My maiden name is Peterson and I was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
My Mom's maiden name was Cisewski and she was born and raised in Montreal, Wisconsin, which is located next to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the U.P.
My very first storyteller was my Busha (Polish for Grandma). Traveling "up north" to visit and spend time with her and my Dziadzi (grandpa) and the relatives was my first major experience with travel.
Busha's house had a very large stove that was fueled by wood located in the kitchen. It also provided the majority of the heat for their home. We would all congregate in the kitchen for obvious reasons. When the dishes were washed after dinner, she would begin to tell her stories. There was no radio, nor TV, so our time was spent around the stove telling stories.
I would climb on her ample lap and wait for her to begin. It was always about one character named Bruno and the wolf that was after Bruno. She would spin a new tale every night until my eyes were popping with fear. I was mesmerized by everything she said. I also was scared out of my mind and then it was off to bed. Many a night I would look under the bed for Bruno and the wolf.
Funny how some things don't change. John and I just returned from the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) annual meeting in Boca Raton, FL. Throughout the conference, many of the movers and shakers in the industry talked about telling stories to get your message out and promoting your brand through storytelling. I couldn't help thinking of Busha's message from her stories. She wanted me on her lap and the family close by and knew we could not wait for her stories. There wasn't much to do so she brought the family together with her tales.
My business story is about Mayflower Tours. We are completing our 35th year in the travel industry and rebranding our company by promoting Life Enriching Experiences. Travel enriches ones' life. Travel is the ultimate freedom. Our first priority is to provide our travelers with the ultimate travel experience. We believe the success of Mayflower Tours flows directly from our hard-earned credibility, as well as our travel knowledge.
I wonder what 2015 has in store for us? This I know - we all will have more stories to tell. |
