This is a raucous tale of two women who form an incredible bond while attending a sheep shearing school.

After spending much of her career in service to the country, Kathryn returned to Wyoming and ran an ice cream shop in Ten Sleep. Now retired and living in Buffalo, she actively participates in craft fairs and farmers markets.

Beth Venn discusses the value of using the Neltje Center for the process of creation rather than showcasing finished projects.

Michele recalls how she became the head caretaker of Neal Forsling’s cabin at Crimson Dawn.

Nichole remembers a heart-racing encounter with the most fearsome beast on the mountain, the mighty moose, and why it is so important to respect the power of nature.

Susie Lape speaks about her days hunting for dinosaur bones and packing a picnic lunch and the spirited legacy of her grandparents.

Allison shares how a post-eclipse conversation on Crimson Dawn Mountain—with a gifted painted rock and an invitation to return—sparked her unexpected journey home to Wyoming.

Apprentice storyteller for Crimson Dawn, Grace C, shares what it means to be a modern Wyomingite.

Tawyna recalls the Wyoming of her childhood: a place where she was able to explore the Bighorn Mountain range freely, as long as she could see the family camper.

Jim delves into his love for outdoor sports, activities he participates in that make him feel at home in Casper, an area that he says rivals Yellowstone in its natural beauty.

Dyann Durst has performed as the Lavender Witch at the Crimson Dawn storytelling event since 1996. She shares how she ended up in this popular role and how it connects her to a community that spans across generations.

Dave Martin recounts a frigid ski trip where a broken car window, a failed heater, and a hotel room without heat turned the journey into a frozen adventure.

In this vivid continuation of their story, Jan and Dave Martin share tales of wildlife encounters, wood-heated winters, and deep community roots on Casper Mountain.

Dave and Jan Martin recount their multi-generational connection to Casper Mountain, starting with Dave’s grandmother’s arrival in 1929.

Rebecca recounts the story of one magical Mid-Summer’s Eve Celebration at Crimson Dawn in 1951. It is an origin story of sorts that includes lucky wishes and mud puddles.

Geoffrey—alongside his wife Rebecca— shares his connection to Wyoming, and the magic he finds on Casper Mountain.

Allison shares her deep-rooted connection to Crimson Dawn and Casper Mountain, where childhood weekends, magical moments in foggy meadows, and community rituals shaped her identity.

Zcherina is from Cheyenne, Wyoming, but her family’s Filipino heritage is a huge part of her identity and who she has become over the years.

Gloria shares stories of her grandparents, Margaret Shanstrom Essert and Bill Essert, who moved to Wyoming and started the school at Yoder.

Gloria shares the story of how her grandparents met, married, and built a life together.

Cheryl, granddaughter of famed sheriff Norbert E. Tuck, describes an experience she had with her sister that motivated her to never try drugs.

Cheryl fondly recalls her affection for Shetland ponies and the story of how her grandparents' own pony became the first Cowboy Joe at the University of Wyoming.

Edward Galavotti recounts the moving effort to honor Vernon J. Baker—a Black WWII hero born in Cheyenne—with a bronze statue unveiled 80 years after his battlefield heroism.

Dr. Michelle Aldrich reflects on Wyoming’s unique sense of community, where connections run deep and strangers often turn out to be neighbors.

Lori and Mike share their experience moving to Cheyenne with their sons during the pandemic in this short story.

Bob shares a rich family history woven through Cheyenne’s early days, including Danish and Scottish ancestry, pioneering physicians, and deep civic contributions.

After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Debra settled in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where a chance discovery in a library sparked a journey into her Hawaiian heritage.

Explore Gwynn’s office, decorated with trinkets, knick-knacks, and gifts that she has collected during her long tenure at the University of Wyoming.

Nikki speaks about navigating the dual realities of community and struggle, feeling supported yet unheard, connected yet overwhelmed.

Nancy discusses moving from Doha, Qatar to Laramie, WY, and the profound impact the landscape, people, and stories have had on her. The impact of these earth-shattering mountains compelled Nancy to spend time elevating the stories of everyday people in this often-overlooked state.

Allison shares a story of her close relationship with her mother, describing how her mom's steady support and wisdom have helped her manage anxiety and navigate life's challenges.

Allen discusses his work in community development, restorative justice, and faith-based outreach in Wyoming, where small towns compel interaction across differences.

Levi shares his experience with mental health struggles, and his connections with others that have shaped who he is today.

Challenge coins are a symbol of service, achievement, and camaraderie. For Josh, his challenge coins also tell a story.

Amy talks about her journey as a future educator, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive and intentional classroom spaces that foster genuine connection and common ground.

After Jenny's daughter told her she was queer Jenny struggled because she was afraid of how her daughter might be judged in a rural community as well as how she might be judged as a single mother.

William Bowling reflects on a life shaped by music, beginning with childhood performances alongside his concert violinist father in Colorado.

Trixie is a Storyteller who brings her past experiences into her current life and holds space for her children through the traditions of her past.

Jamie reflects on how "common ground" often demands compromise from marginalized people.

Misty shares how Wyoming has meant a series of chances and new beginnings in her life.

Amy talks about her journey as a future educator, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive and intentional classroom spaces that foster genuine connection and common ground.

Allison shares a heartfelt story about her grandmother's resilience, empathy, and ability to build community across political divides.

Margarita was attending the 2024 Shepard Symposium on Social Justice at the University of Wyoming. We asked participants to sit with us and share their stories and reflections regarding that theme of the conference, “common ground.”

John reflects upon leaving Texas where he and his wife have deep family roots and the process of making a life in Wyoming.

Anthony talks about his experience of being a young gay man in Wyoming and growing up in a small conservative town.

Ben talks about his experience of growing into a love for Wyoming’s wild places.

Grace was a freshman in college in the Midwest when she visited her roommate in Colorado. It was winter break and her friend insisted they visit a charming town in Wyoming. 

Nikki speaks about navigating the dual realities of community and struggle, feeling supported yet unheard, connected yet overwhelmed.

Dana is a Laramie native. Keepsakes in her office remind her of family and travel adventures. Here, she tells the story of going to Hawai‘i and new things she learned along the way. 

Margaret shares the ways in which not being able to hear well has affected her life. She describes how this creates feelings of isolation as well as a stronger sense of self-reliance and resilience.

Ezra at 18 years old has connected with a group of friends that Ezra believes will last a lifetime. Throughout the friend group meeting and growing closer, lessons about what true friendship beginnings look like can be seen through Ezra's story.

Hannah is a freshman at the University of Wyoming. She reflects on her time in Doha, Qatar, where she spent six years of her childhood due to her parents work at a university there. Hannah feels that these years were foundational to who she has become.

Ann Weber reminds us that home is wherever there is family. In this story, she shares a series of photos gifted to her by her children that has become an important keepsake.

Clint Reed shares a story of how offering a kind gesture led to a chain of gifts going around to people he knows. The story he tells his son unfolds a new web of understanding for both of them.

Kimberly Moore shares how a spontaneous suggestion from her daughter led their family of seven to relocate from Georgia to rural Wyoming.

Randy and Tammie discuss the Emerson family’s arrival in Rock River, and the women who discovered water and made their homestead possible.

Randy and Tammie discuss the two fires in Rock River history: the fire at the “monkey farm” roadside attraction, and a fire at the Rancher’s Supply.

Anna and Feline are cycling the TransAmerica Trail from Virginia to Oregon, exploring landscapes, communities, and hot springs along the way.

Katie reflects on growing up in Rock Springs, Wyoming—a town often labeled "rough around the edges"—and unpacks how narratives of place are shaped by class, connection, and personal history.

Michelle Hansen tells the story of her homestead in Centennial, WY, a property in her family since the 1800's and where she currently resides.

Gordon shares a story of building his family's home during the stock market crash in 2007. He describes how important it was to him that he built this home for his family and how it has shaped his family.