Hello to you listening in Chandler, Arizona!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe it’s true and maybe it isn’t but the old ones say that once there was a village of people so stingy and tight-fisted that they hid whatever they had so that their friends and neighbors wouldn’t know who had what and want it for themselves. They even hid their food from one another even though there was plenty to go around.

One day a traveler pulling a small wagon wanders into the village. He’s been on the road for many days and has no food left to eat. He goes from door to door asking for a bit of bread, of cheese, maybe an apple; but at each door he’s turned away: We have nothing here! Stop begging! Leave us alone!

The traveler returns to his wagon, takes out a large kettle, sets it down in the village square and builds a fire under the kettle. He adds water from the well and a large stone taken from a pocket in his coat.

Of course the villagers are curious, peering out of their windows, what’s this fellow up to anyway? A child sent out to ask what the traveler is doing is told, "I’m making stone soup.” and this he repeats to the villagers who are edging closer to the traveler and his kettle

He’s smacking his lips in anticipation. "It’s almost ready, he says, but to make a really good stone soup it could use some cabbage." A villager returns with a cabbage for the kettle. The butcher, not to be outdone by his neighbor adds some choice cuts of meat. Other villagers rush home and return with food from their own gardens--potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and spices.

Soon the soup in the big kettle was bubbling and fragrant. The traveler scooped the stone out of the kettle, tucked it back in his coat pocket, and served the soup to one and all.

In time the traveler went on his way pulling his wagon with his kettle and the stone back in his pocket; but he left behind a story and the recipe for stone soup that’s made and shared to this very day.

Thank you for listening!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Gondomar, Galicia, Spain!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I am often asked how to begin the next story chapter of life when there’s no clear path ahead. In truth, we really don’t see the path so much as we make the path while walking it.

But that might be little comfort in the beginning when you’re standing at the crossroads.

In my experience choosing a direction and setting out with curiosity and determination - taking that first step - perhaps the one we don’t want to take - is the key that opens the way ahead.

Following are several visionary questions for you. Choose the one that speaks to where you are right now and invite it to walk along with you like friends on a trail:

1. What story are you meant to tell that only you living your life with your wisdom and your experiences could tell?

2. Imagine you’re looking back at yourself as an elder woman - content, satisfied, knowing you got it right. What would you say made it all worthwhile?

3. What delighted you, intrigued you, fed your curiosity when you were younger than you are now?

4. Who were you before you learned you were supposed to worry that money doesn’t grow on trees?

Sometimes the most powerful questions are the ones that help us discover who we really are beneath all the "shoulds" and practical concerns. Reconnecting with your truest self after years of layered expectations and external pressures comes from trusting what you know rather than adding more information or strategies.

CTA: If you’re curious about how to stop trying to figure it all out and start honoring what you already know, email me at info@quartermoonstoryarts.net to arrange a free Discovery Call with me, your story doula. And thank you for listening!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Tokyo, Japan!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

My parents were 1st generation Americans. Their parents came from Poland seeking better opportunities. Like so many others, my maternal grandfather had grown up on a farm and sailed to America when he was in his teens.

Over the years he forged metal in factories, fabricated refrigerator coils, drove a city bus, and taught himself how to oil paint. I treasure a few pieces of his art work reflecting his love of land.

My grandfather used to say about tomorrow: “I’m like a fellow pushing a wheelbarrow. Why? Everything is still in front of me!” Even in the most difficult times I repeat his line to find some hope to carry on as he did.

Story Prompt: What favorite line do you recall from someone you love? When you repeat it to yourself how does it make you feel? Write that story and tell it out loud!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Story Services I offer, arrange a free, no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.