A story about recognizing the importance of trusting our struggles.

Importance of trusting struggles: A story.

Trusting Our Struggles

If you are feeling down in the dumps or like life has been working against you - This is a quick little reminder to stay hopeful and keep going. Love Trish www.trishbianco.com ALOHA

"Stay hopeful and keep going" - Trish Bianco offers a reminder to those feeling down or defeated.

3min Story For Hope

Donkey's situation teaches us lessons about life, and what to do with the challenges we face.

Lessons on life and how to tackle challenges through the story of a donkey.

Farmer's Donkey - Story

Whilst walking through the Irish countryside you get invited into an Irish farmer's home. In this story, you will experience a truly authentic Irish welcome. Prepare to feel loved and embraced in this heartwarming story that accepts you for you.

Experience an authentic Irish welcome as an Irish farmer invites you into their home while walking through the countryside - a heartwarming story.

The Lovely Irish Farmhouse

An elderly man becomes fascinated by a place he's never been, in a picture on a postcard, and dreams himself a new life. (Photo by Charles Young on Unsplash)

Elderly man dreams of a new life after seeing a postcard of an unfamiliar place.

A Fisherman's Shack in Maine

We can find inspiration in the most unlikely places. Camden and Mabel remind us that we can all use a little balance in our lives.

Camden and Mabel inspire us to seek balance in life.

Camden and Mabel: Breakfast Edition

Who knows what wondrous things can happen? and yet, you need to use it carefully...

The power of the unknown can bring great things, but caution is necessary.

Magic!

Knight of the Bright Star is an inspirational children's story that adults will find inspiring as well. This is another tale written by Abbie Phillips Walker circa 1920. At this time in our history life was grittier and we were closer to our relations. it's not unheard of for adult children to live with their parents until they get married. It was not considered strange. They also LOVED a great fantasy tale. I certainly appreciate this way of thinking. I hope you do too. Thank you for listening. I wish you a very prosperous day. Renee

"Knight of the Bright Star: an inspiring children's story by Abbie Phillips Walker, capturing the gritty yet loving life of the 1920s."

Knight Of The Bright Star - Inspiration

Do you have a dream that seems scary to pursue? Listen to this short story about a young squirrel named Sammy who had a dream of climbing the tallest tree in the forest and discovering the life lessons she learned along the way on her path to achieving her dream that might just help inspire you to achieve yours as well.

Sammy the squirrel's journey of climbing the tallest tree in the forest teaches valuable life lessons to inspire pursuing scary dreams.

The Dream Of A Squirrel (A Short Story)

Tonight we will explore four lost cities together: Pompeii, Angkor, Great Zimbabwe, and Cliff Palace, also known as Mesa Verde. They were buried under volcanic ashes, overwhelmed by the jungle, or just abandoned in a remote region until being rediscovered centuries later. Join me as we reveal their fascinating stories and what these places can still teach us.

Discover four lost cities - Pompeii, Angkor, Great Zimbabwe, and Cliff Palace - and uncover their forgotten tales and timeless lessons.

Lost Cities: Pompeii, Angkor

Simplicity beckons as you settle for bed and fall asleep with tonight's cozy bedtime story. Enjoy calm storytelling for deep sleep, narrated by a relaxing female voice, with "Cabin Off-the-Grid." Far removed from modern noise, envision a forest where you bathe in a wood-fired clawfoot tub and watch the dreamy sunset. Night arrives with a crisp chill, as you seek refuge in a log cabin by a wood stove. It's time to dream away. www.michellessanctuary.com

Escape modern noise and relax with a calming bedtime story, narrated by a soothing female voice, in Michelle's Sanctuary's "Cabin Off-the-Grid."

Cabin Off-The-Grid Bedtime Story

In this story, we explore the significance attached to various colors throughout history, how pigments and dyes were made and with what surprising ingredients and how the status of colors changed over time in society, consumer goods and art. I focus on three colors in particular, which are global favorites: blue, green and red.

This text explores the historical significance of colors, including blue, green, and red, revealing surprising ingredients used in pigments and dyes.

A Cultural History Of Colors

In this sleep story, we relive the mythical 12 Labors of Heracles, one of the most popular myths of Ancient Greece. From Heracles' birth under the curse of the goddess Hera to his redemption, years in the making, we travel around Greece and the Mediterranean Sea, and meet countless characters: Gods like Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Artemis, or Hades; monsters like the Nemean Lion, the Hydra or the Cretan Bull; and other characters like Eurystheus, Pythia, Chiron, Geryon, Atlas and the Hesperides. Also learn more about Greek mythology, like the origins of the concept of the Greek hero and the evolution of Greek mythology over time.

Relive the famous 12 Labors of Heracles in this sleep story, meeting gods, monsters, and other characters of Greek mythology along the way.

12 Labors Of Heracles (Hercules)

Today, drift on the seven seas with us as we explore the history of pirates: in Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and Modern Times; from the Mediterranean Sea to the China Seas, the Baltic Sea, and the Caribbean. I also tell you about the lives and exploits of famous pirates and privateers, including the Barbarossa brothers, Ching Shih, Henry Morgan, and Blackbeard.

Explore the history of pirates from Antiquity to Modern Times, including famous figures and their exploits across the world's seas.

Beyond The Hook: A History Of Piracy

Fall asleep fast with this relaxing bedtime story for grown-ups. You are listening to "Autumn Cruise," a deep sleep story narrated by a soothing female voice with crackling fire sounds. Travel on a steamboat on the "Queen of American Lakes" on an unseasonably warm autumn day. Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks, you find splendor in the vibrant leaves and pristine lake before a cold front moves in. You retreat to a cozy historic bed and breakfast and fall asleep. It's time to dream away. Original Script, Narration, Music, and Production by Michelle Hotaling, Dreamaway Visions LLC 2022 All Rights Reserved www.michellessanctuary.com

"Autumn Cruise" is a relaxing bedtime story for adults with a soothing female voice and crackling fire sounds, taking you on a warm steamboat ride before retreating to a cozy bed and breakfast.

Autumn Cruise | Cozy Bedtime Story

In this bedtime tale, you'll hear about Arachne, who weaves spell-binding patterns on her loom. While the world is stunned by her artistry, the goddess Athena wonders if the young weaver is missing a step. This Greek myth may be familiar to you, but you've never heard it told this way - as a sleep story as sweet as it is soothing. Dreamland, here you come! (Based on "The Wonderful Weaver" by James Baldwin. Adapted by Christina McMahon) www.christina-mcmahon.com

A soothing bedtime story about Arachne, a skilled weaver who catches the attention of the goddess Athena in this retelling of a Greek myth.

Arachne the Weaver

Imagine the most beautiful islands set in the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean. You arrive on a small motorboat with a dear companion and explore the underwater world, snorkeling until sunset. A luxurious outdoor shower beneath the stairs, hammock swings over the water, and tropical delicacies end your night. You retreat to your bungalow with 360 degrees of ocean views and a glass floor that surrounds the perimeter of a canopy bed. It's time to dream away. www.michellessanctuary.com.

Michelles Sanctuary offers a luxurious island retreat with stunning ocean views, snorkeling, outdoor shower, hammock swings, and glass floor bungalows.

The Overwater Villa In The Maldives

In this bedtime story, I tell you about four Greek myths: - Pandora and her jar (or box), which contained countless plagues that she let escape, providing a backstory for the existence of suffering in human life. This myth works as a "theodicy" (a backstory or an argument that explains why evil is part of the human condition when God(s) would have the power to avoid it). It is also connected to the biblical character of Eve. - The tragedy of the Danaïdes, daughters of King Danaus condemned to a futile task forever for the murders of their husbands. - Sisyphus, the king of Corinth, was sentenced to another eternity of useless work for defying Zeus and cheating death. - Icarus, the young man who flew too close to the sun and fell.

Greek myths: Pandora's jar explains human suffering, Danaïdes doomed to eternal task, Sisyphus defies Zeus, Icarus flies too close to sun.

Pandora's Box and Other Greek Myths

A story to inspire. How reaching beyond our limits can bring peace.

Inspiring story: Pushing boundaries leads to inner peace.

The Moth And The Star by James Thurber

This bedtime story explores the histories of three well-known palaces: Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany: an extravagant and romantic retreat envisioned by King Ludwig II; Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England: the longest-occupied royal residence in Europe with almost a millennium of architectural history; Château de Chambord in France: a marvelous French Renaissance palace commissioned by King Francis I.

A bedtime story about three famous palaces: Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, Windsor Castle in England, and Château de Chambord in France.

Dream Castles: Windsor To Neuschwanstein

A cross between story and poetry, this is my story of surrender and listening to my inner guide. In February of 2020, I planned a 5-week trip to Thailand that turned into 2+ years and a complete life change. I was alone and then I was in the community. I was single and then I was partnered. I was broken-hearted and then I was free. The best any of us can do is to be true to ourselves, we just never know when the world will come crashing around us.

Story of surrender and listening to inner guide leads to life-changing 2+ year trip to Thailand, finding community, love, and freedom.

The One Way Ticket

Drift into a realm of wonder and tranquility with 'The Enchanted Sky Garden,' a soothing bedtime story that invites you to explore a magical oasis among the stars. Immerse yourself in the tale of celestial beauty and serenity, allowing the gentle narrative to transport you to a place of calm and ease, where dreams take flight beneath the enchanting night sky.

'The Enchanted Sky Garden' takes readers on a peaceful journey to a magical oasis in the stars, offering a comforting bedtime story experience.

The Enchanted Sky Garden

Your tranquil voyage to sleep begins with tonight's sleepy story for grown-ups. Narrated by a relaxing female voice, "First Snow at Eternal Flame Falls" is a bedtime story that will transport you to a mystical forest dripping in autumn's palette. At Eternal Flame Falls, an enchanting flame dances in a grotto behind the cascading waters, mysteriously fed for thousands of years by a natural gas spring. The first snow flurries of the season gently fall, and you retreat to a historic carriage house transformed into a charming inn. You nestle by the fire in this idyllic snow-dusted landscape and retreat to a cozy suite to fall into a serene sleep. It's time to dream away. www.michellessanctuary.com

"First Snow at Eternal Flame Falls" is a soothing bedtime story about a mystical forest, a charming inn, and falling asleep in a serene snow-dusted landscape.

First Snow At Eternal Flame Falls

A short story of inspiration to find joy in the simple things. The energy of love is filled through the place of peace by embracing the simple things.

Embrace simplicity and find joy in life through love and peace.

The Simple Things

Embark on a mesmerizing journey under the moonlit canopy of a "Mystical Forest in Transylvania." As you close your eyes, the fragrance of ancient trees transports you to a realm where folklore whispers in the rustling leaves as mist rises from the earth. Discover a centuries-old fairy cottage, adorned with hand-painted doors depicting fairies amidst delicate wildflowers. Tucked in the whimsical dwelling, you luxuriate in a four-poster bed as the sounds and warmth of a comforting fire usher you to sleep. It's time to dream away. www.michellessanctuary.com

Experience the enchantment of a "Mystical Forest in Transylvania" through ancient trees, folklore, fairy cottages, and luxurious comfort.

Mystical Forest In Transylvania

"The Radiance of Rome" is a cozy sleepy story that whisks you away to the captivating heart of Rome, Italy as you relax at night. Narrated by a female voice, let this calm bedtime story for grown-ups immerse you in the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the ancient city. The radiance of moonlit piazzas, historic landmarks aglow, and the sparkling Tiber River, soothe you before you return to a stone guesthouse, Casa Pietra, and fall asleep. Immerse yourself in this enchanting fusion of storytelling, calm music, and meditation for a restful and rejuvenating bedtime experience. It's time to dream away www.michellessanctuary.com

"The Radiance of Rome" is a calming bedtime story for adults, immersing you in the beauty and tranquility of Rome, Italy, for a restful sleep.

The Radiance Of Rome Sleep Story

Use your imagination to immerse yourself in this modern-day fairy tale set in a secret woodland. This soothing sleep story contains music and summer sounds. Connect with magic and nature under the guidance of four fairies representing the elements of air, earth, water, and fire. You encounter a hidden waterfall in the magical forest and enjoy a bonfire before you retreat into a cabin castle to fall asleep. It's time to dream away.

Immerse in a modern fairy tale with music, sounds of summer, four fairies, a hidden waterfall, bonfire, and a cabin castle to retreat for a soothing sleep.

The Woodland Fairies

Tonight brings us to a postcard-worthy train station in a mountainside village. Travel through an ever-changing landscape of forests, mountains, lakes, and vineyards from the comforts of a train in motion. The soothing train sounds accompany a night of self-care, from the plush lounge to your timeless bedroom suite, surrounded by the warm glow of handblown glass lamps and an electric fireplace. As the train sways gently, you settle into a clawfoot bath, gazing at the full harvest moon and canopy of autumn leaves through skylights. Connect with nature and the enchanting season of autumn with this bedtime story crafted by your imagination. It's time to dream away. www.michellessanctuary.com

Escape to a picturesque train station in a mountainside village for a night of self-care, surrounded by nature and autumn's beauty. Dream away.

The Autumn Sleeper Train | Bedtime Story

In this sleep story, on your way to a festival in the king’s city, you stop for the night at a small-town inn. While taking supper in the tavern, you meet other weary travelers on their way to the same destination. You share friendly conversations with the other travelers, exchanging whispers and tales from your homelands. As the rain comes down outside, you discover that you have something unexpected in common with the others. Sleep & Sorcery is a folklore and fantasy-inspired sleep series. Step across the threshold into a world of myth and magic, where you can safely drift off into a deep and comfortable sleep. Sleep & Sorcery is one part bedtime story, one part guided meditation, and one part dreamy adventure.

On the way to a festival, travelers share conversations and discover unexpected connections in a small-town inn, leading to a magical sleep experience.

Tales By The Tavern Fire

Just a little meandering story inspired by an item of jewellry ('jewelry' if you're in North America) that I noticed my friend wearing. There's even a life lesson.

A story inspired by jewelry with a life lesson.

The Myths of the Hares

Experience a tale of enchantment and possibility with 'The Clockmaker's Gift,' a soothing bedtime story that takes you on a journey through the magical world of an old clockmaker's shop. Let the captivating narrative whisk you away as you explore the secrets of time and wishes, guiding you into a peaceful and dream-filled sleep.

"Experience the enchanting journey of 'The Clockmaker's Gift' as you explore the magical world of an old clockmaker's shop and drift into peaceful sleep."

The Clockmaker's Gift

In this soft-spoken bedtime story, I tell you about four different mythological stories: Pandora's Box, the Danaïdes, Sisyphus, and Icarus. We will also explore the origins and interpretations of these myths.

A soft-spoken bedtime story revealing the origins and interpretations of Pandora's Box, the Danaïdes, Sisyphus, and Icarus.

Pandora's Box And Other Greek Myths

Luna's journey from Glowhaven into the Enchanted Woods turns into something far greater, with the help of a magical new friend.

Luna & The Moon Sprite

Let tonight's sleepy tale carry you to a tranquil sea wharf in a New England village, where the Atlantic Bookshop beckons with timeless allure. Rain taps softly on the windows, lulling you into a dreamlike state as you explore the cozy bookshop. In the cozy parlor and the apartment above, literary luminaries and poets inspire your dreams. Immerse yourself in the world of storytelling, where reality and fiction blur, and let the words gently guide you into a peaceful slumber. It's time to dream away. www.michellessanctuary.com

Escape to a New England bookshop where rain taps on windows and literary figures inspire dreams, blurring reality and fiction. Dream away at www.michellessanctuary.com.

Cozy Bookshop By The Sea | Sleep Story

In this story, we learn about two different mysterious locations in the American Southwest, Area 51 in Nevada and Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. How did the US Air Force base known as Area 51 get its reputation as a hotbed of extraterrestrial activity? We take a look at what is documented and the pop culture role Area 51 came to play as well as intense secrecy around the base's activities. Chaco Canyon is a large archaeological site in New Mexico, built more than a thousand years ago and over several generations by the Ancestral Puebloans. What is the meaning of architectural alignments based on astronomical observation and cardinal directions, the care given to landscape design, or the enigmatic web of roads that radiates from the canyon?

This text explores the mysterious reputation of Area 51 as a hub of extraterrestrial activity and the architectural significance of Chaco Canyon.

Mysteries In The American Desert

Joey's deep fascination with the night sky and its celestial wonders provides him with a nightly escape from life's challenges. One restless evening, instead of heading to bed, he gazes through his telescope, seeking solace. To his amazement, a previously unseen constellation, the "Guiding Star," appears and invites him on a cosmic journey. This journey leads Joey to inner peace, calming his worries. A radiant star eventually guides him into a peaceful slumber. In his dreams, he continues to explore the cosmos, finding strength and resilience. Joey awakens with newfound wisdom, understanding he can always turn to his guiding star for comfort and inspiration, thanking the night sky for its endless gifts of joy and harmony.

Joey finds solace in the night sky and embarks on a cosmic journey guided by a newfound constellation, leading him to inner peace and wisdom.

The Guiding Stars To Sleep

In this sleep story, you unwittingly wander into the realm of dreams. You explore the surreal, magical palace of the dream world, receive guidance from a wise and charitable owl, and finally meet the Dream Weaver, who is busy designing tonight’s dreamscapes. She takes you under her wing and helps you craft a dream of your very own. This story concludes with a relaxing chakra meditation to help you sleep peacefully.

In a dream realm, you encounter a wise owl, meet the Dream Weaver, and learn to design your own dreams, followed by a relaxing chakra meditation.

The Dream Weaver's Palace

The story of Maya, a girl who frees herself, and an entire village with her intelligence, bravery, and courage.

Maya, a brave and intelligent girl, liberates herself and her village.

Maya The Mighty

In this magical bedtime story, you are strolling through a familiar wood when you come to a place where you once built fairy houses as a child. To your surprise, the place you used to play has grown into a thriving fairy city, inhabited by cheerful sprites. They delightedly show you their homes and honor you with a banquet feast. The story concludes with a meditation to invite joy.

A stroll through a familiar wood leads to a magical surprise of a thriving fairy city, with cheerful sprites, who honor you with a feast. Meditate for joy.

Fairies Of The Forest Floor

Have you ever fallen so in love with a location that you wished you could wrap your arms around it in an enormous hug, overcome by gratitude for the beauty that exists in this world? Travel to the West Highlands in this week’s autumn-themed bedtime story for grown-ups. Deep in the woodlands, you are led by a rarely-seen Pine Marten to a fairy bridge. A silvery mist slithers over a waterfall and blanket of emerald moss that cloaks everything in its wake. You return to a mystical 17th-century castle overlooking a glassy loch and rolling meadows. A secret passageway leads you to your luxurious suite where you fall asleep as a fire burns in the stone fireplace. It’s time to dream away. www.michellessanctuary.com

Travel to the West Highlands and experience the beauty of a rarely-seen fairy bridge, a mystical castle, and a luxurious suite in this autumn bedtime story for grown-ups.

Castle Dreams in Scotland

Aboard one of the most luxurious trains in Switzerland, you will traverse the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Swiss Alps. Let the rhythmic chug of the train and the breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and picturesque valleys with rustic chalets transport you to a place of ultimate relaxation. When you arrive in the resort town of St. Moritz, all cares melt away as you check into Badrutt's Palace and fall asleep in a regal suite. Unwind, close your eyes, and let your imagination soar as the soothing narration guides you into a deep and restful sleep. Immerse yourself in the magic of this sleep-inducing experience and awaken refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace the day. It's time to dream away. www.michellessanctuary.com

Experience the ultimate relaxation aboard a luxurious train through the Swiss Alps, followed by a regal stay in St. Moritz's Badrutt's Palace for a sleep-inducing experience.

Dreamy Train Ride Through the Swiss Alps

You are listening to “The Record Shop,” a rainy bedtime story set in a maritime city. As a coastal rainstorm persists through the afternoon, you explore the cobblestone streets and arrive at the Melody Lane Record Shop. Rain pelts the windows, and you get lost in the soothing sound of crackling vinyl and musical discoveries. You sink into a velvet armchair in a listening room and drift on a stream of happy feelings and memories enlivened by familiar melodies and life-enhancing lyrics. Come closing time, you return to a Victorian home, and fall asleep to the relaxing sounds of rain and a crackling fire. It's time to dream away. www.michellessanctuary.com

"The Record Shop" is a calming bedtime story set in a rainy maritime city, taking you on a musical journey through the Melody Lane Record Shop.

The Record Shop | Rainy Bedtime Story

In this cozy sleep story, two mythical figures cross paths and enchantment ensues. You travel through time and space to the forest of twisted trees, where trunks and branches twist like licorice sticks. In the heart of the mystical forest, you encounter Jacob, a kind soul who leads you to the not-so-old woman who lives in a shoe. An ethereal and maternal soul, she invites you to stay for the night in the multi-storied boot cottage. Tend to your inner child, as you fall asleep in the cozy, albeit unique, dwelling as fireflies dance on the flowing hills of wildflowers and stars twinkle in a velvety sky. It's time to dream away. www.michellessanctuary.com

Two mythical figures meet in a mystical forest, leading to enchantment and a cozy night's sleep in a multi-storied boot cottage under a velvety sky.

Beyond The Forest Of Twisted Trees

In this recording, I share with you a story from my own life that taught me some valuable lessons on how to find Gratitude every day.

Learn how to find gratitude every day through a personal story in this concise recording.

Life Lessons on Living in Gratitude

How much do you know about the story of King Arthur, how it appeared, and what parts of the myth could have roots in history? Let's find out how Arthurian legends took shape, listen to some of the stories, and spend time around the Round Table with Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, Galahad, Percival, Morgan le Fay, Vivien the Lady of the Lake, Excalibur, Avalon, Camelot, and the Holy Grail.

Explore the origins and characters of King Arthur's legends, including Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, Excalibur, and the Holy Grail.

King Arthur And Arthurian Legends

This soft-spoken talk tells the story of the Aeneid and explains its historical and political significance. Join me and we will follow Aeneas on his adventures from Troy, which he had to endure with his son Ascanius and his father Anchises, under the protection of his mother Venus, to the Latium in Italy where war had to be fought before Rome could be founded. Aeneas benefits from Venus' protection and Jupiter's benevolence, but hostile deities like Juno will do anything to stop him. On the way, we will visit Thrace, Delos, Crete, Epirus, Sicily, Carthage and its queen, Dido, and even the Underworld.

Journey with Aeneas from Troy to Italy, facing challenges and divine intervention, in this talk on the historical significance of the Aeneid.

Roman Mythology: The Aeneid

"The Letters" is a short story by L.M. Montgomery. After the death of her father, Isobel begins receiving anonymous letters from an admirer.

After her father's death, Isobel gets mysterious letters from a secret admirer in L.M. Montgomery's "The Letters".

The Letters

Embark on a mesmerizing adventure with young Selene as she explores the mystical realm beneath the hidden moon. Guided by her wise grandmother Luna, Selene uncovers secrets of growth, renewal, and infinite possibility in the Garden of Dreams. This enchanting tale weaves together the allure of the night sky with lessons that resonate in the heart. "Beneath the Hidden Moon" is more than a bedtime sleep story—it's a gentle guide into a peaceful slumber, inspiring listeners to embrace their own dreams, feel safe in the night's embrace, and awaken to life's boundless potential.

In "Beneath the Hidden Moon," Selene embarks on an enchanting adventure guided by her wise grandmother Luna, uncovering secrets of growth and infinite possibility in the Garden of Dreams.

Beneath The Hidden Moon Story

Tonight, I retell you the story of Beowulf, the famous Anglo-Saxon epic poem put in writing in Old English at the turn of the second millennium. Beyond the story itself, what does Beowulf tell us of its time, the population of England, the emergence of the English language, or the society that produced it? And what was its influence on modern Fantasy, starting with the work of JRR Tolkien?

Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon epic poem, offers insight into English society and language evolution, influencing modern Fantasy works like Tolkien's.

The Legend Of Beowulf

In this episode, I take you on a discovery of Gothic architecture as we journey through eight centuries of the history of Notre Dame de Paris. Learn about the flying buttresses, gargoyles, stained glass, the role of the Catholic church in France, and Notre Dame's many renovations and restorations, including current repairs being made after a 2019 fire destroyed the monument's roof.

Explore the rich history of Notre Dame de Paris, encompassing Gothic architecture, Catholic influence, iconic features, and ongoing restoration efforts post-2019 fire.

Inspiration: Stories