Homer O'Dell

This is a tale from The Tobacco Valley News, the wonderful newspaper from colorful Eureka Montana. Mo and her family lived there for several years and stay in touch through the delightful newspaper that gives Mo amazing stories to steal. A story about mermaids, bar brawls, and a very special Grandmother.

This was such a fun (absolutely true) story to create. What made it so fun was that so much of it IS true! I'll let you guess what parts! If you enjoy this story, please listen to other stories from festivals. You can also enjoy stories for kids and classrooms on my YouTube Channel: Miss Mo Storyteller.

This was a very different piece for me to create. I wanted to create a story that captured some meaningful moments for me during our family's travels in Mexico. But, I wanted it to be more than just a list of adventures, I wanted it to reflect how the experience changed me. This piece continues to evolve, but this was the debut at the International Storytelling Festival during my week as Storyteller in Residence. Just as a monarch transforms, I look forward to how this piece will evolve.

This story began as a project for a 7th grade American History class, but it has since taken on a life of its own. Mo rhymes and raps her way throught the Stamp Act, The Declaration of Independence, the shot heard around the world, the Continental Congress, and the perilous night that brought us the Star Spangled Banner. Then, she reflects on the fight we are in now--the battle to acknowledge the pain of the past and see that the only hope for the future is to look across the aisle and see that we are all humans craving to be seen and to be free. This isn't just a story that helps you review for a history test. It is hopefully a story that reminds us that the flag is still flying and the freedom experiment is still underway. Let's keep at it.

This story braids an African folktale with my own storytelling origin story. Sometimes we think we can’t do something because what we offer doesn’t look like someone else’s offering. But, we are all storytellers. We are all creators. We just have to find our beat. If you enjoy this story, please consider showing your appreciation with a donation through “Buy Me a Coffee.” Every donation gets a shout out online and for $10 get a free Mo Reynolds sticker in the mail!

This braided tales weaves together a folk tale from Japan and the story of bringing my dad to live by us when he was diagnosed with dementia. If you enjoy this story, please share it with someone! I also welcome any donations through Buy me a Coffee. Thank you for helping me create more stories! Every donation gets a shout out online and a donation of over $10 gets a Mo Reynolds sticker in the mail for free! As always, if this story sparks memories or stories of your own, please share them with someone!

This braiding weaves together a spunky Sleeping Beauty with a very reluctant bride. Side by side these two stories give us a new take on “Happily ever after,” and what it really takes to get there. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving a tip on “Buy Me a Coffee.” Just look for Mo Reynolds. Every donation will get an online shout out and any donation over $10 gets you a free Mo Reynolds story sticker in the mail, even autographed if you want it. Thanks for listening!

This story brings together a new twist on a well known tale and some candid middle school reflections of my own. . . Hairspray and New Kids on the Block lyrics not included. Above all, I hope this story inspires you to be true to exactly who you are and let that take up as much space as you want. If you enjoy these stories, please consider showing your support by sending a donation to “Mo Reynolds” on “Buy Me a Coffee.” Every donation gets an online shout out and any donation above $10 gets a free Mo Reynolds story sticker and thank you card in the mail. Keep sharing stories!

We have all felt moments when our failures seem to let us down and those around us. But, what if those cracks and flaws also had the power to make life beautiful. This story weaves together a folk tale from India with personal stories from my life and the lives of my ancestors. Through that journey, I hope to remind all of us that we are each cracked, broken, flawed, and failing. We are also trying. . . And that is beautiful. If these stories spark any memories or stories of your own, please share them with someone. And if you have enjoyed this set of braided tales, please consider donating to support more story creation. Search for “Mo Reynolds” on www.buymeacoffee.com and get an online shout out. Donate more than $10 and get a Mo Reynolds sticker and a thank you note in the mail. Keep sharing stories!!