Raven Narratives

Claudia talks about her mom's challenges and triumphs late in her life, and how birds played an important role in helping her cope with change.

She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks - birds”.

After growing up in Cortez, Colorado in the 50s and 60s, Claudia moved back after many decades living mostly in Woodland Park, Colorado. She’s happy to be back living under the shadow of Sleeping Ute Mountain, where all her grandparents homesteaded as children in 1910. She’s a long-time passionate educator, teaching children and teens in diverse schools, from her first job in a two room schoolhouse in Costa Rica, to most recently as a Waldorf teacher in Colorado Springs. She has tried to retire so many times her friends joke she has a retirement punch card! Retirement may actually work this time, because she is thrilled to now live near all her family, volunteer in the community, find new creative outlets, and enjoy the splendor of the natural world in the Four Corners.

Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “mistakes” on Friday, June 20th, at the Fenceline Cider in Mancos, and on Saturday, June 21st, at the Ska Brewing in Durango. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “mistakes” story and you might get a chance to share it on the stage! Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Shane tells the story of his solo backpacking trip in the Verde River canyon of Arizona, and how things got weird, and then even weirder, when law enforcement descended on him.

He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks -birds”.

Shane escaped Los Angeles at 22 years old, after experiencing the muggle equivalent of a dementor sucking his soul from his body, a.k.a. working in Hollywood. He stuffed everything he owned into a Jeep that doubled as his bedroom, and spent his early twenties surfing couches, floors, RVs, and more, all in the name of living out Kerouac’s unfinished adventure, hoping to break free from the gravitational pull of city life and find a pulse stronger than the 9-to-5. Eventually, he traded in his vagabond shoes for the (slightly) more stable life of a wilderness guide in Durango, Colorado, where he found his people, which led him back to grad school and eventually to his current evolution as a Psychotherapist in Santa Fe. Shane is a hype-man of hope, a lover of love, and a darn fine whistler. His karmic duty now compels him to let any weary traveler crash in the guest bedroom, because he’s learned that the best stories come from unexpected company.

Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “mistakes” on Friday, June 20th, at the Fenceline Cider in Mancos, and on Saturday, June 21st, at the Ska Brewing in Durango. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “mistakes” story and you might get a chance to share it on the stage! Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Sara describes the childhood adventures she had on her family's property in Northeast Texas, and how those experiences help her see her grown-up world with more openness and possibility.

She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks - birds”.

Sara grew up in the middle-of-nowhere Northeast Texas where she spent her childhood battling dragons, frolicking with fairies, and generally getting as muddy and grass stained as possible. She escaped to Durango, Colorado for college and has called it home ever since. Sara still loves a good romp in the mud or dirt or grass and you may have seen her out on the trails or walking around with her nose in a book. Although, she might also be hiding at home writing, drawing, baking, napping with her cats or scheming her next chance at playing outside.

Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “mistakes” on Friday, June 20th, at the Fenceline Cider in Mancos, and on Saturday, June 21st, at the Ska Brewing in Durango. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “mistakes” story and you might get a chance to share it on the stage! Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Natalie and her partner face a difficult decision that changes them both forever.

She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”.

Natalie will always be thrilled to meet people she likes and admires and connects with. She was voted most likely to become the pope by her 8th grade class, which is clearly problematic for so many reasons. Natalie loves naps and she is continually impressed, moved, heartbroken, inspired, delighted, and overwhelmed by this transient fragile beautiful mortal experience.

Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “holidays” on Friday, December 6th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, December 7th, at the Durango Arts Center. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “holidays” story and you might get a chance to share it on the stage! Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Amanda describes how a close friend helped her find her place.

She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was "friendship".

Amanda has called many places home, including New Jersey, Germany, Utah, and various parts of Colorado. She currently lives in Mancos and has spent her summer working as a farmhand adapting to the slower pace of life. She hopes to continue building a sense of community by doing what she does best: hosting potlucks, clothing swaps, and enjoying long walks with the dogs. When she's not working you can probably find her playing around with a film camera and gawking at a sunset somewhere.

Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “holidays” on Friday, December 6th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, December 7th, at the Durango Arts Center. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “holidays” story and you might get a chance to share it on the stage! Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Ann goes to her first house party with her high school friends.

She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”.

Ann is a Native lady figuring out life and career in the desert. She performs regularly as a stand-up comedian in the the Southwest. Wish her luck as she continues her journey to "find the funny" in life's obstacles.

Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “holidays” on Friday, December 6th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, December 7th, at the Durango Arts Center. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “holidays” story and you might get a chance to share it on the stage! Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Jennifer describes how the "divine masters" pointed her towards finding her true love.

She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”.

Jennifer is a shamanic practitioner who has worked as a shamanic healer, teacher, and mentor for over 20 years. She is also a professional singer/songwriter who toured with Jackson Browne. Nature-based healing and music are all good medicine, but she believes that laughter is truly the best medicine.

Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “holidays” on Friday, December 6th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, December 7th, at the Durango Arts Center. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “holidays” story and you might get a chance to share it on the stage! Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Micheal describes his best friend from college and their attempts to test the boundaries of society.

He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”.

Michael is a Fort Lewis College professor and former Mayor of Durango. His free time is spent making music, gardening, backpacking, and spending time with his wife and their chickens. The majority of his life has been one big art project.

Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “holidays” on Friday, December 6th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, December 7th, at the Durango Arts Center. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “holidays” story and you might get a chance to share it on the stage! Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Chad describes how his best friend from middle school shaped the person he is today.

He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”.

Chad considers himself a gangly man that is Durango raised and heaven bound. Although he looks like a combination of Pete Davidson and Steve Buscemi, he's never let his looks hold him back. He often uses comedy to get out of sticky situations, be he still can't get that gum off his shoe.

Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “holidays” on Friday, December 6th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, December 7th, at the Durango Arts Center. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “holidays” story and you might get a chance to share it on the stage! Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.

Tyler's friends help him take a deeper dive into connection than he ever thought was possible.

He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”.

Tyler is a naturalist, herbalist, and medical professional in the four corners region who knows at heart that love and laughter is the best medicine. He has an established meditation practice for 10+ plus years. Tyler's purpose is caring for others and helping them thrive in an ever-changing world.

Join us for two Raven Narratives SLAM storytelling events when the theme will be “holidays” on Friday, December 6th, at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, and on Saturday, December 7th, at the Durango Arts Center. Storytelling SLAM events feature stories told by audience members, so bring your “holidays” story and you might get a chance to share it on the stage! Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook for the latest information on ticket sales and more.