Goodbye & Hello

This is a time of things ending and new things beginningfor me. I’m writing cards to the individuals in the team I am leaving to thank them for their unique contribution to the work and to my life. I’ve gotten used to moving from job to job, team to team over the last few years (5 jobs in 5 years) and one thing I have come to realise is how others and their stories shape you forever. I have had the privilege to work with some of the most extraordinary people over the last few years and working with them day in, day out, has undoubtedly changed me in a positive way. I’ve also had the misfortune to work with one or two individuals who have, at times, made my life pretty miserable but I’m choosing not to allow their impact on me linger for long.

I don’t know who I will be working with next because I haven’t a job to go to yet, but I am looking forward to discovering the stories behind the people. Stories fron the Street has unlocked a passion in me for discovering peoples stories and when people share them with you they share a precious piece of their lives. So here’s to new beginning, new stories and the continuation of my story

Builders bum or successful business man?

I am sat here this evening in my new suit that my daughter bought me for an early birthday celebration. Decided to wear it out to a meal tonight with two friends, Linda and Val.

Now I am not a suit wearer. Neither am I a driver of posh cars; until tonight. Time to speak to that future that can so quickly fade, telling it through the clothes I wear and the car I drive that it will line up with where I am looking to go. Yes I know; those cheap and cheerful  self help guru’s of the world of Twitter would be well proud of me.

You are right though, for those who are earthed in the reality of real life; it’s not as easy as that. Builders bum lurks round the corner, witness the new tow bar hitched to the back of business man buggy. Stories from the Street is a million miles from being anything remotely like a successful business.

So why not a charity some have said? A Co-operative is another idea. Yes we considered these very worthy ideas but you know somehow I did not want us and our stories to be dismissed as some trendy left wing irrelevance (a terrible stereotype but you know what I mean). No, I wanted to be able to shout out loud, right in the middle of the square mile or even on Wall Street…………in the face of gross greed that tramples on the individual ……………that every story counts………especially those from the edges of the edge.

So one year on we have an small but vibrant online community; over 120 completely unique stories posted on our web site, a launch book that is light years from being a best seller but  has breathed life and hope into many situations, and three towns or cities that are slowly crafting a set of completely original stories.

Tomorrow I go off for a fortnights break, and Mark Ash, budding poet and story teller will be posting from time to time. I will be using the space to reflect back, and to renew my belief and commitment to……………the power of story. Not simply one liners, but gritty hard hitting tales that carry no gloss and no happy ever after…………….but stories that ordinary people hopefully, at some point the world over, can connect with.

Thanks big time for following the journey so far. I have no idea whether its going to be builders bum or successful business man. To be honest does it really matter? What does matter is that some wonderful stories will be unearthed along the way.

You may be wondering who the photographs are off. Well, just a Turkish family and a few children me and my mates got chatting to whilst on our way east.

I wonder what their story is?

Thanks again for jumping on the journey.

Steve

This and that

Have just posted a couple of new pieces that have come onto the Sfts site. The first is another tender poem from Mark Ash. As ever Mark so enjoy your work and am challenged by your honesty and vulnerability. To read more click here.

The second is an incredible true life story coming out of the ruby industry of Greenland and the fight for justice and fair trade. Huge thanks to Greg for this tale. To read more click here.

Tomorrow I am going to join a crazy bunch of friends who are pushing a boat round the streets of West Yorkshire. A wonderful piece of interactive story telling they are finding loads of opportunities to explore the values of those they meet  and what really matters in their lives. Great stuff!

Thursday I go on holiday to the South of France. ! Mark Ash will be continuing to post onto the blog. However, just to prove that there is always a different economy at work, have included some photos of where we are going. A freebie from some good friends we stay in their 8 bedroom Castedlet (A large farmhouse ).  Will quite happily get lost out there. Over the next couple of days therefore, to help my wind down I will be reflecting back on this first year of Sfts.

Land of the Lost

Just seen a poster advertising Land of the Lost. Caught my eye because it comes out on my birthday; July 31st.

Thankfully it’s a comedy. My mentor, the penguin I call him, will be pleased about that. Unfortunately the reviews are terrible, so don’t rush to see it.

Must be so many feeling lost at the moment, you know with the old credit crunch squeeze. Then suddenly it seems to be all over the news and even on film. Strange how that works.

Been posting these last weeks on lostness. It happens doesn’t it; getting lost I mean. Thankfully I have a better Dad than that poor kid who got lost in the Australian outback, stumbling out of his nightmare yesterday. Completely embarrassing wasn’t it to see the way he ridiculed his son in public. I don’t advise you to read more, but if you missed the news  then you can here.

No, my Dad’s a whole lot safer than that. Hey when he finds me no space for ridicule; just a great massive “welcome home son”. In fact it’s almost worth getting lost for the welcome back.

So if you’re a bit lost right now, like I have felt these last weeks, then it’s completely ok. You can be found you know.

Oh btw, he was found at Narrow Neck Trail. Suitable name I think.

Have a good one everyone

The Street

Just listened to an excellent pod cast featuring Jimmy McGovern, the BAFTA award winning writer; all heart and emotion as he looked forward to the new series of “The Street” that kicked off last night on BBC1. Wonderful stuff. In this podcast Jimmy has a go at some of the producers and writers that have dominated TV these last decades, saying “it’s not writers we need but stories.”

Click here to hear more of his interview. You can see the first episode on iplayer by clicking here.The series then goes on to feature the type of street story that figures on  most streets in the UK. His voice cracking with emotion he reflects back on his own issues with drink and the need for actors who can act out of their own humanity rather than a commodified pre-packaged deal. All raw scouse reality. Loved listening in.

Met someone else the other day who as part of a community project is gathering photographs of local people standing in familiar parts of the estate he works on. There they hold up a small sign saying in a few words why this street corner, or this shop front, or that pub means so much to them. Young and old alike are participating. Before we were interupted his concluding comment was this; “it’s stories that bridge generations. Get people telling their story and barriers come down.”

Just emailed a woman who has recently published a book of 20 stories from Muslim women living in the UK. Un heard of stories; breath taking.

Stories, stories, stories. Your story and mine. The currency of mankind.