A collection of stories, secrets, and songs
To me, there’s no better compliment than someone saying I’m a good story-teller. You can tell me I’m pretty or kind or smart, and I’ll be appreciative, of course. But telling me that something I said was interesting and held your attention in a world where our focus is down to 3 seconds, that’s really where I’ll swoon. I don’t think I’m uniquely qualified in any way to write and share about my life; I’m just willing to do it.
Historically, I’ve never really shied away from being the center of attention. I grew up in a small town that I always knew I needed to leave. I’m quoted at 8-years-old in the city newspaper as saying I will not be involved in politics when I grew up but I would become famous, I just wasn’t sure how yet. And, to some extent, nothing has changed. I have less of an obsession with becoming a household name now, but I do still have a desire to share my stories and connect with people. (And I still don’t want to work in politics.)
My kindergarten teacher told my parents at their conference that I demonstrated above-average reading and writing abilities. While my classmates were scribbling away with crayons, I was flipping over the worksheet and writing stories. Around fifth grade, I wrote a collection of short stories I titled, Kendal’s Big Book of Nothing: a collection of stories, secrets, and songs. Quite the name, honestly. There’s one in particular that sticks out in my memory. I performed it for my classmates and friends so often I ended up having it memorized. It involves a very bad, very fake British accent and overuse of the word, “Governor.” I’ll spare you the details; and if you remember this story, you’re entitled to compensation.
I have a rolodex in my mind of my best stories. The tried and true ones that I’ve perfected the telling of. There are certain punchlines, accents, and pauses for reactions. I love when I have an opportunity to pull out an old favorite for a new audience, like the time I got bit by a donkey on the back of a four-wheeler on a mountain, or my friends and I getting a $400 dinner for free in New Orleans, or when I hit a cop car in a grocery store parking lot. I’m one for dramatics, what can I say.
You get my point. I’ve always loved to read, write, talk, and well kinda…perform. I truly believe that nothing unites people like a good story, and I’ve always felt like I’m full of them. Makenmems is my adult version of Kendal’s Big Book of Nothing: a collection of stories, secrets, and songs, minus the songs. Once I got cut from the talent show in elementary school I gave up on that part.
