Tales of Laughter, Wonder, and Wanderings…
Week of August 5, 2023
Welcome to Rancho La Puerta! Tales of Laughter, Wonder, and Wanderings…
Our week starts off with master storyteller Joel ben Izzy, a favorite of Ranch guests, who has spent the past four decades traveling the globe, gathering and telling stories – from Tel Aviv to Tokyo, Managua to Marrakesh, and Paris to Petra.
He blends traditional folktales he collects with tales from his travels for a wild blend of stories, “all of which are true – and some of which actually happened.” While there’s no telling just what tales he’ll be spinning tonight in Oaktree, you can be sure they’ll leave you laughing and a little wiser, getting your journey at Rancho la Puerta off on the right foot.
Finding and Telling Our Stories – Open to All Guests
Three afternoon sessions:
Each of us is rich in stories – when we find the time and place to tell them. Luckily, Rancho la Puerta is the perfect place and this week is the perfect time. Through fun, participatory exercises and stories, Joel will lead us on a relaxed, low-key journey to discover and tell our own stories. While each day builds on the others, come for any and all three sessions – you’ll come away with rich with stories you did not know you knew.
Special Teen Program
Two parts
Tales of Turning Points, Dreams, and Adventures
The teen-age years are overflowing with stories, and this teens-only program is a chance to get together with other teens and share those stories – funny tales, scary tales, and encounters with wonder. In this this fun and highly participatory workshop, teens will discover the secrets behind telling a great story as they discover and tell tales from their own lives and get to know some of the remarkable teens who come to Rancho la Puerta.
It was back in 1983, after studying English, Creative Writing, and Storytelling at Stanford, that Joel ben Izzy set off to travel the globe, gathering and telling stories. Since that time, he has taught and told stories in some 36 countries around the world. Joel has also produced six award-winning recordings of his stories and is the author of The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness (Alogonquin, 2003), which recounts his own remarkable journey of healing, and has now been translated into 18 languages. Joel will be telling stories in Oaktree as part of an evening program and, over the course of the week, will lead a class to help Ranch guests discover the stories in their own lives. In addition to Joel’s performing, teaching, recording, and writing, he is one of America’s most sought-after story coaches, with clients ranging from technology companies to foundations to Pixar Animation. For more information on Joel see: Storypage.com