This month our featured Spellbinder is Pat Malone, a well-seasoned, experienced, long time storyteller who is a delight to listen to.  You will understand what is meant by 'well-seasoned' as you read on and take a glimpse into the history of Pat's life that led up to his participation in Spellbinders.

So, first things first....Pat spent his earliest years in Laramie, Wyoming and claims his heart remains there. At age 6 to 7 or so...he lived with his parents on a ranch in the Snowy Range which was 20 miles from Saratoga, Wyoming.  He describes this time on the remote ranch as a time when he learned to be by himself and to be content.  He will also tell you that when the family moved into town he struggled to understand socially appropriate behavior and avoided social events. "Why, an ice cream social struck absolute fear in my heart."

When WWII broke out, Pat's father served in the Army and the family moved to Pueblo, Colorado where Pat spent the rest of his public school years.  He continued his educational journey to the University of Colorado where he completed a B.A. and then to Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California to earn a Th.M., then on to post graduate courses at Iliff School of Theology in Denver and Chandler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Pat describes himself as a Scholar but is quick to qualify that description by saying, "I'm not brilliant...I just work very very, hard at whatever I decide to do.  I figure out a way to make it work."  Pat is an  author and has published four papers in Methodist History, a scholarly historical journal, in addition to writing a key chapter in a book on Methodism in Russia and The Baltic States.

Pat also served in the Army for two years as a Psychological Tester.  He describes this time of service as an "honor and a privilege."  While in the Army in Dallas, he met and married Joann who was from Alabama.  In the midst of a very busy life Pat and Joann managed to raise a son and a daughter who are both gifted and successful in their professional lives.

Pat went on to serve as a pastor for four years at Methodist churches in Cheraw and Swink, Colorado.  Then he served for seventeen years as pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming and wound up as pastor for another seventeen years at Delta United Methodist Church in Delta, Colorado.  Pat speaks of feelings of fulfillment as he reflects over the years of being a pastor, knowing that he made a difference in people's lives one person at a time.

Norma Roscoe recruited Pat into Spellbinders in 2003 or 2004.  Don Simonton, who was a Spellbinder and also a retired minister, influenced and encouraged Pat early on.  Joining Spellbinders was a natural transition for Pat and a wonderful way to build relationships with new individuals and groups.  He loves to tell legends, folktales and some personal stories. Pat feels a good story must be entertaining and have meaning.  He tells stories from his 'heart space' and feels it is important to help children deepen their imaginations.

Two of the things that delight Pat are the initial smiles and joyful greetings he receives from children when he enters the classroom and his relationship with the teachers.  He works hard to develop a good relationship with the teachers and to understand their circumstances and their challenges.  He realizes they are doing the best they can on any given day.

A couple of things about Pat that may surprise those who do not know him very well; he has a love for elephants and has collected hundreds of elephants but has never bought one for himself. (Sounds like the making of a riddle!)  Secondly, his given name is Donald Carl, but the name "Pat" is a family tradition.

Pat tells to 5th graders at Dos Rios.  Two of his favorite stories to tell are "Noah's Elephants", an Israeli folktale and "My Father's Hands."  Pat has served on the Spellbinders Board as secretary for six years and continues to enjoy telling stories in the classroom. Some words of wisdom from Pat's perspective.....when asked about stories and truth, his response, " Hmmm, what is truth?  Fairytales are all true.....not factual.  You know, truth is more than what happened....it is the meaning behind what happened."  Something to think about!  Thanks Pat for the six years of service on the Board of our organization and for openly sharing your story....a well-seasoned tale, to be sure.