December 30, 1955 Assumption Catholic Church Charlotte, NC
I tell a story - The Wedding Dress - about the dress in the picture.
To celebrate our Anniversary I am posting a video version of the story - it took almost 40 years for the story to jell.
This is a true story that was talked about in our family from the day I purchased my dream wedding dress in a thrift shop in Fresno, CA. The story blossomed with each new life-change - my daughter's wedding to the births of her children. That's one of the joys of family stories - they grow and change with life.
This telling was recorded in 2009 for the Stories in Time TV program. I often tell it because I love it.
My daughter Robin Schoettler Fox is a writer. She published her version of this story.
Texas storyteller Elizabeth Ellis came to town and we had a chance to chat on camera at Channel 16 for Stories in Focus. Not surprising that this conversation is loaded with just what you expect from Elizabeth, wisdom and good conversation. Enjoy.
Recently my friend Adam Booth came to town and we had fun with a conversation about storytelling on camera at Channel 16 for Stories in Focus - - with the plus of one of Adam's stories. Hope you enjoy it.
Jim and I are not
shopping in the Malls this year
and
to tell you the truth
it is a relief
Sticking to
shopping at home
has taken us quite a while
to select the gifts
The first rule for Re-gifting
is that
the gifts have to be carefully chosen
otherwise
its just clearing out
so we have taken a lot of time
to think
about the people we are giving to
and
to choose gifts that speak of them
Believe it or not - this is harder
it takes more effort
to re-gift
than to pick up the new and shiny
in a store
Second rule:
you have to be
willing
to part with one of the treasures.
Thinking it would simplify things
I suggested we decide on a theme
- - books - -
Strangely that did not make the chosing
easier
it made it more difficult.
its taken quite a bit of sifting and rummaging
to find just the one
a book -
that connects with each person
from the ones that Jim and I have loved
and kept
But voila
last night we finished the list
today
we wrap!
After Christmas
I will
post the titles along with the who and why of our choices.
Hope you have
also completed your shopping
and moved on
to wrapping.
Playing with another way to tell as story or a bit of a story. Lots to learn - that's for sure - but it really is fun.
If my friends, Bernadette Nason and Geraldine Buckley had recorded Nanny's little bit they would be charming you with their wonderful, authentic British accents. However, when Nanny taught it to me she spoke with a very fine North Carolina soft drawl - even though Elizabeth Grose, her London-born grandmother must have been speaking the "King's English" when she taught it to Nanny.
First, I recorded the "ditty" into Garage Band - then selected the picture, a photo I took outside Gettysburg and later digitally altered - used IMovieHD to create the "movie".
I made this book
from magazine scraps
the night before Jim
had serious surgery
20 years ago.
Worried and afraid
I worked all night
at the kitchen table
snipping colored scraps
from a magazine
hardly knowing what I was doing
just following an instinct
to make a pattern of images.
These days I am once again
worried and afraid
for Jim
cancer a mean and silent menace
after two years of quiet
has re-emerged
and is threatening.
These nights I use technology
for diversion
learning new skills
editing audio files for
The New Front Porch radio program
or watching streaming Net Flix
movies into the wee hours.
Whatever I am doing
is a prayer for healing.
Story too is prayer
gathering
bits of love
precious moments
memories
to
stitch a healing shawl.
Round House Theater production of Pride and Prejudice.
Sometimes an impulse really turns out well.The reviews have been so outstanding that Jim and I decided to give an afternoon with Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to our local family for a holiday treat. It did not disappoint - the reviews led us well - a delightful afternoon.
First: the set was marvelous - a large rotating box - a doll's house - that opened to the different rooms. Action took place in and around it. The movement created a very enjoyable and dynamic environment.
Second: an excellent cast who were obviously enjoying the play and playing it. I doubt anyone would disagree when I say that the A&E version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice sets a gold standard for presenting the story and characters - for me no one can top Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy. That said - I want to credit this cast with a very fine job.
Third: For this production the interpretation was totally true to the book and Jane Austen's words however it chose to draw the focus to the humor in the story. To do that Mrs. Bennet was a larger focus of the action and the actor playing her was perfect in drawing her larger than life. The audience loved her.
Makes me want to re-read the book to follow their train of thought in working out this delicious adaptation.
Another plus was the "talk back" with the cast after the show - good questions from the audience brought forth some interesting answers from the cast. I was particularly interested to learn that the principals, who have done the play together before, often change some of their scenes - i. e. the proposal-
as a way to keep their performances fresh and spontaneous.
An afternoon at the theater - so satisfying and invigorating to be drawn into another world. I walked out of the theater wanting to come back to see it again. Hmmmm, who knows.....
1. A sweet memory to add to my collection as I review 2011.
Ellouise and Lynda in Granny's front yard at 2308 E. 7th Street. circa 1942
During WWII Daddy joined the US Army Air Force. We were so proud to wear these "over-seas" hats he gave us. And, we worked hard to learn a proper salute.
When I was in Charlotte this past February I told the story of the day I started the first grade at Elizabeth School for an assembly of first and second grade students. Elizabeth is the school where Daddy took me the on the first day of school and then left for the "war." Being back at Elizabeth School is one of the sweet memories from this past year.
My sister Lynda lives in North Carolina and I talk to her often. Sometimes we talk about the "old-days" and share memories of people who are gone -- but mostly we share the "dailies" of our lives so that we know each other well today. We laugh, exchange recipes and talk about our grandchildren. I am grateful for her friendship and appreciate and admire this loving, compassionate woman - - - who is my sister.
1. Grandson Dan's high school football team won the North Coast Championship game last night in an exciting cliff hanger game. Today they were selected to compete in the CA High School Bowl Game next week-end in Southern CA against a team from Fresno. Ahhhhh the excitement continues.
2. A Christmas treat for our family group here in MD was an afternoon at Round House Theater for the well-reviewed Pride and Prejudice. Its a favorite for all of us and this production did not disappoint. Supper afterwards at a local La Madeliene so we could review the play - - 4 thumbs up.
3. Grateful Jim is feeling better after a really rough ten days. Thanks be to God.
Tired tonight. Its been a very satisfying day - story wise true - - but I produced it and that is tiring.
Started the day early with completing the tasks for producing Plot to Narrative - Elizabeth Ellis' new workshop. Great project, loaded with information that can help storytellers jump their stories up several notches. Its great - and I recommend you find one of these days with Elizabeth and sign up. She leaves you empowered to develop stories to be proud of.
Her storytelling concert tonight was excellent. The group gathered in the intimate Kensington Row Bookstore - a space that complements the storytelling art form.
Any time with Elizabeth Ellis telling stories is FINE!
This year I discovered my grand-father, Gus Keasler. I tell his story in Finding Gus . He was a missing link in our family. Finding him answered questions and it opened doors.
But perhaps most important knowing Gus provides a wonderful hook to connect his time and our family today.
Clemson College Football Team - 1904
20 year old Gus Keasler is sitting in the center of the front row.
This year for the first time I am following the Clemson Football team and rooting for them. Proud and happy for them over their strong season - because I feel connected to them. I know that Gus is there with them when they play their home games - he is remembered on a brick on the terrace where the players enter the field.
Gus Keasler, 1904, 1905 - - -
Have you ever noticed that at half-time on TV Clemson shows pictures of their historic teams? I can't help but feel it as a "southern" thing. And, I am grateful for it. Its that same impulse that brought me to storytelling and holds me there - the need to tell the stories of my family and to connect the threads of the past to today.
For instance: our grandson is a Senior in a California High School. He plays on a football team that
everyone thought would place last in their city. But never under-estimate the under-dogs, right?
These guys have proved themselves to be the "little team that could." They finished first in their city league - undefeated - and have won two of the bigger State play-off games against much stronger teams. Next week they tackle an even tougher challenge. Its like a chapter from the popular TV show, Friday Night Lights.
I look at our Dan wearing his sleek blue and white well-padded uniform - and I think of Gus. It makes me happy to tell Dan about his great, great grandfather - a South Carolina farm boy who was recruited to Clemson by the fabled John Heisman 107 years ago when football was in its infancy. Just as Gus lives in his story - - - I believe he lives in Dan.
You see - - I believe that if you know the stories and connect them - they will both live on and on and on - adding new pieces as time goes on.
To celebrate Advent I am going to post a series photos of Williamsburg Christmas Wreaths until Christmas.
I took these photos in 2005 - the year our family gathered in Williamsburg to celebrate Jim's and my 50th wedding anniversary.
Williamsburg Wreath - 2005
Photo: e.schoettler
Today the annual Christmas Tree sale opened outside our church. The pungent perfume of the piles of fresh cut spruce and fir triggered many memories.
My friend Jennie called to share her delight at listening to an old audio tape of Charles Kuralt reading from his book, On the Road.
Born and bred in North Carolina Charles Kuralt was the kind of consummate storyteller I grew up around. After he graduated from the University of North Carolina - ( Chapel Hill, will do for those who know and love it ) Kuralt returned to Charlotte to begin his career as a journalist. He found stories at every turn and he carried his ability to capture ordinary people into his career in NYC - - - it resulted in his famous and well-loved "On the Road" television program.
Hearing his voice brings me back to earlier days in Charlotte and reminds me of my debt to and appreciation for Kuralt's ability to translate the ordinary into "story".
Going with my grandmother to Morrisson Farms to pick out the turkey from those clucking in the
farm yard. Once it was tagged she would return in several days to pick it up - plucked and ready
for her roasting pan.
Favorite dishes: sweet potato casserole, dressing - hot on Thanksgiving and cold next day,
jellied cranberry - for years I thought you could only eat that at Thanksgiving, now I serve it
year round and ambrosia - with coconut.
Jim and I will celebrate our 56th wedding anniversary December 30 - so this is our 58th Thanksgiving together. We often talk about the first - when a Hopkins Nursing School classmate and I cooked a dinner for Jim and his room-mate. He married me later dispite the biscuits that day which could have doubled as hockey pucks. Since then I serve delicious biscuits --- from a tube.
Another turkey memory. A few years ago I invited a gaggle of folks got Thanksgiving Dinner.
Bought the Turkey - frozen - the day before - - -a twenty four pound turkey does not thaw in a
minute. My daughter Karen and I sat up all night running warm water over the "bird" - inside and
out - so that I could cook it Thanksgiving morning. It worked but I don't recommend it.
This year I will not be cooking the Turkey. My cousins are bringing the dinner - ready for the table - and it is a wonderful blessing.
We have many blessings to celebrate today - but Jim's health is not one of them.
His cancer has returned. Back on Chemo which we hope will soon take hold and suppress things. At the moment he feels lousy. Please remember him in your prayers.
We flew to San Antonio with a group of service men and women returning from duty in Iraq.
At the airport we watched as two young children holding balloons ran into their mother's arms to welcome her home.
So we stumbled upon one aspect of the history of today -
We also revisited our own history.
Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX was Jim's first assignment when he was drafted into the Air Force in 1958. Maybe some will recall there was a "doctor draft" in those days so Jim knew that as soon as he completed his internship he would be called up - commissioned a Captain. He was assigned to this very building which was the School of Medicine for his training as a Flight Surgeon.
Bringing our history up-to-date:
Our son was 2 and half when we moved to Texas.
Because Jim was an Officer we had a blue decal on the front and rear bumpers of our green Ford Station Wagon. When we drove through the front gates the guard spotted that decal, staightened to attention and snapped a salute. Jimmy loved that. Standing on the front seat of the car next to me he would stand straighter and snap a salute back to the guard. Then he'd laugh!
This afternoon Jimmy was driving. When we entered the gate the guard came forward , " ID please." When Jimmy handed his ID to the guard he eyed it, then straightened to attention and snapped a salute.
"Have a nice afternoon, Colonel."
We all laughed.
After our visit to Randolph AFB we drove around to the other side of town to visit Brooks Air Force Base - now decomissioned and called Brooks City-Base
In 1959 the School of Medicine moved from Randolph AFB to Brooks AFB into these new buildings. Once he had completed his training as a Flight Surgeon Jim as assigned to the faculty at the new School of Aerospace Medicine. This was the early days of the new space effort and they were conducting research and experiments to determine how the human
body would acclimate to space, pressures, isolation and many other aspects of space flight. Jim was assigned to teach a course in Aerospace Medicine and he tells us today that he essentially made it up as he went along.
Space talk was in the air. And a friend and I got caught up in it. We had been in a writers group in Baltimore and we decided to interview the wives of the astronaut candidates to find out how they were coping - especially with their husbands being sequestered in the isolation chambers for long periods of time. My friend's mother was a novelist and her NY agent agreed to handle our manuscript. We had just submitted it to him when Commander Alan Shepard was lobbed into space and the whole scene changed - - - making our women's story yesterday's news. But it was a great experience and we agreed we learned a lot from the doing.
A history surprise:
Jim was transferred to his Psychiatry Residency at UNC in Chapel Hill, NC in July1961...and we lost track of the fine points of what happened at the School of Aerospace Medicine.
So we were surprised when one of the current staff mentioned the connection with President John F Kennedy.
We walked around the Bedwell Building, (named for General Bedwell, the Commander when Jim was there) to see this plague.
President Kennedy came to Brooks on November 21, 1963 to dedicate the Bedwell Building and then flew to Dallas. It was his last public speech before he was killed in Dallas.
A note on the phrase: " We threw our cap over the wall":
From Wikipedia:
Frank O'Connor's early years are recounted in An Only Child, a memoir published in 1961 which has the immediacy of a precocious diary. U.S. President John F. Kennedy remarked anecdotally from An Only Child at the conclusion of his speech at the dedication of the Aerospace Medical Health Center in San Antonio on November 21, 1963: "Frank O'Connor, the Irish writer, tells in one of his books how, as a boy, he and his friends would make their way across the countryside, and when they came to an orchard wall that seemed too high and too doubtful to try and too difficult to permit their voyage to continue, they took off their hats and tossed them over the wall--and then they had no choice but to follow them. This nation has tossed its cap over the wall of space and we have no choice but to follow it."[7]
So many threads weave our stories connecting us to history.
Balance is everything, isn't it
Whether in a piece of art work
or in life
I am trying to remember that
My days would run much smoother if I could.
Somehow I can achieve balance much better in a collage than I can in my life
In the collage I can manage and control even the smallest bits
In life ---
Everything is beyond my control.
It is about how well I can "go with the flow"
or play the hand I am dealt.
Storytelling is so great - gives you an opportunity to relive an adventure and even if it was harrowing -
you can see your self in it with better perspective.
Recently when I was one of the storytellers for an event with Better Said Than Done, I told An Adventure in Kenya. It is still so vivid in my memory that it does not see 26 years since the 1985 United Nations in Nairobi - it could have been yesterday.
Really appreciate BSTD Director Jessica Piscitelli - for inviting me as one of the tellers and for this video to share.
So comfortable to be back in a group of feminists, male and female who care about this issue. I felt very at home and realized how much I had missed these groups.
My time on the staff of the League of Women Voters was tiring, challenging, exciting and very satisfying. Working on the Equal Rights Amendment made me feel so connected to history - to the connection with the Suffragists.
Carolyn Cook, the Founder of United4Equality, is a woman of passion and determination, on the issue of ERA and reminds me of so many women I knew during the 70s and 80s - who worked for ERA across the country. She is like those women who put their hearts into the Campaign.
I never thought I would have a chance to tell my ERA story to a group of activists continuing the effort to pass the ERA - - - what a wonderful opportunity for my Diamond Jubilee.
Tonight in Rockville, MD I will be telling Pushing Boundaries, my story of morphing from a 1950s housewife into an ERA activist at a Fundraiser for United 4 Equality.
Carolyn Cook, the founder of United 4 Equality will talk about the campaign to ratify the Amendment by 2015. Carolyn is a woman who is determined and passionate in her efforts to bring equal rights for women into the US Constitution.
Being able to work in support of ERA is another touchstone
for my Diamond Jubilee Year.
I am very happy to share my story in support of a new ERA Campaign because I believe it is a way to gather stories from other Second Wave veterans as well as a way to ignite young women to want to see them selves protected in the US Constitution.
The George West Storytelling Festival in G.W., Texas was mighty fun! Just being in Texas was wonderful and I have a lot to say about it - but thought I would start my series of blog posts with a story.
The Ghost Story concert on Saturday night was the last event of the Festival. It was held in the Performing Arts Center which is a classic movie house that has been lovingly restored.
Ghost stories are a popular event at any festival and this was no exception. With lights down the Dobie Theater was a great place for the scary stories and the full-house audience loved them. Megan Hicks led off with an original and v e r y scary story followed by Mark Babino who told a chilling version of the "white dress" story. Consuelo Samarippa told a wonderful darker version of the witch of Cordoba than I have ever heard. Jay Stailey lightened the mood with Boo Baby and you could feel the audience appreciate it. I followed with one of my favorite ghost stories, The Cussing Cover, an Appalachian story and DeCee Cornish brought down the house as he closed the show with his telling of a scary story that turned into a joke.
San Antonio storyteller Larry Thompson set this line-up and his choice to move from scary stories to laughing worked really well.
Here is a recent version of The Cussing Cover which was recorded at Channel 16 and aired on Stories in Time.
Had a fun time telling stories with the group, Better Said Than Done. Jessica Piscitelli, storyteller and CEO, does a great job of organizing these events. And the line up was marvelous - terrific stories from Geraldine Buckley, Vijai Nathan, Meredith Maslich, Derek Hills, Adam Ruben, Jessica, Jennifer Liu and David Hallissey -and me - - all veterans of Speakeasydc.speakeasydc.org
I told a story from my adventure at the UN Conference on Women, Nairobi, Kenya in 1985.
Loved working with the memories -
Forcing a longer story into 12 minutes -
its gets leaner and crisper.
Have to use gestures and expression
as well as words and voice to send the action home.
Work at seeing the pictures
and giving them in
shorthand.
Jim took these pictures -
so that I can see myself
telling the story.
Telling Finding Gus last evening at Tales in the Village in Chevy Chase, MD. Bringing my grandfather Gus back through his story makes me happy. I only wish my mother could have heard it. I like to think she would have liked hearing the story and knowing he was no longer "forgotten".
To me this is the real gift from genealogy and family storytelling.
In my collages I often work to balance disperate elements: just as in life.
My day began with a blessing.
Two weeks ago I lost my wedding band.
We have looked everywhere in this house - through clothing and pockets, purses, briefcases, as well as under rugs and furniture in every room. We vacuumed and sifted through the debris in the bag. Thought we were leaving no stone unturned.
I called on St. Anthony and St. Jude to lend a hand with the search; to help me find my ring. I tried to remain calm while I came to accepting that, after 55 years, I had lost it.
Jim said, "we'll get you another one." "No. I don't want a replacement." Meaning - I want that one.
This morning when I sat down to neaten up my purse I reached into the zipper change section of my purse for coins to count. When I opened my hand - my gold wedding ring gleamed in my palm along with the dimes and nickels.
Jim came running when he heard me scream. "Its my ring!" The tears I had been holding back for two weeks poured down my cheeks.
Yes, I had looked in the purse. Emptied it and checked it. Consider this - I never put my rings into that section of the purse if I am not wearing them.
