Raven Narratives

Tess tells the story of her difficult relationship with her mother and how she ultimately found redemption on a rainy beach in Florida. Tess told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Tess is a nature steward and a Colorado native. She lives a holistic lifestyle that encompasses eating dark chocolate often and doing whatever creative activity lights up her spirit. You may recognize her when she is dancing to live music, two of her favorite pastimes. Tess is known for the delicious meals and beverages she creates, TESStastic Tonic Mixers, infused with the essential ingredient of love, and singing while she prepares it - a tradition passed on from her great grandmother. She writes on her Facebook page SheWhoScribes about her life experiences to invoke laughter (humor is healing!) and reflection.  Tess finds inspiration through her intuition while wandering in nature.  Join us for the next Raven Narratives live storytelling events when the theme will be “fri

Kelly tells how working as a woman in a wildfire lookout tower changed her. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Kelly joined a wild land fire crew 24 years ago in Oregon, and has been chasing adrenaline for a living, ever since.  Her essay about becoming a wild land firefighter, “Anchor Point,” was featured at the April 2023 GetLit! Festival in Spokane, Washington and was published shortly afterward in the Rumpus. She currently works in wild land fire management at Mesa Verde National Park. Join us for the next Raven Narratives live storytelling events when the theme will be “friendship” on Friday, October 4th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, October 5th, at the Durango Arts Center. Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Shandra tells her story of leaving her family and faith behind so that she can lead a more honest life. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Shandra grew up a religious home schooled kid in the mobile homes of Durango, Colorado and has the skills (and lack thereof) to prove it. She makes her living as a seamstress of bike packing gear and sewing machine whisperer, blames sunshine and tacos for her enjoyment of biking to work, and strongly believes that the kitchen is the most sacred place we have access to. Despite living in fear of being the center of attention, you can find her performing in drag as Bravo, stand-up comedy as herself, and doing an assortment of new public things that just seem terrifying. Join us for the next Raven Narratives live storytelling events when the theme will be “friendship” on Friday, October 4th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, October 5th, at the Durango Arts Center. Follow us on Instagram and

Shane describes how he discovered his true place in the world while fishing in the rain in Alaska. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Shane was raised the son of pentecostal preacher. He found his childhood backdrops in Florida, Alaska, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. After graduating High School, Shane went to Tennessee for college, acquiring an Associates degree in music. Adulting set in, and for the next 32 years Shane was compliant to social expectations and religious conditioning. All the while feeling displaced and experiencing a strong, innate, pull to return West. Shane’s journey of deconstructing his faith and flipping a proverbial bird to societal expectations landed him in the Four Corners area. You are likely to find him (guitar in tow) singing his songs and telling his story, swinging a hammer, out for a run with his Border Collie, casting a fly rod, or horseback pretending he knows what he’s doing. Shane knew life could be simpl

Chad describes how becoming a new father brought him face-to-face with his ideas of who he was, and what it means to be a father. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Chad has lived his whole life in Colorado. He was born in Denver but his family quickly fled to the forests of Conifer where he was raised. Chad then moved to Durango in 2003 to attend Fort Lewis College and quickly was enamored with the area. Meandering through his 20s in a stereotypical Durango lifestyle he stumbled into local radio and has now been a small town disc jockey for over 12 years. After stretching the limits of part time jobs, roommates, and river tubing weekdays, Chad found love and had to become an adult. After marrying the amazing woman Sarah Kappel they moved to Ignacio and built their home. They filled it with two children: Calvin and Clementine, one dog: Todd Dogg, and one cat: Pro Kitty (she’s a professional cat). To this day Chad will tell you that being in the

Jamie describes a difficult time in her life when she had to navigate depression and the loss of a friend, and how an encounter with turkey vultures helped her see things in a new light. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Jamie grew up in Durango, Colorado and after high school left to study journalism in Northern California. In 2020 she returned home to rediscover a known place. Jamie is one of the creatives behind The Magic City of the Southwest, a local documentary style history podcast about the Four Corners. Join us for the next Raven Narratives live storytelling events when the theme will be “friendship” on Friday, October 4th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, October 5th, at the Durango Arts Center. Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Tim describes a high altitude adventure where he experienced a rare and terrifying natural phenomenon. Tim told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Tim Hunter is a builder by trade, a scientist by education, and an outdoor recreationalist by avocation. Tim has pursued a wide range of occupations and hobbies including climbing instructor, logger, rancher, carpenter, environmental scientist, ski patroller, river guide, dive master…etc.,etc. He has lived in Mancos, Colorado since 1994, runs a small construction company, and sits on several non-profit boards. Join us for the next Raven Narratives live storytelling events when the theme will be “friendship” on Friday, October 4th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, October 5th, at the Durango Arts Center. Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Christina shares her journey through heartbreaking deception, devastating loss, and the grace of community and continuation.

Tom describes his encounters with fire throughout his life, and how he has come to know fire as an intimate teacher of deep wisdom.

Monique describes leaving her small, rural town to see the world, and the challenges and joys of coming home.

Jim tells his tale of salvaging old wood from railroad snow fences, and how it was too good to last.

Geneva seeks healing in traditional and nontraditional ways, and discovers that uncertainty can be a key to deeper truths.

Margie describes her time as an anthropologist in Alaska and the remarkable woman she met there who survived the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918.

Curt describes raising his three kids and how it has shown him the joys of parenting in the modern era.

Sue describes her experiences as a theater actress and the wisdom she learned along the way.

As a teenager, Kate must contend with the reality of losing her mother, and how it will shape her life going forward.

Ellen describes her path of self-discovery, and the strength and beauty she found along the way.

Bailey wrestles with his identity, but ultimately finds the courage to be his true self.

Robin's traveling companion Kate teaches her a profound lesson about friendship and letting go.

Andy tries to help their mom recover after a stroke.