July/August 2010

Hello friends,

Summer is in full swing here on the east coast. We are enjoying hot and humid weather and while many don’t welcome the heat, I know it will be fleeting so I will enjoy all of the gifts this season as to offer.

July and August are filled with different and delicious holidays, National Dog Day, National Ice Cream Day and also the Islamic holy celebration of Ramadan. I have offered a variety of links to help you celebrate and honor these days.

If you live in New England and long for a good old fashioned ice cream parlor to help you celebrate National Ice Cream Day stop by stop by * The Big Dipper.  If you are not on Facebook and can't access the link, the address is 14A Stafford Road, Tiverton, RI. This is the place to find your inner child! * In the interest of complete disclosure my cousin owns this shop but it is truly fabulous!

I am excited to be part of an international panel discussion on storytelling, education and children at the Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada conference in St. John’s Newfoundland. I am honored to take part in the conference and I know it will be an fantastic experience. For all of the information go to:
http://www.sc-cc.com/

Also, in July the Story Café will feature storyteller Katie Green on July 24 at ArtWorks in New Bedford, Massachusetts with her show Mommies, Mummies and Madness. Katie takes us to Egypt with ancient stories about contemporary issues filled with awe, mystery and love. Join us as Katie weaves myth and mindfulness in story. It will be a wonderful night and if you have something to share take your turn at the open mic portion of the evening. For all of the information go to my blog link at http://tinyurl.com/28pcf95 .

It is sure to be an amazing August as well. I am honored to be one of the performers at the Mohegan Storytelling and Music Festival in Crompond, NY on August 14, 2010. How can you go wrong with storytellers like Michael Parent, Carol Birch, The Storycrafters, Johnathan Kruk and more? For all of the information go to http://www.storycircleatproctors.org/hv/mohegan/  or email Judith Heineman at juhestories@aol.com

There will be more fun on August 21 at the Story Cafe when two more fabulous storytellers, Bob Reiser and Clare Vadeboncoeur, take the stage. Join Clare and Bob as they Reach for the Moon. "Spend a night with lovers and loons, leap for the impossible and touch the moon. Join Clare and Bob in an hour of stories in words and mime and celebrate your inner wild romantic! Once you feel the kiss of moon dust on your hands, you will never be the same!"

In my last issue I mentioned this amazing new resource but it bears repeating. I can’t recommend this resource book highly enough! Jackie Baldwin is known for her thorough, organized and inclusive work. She is also the 2006 National Storytelling Networks Oracle Award Recipient for her national service to storytelling so you just know this is going to be an amazing resource! For those of you working with the Summer Reading Program this year get ready to "Make a Splash!" this summer. A big one! In support of the CSLP (Collaborative Summer Library Program) 2010 summer theme, "Make a Splash!," Jackie’s latest online book "Water, Water Everywhere! Make a Splash!".

There are 16 chapters that cover water in all its forms from atolls to glaciers to waterholes. Each thematic chapter contains book references and descriptions, a comprehensive reading list, excerpts from and links to full-text stories, fairy tales and folktales, links to extensive online information, and links to preschool and classroom activities. For more information, contact jackie@storyloversworld.com  . To view a complete list of the chapters and a sample chapter, go to: http://www.story-lovers.com/watercycleoutline.html . With Jackie’s help, you will easily keep your head above water this summer!

Well, it looks like I will see you in September! As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions at storybug@aol.com.  I wish you a joy-filled summer filled with the warmth of family and friends. Be well and happy.

Warm wishes,
Karen Chace
http://www.storybug.net/


STORIES

Birds and the Bees - In June I wrote a blog post to welcome summer. There are stories, crafts and curriculum ideas all about the birds and the bees. Buzz on over if you have the chance.
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2010/06/let-me-tell-you-bout-birds-and-bees.html

August 11 is the beginning of Ramadan. I offer some stories to honor this special month.


The Sweetest Sound – A Story for Ramadan
http://herbnites.tripod.com/waldorfinspiredschool/id16.html

Speak Bird, Speak Again – Palestinian Arab Folktales by Ibrahim Muhawi and Sharif Kanaana http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft4s2005r4


August 26th is National Dog Day; here are some stories to keep you howling!

The Black Dog of Hanging Hills – USA http://tinyurl.com/2ex4u5l

Why Cats and dogs Never Get Along - Haiti http://tinyurl.com/26odwdz

Why Dogs Chase Cats - USA http://www.americanfolklore.net/folktales/va.html

Why Dogs Sniff Tails – Native American http://tinyurl.com/2fujeq2

Why Dogs Wag Their Tails – Asia http://asiarecipe.com/phitales3.html

Spectre Dogs – England  http://tinyurl.com/25kro8m



“The story is told eye to eye mind to mind and heart to heart.”    ~ Scottish Traveller Proverb



CRAFTS

July 18 is National Ice Cream Day. Here are lots of flavorful ice cream crafts to help keep you cool through the summer months.

DLTK Crafts – Lots of flavorful ice cream crafts to keep you cool through the summer months. http://www.dltk-holidays.com/summer/national_ice_cream_month.htm

Crafts to celebrate National Dog Day on July 26.

Dalmation Cookie Bank – Adorable bank easily made out of a Kool-aid container.
http://tinyurl.com/2f5j8bg

Make a CD Dog - http://familycrafts.about.com/od/cdcrafts/ss/cdanimals_4.htm

Puppy Coloring Page - http://familycrafts.about.com/library/color/blcoldogbowlbug.htm

Honor the month of Ramadan with these child friendly activities.

Children’s Activities for the Month of Ramadan - http://www.submission.org/YES/child2.html

CURRICULUM

True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.     ~ Nikos Kazantzakis, poet and novelist (1883-1957)

History of Ice Cream - http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/IceCream/IceCreamHistory.htm

National 4-H Curriculum – Learn all you need to know to keep your favorite dog in tip top shape!
http://4-h.org/d/Pages/Layouts/dog.html

Learning Activities for Ramadan - http://tj-ramadan.tripod.com/ramadanlearning.htm

Children’s Books with Muslim and Related Cultural Themes http://www.rukhsanakhan.com/muslimbooklist/Muslimbooklist.pdf


BLOG

Chinese folktales, myths, legends, and proverbs - Translated, adapted, and annotated by Fred Lobb. http://chinesefolktales.blogspot.com/ Thanks to Susanna for passing this one along.


MUSIC

The Mudcat Café -Lying awake trying to remember those old song lyrics to go with your story? Before you have another sleepless night drop in to the Mudcat Café and name that tune!
http://www.mudcat.org/threads.cfm


BUSINESS NOTES

Calm Customers in Six Quick Steps
http://www.businessknowhow.com/marketing/calmcustomers.htm

5 Ways to Work Smarter and Be More Productive by Stacy Karacostas
http://www.businessknowhow.com/growth/worksmart.htm

Eight Steps to Attracting Clients by Bernadette Doyle
http://www.businessknowhow.com/marketing/attractclients.htm


EDUCATION HIGHWAY

July 9-11, 2010 St. Edwards University, Austin, Texas - Tejas Storytelling Conference, "Story: A Path to Wholeness," with Milbre Burch, Tom McDermott, and Twice Upon A Time. More at http://www.tejasstorytelling.com/

July 23-25, 2010 Pyramid Life Center Storytelling Camp, Paradox, NY, in the Adirondack Mts. For new and experienced adult/teen teller. Registration at www.Pyramidlife.org ; Questions? marnigillard@earthlink.net

July 24, 25 2010 Gloucester, Massachusetts - Seascape Festival, Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center. Stories, music, workshops, evening storytelling concert. Jay O'Callahan will lead a workshop. Call 978-281-0470

August 14, 2010 Crompond, New York – 10th Annual Mohegan Colony Storytelling and Music Festival - A full day and evening celebration with some of the most esteemed storytellers in the nation. Information go to: http://www.storycircleatproctors.org/hv/mohegan/ . Questions? Judith Heineman at juhestories@aol.com

August 14-19, 2010 Cortes Island, Canada, Hollyhock Retreat Center. Jay O'Callahan will lead a six day Storytelling Workshop: Like Fireflies: The Art of Creative Storytelling. Songwriter/storyteller Mandi Kujawa from Banff, Canada will assist Jay. Call: 800-933-6339

August 19-22, 2010 South Duxbury, Massachusetts - Body Eloquence: The Healing Power of Stories
This introductory seminar begins the exploration of how we listen and how we heal, through the creative process of storytelling and its resonances in the human body. Space is limited. For more information contact Meg Gilman at meggart@aol.com

September 4, 2010  A-MAZE-ING Story Slam at Fort Hill Farms Corn Maze under the big tent. live music to picnic by starts at 12:00. Corn Maze open before and after for a fee. Theme: In A Quiet Corner
http://www.a-maze-ingstoryslam.ning.com/ or Carolyn Stearns 860-690-4292

September 10 - 11, 2010 La Crosse, Wisconsin - Eighth annual storytelling festival; stories, music, and activities for all ages and the best festival food around. http://www.lacrossestoryfest.com/

September 11, 2010 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Storytelling Workshop presented by the Manitoba Storytelling Guild, with Mary Louise Chown and Kate Isaac. For complete info and registration go to: http://www.marylouisechown.com/

September 23-26, 2010 - Albany, New Hampshire "Mosaic Work: The Art of Presenting Oral Histories", an active master class for storytellers and writers with Jo Radner. For more info: office@worldfellowship.org
(603)447-2280; http://www.worldfellowship.org/

September 24-26, 2010 - Albany, New Hampshire - Storytellers' Retreat with Tony Toledo. A weekend to pursue new story ideas. For more info, and to register: office@worldfellowship.org (603)447-2280; http://www.worldfellowship.org/

October 15-17, 2010 Honolulu, Hawaii - Talk Story Festival. Three free nights (6-9pm) of Hawaii's best storytellers. Information: http://www.honoluuluparks.com/ or Jeff Gere at jgere@honolulu.gov

STORYTELLING/SPOKEN WORD EVENTS

New Bedford, MA - The Story Café and Open Mic at ArtWorks. Adult storytelling venue and open mic once a month. For dates and featured performers through 2010 and complete information visit http://tinyurl.com/mjsrha . Free admission; pass the hat for the feature. Come listen, laugh and support the arts!

Rochester, NH - Storytelling in the Pantry - Catering to the Spoken Word at The Portable Pantry at 12 Hanson Street on the 2nd Friday of each month. Different theme; take part in the open mic, or just come to listen and enjoy! For information call 603-948-2035

Lynn, MA - SPEAK UP! At Tatiana’s Restaurante 70 Market Street. Spoken Word, Open Mike for Storytellers, Poets, Comedians, Activists and YOU! Every Wednesday beginning at 7:00 P.M. Featured Performer 8:30 PM. Contact Tony Toledo at ToledoGoat@aol.com or 978-921-GOAT(4628) or
781-477-0700

Franklin, New Hampshire - Tea & Tales 120 Canal Street T.R.I.P Center. Doorss open at 7:00 P.M. and stories start at 7:30 P.M.. Featured teller begins at 8:10 P.M. Come and share in the refreshments and share a tale of your own. More info: Lauretta Phillips lphillipstale@comcast.net

Portland, Maine MOOSE! Maine Organization Of Storytelling Enthusiasts. Open mic/Spoken Word at 7:00 P.M. followed by a featured performer at 8:05 P.M. the 2nd Wednesday of every month at the North Star Music Café on 225 Congress Street Portland Maine. For more information visit: http://moosetellers.ning.com/


SOMETHING EXTRA


“The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”  ~ Howard Zinn

Better World Books - A business with a mission to support literacy. Every book purchased from Better World Books contributes to individual literacy throughout the world and the promise of a better life. http://www.betterworldbooks.com/info.aspx


Image: Hour of Grace, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam - illustration by Edmund Dulac