Brings back memories and makes me feel good to see them.
Bringing people together across generations with stories.
4/12/2007
4/03/2007
Lehigh Valley Storytelling Festival
Back at home - tired and happy - after a wonderful week-end in Bethlehem, PA for the Lehigh Valley Storytelling Festival. It was a very full week-end.
The Friday evening story concert was at Godfrey Daniel's Coffeehouse - a good place for storytelling - seats more than 75 but still feels intimate, and its a warm, cozy atmosphere where you can feel a connection between teller and audience.
In an early pre-concert Charles Kiernan performed as Mark Twain. He actually favors Twain, add to that his luxurious head of long white hair, period white suit ,and stogie - he becomes Twain. It was as if Samuel Clemmons had risen up and come to give one of his famous recitations. I enjoyed the style and presentation, as well as the humor. Of course there was the jumping frog and some bits from Clemmons time on the Mississippi - all well done.
The evening program paired Bill Harley, nationally known, grammy winning, storyteller- musician with “emerging artist”, storyteller Ellouise Schoettler. ( at left - Ellouise and Bill)
I told three personal stories, two of family life and the third the story of my recent encounter with a Harley-riding "tattooed-man". I felt very connected to the audience and they listened a good performance from me. Then they told me know they liked the stories. That felt good.
Bill Harley is a main attraction because he does not disappoint his audiences. Stories, music, his warmth and humor - what more could you ask. "Barbie's Head is Missing" was a real crowd pleaser as well as his adventure -" walking to the mall". I was very touched by his story of returning to a childhood neighborhood where everything was changed and he felt totally strange.
Saturday morning I sat in on David Joe Miller's "business" workshop - - rich with tips- which he has self-tested. I admire how he has re-framed his experience in the car business to serve his storytelling career. The material was on target (with valuable hand-outs) and he was an enthusiastic and generous presenter. He closed with a story and I really appreciated his "pure" southern storytelling.
Jim and I did some sightseeing in the early afternoon, checking out the old Moravian Village, the Banana Factory Arts Center, (even stopped to watch some of the glass blowing) and stopped in to the Moravian Book Store - glad it was near closing because I would have been overcome. One disappointment - near-by thrift shops were closed.
Made it to Bill Harley's afternoon program for kids at the Bethlehem Library. He played his guitar and sang, involved the kids in simple lyrics, told stories they loved - especially the one about Pirate Annie who plunders "underwear". There was lots of laughing as parents and kids really enjoyed themselves.
The Saturday evening program was "Girls Night Out" on the Lehigh University campus. In “Two Cronies” Cora Hooks and Mary Wright tackled material about women turning 50. It all rang true emotionally. The program was funny, poignant, and well done.
Before Judith Black's performance there was a Wild Women Reception in the lobby.While people were munching chocolate Storyteller Kathy Pierce rose up and prompted the group to tell stories about wild women from their lives. At first the women were hesitant but Kathy kept cheer leading til stories started to come forth - and once the spigots were open there was no stopping the flow. A warm and moving personal sharing.
Judith Black performed her long and complex piece about menopause - really funny as well as poignant. She included three different versions of Snow White (African, Italian and Celtic) from the mother's point of view. Whoa! I enjoyed it; I admired it; and I was glad to experience it.
There were Fringe performances Saturday afternoon which I heard were quite good. I missed Sunday’s Sacred Stories and a program tailored for April Fool’s day because I had another commitment in Maryland.
It was a full STORY week-end. Some of my most compelling memories are of the Lehigh Valley storytellers -- warm, friendly, supportive and welcoming. I was talking with a participant, a newbie teller, Sunday morning and she told me how glad she was to have attended this week-end. " I found a real community of storytellers." All of them worked hard to pull this off and it seemed seamless. That's an illusion that takes some doing. Bravo.
I am so glad to have been a part of this wonderful event. .
The Friday evening story concert was at Godfrey Daniel's Coffeehouse - a good place for storytelling - seats more than 75 but still feels intimate, and its a warm, cozy atmosphere where you can feel a connection between teller and audience.
In an early pre-concert Charles Kiernan performed as Mark Twain. He actually favors Twain, add to that his luxurious head of long white hair, period white suit ,and stogie - he becomes Twain. It was as if Samuel Clemmons had risen up and come to give one of his famous recitations. I enjoyed the style and presentation, as well as the humor. Of course there was the jumping frog and some bits from Clemmons time on the Mississippi - all well done.
The evening program paired Bill Harley, nationally known, grammy winning, storyteller- musician with “emerging artist”, storyteller Ellouise Schoettler. ( at left - Ellouise and Bill)
I told three personal stories, two of family life and the third the story of my recent encounter with a Harley-riding "tattooed-man". I felt very connected to the audience and they listened a good performance from me. Then they told me know they liked the stories. That felt good.
Bill Harley is a main attraction because he does not disappoint his audiences. Stories, music, his warmth and humor - what more could you ask. "Barbie's Head is Missing" was a real crowd pleaser as well as his adventure -" walking to the mall". I was very touched by his story of returning to a childhood neighborhood where everything was changed and he felt totally strange.
Saturday morning I sat in on David Joe Miller's "business" workshop - - rich with tips- which he has self-tested. I admire how he has re-framed his experience in the car business to serve his storytelling career. The material was on target (with valuable hand-outs) and he was an enthusiastic and generous presenter. He closed with a story and I really appreciated his "pure" southern storytelling.
Jim and I did some sightseeing in the early afternoon, checking out the old Moravian Village, the Banana Factory Arts Center, (even stopped to watch some of the glass blowing) and stopped in to the Moravian Book Store - glad it was near closing because I would have been overcome. One disappointment - near-by thrift shops were closed.
Made it to Bill Harley's afternoon program for kids at the Bethlehem Library. He played his guitar and sang, involved the kids in simple lyrics, told stories they loved - especially the one about Pirate Annie who plunders "underwear". There was lots of laughing as parents and kids really enjoyed themselves.
The Saturday evening program was "Girls Night Out" on the Lehigh University campus. In “Two Cronies” Cora Hooks and Mary Wright tackled material about women turning 50. It all rang true emotionally. The program was funny, poignant, and well done.
Before Judith Black's performance there was a Wild Women Reception in the lobby.While people were munching chocolate Storyteller Kathy Pierce rose up and prompted the group to tell stories about wild women from their lives. At first the women were hesitant but Kathy kept cheer leading til stories started to come forth - and once the spigots were open there was no stopping the flow. A warm and moving personal sharing.
Judith Black performed her long and complex piece about menopause - really funny as well as poignant. She included three different versions of Snow White (African, Italian and Celtic) from the mother's point of view. Whoa! I enjoyed it; I admired it; and I was glad to experience it.
There were Fringe performances Saturday afternoon which I heard were quite good. I missed Sunday’s Sacred Stories and a program tailored for April Fool’s day because I had another commitment in Maryland.
It was a full STORY week-end. Some of my most compelling memories are of the Lehigh Valley storytellers -- warm, friendly, supportive and welcoming. I was talking with a participant, a newbie teller, Sunday morning and she told me how glad she was to have attended this week-end. " I found a real community of storytellers." All of them worked hard to pull this off and it seemed seamless. That's an illusion that takes some doing. Bravo.
I am so glad to have been a part of this wonderful event. .
3/27/2007
Nothing Like a Good Tub
They don't make tubs like they used to. Tubs with the confidence to stand on their own four feet. Tubs with rounded backs where you could lay back and soak for hours.
My grandmother's house was built in 1915. She had two bath tubs with claw feet. I loved climbing up so that I could step down into the deep water - -and spash around for a good long time.
You could sail away in a tub like this.
I wish we had the space in our house for one of these tubs. But, we don't.
Some memories you just can't take home.
3/24/2007
Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolff - Still Sets my Stomach in a Knot
Our grand-daughter was playing the role of Martha, the screaming bitch-wife, in Edward Albee's difficult play, Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolff - - So we went over-night to her college to see the play.
I have to admit I dreaded going.
I hate this play.
I hated the movie too.
An evening watching WAOVW is like setting yourself up for a drama-thrashing.
You sit and watch two couples guzzling amazing amounts of booze while they verbally whip each other - and you absorb the blows with them. This play ties my stomach in a knot.
And - leaves me in a depressed mood for days.
Juliana stepped up for the challenege of the role of Martha and played it impressively well. She skillfully put herself aside and brought the character to life. I was proud of and for her.
I suffered through the three hour performance - - proud of Juliana's accomplishment while -- hating every minute of the story - - just as I have when-ever I have seen this play - - - grand-daughter or not.
Later when we were talking about the play, the author and other tidbits of drama history about it - Juliana told us that Edward Albee saw "who's afraid of Virginia Wolff" scrawled on the wall in a public bathroom and it inspired him to write the play.
Makes sense to me.
Thinking a fantasy world might be a good antidote to the weeks of living with Martha "braying" in her head - I gave Juliana a present - Inkheart!
Stepping into Ink World might blot out stuff that came from words scrawled on a toilet wall.
At the least she can throw it at something.
I have to admit I dreaded going.
I hate this play.
I hated the movie too.
An evening watching WAOVW is like setting yourself up for a drama-thrashing.
You sit and watch two couples guzzling amazing amounts of booze while they verbally whip each other - and you absorb the blows with them. This play ties my stomach in a knot.
And - leaves me in a depressed mood for days.
Juliana stepped up for the challenege of the role of Martha and played it impressively well. She skillfully put herself aside and brought the character to life. I was proud of and for her.
I suffered through the three hour performance - - proud of Juliana's accomplishment while -- hating every minute of the story - - just as I have when-ever I have seen this play - - - grand-daughter or not.
Later when we were talking about the play, the author and other tidbits of drama history about it - Juliana told us that Edward Albee saw "who's afraid of Virginia Wolff" scrawled on the wall in a public bathroom and it inspired him to write the play.
Makes sense to me.
Thinking a fantasy world might be a good antidote to the weeks of living with Martha "braying" in her head - I gave Juliana a present - Inkheart!
Stepping into Ink World might blot out stuff that came from words scrawled on a toilet wall.
At the least she can throw it at something.
3/23/2007
Hearts on the Wall
Hearts on the Wall
Ellouise Schoettler
digital photo
Berkeley, CA. 01/ 2007
One way to make sweeping easier
or
Its all in your perspective.
3/22/2007
Giants Among Us
I received the notice: "Your order has been shipped." I am watching the mail. Amazon is sending me two books about a new interest of mine. Giants.
A few months ago my husband and I were flying back from North Carolina. It was a Sunday evening. We were tired. Our seats were in the back of the plane. That is not my favorite spot, so I was feeling a bit irritable.
Jim was on the aisle, I was in the middle and until almost the last minute the window seat was empty. I was hoping against the "this is a full plane" announcements that we would luck out and no one would take that seat.
And then I saw him coming.
I knew - - I just knew - - he was our window seat-mate.
He was tall, and I mean tall, about six feet five inches. He stooped a little to avoid touching the low plane-ceiling. He must have weighed in at over 300 pounds. I could see it was all muscle because he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I could also see that his legs and arms were rather fuzzy. He was a furry giant.
His hair was rusty blond and he was smiling - - a little-boy, winning smile. My misgivings must have been written on my face because he said, "Yeah, I know, I am a bit of an over-grown boy - but it will work out." For you maybe, I thought.
We raised all the arm rests. I moved closer to Jim. We all three squeezed in together. Being in the middle, I was a bit like the filling in a manwich. We were suddenly close friends. We had a pleasant conversation and sort of enjoyed the ride to Baltimore.
This encounter set me thinking.
Giants are not myths - - they are still walking the earth.
I should tell people.
A few months ago my husband and I were flying back from North Carolina. It was a Sunday evening. We were tired. Our seats were in the back of the plane. That is not my favorite spot, so I was feeling a bit irritable.
Jim was on the aisle, I was in the middle and until almost the last minute the window seat was empty. I was hoping against the "this is a full plane" announcements that we would luck out and no one would take that seat.
And then I saw him coming.
I knew - - I just knew - - he was our window seat-mate.
He was tall, and I mean tall, about six feet five inches. He stooped a little to avoid touching the low plane-ceiling. He must have weighed in at over 300 pounds. I could see it was all muscle because he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I could also see that his legs and arms were rather fuzzy. He was a furry giant.
His hair was rusty blond and he was smiling - - a little-boy, winning smile. My misgivings must have been written on my face because he said, "Yeah, I know, I am a bit of an over-grown boy - but it will work out." For you maybe, I thought.
We raised all the arm rests. I moved closer to Jim. We all three squeezed in together. Being in the middle, I was a bit like the filling in a manwich. We were suddenly close friends. We had a pleasant conversation and sort of enjoyed the ride to Baltimore.
This encounter set me thinking.
Giants are not myths - - they are still walking the earth.
I should tell people.
3/20/2007
Missing Inkworld
I have finished reading Inkspell. My copy was a heavy hardback book that felt good in my hands. I read the last words on page 635, closed the book and felt a little lonely to be leaving Inkworld.
I was completely drawn into the world of this book - now I am missing it all - the places and the characters. And, I am a bit unsettled - there is a surprise twist at the close.
The third book, Inkdawn, will not be released until 2008. I know that is good marketing - not to release the third volume until after the movie, Inkheart, is released - it seems so l o n g to wait.
A good book - a good story - special gifts to nourish the imagination.
3/11/2007
Home Again
Is it possible that this time last week we were still in Fresno and I had one more set of Second Hand Rose to tell for the Rogue Festival?
We had another bumpy ride home on Monday. Jim thanked the pilot for setting it down safely. He just nodded and said it had taken "a lot of wrist action." With 25 mph winds at landing we could tell. Enough of that for awhile.
Are you ever hungry for a book that will completely engage you - - capture your imagination? While we were in California I finished reading INKHEART - and was really sorry to come to the end - - except I had volume 2 of the trilogy, INKSPELL in my hands. I had taken the precaution of tracking it down at a local bookstore before we left Robin's so I would be ready. INKSPELL is even better than INKHEART. (but you need to read them both and in order for the full effect) My imagination is more engaged by these books than by anything else in a long time. Its like I was waiting for them.
Hardly caught my breath at home when I was back into action with stories and paper-work. I am happy to have a lot of work right now but it is hard to juggle everything - to keep switching hats constantly so all the balls stay in the air. Storyteller Elizabeth Ellis says a storyteller has to be three people - artistic creator, storyteller, and business manager and she warns that the trick is to keep those three folks meeting in committee so you can maintain your balance. I am calling a meeting - and they had better all be there
We had another bumpy ride home on Monday. Jim thanked the pilot for setting it down safely. He just nodded and said it had taken "a lot of wrist action." With 25 mph winds at landing we could tell. Enough of that for awhile.
Are you ever hungry for a book that will completely engage you - - capture your imagination? While we were in California I finished reading INKHEART - and was really sorry to come to the end - - except I had volume 2 of the trilogy, INKSPELL in my hands. I had taken the precaution of tracking it down at a local bookstore before we left Robin's so I would be ready. INKSPELL is even better than INKHEART. (but you need to read them both and in order for the full effect) My imagination is more engaged by these books than by anything else in a long time. Its like I was waiting for them.
Hardly caught my breath at home when I was back into action with stories and paper-work. I am happy to have a lot of work right now but it is hard to juggle everything - to keep switching hats constantly so all the balls stay in the air. Storyteller Elizabeth Ellis says a storyteller has to be three people - artistic creator, storyteller, and business manager and she warns that the trick is to keep those three folks meeting in committee so you can maintain your balance. I am calling a meeting - and they had better all be there
2/27/2007
Not Enough Time
We leave tomorrow for the storytelling gigs in Fresno.
Four days is just not enough time for a visit with our daughter and her family. And, it passes too quickly.
Three boys, 15, 13 and 10, who all play some kind of competitive sport are very busy. It is fun to follow their games. But I have to admit that watching Scotty's team has been the special treat.
Scotty is the 10 year old. When we were here in December his team had just begun their CYO basketball season. Then the boys played with energy and determination. They ran with wild abandon and little fore thought about what was going to happen. The goal was to shoot, shoot, shoot. We arrived Saturday in time to get to a CYO tournament game in Heyward. What a change in the team.
They manuevered plays, real well-thought out and planned plays. They worked as a team and they were very effective. The coach had put in a lot of time training these kids and it had paid off. They did not win their game, true, but they played really well. And, they did not dispair over the loss. Took it in stride - knowing there is always, "next year." Wow!
Scotty in action!
Breakfast this morning with Jim's college room-mate. Good laughs and the joy of shared memories and stories.
Two days ago Jim made two pots of a hearty vegetable soup. It has been perfect for the cold and rainy days. We feast and feast and the pot stays full like the magic pot of the fairytale. But this is not magic. Jim keeps tinkering with the crock pot - - adding more broth and other goodies. He can keep a pot of soup going for days.
Grandson Jamie is adding another movie to my iPod - The Return of the Mummy. Great airplane fare.
I am not ready to leave.
If only I could be in two places at one time.
2/26/2007
Rain and More Rain
San Francisco
Rain, Rain, Rain.
The world under it is wet and cold; the kind of cold that seeps into the marrow of your bones and settles there.
When we were visiting Several years ago during a run of similar cold and wet days, we bought an electric blanket. It's waits like a good friend ready to wrap us in a warm hug.
The man sitting next to me on the flight from Washington, DC told me this was his first trip to SF. He and his fiancee had planned a wonderful, romantic 4 day holiday to meet the city by the bay. Its always all about timing isn't it?
Rain, Rain, Rain.
The world under it is wet and cold; the kind of cold that seeps into the marrow of your bones and settles there.
When we were visiting Several years ago during a run of similar cold and wet days, we bought an electric blanket. It's waits like a good friend ready to wrap us in a warm hug.
The man sitting next to me on the flight from Washington, DC told me this was his first trip to SF. He and his fiancee had planned a wonderful, romantic 4 day holiday to meet the city by the bay. Its always all about timing isn't it?
2/25/2007
Rocking and Rolling West
Do you remember Rock a Bye Baby - the old lullaby mothers and others sing to send babies and young children off to dream land?
As our JetBlue plane rocked and rattled in strong winds 30,000 feet above the ground, I thought about that old song. When the pilot announced in his super cool and calmest voice that he was climbing higher and higher to find us a smooth ride I thought "good, good" and then added "hurry, hurry".
My seat belt was pulled low and tight over my lap. I satin the comfortable grey leather seat with my eyes shut tight. I felt the same thing I do in the dentist's chair. FEAR.
Passengers to the left and to the right of me were sleeping. Amazing.
As our JetBlue plane rocked and rattled in strong winds 30,000 feet above the ground, I thought about that old song. When the pilot announced in his super cool and calmest voice that he was climbing higher and higher to find us a smooth ride I thought "good, good" and then added "hurry, hurry".
My seat belt was pulled low and tight over my lap. I satin the comfortable grey leather seat with my eyes shut tight. I felt the same thing I do in the dentist's chair. FEAR.
Passengers to the left and to the right of me were sleeping. Amazing.
2/23/2007
Going West
Tomorrow morning Jim and I hop on Jet Blue at Dulles and head to Oakland. Spending time with our grandchildren is icing on this storytelling trip.
March1 I am telling stories at Heaton Elementary School in Fresno. Will be fun to share my stories with these West Coast kids and see what stories they like and if they react any differently than the kids in our area.
March 3 and 4- I am telling a new program of original stories as part of the Rogue Festival. http://secondhandrose.blogspot.com
We will be home March 5. 
This gives me a couple of days to switch gears before my Irish Program March 8.
I am really looking forward to this program It is a blend of Irish folktales and family history.
Jim and I went to Ireland for several weeks last summer; our first trip.
As we slowly descended toward land on our approach to Shannon Airport I thought of Catherine Lonergan, a 12 year old girl, who left Ireland in 1835 on a ship with her parents and brothers to make their lives in a new land. We reached Ireland from Washington, DC in 7 hours. It took those Lonergans nearly a month.
While we were there I listened to all the women I encountered in all their ages and wondered what had been the sound of her.
Catherine was my three great grandmother. She had been dead 48 years when I was born - and I never heard anyone speak of her.
Discovering INKHEART
Am I the last one to find out about INKHEART?
It is a bestseller in Europe and this country. It is the first volume of a trilogy. The author, Cornelia Funke, is considered the German J.K. Rowling.
And how did I find out about it?
By checking on when Mummy 3 is going to be made and if Brendan Fraser - yes, yes, back to that- is going to reprise the role of Rick O'Connell.
(The answer to that is yes.)
In that surfing search I learned that Brendan Fraser is right now filming in INKHEART.
INKHEART? What's that about - tatoos, what?
I wasn't nudged to find out more until I was sitting in a doctor's office, reading an article about that queenly woman Helen Mirren - who is also right now shooting INKHEART.
That sent me looking for more information and I bumped right into this wonderful author, Funke, a woman who has imagined a world where words, books, stories - imagination - are the central focus. The heroine is a twelve year old girl whose father, a book-binder named Silvertongue - played by none other than you know who - brings characters to life when he reads books out loud. Helen Mirren plays her aunt. What a family!
Barnes and Noble has it in the children's section but the Public Library has it in Young Adult Fiction. I don't care where they shelve it - I cannot put the book down.
I checked it out of the library but then I had to buy it. I am underlining metaphors, and phrases.
I like this world.
I am looking forward to the movie.
Would you believe that Cornelia Funke dedicated the second volume of the Trilogy, INKSPELL, to Brendan Fraser?
Doesn't surprise me one bit.
It is a bestseller in Europe and this country. It is the first volume of a trilogy. The author, Cornelia Funke, is considered the German J.K. Rowling.
And how did I find out about it?
By checking on when Mummy 3 is going to be made and if Brendan Fraser - yes, yes, back to that- is going to reprise the role of Rick O'Connell.
(The answer to that is yes.)
In that surfing search I learned that Brendan Fraser is right now filming in INKHEART.
INKHEART? What's that about - tatoos, what?
I wasn't nudged to find out more until I was sitting in a doctor's office, reading an article about that queenly woman Helen Mirren - who is also right now shooting INKHEART.
That sent me looking for more information and I bumped right into this wonderful author, Funke, a woman who has imagined a world where words, books, stories - imagination - are the central focus. The heroine is a twelve year old girl whose father, a book-binder named Silvertongue - played by none other than you know who - brings characters to life when he reads books out loud. Helen Mirren plays her aunt. What a family!
Barnes and Noble has it in the children's section but the Public Library has it in Young Adult Fiction. I don't care where they shelve it - I cannot put the book down.
I checked it out of the library but then I had to buy it. I am underlining metaphors, and phrases.
I like this world.
I am looking forward to the movie.
Would you believe that Cornelia Funke dedicated the second volume of the Trilogy, INKSPELL, to Brendan Fraser?
Doesn't surprise me one bit.
2/16/2007
They Remember My Stories
Storytelling brings such joy into my life.
I love to tell the stories.
It is a great feeling to look out at 180 or more elementary school children seated on the gym floor with their eyes glued to me - -waiting for the stories to start.
Sometimes their mouths are open - like little fish gulping water.
Sometimes their eyes light up when they jump ahead of me to the ending of the story.
You can see the "I got it " in their eyes.
This is the third year I have been telling stories in the schools, as storyteller-in-residence for the Audubon Naturalist Society, Chevy Chase, Maryland.
In some cases I have been to a school last year and the year before.
That keeps you on your toes - you can't tell the same stories.
Sometimes I don't remember what stories I told in each school. I know, I know,
I should write them down and I do - but not always.
This afternoon I looked at the fourth and fifth grade students settled on
the floor in front of me. 150 kids quieting down to listen to stories. I asked
how many had heard me tell stories last year and two thirds of the group raised
their hands. On an impulse I asked, "what stories did I tell you last year?"
Hands went up! "The story about the three brothers and being turned to stone." Yes, The
Queen Bee, a Grimms Fairytale. Another called out, "the story about the mosquitoes."
That's, All Things Are Connected.
Imagine that, they remembered.
They remembered my stories!
The stories have entered a child's memory.
wow!
What a privilege!
I love to tell the stories.
It is a great feeling to look out at 180 or more elementary school children seated on the gym floor with their eyes glued to me - -waiting for the stories to start.
Sometimes their mouths are open - like little fish gulping water.
Sometimes their eyes light up when they jump ahead of me to the ending of the story.
You can see the "I got it " in their eyes.
This is the third year I have been telling stories in the schools, as storyteller-in-residence for the Audubon Naturalist Society, Chevy Chase, Maryland.
In some cases I have been to a school last year and the year before.
That keeps you on your toes - you can't tell the same stories.
Sometimes I don't remember what stories I told in each school. I know, I know,
I should write them down and I do - but not always.
This afternoon I looked at the fourth and fifth grade students settled on
the floor in front of me. 150 kids quieting down to listen to stories. I asked
how many had heard me tell stories last year and two thirds of the group raised
their hands. On an impulse I asked, "what stories did I tell you last year?"
Hands went up! "The story about the three brothers and being turned to stone." Yes, The
Queen Bee, a Grimms Fairytale. Another called out, "the story about the mosquitoes."
That's, All Things Are Connected.
Imagine that, they remembered.
They remembered my stories!
The stories have entered a child's memory.
wow!
What a privilege!
2/15/2007
Running In Place
I love it when my schedule is packed. I think I have everything set. Telling stories, meetings, you know all those things that we think are our life and then - Mother Nature comes up with a big surprise
Being off-schedule gave me time to work on the "list".
Put up the new cyber exhibit I have been meaning to. These works are small drawings made with colored "sharpies" on discarded family snapshots. A little recycling.
March 3 and 4 I am telling a new storytelling program, Second Hand Rose, at the Rogue Festival in Fresno, CA. In case you are wondering why I wanted to go to Fresno I answer that question here.
2/06/2007
Bouncing Off the Wall
"mirro mirror", collage and digital print, ellouise schoettler
Sorry I am not here right now. I am so blessed with opportunities to TELL my stories that I have not had time to write - but I will be back.
If you want to hear a story and you are in Montgomery County, MD my new Cable TV show, Stories in Time, premieres Monday, February 26 at 7:15 pm on Channel 16. Every week I will tell you a story. My stories are for adults (but suitable for young ears.) Hope you will stop by if you are in the area. http://ellouisestorytvshow.blogspot.com
1/26/2007
Shades of the Plaza Theater
I have to admit it. I have watched The Mummy 20 times, maybe more, since my Christmas when I bought the dvd.
Do you think I am obsessed with this movie?
My daughter accuses me of having a crush on Brendan Fraser. Well, he is a hunk of a hero and, at first her accusation embarrassed me - -
but, no, its not that.
I have continued to watch the film and I have figured out my fascination.
I have not been so caught up by a movie since Star Wars (episodes 4,5, and 6 - NOT these three latest digital graphic awfuls) was reissued ten years ago. Then Han Solo captured my imagination - not Harrison Ford - Han Solo.
In my opinion there are plenty of connections between The Mummy and Star Wars - both are fast moving adventures using the George Lucas style of storytelling. Watch for the visual footnotes The Mummy has to Star Wars - as well as references to other movies, especially Indiana Jones.
The music is compelling and propels the story.
In The Mummy the lure of my favorite period in history, Ancient Egypt, makes it doubly hard to resist.
But I realize that beyond all this is something more personal. My memories of the Plaza Theater on a Saturday morning are the attraction. They keep me coming back to revisit The Mummy - again and again and again and again.
I watch it - to once again to see a handsome hero rescue a damsel in distress and save the world.
Nothing wrong with that!
What's not to like?
I will keep watching until I find another film that also satisfies me with such pure enjoyment.
Do you think I am obsessed with this movie?
My daughter accuses me of having a crush on Brendan Fraser. Well, he is a hunk of a hero and, at first her accusation embarrassed me - -
but, no, its not that.
I have continued to watch the film and I have figured out my fascination.
I have not been so caught up by a movie since Star Wars (episodes 4,5, and 6 - NOT these three latest digital graphic awfuls) was reissued ten years ago. Then Han Solo captured my imagination - not Harrison Ford - Han Solo.
In my opinion there are plenty of connections between The Mummy and Star Wars - both are fast moving adventures using the George Lucas style of storytelling. Watch for the visual footnotes The Mummy has to Star Wars - as well as references to other movies, especially Indiana Jones.
The music is compelling and propels the story.
In The Mummy the lure of my favorite period in history, Ancient Egypt, makes it doubly hard to resist.
But I realize that beyond all this is something more personal. My memories of the Plaza Theater on a Saturday morning are the attraction. They keep me coming back to revisit The Mummy - again and again and again and again.
I watch it - to once again to see a handsome hero rescue a damsel in distress and save the world.
Nothing wrong with that!
What's not to like?
I will keep watching until I find another film that also satisfies me with such pure enjoyment.
1/04/2007
Small Blessings
Following; up with my new determination to focus on the small blessings every day;
It was a warm and sunny Washington day that feels like Spring instead of January - but I went ahead and made arrangements to have someone on stand-by for snow removal.
Jim found the favorite silver earring I thought I had lost in California. It had sneaked into his suitcase when we swapped for an overnight.
I found a two hour parking meter one block from Dupont Circle where I was gallery sitting all day. That means only 3 times back and forth up 25 steep marble steps to the gallery. That IS a real blessing.
One call and I completed my storytelling schedule and money goal for March!
YES! In March I will premiere Second Hand Rose at the Rogue Festival in Fresno, CA. Learned today there is a date available so I can have the east coast premiere of Second Hand Rose at my first choice location in April.
Among the accumulation of junk mail that has piled up while we were in CA, there is treasure - Christmas cards from very special friends who have graced our lives for many years.
Hey - naming the small blessings begins to build up!
It was a warm and sunny Washington day that feels like Spring instead of January - but I went ahead and made arrangements to have someone on stand-by for snow removal.
Jim found the favorite silver earring I thought I had lost in California. It had sneaked into his suitcase when we swapped for an overnight.
I found a two hour parking meter one block from Dupont Circle where I was gallery sitting all day. That means only 3 times back and forth up 25 steep marble steps to the gallery. That IS a real blessing.
One call and I completed my storytelling schedule and money goal for March!
YES! In March I will premiere Second Hand Rose at the Rogue Festival in Fresno, CA. Learned today there is a date available so I can have the east coast premiere of Second Hand Rose at my first choice location in April.
Among the accumulation of junk mail that has piled up while we were in CA, there is treasure - Christmas cards from very special friends who have graced our lives for many years.
Hey - naming the small blessings begins to build up!
1/02/2007
Perspectives
Robin has three boys, Jamie (15), Danny (12) and Scottie (10). They went back to school today. The house feels empty. Imagine the quiet.
When 10 year old Scottie's friends Joey and Kevin stopped to pick him up to walk to school Robin heard him say,"hey guys, come see what we did in the back yard."
"Wow!" they said. "and you helped?"
"Yeah, I knocked the nails out of the wood with a hammer."
"Wow!"
Don't you love it?
Having a ten year old around would really help with keeping the big things in perspective.
We have an 8 am flight to Dulles tomorrow morning meaning we will have to leave the house at dawn. No matter what time we leave it will be hard. We have been here three weeks and so having this family around us feels routine as well as special. It will be our house that is abnormally quiet when we get home.
All right, all right. I will welcome some of that quiet and getting back my focus on my list. I have storytelling gigs to prepare for and stuff to write and etc and etc. Jim will get back to his routine and seeing patients. But it will not take the place of the vitality of life with three active boys-and their stream of friends who move through here.
I am looking forward to coming back in February for a few days when I am out to tell stories at the Rogue Festival in Fresno.
When 10 year old Scottie's friends Joey and Kevin stopped to pick him up to walk to school Robin heard him say,"hey guys, come see what we did in the back yard."
"Wow!" they said. "and you helped?"
"Yeah, I knocked the nails out of the wood with a hammer."
"Wow!"
Don't you love it?
Having a ten year old around would really help with keeping the big things in perspective.
We have an 8 am flight to Dulles tomorrow morning meaning we will have to leave the house at dawn. No matter what time we leave it will be hard. We have been here three weeks and so having this family around us feels routine as well as special. It will be our house that is abnormally quiet when we get home.
All right, all right. I will welcome some of that quiet and getting back my focus on my list. I have storytelling gigs to prepare for and stuff to write and etc and etc. Jim will get back to his routine and seeing patients. But it will not take the place of the vitality of life with three active boys-and their stream of friends who move through here.
I am looking forward to coming back in February for a few days when I am out to tell stories at the Rogue Festival in Fresno.
1/01/2007
Celebrate the Ordinary Day
Happy New Year.
News Year's Day brings football and gatherings.
We are still at our daughter Robin's in California. We fly home on Wednesday. Jim and I have been here since December 15; our daughter Karen arrived on the 21st. There are five in Robin's family, We ARE a gathering.
Robin proposed several outings for the day but there were no takers. We all wanted to "hang" as her boys say. So, we enjoyed an ordinary family day. The boys played x-box, and an occasional computer game. Jamie loaded a movie, the Mummy, on my iPod for the plane ride home. I worked on email. Karen watched a movie with ten year old Scottie. Robin walked.Jim and Brad checked out the various Bowl games.
About noon Robin organized everyone into a crew for a family project. A small old deck was in the way of a larger basketball space. It needed to go! So within three hours they had demolished it. I reneged on that and cooked instead.
As I watched the work progressing I realized how significant this was. We live on the east coast, 3000 miles away - our being here is an event. For us being part of an ordinary day is special.
Robin asked me to take some pictures of the crew at work - - for the family albums.
For the New Year I hope to keep my sights on the value of the ordinary and celebrate it.
News Year's Day brings football and gatherings.
We are still at our daughter Robin's in California. We fly home on Wednesday. Jim and I have been here since December 15; our daughter Karen arrived on the 21st. There are five in Robin's family, We ARE a gathering.
Robin proposed several outings for the day but there were no takers. We all wanted to "hang" as her boys say. So, we enjoyed an ordinary family day. The boys played x-box, and an occasional computer game. Jamie loaded a movie, the Mummy, on my iPod for the plane ride home. I worked on email. Karen watched a movie with ten year old Scottie. Robin walked.Jim and Brad checked out the various Bowl games.
About noon Robin organized everyone into a crew for a family project. A small old deck was in the way of a larger basketball space. It needed to go! So within three hours they had demolished it. I reneged on that and cooked instead.
As I watched the work progressing I realized how significant this was. We live on the east coast, 3000 miles away - our being here is an event. For us being part of an ordinary day is special.
Robin asked me to take some pictures of the crew at work - - for the family albums.
For the New Year I hope to keep my sights on the value of the ordinary and celebrate it.
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