Martie McNabb glanced at her screen, a familiar spark of anticipation in her eyes. She loves hosting Things That Matter, a series devoted to the stories held by the objects in our homes aka our personal museums. Today’s guest is someone she’s admired for years: filmmaker Melissa Davey, a woman whose story embodies the very spirit of the show: connection, community & legacy.

After a brief greeting, Martie smiled and put her trademark question to Melissa: “So, Melissa, what’s one thing that truly matters to you?”

Melissa beamed. “I brought something a little unusual,” she said. She shifted her laptop to reveal a large, richly patterned rug sprawled across her living room floor. “I can’t exactly hold it up, but I hope you can see it. This rug is over a hundred years old and it’s been in my family for generations.”

Martie leaned in, intrigued. “It looks beautiful! But what makes it special to you?”

As Melissa spoke, the rug transformed in Martie’s mind from a simple floor covering to a living archive. Melissa shared how her grandmother had purchased the Iranian rug a century ago, how her mother inherited it, and how it graced every house Melissa lived in since childhood. Melissa’s voice softened with emotion, recalling crawling on its surface as a toddler, the laughter of cousins during family get-togethers, the quiet moments of reflection as the years slipped by.

“It’s more than just a rug,” Melissa explained. “It’s a canvas of my family history—every generation has literally stood, walked, and played on it. Even now, my grandchildren and my cat find special spots on it.”

As Melissa described the weight of memories bound up in the rug, Martie nodded. She too believed objects held energy—that stories could be woven into fibers, wood, or stone. “Some people say things don’t matter,” Martie reflected, “but clearly, this connects you to everyone who came before.”

Melissa agreed. “Exactly. And when my mother passed away at 98, I knew this was the keepsake I wanted—a living legacy. I hope my own children, and their children, keep the tradition alive.”

The conversation shifted, and Martie invited Melissa to share more about her recent work. With characteristic humility, Melissa explained how she’d started filmmaking at age 65—a nod to her lifelong love of movies and a realization that, if not now, when?

“I made ‘Beyond 60’ about women over sixty doing extraordinary things, and then ‘Climbing Into Life’ about the oldest woman to climb El Capitan,” Melissa explained. “I learned so much—mostly, to never underestimate the stories people have to share, no matter their age.”

As the interview wound down, Martie asked Melissa how viewers could keep up with her projects. “Just visit my website, melissadavey.com,” Melissa smiled.

When the cameras were off, Martie sat for a moment, reflecting on the stories she’d just heard. She glanced at her own collection of keepsakes—wondering anew what stories they held, and what stories others still longed to tell.

Are you looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com

Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨

If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/