle.  I had started playing years before, but I had to sell that instrument about a year or so later.  Aisling was affordable and has worked well enough while I started learning, but over time I discovered that I was having trouble and progress seemed to come to a halt.  The bow she came with was starting to fall apart as well.  I bought another bow — not the one I really wanted, but one that will someday become a decent backup, I hope.  I still had trouble, and started noticing that the sound hurt my ears.

I couldn’t really afford to buy another instrument, and even if I did I would want one that I’d had a little time to play and be familiar with.  No sense ending up with a more expensive instrument that had a tone I didn’t like, either!  I talked to a friend of mine and she and her husband loaned me a warmer-sounding fiddle to practice on.  Aisling now sits as my backup, occasionally getting played here and there.

I have no regrets purchasing Aisling.  At the time I bought her, I was very pleased and excited.  I’d been unemployed, but managed to do a quick job and put those earnings with some birthday cash to buy her.  There are a lot of great memories there!  Someday I will have to buy a better fiddle and the bow I really want.  I look forward to creating more memories with a new instrument, as I continue learning.

Next Monday: While Aisling was giving me fits, another fiddle comes to the rescue!

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“Doesn’t it figure…?”

Posted on February 19, 2010 by Cynthia Griffith

When it’s not in the budget, you don’t need it to get anything, or you can’t find what you need… you have coupons everywhere.

The minute you actually need a coupon, they’re all expired, or you forget to bring them with you.  D’oh!

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Blog Direction

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Cynthia Griffith

One of the reasons I took so long to get started on reworking my old site or starting a new one, was that I didn’t even know what I wanted to do!  When my husband told me to use WordPress for the site, I thought it might be a bit too much.  Although I wanted a design that would allow me to post short “news/updates” entries on the  main page, I wasn’t sure I would want a full-blown blog.  I wasn’t sure I would be able to think of enough interesting entries — even for a simple, personal site — to make it worthwhile.

I finally did install WordPress, and started a few entries.  I started thinking about the sort of things I might want to blog about.  Interestingly, between a few online conversations and things that came up, I realized a few things I might blog about.

I’ve already admitted I’m no expert on many things.  I would never make a blog that was a how-to, especially with so many better and talented bloggers out there covering any of the subjects I might touch on.  I started thinking about another point of view.  The “why?” and “why not? Go for it!” point of view.

Some things can be intimidating or time consuming and I understand why some people might not follow through with ideas or goals.  Maybe they don’t know where to start or worry about failure, or even think “I really shouldn’t do this.”  Of course, the other side is why not?  Why not have a little fun and give it a try?  As I mentioned before — even failing is at least an attempt.

I’ve been slipping over the years for various reasons I don’t want to go into.  I put so many things off or on hold, thinking it was for the best.  At the time, for me and my situation, it was for the best.  Now, it’s time for me to stop making excuses and to just have fun again.

I’m hoping that by posting here, I’m reminding myself of my goals and giving myself the boot to take initiative and attempt some things I’ve put off or stopped doing for too long.  Maybe it will make me think things through (or not think, and just do it).  Maybe I’ll meet some new friends, and re-acquaint myself with old friends who can help inspire me or help me through those rough spots as I run into them.  Who knows?  Maybe someone else who wanted to do something will also decide, “Hey, I’d love to try this too!” and go for it.

Out of all the things I thought about when I wanted to start over with a new site, I definitely wanted it to be for me and to have fun with it again.  I think it seems to be working out and falling into place.  I also know I wanted it to change with my interests, and I look forward to seeing where I end up in the future — and I’ll also be able to read about the journey there when I look back on old entries.

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Blog Hunting

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Cynthia Griffith

I’ve mentioned how much I adore costuming — especially historical costuming.  I’ll be the first to admit that my own projects are far from accurate, but perhaps someday I’ll get a little closer to it!  One of my favorite time periods has always been the 18th century.  I’ve probably also mentioned my love of the kilt (maybe not yet on this blog, but anyone who knows me has probably heard me mention it).  I’ve been fascinated by Scotland, and interested in learning about 18th century Scotland.

Some of my favorite blogs are The Duchess of Devonshire’s Gossip Guide, Marie Antoinette’s Gossip Guide, Diary of a Mantua Maker, and American Duchess.  Basically, blogs that give me eye candy to drool over — garments, art, antiques (or even new things that are a tip of the hat to the 18th century), as well as tidbits of info about the time period… people, places, life in general.

I have been searching for something similar to the above-listed sites, but focusing on the 18th century Highlands of Scotland.  I keep thinking how absolutely wonderful it would be if someone, or a group, were to have a blog that talked about re-enacting, history, garment how-to’s, items from that time period, and life itself.  Listing and reviewing accurate and enjoyable books and articles about the time period would be incredibly helpful as well, so people like me could read the entries and get the information we’re craving.  Websites are fine, but I’ve found sometimes they’re not updated as much.  I’ve also recently gotten addicted to following blogs and enjoy even short entries with bits of information.  It allows the reader to keep up with and even tag along in spirit, since many of us can’t do some of the events or visit historical locations in person.

So, has anyone seen anything like this?  If it doesn’t exist, it sure would be wonderful if one (or more) would pop up (hint, hint)!

While we’re at it, readers feel free to list your favorite 18th century blog!

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The First Cut

Posted on February 7, 2010 by Cynthia Griffith

Speaking of sewing, I have my first invitation to attend a small, private gathering.  Now, not only do I need to get sewing, I have a deadline!  Definitely time to get things rolling.  It’s not just my outfit I need to make, either.  I also need to sew one for my husband.  I have never made anything from the 18th century before, and I’m a little intimidated.  Okay, VERY intimidated.

It’s been so long since I’ve sewn anything, and even then I was still a newbie learning things along the way.  I’m almost questioning myself at this point, but it’s something I really want to do.  I’m tired of missing out and putting things on hold.  Even if I fail miserably, it’s an attempt, and I’ll learn a lot from it.

Besides, once I get started, I’m sure I’ll have fun and forget about worrying too much about it.  I always get “first cut” jitters.  There is something so nerve wracking about that first cut for me.  When you have done so much prep work, and now you have nothing else to do but start cutting that fabric.  Hoping you didn’t misunderstand something or place the pattern pieces incorrectly.  Once you cut enough though, you just get over it and settle into the work.  Oh sure, sometimes you do realize there is a mistake, but you work around it and make it work out somehow.

Still, working on something like 18th century clothing when my husband was laid off a few days before Christmas makes me a little more stressed about getting things right so I don’t make too many big mistakes.  Bad enough spending all that money the first time for fabrics; I don’t want to have to do it two or three more times!  He’s missed seeing me work on things that make me happy, and seeing the progress I make.  I know I’ve definitely missed it, too.

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It’s Buried Here Somewhere…

Posted on February 6, 2010 by Cynthia Griffith

My sewing area, that is.  Since I was unable to sew for so long, that area became storage.  When our old TV died, instead of just tossing it, we put it in front of my sewing area until we could find a proper place to dispose of it.  I don’t even know what fabrics I have at this point, because I can’t get to them.

I really need to clear things out.  It’s time to clean the old serger and sewing machine, figure out what I have and need, and get to work.

I also should really finish my website, but it’s been weird trying to figure out what I want to do, add or use, so I can redirect the old site here.  I feel guilty focusing too much time on any one thing, but both can really suck your time up!  And that’s not even everything I need to do, like genealogy!

Even though I’m excited to start sewing again, there’s a side of me that’s nervous — knowing once things are organized, I won’t have any more excuses keeping me from diving in to sewing projects that terrify me a bit.

At the same time, I know once I dig my way out, I’ll be up for the challenge — and the fun!

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Adding links, and sewing

Posted on January 27, 2010 by Cynthia Griffith

I’m slowly working on the site, and figuring out what I want to add and where.  I’ve already started adding links to some of my favorite sites.  Many of them will be about the 18th and 19th centuries, and sewing/costuming.   I’ve always loved costumes, and especially clothing from those eras.  I recently learned how to sew (I’m still learning) and even made a few things before I had to take a bit of a break.  I’m hoping to get back to it soon.  I have some friends who also enjoy sewing and love those eras.  I’ve met a lot of interesting people with similar interests, so I look forward to learning more as well as meeting more folks!  Obviously I’m no expert, and I also won’t be doing a “how to” blog about sewing or anything like that.  As I said, this is just my little space on the web so I can share with my friends and family.

I’m not sure how soon I’ll be able to get back to sewing, but I look forward to it.  It’s a very soothing thing for me, even if I’m having trouble or not quite getting things right.  I just love turning on some music, or having the TV on (usually the History Channel) and working away on my project.  I’ve missed it so much!  Time to get back to it, I think.

For those of you who sew, what’s your favorite thing about it?  Is there anything you love to do when you’re working on a project, like listening to certain tunes or watching movies that get you in the mood?  Maybe even a celebratory “that’s all for today” drink of wine or tea when you’re done?

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Starting Over

Posted on January 27, 2010 by Cynthia Griffith

I used to have my site at http://www.darthcynthia.com/ and updated frequently for a few years at least.  After a while, I just stopped doing anything with it.  I kept meaning to update the look, and even change the domain name… but I didn’t know what to do with it and kept putting it off.

My husband has his WordPress blog at http://www.thejugglingwriter.com/ and really likes it, so he recommended I try it.  So here it is, finally!  No more excuses — I can get back to enjoying my website and trying different things with it.

My old site used to have art galleries, and seemed to be more of a fan site than anything about me, really.  While I do hope to add art here again, I don’t want it to be the main focus.  One thing I discovered, was that I wanted a site for me.  A site that friends and family could see what I was up to, and also to meet new friends!  Also, a site that could change as my interests changed.  I will probably talk about hobbies (I have way too many), and post links to things I find fascinating.

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