Calling all UTAH Friends!

If you are a blogger in the Utah area.... YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!

Cherish Bound is teaming up with some of our best friends, one of the country's premiere storytelling organizations - Timpanogos Storytelling Festival and the queen of "make a wish - make it happen"... Kelly Anderson from Start Up Princess to bring all of our blogging buddies a night filled with the magic of storytelling....and it's FREE!

the fairytale event

Cherish Bound is teaming up with one of the country's premiere storytelling organizations—Timpanogos Storytelling Festival—to bring social media moms and blogging buddies a night filled with the magic of storytelling. The event takes place June 25 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the enchanting storytelling wing of the Orem City Library.

the happy ending

During the evening, you'll be entertained by some of the areas brightest storytellers, Bruce Jensen and Wendy Gourley. They'll spin a tale all while the fabulous folks from the Blue Lemon fill our tummies with yummy treats. Each guest will receive a goody bag with these fun things $200 retail value:

• Cherish Bound book.
• Story Starter.
• Chat cards.
• Syd Lieberman Storytelling CD.
• Blue Lemon gift certificate.
• Weekend family pass to the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (Labor Day weekend).

the requirements
In addition to providing you with an enchanting evening of storytelling fun, Cherish Bound is hoping to publicize both its product and the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. To participate in this event, please make sure you are able and willing to meet the following criteria:

• Redeem your coupon for a free Cherish Bound book and publish it by July 24.
• Write a post about your Cherish Bound experience by July 31. This post should include your experiences in publishing the book as well as information about the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (details will be provided).
• Publicize the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival on Twitter, Facebook, and via e-mail between August 1 and Labor Day (details will be provided).
• Attend the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (September 3-5 in Orem, UT).
• Write a post about your Timpanogos Storytelling Festival experience by September 14, including promotional information about the Mid Winter Conference (details will be provided).
• Publicize a discount coupon on your blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, and/or via e-mail.
• Hold a Cherish Bound giveaway on your site (optional).

the fine print
We only have a limited number of spots available, so please RSVP no later than Thursday, June 18 by clicking HERE TO REGISTER! Spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

This event is by invite only. If you have other friends in social media or who blog that you think would like to take part and can meet these requirements, please feel free contact Jyl at 801.971.9335 or at jyl.pattee@comcast.net.

-I won't personally be at this event, but I will be at the Timpanogos Story Festival during Labor Day weekend!! I'd love to meet you all!

Lessons From the Tent...Convention Continued

Ask me if 5 or even 4 years ago if I'd ever been to a storytelling festival, ever wanted to go to one, or even had an idea or interest in storytelling and I would have said NO. Not a chance, not for me, didn't even cross my mind. But once I became a Cherish Bound consultant, I quickly learned that story is the root behind ALL things. It is the foundation of everything that I know. In order for me to teach other families how to love story and learn of its power within the walls of their home, I realized I needed to learn what story is all about.

You may have read my "Jonesborough" story. That is where it all began. You see, I had no idea that this ancient art form is the tread that ties each of us together. Without story would you know who you really are and where you get some of your "character" from? What about your ancestors and their stories? Would you know how World War 1 ended or how Moses parted the Red Sea? Would you know anything at all? I'm thinking probably not. What we know is because of story...whether it comes through a text book, a journal, or spoken word, we know what we know because of story.

For years, there's been a false impression about storytelling. "There's this misconception that storytelling is Grandma and Grandpa in a rocking chair on the porch, or putting babies down for the night," Bobby Norfolk said, "But storytelling is an ancient art form. The brain is actually hard-wired for telling stories." We are all storytellers. We may never take the stage, but we are all tellers at heart and mainstream America, soccer moms, white-collar corporate dad's and their families, struggling teens, and everyone else in between are finding this forgotten treasure and becoming apart of the experience.........

In the midst of the beautiful Provo Canyon and the shade of Mount Timpanogos, 1000's and 1000's of eager souls flood the perfectly laid story grounds for hours and hours of tales. The white tents riddle the mountain-side park as story lovers from all over the world, families of all sizes, school children and their teachers, educators, college students, and even Cherish Bound consultants map out their storytelling quest and events for the long, but much anticipated days ahead.

After mapping out the right schedule to make sure each favorite story teller can be heard, listeners flock to the rows and rows of chilled metal chairs to find their spots. Slightly restless, a little chatty, and some still snacking on the morning's breakfast everything comes to a complete stop, in an almost hypnotic state as the storyteller opens their heart. Norfolk says"We call that storyteller hypnosis. It's a power that takes over a room."

It happens time and time again. EVERY TIME without fail, a hush overtakes the crowd and I lose myself in the moment....in the story....I become a part of their world.

I love them all, but I will say I have my favorites. Three of my favorites were at this festival. Carmen Deedy, Bill Harley, and Kevin Kling. I can tell you this....within just a few hours time I went from laughing hysterically to crying while singing "Build Me Up Buttercup" (and I NEVER sing....especially in public), and then shaking my head wondering if I was hearing the truth....could such a thing happen to a person? And during the emotional roller coaster I was thinking of my own stories that were prompted out of my head, jotting them down on the back of a receipt so I wouldn't forget them again. I could find a common thread in each of their stories. Somewhere deep inside those stories I always found something that was all about me...something I could relate too.

I kept putting this post off because I wanted to go into detail about those three storytellers, but I just can't. I can't express in words what they do for me. It's kind of weird, I know, but if you experience this for yourself you'll nod and know what I'm talking about. Here's some great descriptions of these amazing storytellers found at www.timpfest.org.

Carmen Deedy: Known for her well-loved children’s books, Carmen Deedy flavors her stories with her unique upbringing as a Cuban in the Deep South. With wit and charm, Carmen refreshingly combines a variety of stories—from childhood memories to tales of Chaucer that leave her audiences smiling for days. Both as a storyteller and author, Carmen is unforgettable!

Ahh, I just LOVE HER! She will make you love remembering your childhood triumphs and battles! And her children's books are AWESOME!

Bill Harley: There’re no bones about it (except the funny bone), Grammy award-winning performer Bill Harley knows how to get an audience slapping its knees and laughing out loud. Whether his listeners are 5 years old or 105, Bill delights them with childhood tales, parenting anecdotes and coming-of-age blunders, each laced with morsels of profound wisdom.

He's a phenomenally talented person! In every way possible! I'm amazed at all the parenting advice I picked up from him in one short hour.

Kevin Kling: Known for stage shows and his popular commentaries on National Public Radio’s "All Things Considered," Kevin Kling is one of the most unique and dynamic tellers ever to come to the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. His autobiographical tales of hopping freight trains, getting hit by lightning and growing up in Minnesota are hilarious and tender.

Kevin....wow.....you must experience meeting this amazing man! He's not only an inspiration to everyone who comes within a "tent" of him, but he's just so captivating and you find yourself always rooting for the underdog and.....wanting to be the underdog!

I promise you, as you step out into this new world of storytelling, not only will your private little world rotate slightly differently, but your family, friends and everyone around you will be able to join you in this amazing, forgotten art that deserve so much more attention. Lives change through stories and telling them is the first step.

More Convention: Story Style Profile & FREE-FREE-FREE "Prizes"

"If your family is always telling stories - or never tells them, Cherish Bound's Story Style Profile will help you find ways to share more stories in your home and get your family talking."

--Cherish Bound

Cherish Bound developed an amazing profile to help families and individuals make the most of their own personal, unique story style. There are 4 different "styles".

Hot Off the Press
Long, Long Ago
If You're a Dreamer
Once Upon a Time

The styles match up perfectly with each individual/family. Each family/individual is given a description of what they're style means. There is a list of recommended Cherish Bound products and tools, along with a complete profile. There are great starter packs and kits to help you find, capture, and share your stories with "style".

If you'd like a printed tri-fold Story Style Profile (they're quite pretty), email me at tarabrown@cherishbound.com and I'll send you one to use with your family. The Story Profile would be a fun activity to do with the entire family.

Want to get some of your recommended Story Style Products for FREE?? Go take the online profile, come back and comment on which style you and your family are. Then you'll be entered in a drawing to win some products that match your Story Style!! Contest ends October 31, 2008 11:59 EST.

Convention...Day 2: The Foundation of Cherish Bound

I'm saving the storytelling for the next post. It deserves it's own....I'm still amazed at the power this beautiful art has over the mind.

Day two of convention was just as good as the first. This day was designed around the five national leaders. We've had our hands full this past year and have really gotten some serious OTJ training! I'm not an expert in direct sales, but this past year has definitely given me my share of opportunities. Truly a remarkable year for growth in all areas. Because of this experiences we have encountered this year, we were given the opportunity to instruct the consultants about the foundation of our businesses. Each one of us took a half hour to coach and train and then we did a Q & A panel.

The first half hour was presented by my SIL, Christa. She started the morning off with incredible passion, but also a setting the tone of the entire day of presentations. When talking direct sales and the basics of business anyone who plans on having success must know that the "home party" is the foundation behind the success. Here at Cherish Bound, we call them Gatherings. She talked about "Why the Gathering?" She did such an amazing job! I love learning from my peers and she nailed her presentation.

We understand here at Cherish Bound, that our services and products CANNOT be sold on a shelf or on a website with no face. As consultants we are the warmth and support that helps families become successful. No better place to do it than in the home. She gave great examples of her personal experiences with home gatherings, but also gave a PERFECT analogy of who we really are.....here's her story.

She told us how her toilet had broke and just to give you a background on her....she's determined, motivated, independent and can pretty much do EVERYTHING! So of course she was going to fix her toilet herself. No plumber is need at this house...matter of fact, one time I called her and she was busy fixing her sprinkler system! Anyway, she took a trip to Lowe's and made her way to the plumbing area to find her part. She had a description of what it looked like, didn't really know the name of it, but was determined to find her toilet part. She looked and looked and knew what she needed, but couldn't find it. She found the "call button" that is placed in the departments and pressed it hoping to find some assistance. She waited for a few minutes and kept with her search. Assuming that help would be on the way she patiently waited a few more minutes. This is a huge store, lots of employees, how could it take this long? She waited for almost 25-30 minutes and NO ONE CAME TO ASSIST HER! So she left....no, she didn't give up. That is NOT her vocabulary. She went somewhere else...

Christa went to her neighborhood Ace Hardware. Yes, the personal, intimate choice that resides among the home improvement giants....smaller yes, but let me continue her story. She walked up to the doors and standing there waiting were 4 employees welcoming her into the store, greeting her with smiles. One asked her if there was any thing that she needed. She smiled and explained to him that she was looking for this plumbing part that went like this and then like that and kind of like this....he listened and knew exactly what she needed. He led her to the exact area and showed her what part she was looking for. He also told her exactly how to install this plumbing part into her toilet step by step and sent her on her way with total confidence and a guaranteed result of success.

WE ARE ACE HARDWARE! She showed us that we are the "Ace Hardware" of the memory keeping, story telling, photo book, history recording world. But more than that, we are the leader in customer service, product knowledge, workshop and instructions, and we not only offer just one "part" or "department"...we offer just about everything a family could need to connect and re-connect with each other, a legitimate business opportunity, programs for ALL ages including the I'm An Author for children...and the list goes on. We were once again reminded of the amazing opportunity we have to share person-to-person, home-to-home. (I know...she rocks)

Next was Vicky...Vicky is our fellow leader that was in the accident. Unfortunately she was not physically there to present, but her topic was "Finding Your Hostess". We call her the queen of warm chatter. Her beautiful smile and warm presence attracts hostess from every nook and cranny! She'll be giving her presentation at a later date via conference call. Can't wait to hear what she has to say!!

Then it was my turn. My topic was "Coaching Your Hostess/Success Before You Arrive". I find it a blessing that I've had my share of Hostess Coaching opportunities. That's a good thing in this business. I started out with a great quote from the book "Build It Big". "Deepening your relationship with your hostess can literally transform how you do business and at the same time improve the results you enjoy."

I had 5 areas of coaching that I talked about: What is a hostess?, 24-48-72, Motivation & Appreciation, Coaching Tips, and Communication & Creativity. I personally feel that each of these areas are key to successful gatherings and a successful business. If you'd like to see my handout feel free to leave a comment and I'd love to share it with you!!

Kelly was next and her expertise is sells. She has a vision of the entire sells concept and lots of experience and education. Her specific topic was "Selling: That's What You're There For". So many people have this misconception about working their business and "selling"...like it's a sin or down right rude to run your own business and SELL! DRIVES ME CRAZY! Sorry....

Kelly had fantastic interactive handout that helped us see where our fears or confidence in sells comes from. She helped us remember what has turned us into Cherish Bound sales "Warriors". I love that word, warrior! Yes, I am a Cherish Bound warrior! Woo-hoo! Okay, back on track. She reminded us that sales is an honorable profession, and passed on this great quote, "If you have nothing to sell, you'd better check your pulse...you're probably dead!" (not sure who said it, but it's great) She also helped us see the difference between Cherish Bound's features and benefits. Having a clearer understanding of those two really helped me see the bigger picture and will help me "sell" better and be more productive. She had so many amazing tips, obviously I can't post it all.

Last but not the least was Teresa. Teresa is simply a breath of fresh air. Beautiful inside and out...everyone wants to be her when they grow up! She's a professional storyteller by trade, but has become one Cherish Bound's top consultants as well. She closed up the leader presentations by touching on the importance of "Follow Through - Don't Lose It Now".

The first thing she said was "a lack of follow-up is a form of deception". OH! I never-ever thought of it that way. By selling products and services to people we are obligated to follow-up and make sure they get the most out of what they invested in. She also had a great outline revolving around "See It-Plan It-Do It": Visualize each step, Micro Goals, Give yourself credit, Ambitious goals, Failure is not an option, Have fun! Relax, and Be Confident!

She ended with my favorite quote which will wrap up this post....and don't worry I think I have at least 5 more posts to go. This quote is posted to my desk and reminds me to stay focused and believe...

"It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually who are you NOT to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that others won't feel unsure around you. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

--Nelson Mandela

Convention....Continued Part 2

I feel like I'm bouncing all over the place....I realized that one of the most important parts of the entire experience was having the opportunity to spend time with other consultants, friends and family. We really have become a "family" in every sense of the word. Every time we all get together it reconfirms my thoughts that we are all supposed to be in this exact moment together. We are all where we're supposed to be. A bonus for me is that I get to spend time with my dearest friend and SIL. As a fellow consultant and national leader we have much to talk about when it comes to Cherish Bound, but even better we get a reason to spend time together and chat about our families and all the crazy things going on in life. It was so much fun to fly in a day early and just spend some "mommy" time together, chatting and laughing over an enormous amount of food!

As a "family" we experienced some highs and lows together in those few days. When one of our own is up we're all up, but when one of us is down, we feel it too. Wednesday, the day I flew to SLC, I had just got off my connecting flight in Atlanta when I received a phone call from a fellow consultant and very good friend that one of our consultants/friend/leader had just been involved in a very, very serious car accident and wouldn't be making convention. When I heard the news I stopped dead in my tracks. After getting all the details and feeling completely sick to my stomach and called my SIL and told her of the horrible news. We talked about how sad we were for our friend and couldn't believe that this happened to her...they day before she was to leave for convention!! If you could get a glimpse into this consultants heart you would understand why we were so sad for her. She's the warmest and friendliest person I have ever met. We would most certainly feel her void.

I had a long flight to SLC and had a few hours to digest the news. I saw the big picture of how our little network of consultants has created a powerful bond. We are not only financially invested in each other, but more importantly we're emotionally and spiritually invested in each other's lives. These women are people that will be in my life FOREVER! Had I not taken this opportunity when it was presented to me 4 years ago there's a chance that I would have never met any of these amazing people. And if that news wasn't horrible enough...there was more.

Us leaders were informed that one of our most important directors and corporate support had just found out she had breast cancer. Again, my little world stopped spinning and I seriously felt like a knife cut my heart. I sobbed inside. Why? I don't understand it all...It's not fair. But I watched her as she continued on with the events and details of the weekend and as crazy as it sounds, she gave ME strength. Her beautiful smile has made me want to work harder! For her, I will make sure Cherish Bound becomes the dream that is supposed to be.

The roller coaster of emotion that weighed on me was up and down, and up and down......No wonder I was completely exhausted when I got home. Again, another reason that home-based businesses for women are truly lifetime experiences. When you put your heart and soul into something you love you are forever changed....by the product and the people.

Where Do I Begin...

"If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive."

—Barry Lopez

I don't know where to begin! After attending the Cherish Bound convention and Timpanogos Storytelling Festival I can honestly say that I have once again come away a different person. I'm a better woman mentally, spiritually, as well as in business...and even physical. (Yes, lots of great food). My soul is so enlightened and my heart is full of gratitude and excitement!

My experience is almost impossible to explain or share. It's one of those "things" in life that can't be told, it must be felt. This will take a few days to tell, but I'm going to do my best to make sure I can share as much as possible with as much detail and feeling as I can. Just sitting here thinking about those days makes my throat get a slight lump and my eyes are starting to water. AHH! Get a grip Tara!

First I'll start with Convention....day one. Our convention was held in the beautiful Mt. Timpanogos Park in Provo Canyon, Utah, among the beautiful white tents that housed 1000's of story lovers and tellers celebrating the 19th anniversary of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. We had our own large tent nestled in the corner of the park where we met as consultants with our company's founders and corporate directors.

I arrived a day early and made my way to the empty park to meet with the 4 other national leaders and founders for a private leadership training. As I stood on a small hill in the park that overlooked the valley I couldn't believe what I was doing. I literally thought in my mind, "How lucky are you? How did I ever deserve such an opportunity?" I shook my head and found my way to our meeting under a beautiful wood pavilion that was warmed by the mountain sun where we officially began our conference.

The theme of our convention this year was "This is the moment...a moment you won't forget." Those words have never been more true! I kept repeating them in my head over and over again. I knew the very second I walked up the path and into the park that this would be a moment I would never, ever forget.

Day one of our scheduled convention was opened by our Co-Founder, Carol Rice. I could post 100 posts and still not be able to tell you how truly amazing this woman is. But for what it's worth, she is someone that I will continually strive to be like in all ways. She ranks among my most favorite people in the world...probably a hero. She spoke on "Ten Lessons from the Trail". She shared her personal experiences that she's had while hiking weekly in the local mountains. She related all of her trail lessons to those we can use within our business. Her simple lessons had a huge impact on all who listened in. She shared this beautiful quote..."There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few that will catch your heart...pursue them."

We were instructed on great basic business practices, one of the many great bonuses Cherish Bound consultants are blessed with. The business is basic and efficient, but the support from corporate makes it that much more attainable.

One of the most anticipated agenda items is always the unveiling of new products and programs! Oh, that's my favorite! I love to see what they've been working on and the amazing product ideas that they come up with. Just when I think we've tapped into every part of story, family, and publishing, they release more! Here is a list of new Cherish Bound product and tools that were officially released on Friday, August 28.

• Music Story Starter: This is the first of 3 Story Starters in the new Hobbies Collection. This story starter helps you to share your appreciation for music no matter your talent level and guides you through the writing process.
• Scouting Story Starter: Tell your scouting stories and memories with ease.
• My Collection (Series of Firsts): Only someone who shares your passion can truly understand what your collection means to you. Help your family and friends gain an appreciation for your obsession with this mini story starter.
• Places I've Called Home (Series of Firsts): This new addition to the Legacy Collection helps you remember all those special places and special times. The place combined with the moment is what made it important and deserves to be shared.

2 pre-made hardbound journals were added to complete the Journals collection.

• Favorites Journal: Our "favorites" define us; they help us claim our identity. Knowing our favorites reminds us that joy can be found in the little, simple things of life.
• Gratitude Journal: There's no question that an attitude of gratitude is beneficial. This small book will help you create a habit of gratitude in no time at all.

We also officially released our new Consultant Video. You can catch a link to view it right here. CLICK ME! You can meet me personally in this video... (wink-wink) We also released our new catalogs, opportunity brochures, and some other great consultant tools. VERY excited to use them all! We broke for lunch and then took our first adventure into the storytelling world. I have been to other festivals, but for some consultants this was their first time. It didn't matter if it was the first, second or third time, every single consultant and guest at the festival was swept away....I'll get into the storytelling more in a day or so. All I can say is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! We finished our night with a YUMMY dinner together and then celebrated our achievements and awards. I was quite surprised and pleased to find out that I was Top Recruiter, Had the most gatherings for the year and second in personal volume next to my wonderful, beautiful SIL (who is another one of my most favorite people in the world). It was an amazing year....but I think this year will be 100's better.....wish I could tell more.

Continued tomorrow...Day two of convention and the storytelling.

I'm Back!

I'm back from Cherish Bound's National convention! All I can say is WOW-WOW-WOW!!!!!! I can't wait to share everything with you! I went to bed writing blog posts in my head...from the amazing storytellers to our new products that were released, the beautiful mountains and festival to the excitement surrounding Cherish Bound's incredible opportunity...I can't even think straight! It's going to take me 10 posts to give you everything! Hopefully I'll get my first post out tonight!

Traditions and Tales

Last weekend I attended Cherish Bound's annual convention in Farmington, NM. Farmington was hosting the "4-Corners Storytelling Festival" this same weekend. As I learned about the in's and out's of Cherish Bound as a business, I also learned the important roll I have as a Cherish Bound consultant in teaching people about the tradition of story. My job as a Cherish Bound consultant is to teach people, families, children, how to simply share their stories, get their families talking and help them find connections. What a great job I have...how blessed I am to be able to provide families ways to become closer to each other.

One of our newest books "Traditions" will help people start new traditions or keep the ones they have alive and thriving in their homes. Along with this beautiful new book, the new "Family Celebrations" is a pocket-size booklet full of questions and space to jot down daily thoughts and reminders from the year.