Have you ever told a story you remember quite clearly and people respond with an uproar of “that’s not how it happened!” The disconnect between what happened and what we remember happening is described as the difference between fact and fantasy or truth and fiction. We prioritize fact as an objective and singular entity and delegitimize fiction as the opposite of truth – but I argue those parameters diminish and flatten the multitudes of personal narratives that create a nuanced national memory.  When we center only written facts and documents as being examples of what “really” happened rather than the stories we hear, create, and tell in our head – we lose much more than half of not only what happened – BUT the impact of those events.  Dumblerdore taught us that, of course, it was all happening inside of Harry’s head, “but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” I argue legitimizing storytelling and memories is foundational to understanding individual and national identity.

This site is broken into 5 major pages 1. Welcome (this page) 2. Bathtub Stories 3. State Stories 4. City Stories 5. Your Stories

Welcome is a page that hopefully does just that. If you want a “map” then please use the descriptions below as guideposts. You can also just click around and take the scenic route.

Bathtub Stories is an auto exploration between myself and foundational stories and memories that are structures for my life and my identity. This page will include stories, photos and reflections of me and my life.

State Stories is an exploration of stories told by Nicaraguan and Irish women that shaped national narratives. 

City Stories is a collection of stories about where we are from. These will be compiled by myself and the people who engage with this website. Many of these stories will be submitted by you!

Your Stories is place where users can submit their (your!) own stories.