For Kids

Story Walking is a spiritual practice that blends positive intention, walking, magic and mindfulness.  Story walking began with the production of the "Fiddlesticks: Nature and Nonsense" CD (2011).  Created for everyone's inner child, "Fiddlesticks" demonstrates the story walking practice using the fun format of a children's radio show.  Radio host Donna Mac introduces Storywalker Wendy Nadherny Fachon, who combines walking and storytelling to inspire physical fitness, a deeper appreciation of nature and spiritual awareness.  Musician Cathy Clasper-Torch completes the stories with whimsical background music.

In 2011, a study reported 54% of U.S. children had a chronic disease, with obesity being prevalent.  Wendy offered the simple remedy of after-school walking clubs (netwalking).  Weekly walking adventures to local parks and trails got kids active, brought them closer to nature and expanded their circle of friends.  Spring break "Story Walking" combined nature-inspired storytelling with the discovery of new hiking trails.  These kids were happier, healthier and more successful academically.

The Angel Heart (2014) was written to teach wee-ones about the mystical magic of flowers, and about nature as a form of spiritual expression.  In this story, a child peels apart a single heart-shaped flower to find multiple clues hidden inside that reveal the mysteries of spirit.  Rhythm and rhyme, color and form, metaphor and meaning, word play and finger play make this book a true treasure.  "Fairy slippers, lively and fun/They walk and skip and leap and run."

The introduction of "Wild Plant Magic Cards" (2015) inspired elementary-aged students to sharpen their observation skills.  This limited edition collection includes clue cards, story cards and affirmation cards.  Some of the cards pose ponderous questions and suggest walking detective assignments to spark creative thinking.  Wendy uses these with her story walking students.

During  the teen years, kids spend more time away from home, joining after-school clubs and sports teams, trying out different interests, seeking greater meaning for their lives and looking for ways to contribute their time and skills in order to make the world a better place. In 2017, Wendy lost her son, Neil, 20.  At 20 years of age, he had so many plans, which were cut short by brain cancer. Through her grieving process, Wendy began sorting through the memorabilia he had accumulated in the boxes, drawers and book shelves of his bedroom -  artwork, notepads, notebooks, journals, personal letters and magic notes.  The Difference Maker eBook emerged from this process. This collection of stories is inspired by Neil and written for the teenage soul.

More recently, Wendy published her own story of love and loss with nine other authors in Volume Two of Shining a Light on Grief.  She incorporates a couple wonderful story walking experiences in her story. 

When the pandemic suspended in-person learning and restricted the gathering of children for walking adventures (2020), Wendy had already launched the Story Walking Radio Hour.  This internet-based show extends her reach to a larger audience, providing online educational entertainment for kids, parents and teachers.  Through the Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network platform, Wendy continues to share story walks, environmental learning, online educational resources and interviews with people who are implementing brilliant ideas for creating a healthier planet and happier people.