See a photo of Diane, her bio, and Part 1 of this Q&A, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5.
Q&A with Diane Wyzga, Question 6:
Q: What future aspirations do you personally have for your own story work? What would you like to do in the story world that you haven’t yet done?
A: I am approaching what I call “Middle Earth Age.” My siblings’ children have children. I am now a great aunt. My values have shifted as I’ve gained in years. I’ve arrived at a place in life where I can say I have experiences, stories, wisdom, and failings to share. I see this as well in my women friends and associates, too. We are becoming the elders. We have vital roles to play in all aspects of human discourse.
I have in mind creating a space along the model of The Center for Whole
Communities at Knoll Farms, whose work I’ve taken part in. I would like to focus on women collectively. Women are natural storytellers and listeners. I’m sure you’ve witnessed this: women teach as they learn. As women teach and learn they move closer to becoming who they are individually and collectively: leaders, change agents, visionaries, organizers, healers, educators, peace-makers, farmers, beekeepers, story-sharers, and the like.
I recall telling stories in domestic-abuse shelters and watching the years and anxiety fall away from their faces. We need delight as well as motivation, humor as well as transformation, inspiration as well as education. I believe the fertile ground of my farm will offer this and more. I am returning to my storyteller and sustainable-living roots. In the words of Elizabeth Ellis, “Be a gift to them — take them on a journey and bring them safely home.”