Oh, yes he tells stories...good ones at that. Last summer I rediscovered the joy of podcasts, including Garrison Keillor's News from Lake Wobegon. "Where all the Women are strong, all the Men are good-looking and all the children are above average." I am sure you have heard of Garrison Keillor and if not I am terribly sorry... But, for cowardly misplaced Minnesotan's (see definition below) like myself, Keillor's Long running radio show Prairie Home Companion is a lifeline to the culture, heritage and (more than) 10,000 lakes I am so proud of, yet so far away from. I just adore falling asleep to the sound of his legendary lullaby-esque voice mingled with his equally important nuggets of wisdom. Only "downside" to this sleepy time ritual is the interruption of my own laughter that wakes me out of that pre-sleep:) I can't resist the spot on charm of his fictional stories of small town life in central Minnesota.
Being born to two Minnesotan's (I am one myself), who were transplanted to the South by my Fathers job. They always longed for the comforts of home, despite detesting the brutal cold winters (This is where the definition of Cowardly Displaced Minnesotan's Comes in: One Born and Raised in the State of Minnesota that moves away solely because of the Below Zero Temperatures of Winter:) I remember their only connections to home were summer visits and Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion Radio show. One of my fondest childhood memories was sitting on the back porch of our last home in Tallahassee (Fl) and listening to Prairie Home Companion on my Dad's Zenith Transatlantic Radio that he brought back from Vietnam as a soldier. I loved this family time and hearing the sound of their contagious laughter of things only a true Minnesotan would understand. Even being a kid, I saw how it truly soothed their homesickness. And now understanding how it does the same for me...
I don't listen to the full length show like my Parents and I did together back in the day. But, now I enjoy a couple of 10-15 minute weekly "News" Podcasts From Lake Wobegon read by Keillor himself nightly. I seriously should not listen to it at Bedtime...because of what I mentioned above. I end up giggling myself further awake at the People, places and things he has spot on created. What a legendary storyteller indeed. I also love how he brings me back to memories of my Mother's own Central Minnesota hometown. Honestly when I am listening to the news I picture, Sauk Centre in place of fictional Lake Wobegon. The Sauk Centre of my own Childhood visits... it so oozed small town timelessness at its finest. I loved the sense of safety and freedom there. The chance to go Downtown or to the Lake by myself. It was my first taste of independence and really helped my creativity soar. Quite honestly this was the first place where I decided I was going to be a writer and storyteller. I guess this is one of the many reasons why I love being able to be transported to this sacred place via The News from Lake Wobegon.
I am curious to know what Podcasts you like? And is there anyone of them that bring childhood comfort back? Do tell.
Love, C.
Storyboard C. Notes:
-A Prairie Home Companion® with Garrison Keillor.
-The News From Lake Wobegon PODCAST.
-The Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, Minnesota.
