The Monadnock Storyteller began as a visit to see my aging grandmother in Pennsylvania at the nursing home. Songs and stories about family for an hour is what I did each time I went to see her. I loved visiting 'Meemaw' and there was little to do with her but sit and talk and so I started bringing in my guitar to sing to her. Soon it became a visit to see everyone who didn't have a grandson visiting them to sing and play guitar. And there are a LOT of residents like this. Sadly, some don't get visitors at all. This is when I come in and start joking around and singing and cheering everyone up with a song and a story.
My grandparents knew that music brings family and friends together. The best parts of my life include moments with music. Whether in the choir, singing at church, lessons at home, or just listening. Many residents have similar stories and so I connect easily with a song from the 50s or 60s.