Showing posts with label Story Cafe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Story Cafe. Show all posts

January/February 2011




The Fairy Appeared Before Her from
Old French Fairy Tales,Virginia Frances Sterrett, 1920

Hello friends,

I hope you are ending 2010 on a positive and happy note and are looking forward to all the possibilities of a brand new year!

The month of January brings us the the traditional New Year and February ushers in the Chinese New Year on February 3, which is the Year of the Rabbit. I have put together some wonderful rabbit tales (no pun intended) to help you get ready for the celebration.

There are also links for Black History Month, Valentine's Day, Groundhog Day and more. I have also added a new category, Radio, which will offer information on stations where you may hear interviews with professional storytellers and a story or two.

2011 also ushers in a brand new year for the Story Cafe at ArtWorks in New Bedford, MA. On January 22 we are thrilled to host Storyteller Diane Edgecomb, accompanied by Celtic harpist Margot Chamberlain. They will bring their creative talents and offer us a humorous look at the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Read all of the details here at http://tinyurl.com/36x2q7r . For the entire 2011 calendar, along with all of the upcoming featured artists go to  http://tinyurl.com/3234otm. I hope you can join us for one or all, you won't be disappointed!

As always, if you have any comments, suggestions or comments I would love to hear from you. Just email me at storybug@aol.com.

Wishing you all a New Year filled with amazing adventures to entertain you, memorable moments to sustain you, and many stories to share!

Warmly,
Karen Chace
http://www.storybug.net/


STORIES

The Chinese New Year begins on February 3 and 2011 is The Year of the Rabbit; some tales to add to your repertoire.

A Rabbit Story - Tibet - http://tinyurl.com/37cae3w
Brer Rabbit and Tar Baby - USA http://tinyurl.com/2fssknu
The Dance for Water or Rabbit’s Triumph – South Africa http://tinyurl.com/23nmdf3
The Foolish Lion and the Clever Rabbit - http://tinyurl.com/2vv9nkt
Rabbit and Fox– Native American - http://tinyurl.com/29g29hq
The Rabbit and the Coyote - Mayan - http://tinyurl.com/ybn7he6
Rabbit Shots the Sun – Native American - http://tinyurl.com/36u3ukl
The Rabbit Throws Out His Sandal - Mayan - http://tinyurl.com/2uuzrqc
The Smiling Rabbit - Mexico - http://tinyurl.com/327ezs9

Storybug.net – Two previous posts on my blog about the Chinese New Year in 2008 and 2009. While the stories are not about rabbit you will find information about the celebration that may be useful.
http://tinyurl.com/yfqejbk
http://tinyurl.com/ylxdd5l

February is Black History Month. You will find some useful links at my Storytelling Links page at http://www.storybug.net/links/holidays.html#blackhistory

Cupid’s arrow will be making its way to you soon. Stories from Italy and France will have you speaking the language of love just in time for Valentine's Day.
Italian Folktales - http://oaks.nvg.org/italian-folktales.html
Old French Fairy Tales - http://psp.manybooks.net/books/segurc3012930129-8/
True Love – Bare Bones for Storytellers - Jackie Baldwin has delivered a bouquet of stories just in time for Valentine’s Day. http://www.story-lovers.com/barebonesvol3.html
Storybug.net – A number of links I have collected to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day. http://www.storybug.net/links/holidays.html#valentine


"Telling a story is offering an expression of love." ~ Jack Maguire

CRAFTS

"When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work. I told her I worked at the college - that my job was to teach people how to draw. She stared at me, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?" ~ Howard Ikemoto


Chinese New Year:
DLTK Crafts – So many rabbit crafts here you will be hopping for hours! http://tinyurl.com/286ze43hina Themed coloring pages - http://tinyurl.com/2en37sa
Chinese Dragon Puppet – This craft makes a great bookmark as well. http://tinyurl.com/3ysk9ce
Chinese New Year Zodiac Wreath - http://tinyurl.com/2a2h5ul

Remember the dream…Martin Luther King Day:
I Have A Dream Collage - http://tinyurl.com/2uua4wb
Activity Village - Many crafts and activities to honor the man. http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/mlk_day.htm

Ground Hog Day:
Enchanted Learning - Ground Hog Day Puppet - http://tinyurl.com/33n3ndj

Valentine’s Day:
Scroll - http://tinyurl.com/3yc9s7r
Painted Stones - http://tinyurl.com/38cgv98

CURRICULUM

"The job of an educator is to teach students to see vitality in themselves." ~Joseph Campbell
China Word Search - http://tinyurl.com/35cspxe
Education World - Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit - http://tinyurl.com/32xxno3

How Did the Groundhog Get a Day of His Own? - http://wilstar.com/holidays/grndhog.htm
Student Activity – Ground Hog Day Map - http://tinyurl.com/34z7vxo

A-Z Teacher Stuff – Many wonderful lessons plans to highlight African American culture and achievements. http://tinyurl.com/23vqevc
Education World - Activities Celebrate Achievements of African Americans - http://tinyurl.com/22lnxzl

Valentine’s Day Worksheets - http://tinyurl.com/24dk664

KID'S CORNER
I was teaching my fourth grade storytelling troupe a few weeks ago and the students were working with a storytelling exercise I developed, Walk the Talk. To read what one student came up with for her story character, guaranteed to give you a smile, go to http://tinyurl.com/28lc4tb .

BUSINESS BUZZ
7 Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers by Scott Ginsberg - http://tinyurl.com/3x92f8z

Staying Positive About Business Success in a World Full of Negativity by Stacy Karacostas
http://tinyurl.com/372pc24
Storytelling When Creating a Press Release by Kate Engler - http://tinyurl.com/38m55mm
Top 10 Network Marketing Newbie Mistakes by Laura Paulson - http://tinyurl.com/33289ff

EDUCATION HIGHWAY

January 14-16, 2011 Virginia Beach, VA - Stories by the Sea Storytelling Festival with Linda Goodman. For complete info and registration, email blbridg@cox.net or go to http://www.vbumc.org/ .

Fridays, January 14- February 18, 2011 New York - Story Medicine - A 6-week supervision group for clinicians in how to use indigenous and contemporary narrative medicine practices and other expressive arts modalities to support clients, with Juliet Bruce, Ph.D. For further information: http://livingstory-ny.blogspot.com/

Tuesdays, January 25 - March 8, 2011 New York - Mythic Journey: A 7-Week Write of Passage, with Juliet Bruce. Apply the ancient narrative of resilience and archetypes of transformation to any challenging project, difficult life passage, or threshold moment in your life. For info, please go to http://livingstory-ny.blogspot.com/ .

January 28 - 30, 2011 Southport, North Carolina - Workshop with Antonio Rocha. Beyond The Voice: Through mime and illusion, discover skills to use body language to better communicate your story. Contact dianne@diannehackworth.com  for registration or more info.

February 4 - 6, 2011 Marblehead, Massachusetts – Making Stories From Your Life: A Workshop lead by Judith Black. The Personal Tale made universal. Cost $300. Limited to eight participants. For more info contact Judith Black at jb@storiesalive.com  or call 781-631-4417.

February 4-7, 2011 - Brattleboro Vermont - Springboards for Stories. Jackson Gillman offers this weekend workshop. Open to all regardless of performing experience, two slots remain. For more information contact Jackson Gillman at http://tinyurl.com/6t55t6 .

March 10-13, 2011-  Denton Civic Center, Denton, Texas - Texas Storytelling Festival features Donald Davis, Jeannine Pasini Beekman, Lyn Ford and Jay Stailey along with Ghost Stories, Fringes, Sacred Tales and sixteen useful and inspiring workshops. http://www.tejasstorytelling.com/ .

March 18-20, 2010 - 10th Annual Vasa Gathering featuring Michael Reno Harrell, Ralph Chatham, and Geradine Buckley, at Massanetta Springs Conference Center, Harrisonburg, VA. For further information email tellspence@cox.net  or go to http://www.vastorytelling.org/ .
March 27 - April 2, 2011 - Oaxac, Mexico - Storytelling/Writing/Personal Quest Retreat and Cultural Tour. For storytellers, teachers, writers, etc., and anyone interested in Mexican culture and in examining their own life’s path in light of the wisdom derived from world mythology and the record of one¹s own life experiences and stories. For more information contact Jim May at maystory@earthlink.net .

RADIO

Here Women Tell at http://zeusradio.com/player/hwt/  Every Wednesday, 4:00 P.M. -. Kris Hillenburg interviews storytellers to get the story behind the story, storytelling news and reviews with Linda Goodman, Archives and download podcasts at http://herewomentalkradio/home/archives_shows/71


STORYTELLING/SPOKEN WORD EVENTS

New Bedford, MA - The Story Café and Open Mic at ArtWorks. Adult storytelling venue and open mic. We have ended our second season and you can find the upcoming 2011 schedule at http://tinyurl.com/3234otm . Take your turn at the open mic! 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!  The Walnut Street Coffee Cafe, 157 Walnut St, Lynn, MA. Come to the Walnut Street Coffee Cafe for the best in poetry, storytelling, jive talking, etc. Sign up for the open mike starts at 7:00 P.M. with the actual talking kicking off at 7:30 P.M. 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. Doors 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/

Boston, MA - massmouth – Now in its second successful year, massmouth has taken Boston, MA and the surrounding area by storm with events geared towards the spoken word, modeled after The Moth in New York. Themes are changed each month and vary by location. Tellers have five minutes to tell their best true story based on the theme. For all of the information, locations, dates and times go to http://www.massmouth.com/


BEAUTIFUL BLOGS

Tales I Tell – Australian storyteller Mabel Kaplan and I never met in person, yet we forged a friendship through cyber space and across continents. She was a woman of wit, talent and compassion. Sadly, she crossed over this December but her tales will live on through her words and our memories. http://belka37.blogspot.com/


MUSIC

Sing-a-long- Songs - Songs to remember the concepts we are learning in science, math and social studies. http://tinyurl.com/2b87tuw

SOMETHING EXTRA


Expert Advice to Cut Clutter – Just in time to start the New Year off right!
http://tinyurl.com/2w4s9ws

Which Date Works - What? Who? When? Send! It’s as easy as one, two, three, four! Trying to find the right day for an event that pleases everyone? You’ll appreciate this site. Name your event, add the email addresses of all involved; as each participant inputs their availability, you will get a graphic overview of which dates are best for your event. http://whichdateworks.com/Editor.aspx

September/October 2010



"That night was the turning point in the season. We had gone to bed in summer, and we awoke in autumn."
~ Henry David Thoreau

Hello friends,

I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful summer in this part of the hemisphere. The crisp, clean feel of fall is already dancing around the trees in New England and some of them are already beginning to change into their colorful autumn coats. This is definitely one of my favorite seasons!

The passing of summer means a return to school here in Massachusetts so this newsletter offers curriculum connections to fill our classrooms with the magic of folktales and fairy tales. September is also library sign-up month; look for an adorable bookmark in the craft section for the children to make and use with their favorite reading choice. We can’t forget the beautiful Chinese Moon Festival celebration so there are stories, lesson plans and more as well.

September will be extra special this year as it brings my friend and colleague Dale Jarvis from Newfoundland to Massachusetts. Dale will be the featured performer the evening of September 18 for the Story Café at ArtWorks in New Bedford, MA. He will also offer his amazingly informative Historical Interpretation workshop during the day as well. This is a rare opportunity to learn from his vast experience and hear the rich folktales of Newfoundland. Registration is required for the workshop. Click on this link for the workshop information and here for the evening performance at the Story Cafe.

October brings us All Hallows Eve, Polish American History Month and on a personal note, my wonderful son's wedding! Also, our feature for the October 16 Story Café will be the talented storyteller and musician Tim Van Egmond. It will be our last Story Café for 2010. I hope you can join us and help us finish our second full year of stories and songs.

My sincere apologies for the being a wee bit late with the newsletter this month. I was away on vacation the last week of August in the mountains of New Hampshire and Internet access was limited and very, very slow! I know, I know, I should have been more organized and finished it before I left but I hope you will forgive me. The next newsletter will arrive with the frost of November and don't forget, you can always visit the newsletter archives for seasonal links. Until then, be well and happy, and as always, if you have any suggestions, comments or questions, I would love to hear from you. Just drop me a note at storybug@aol.com.

Warmest wishes,
Karen Chace
Storyteller/Teaching Artist/Producer
http://www.storybug.net/


STORIES

September 22 begins the celebration of the Chinese Moon Festival.

Storybug.net -  I have put together some stories, crafts and more about this wonderful Mid-Autumn Chinese festival at my blog post for you to enjoy.
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2010/08/by-light-of-silvery-moon.html

October is Polish American History Month. Here are some stories to pomoże świętują! (help you celebrate)

Sixty Folktales from Slavonic Sources - A delightful mix of tales from Bohemia, Moravia, Serbia, Hungary and more. http://tinyurl.com/26w5v35

Cossack Fairy Tales and Folktales by Robert Nisbet Bain, 1902 – Bain collected these folktales from Ruthenian, the language of the Cossacks, a language intermediate between Russian and Polish.
http://tinyurl.com/2uklns8

It wouldn’t be October without some tales to terrify!

Crabtree Books – Well, this book doesn’t fall into the category of terrifying but it is full of fun for Halloween, offering stories, rhymes, costume ideas, recipes and more. It is a free pdf file and downloads quickly. http://www.crabtreebooks.com/download/ebook/halloweenebook.pdf

Story-Lovers.com - Halloween Bare Bones for Storytellers with 100 years of story skeletons from around the world! http://www.story-lovers.com/barebonesstories.html

Russian Folk-tales by William Ralston Shedden Ralston - Just in time for All Hallow’s Eve. Download this book from 1880, full of myths, legends, and folktales of demons, witches, vampires and ghouls if you dare! http://tinyurl.com/28t449c


"A folktale is the poetic text that carries some of its cultural contexts within it; it is also a traveling metaphor that finds a new meaning with every telling."    ~ A.K. Ramanujan

 
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Character and Action Identification -Language Arts and Storytelling for K-2.
http://tinyurl.com/36lz8bj

Fable Writing-Interdisciplinary Approach To Social Sciences – For grades 3 – 8
http://tinyurl.com/24snytv

Fairy Tale Journey - Language Arts/Writing  “In this creative writing process, the student will assume the role of the main character in the fairy tale. The student will use fantasy to change the ending of a familiar fairy tale.” Grade 3-4 http://tinyurl.com/2b4ttgr

Once Upon A Time - Language Arts/Writing  “Story Starters initiate an idea from which an exposition flows. This variation requires students to "think in reverse"; to reconstruct the missing elements of a story so that they make sense, or "fit into" what has been provided." For grades 4 - 6.
http://tinyurl.com/33hs92o

Chinese Moon Festival Lesson Plan – Expose your students to the Chinese Festival and learn about its history and culture. For grades 1-4. http://tinyurl.com/2vakv3l

Chinese Moon Festival Worksheets -" Teach about the moon legends, like how the Moon Goddess came to be with her husband, the archer; about the Jade Rabbit and Moon Cakes! The Chinese Moon Festival Worksheets are great for a Chinese Moon Festival Theme Unit!"
http://tinyurl.com/2faa2d2

When Tortoise Wins the Day: Using International Folktales to Teach Language Arts - There is nothing slow about this resource! An amazing 44 page document filled with valuable information on using storytelling in the classroom for grade K – 8. Folktales, lesson plans, activities, and links, all you need to introduce storytelling to your students. http://tinyurl.com/lna2ec


"It ought to be the rule, rather than the exception, that young children listen to, read, act out, and discuss fairy tales, myths, legends, folklore, heroic adventures, biographies, and stories from history."      ~ Ravitch


CRAFTS

Bookworm Bookmark – An easy and adorable craft to celebrate Library Month!
http://tinyurl.com/2f26sl4

Chinese Moon Festival Coloring Pages – From the Moon Goddess to moon cakes, many choices to choose from. http://tinyurl.com/3yyorka

Polish Gwiazdy – Beautiful paper cuttings that look like snowflakes but they have eight sides not six.
http://tinyurl.com/22jo2gd

Story Sack – ‘This is a fun way for parents and children to read stories together. Grandparents, teachers, childcare providers, babysitters and anyone else who spends time with children will also find these useful!”
http://tinyurl.com/27pwh8j

Teacher’s Survival Kit – School is in session and the teachers in your child’s life will love you for thinking of them. Put together this easy and charming “survival kit” and add a smile to their year!
http://tinyurl.com/2frdeng


BUSY BLOGS

Tales I Tell – This is the wonderfully eclectic blog of my storytelling colleague and friend, Mabel Kaplan of Australia.  http://belka37.blogspot.com/


BUSINESS NOTES

Three Ways to Take Control and Grow Your Small Business in Any Economy by Stacy Karacostas
http://tinyurl.com/32ou24d

5 Top Tips for Using Social Media to Help Launch Your New Business by Rick Mathieson http://tinyurl.com/33696ul

Ten Tips to Ignore When Starting a Business by Cathy Goodwin 
http://tinyurl.com/3xx2mqp


EDUCATION HIGHWAY

September 5 - 6, 2010 Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada - TALES (The Alberta League Encouraging Storytelling) is hosting its 22 annual festival. There are workshops for tellers in the morning, storytelling sets in the afternoon, and a concert Sunday evening. http://www.talesstorytelling.com/  or email talesedmonton@hotmail.com  Phone: 780-932-4409
* Because the newsletter was late this month the festival has already passed. However, it is never too late to make plans for next year!

September 11, 2010 Portland, ME The Center for Grieving Children - Workshop with Regina Carpenter- Diving and Emerging: A workshop for anyone interested in helping children heal from grief and loss through storytelling. http://www.cgcmaine.org/  or 207-775-5216.

September 18, 2010 – New Bedford, MA Historical Interpretation Workshop with Newfoundland storyteller, author and presenter Dale Jarvis from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. A light lunch is included.  For all of the information go to: http://tinyurl.com/39a5p5t .

September 19-25, 2010 Door County, WI – A week of storytelling workshops with Kevin McMullin at Lawrence University’s famous Bjorklunden campus. For more information visit: http://www.lawrence.edu/dept/bjork/bjorkseminars/  or http://www.kevinmcmullin.com/ .

September, last full weekend in Ripon, Wisconsin - WISGET (Wisconsin Get Together) This is a time to share stories and ideas with Wisconsin (and those from other states) tellers. http://www.wistory.org/  or email midge.miles@att.net .

October 12, 2010 -- Mercy Cares for Kids 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY Tales ‘n Tunes (Carol Connolly & Don Darmer) Teacher Workshop on Extending the Story. For information: (518) 786-1271 or talesntunes@earthlink.net .

October 15-17, 2010 Scituate, MA. Alice's House, Humarock - Jay O'Callahan will lead a 3-day Creativity Through Storytelling Workshop. Co-facilitating will be Mandi Kujawa, songwriter, singer and storyteller from Banff, Canada. Call: 800-626-5356.

October 20 - 24, 2010 - Scituate, MA Alice's House, Humarock. Jay O'Callahan will lead a 5-day Creativity Through Storytelling Workshop for those who have significant storytelling experience. Co-facilitating will be Mandi Kujawa, songwriter, singer and storyteller from Banff, Canada. Call:
800-626-5356 .

October 23, 2010 Concord, MA - Telling our Stories in New Ways (women only), with
Elisa Pearmain. For complete information go to http://www.womenswell.org/  or contact elisa@wisdomtales.com .

October 22-24, 2010 Schenectady, NY Retreat “Storytelling: Story Your Way In” with Marni Gillard. Bring a favorite story to share as well as a journal. 518-393-4169 dslcny@nycap.rr.com  details: http://www.dslcny.org/

October 30, 2010 - 10-4pm - Concord, MA. Forgiveness: Telling our Stories in New Ways with Elisa Pearmain. For complete information go to: http://www.wrighttavern.org/  or contact elisa@wisdomtales.com .


CALL FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS

New England Folk Festival Association - The 2011 Festival, our 67th annual Festival, will be held on April 15-17 2011 in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Festival applications are available now: http://www.neffa.org/app_chooser.html 

New England Storytelling Conference: Sharing the Fire – Warwick, RI Sponsored by the League for Advancement of New England Storytelling. The CFP instructions and form are attached to this email, and is also be posted on the LANES website http://www.lanes.org/ . The deadline for submission is September 17, 2010.

Northlands Storytelling Conference, Lake Geneva, WI - Guidelines posted at http://www.northlands.net/ . Deadline for submission is October 1, 2010.


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! has A NEW HOME! Walnut Street Coffee Cafe, 157 Walnut St, Lynn, MA. Come to the Walnut Street Coffee Cafe for the best in poetry, storytelling, jive talking, etc. Sign up for the open mike starts at 7:00 P.M. with the actual talking kicking off at 7:30 P.M. 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. Doors 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

“Every good act is charity. A man's true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.”  ~ Moliere

The Giraffe Heroes Project – “This non-profit honours the risk-takers, people who are largely unknown, people who have the courage to stick their necks out for the common good in the United States and around the world.” http://www.giraffe.org/

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

MAY/JUNE 2010

Welcome spring!

"Let me tell you 'bout the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees…" I always think of this song from the 1960’s when spring rolls around. Mother Nature brings us many things to be thankful for and in this issue I offer some stories and curriculum links to help you welcome the season, including fables to celebrate Aesop’s birthday and more.

On another note, 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!" is scheduled for release in mid-May.

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!

If you are in the New England area I hope you will join us on May 15, 2010 for the Story Café at ArtWorks in New Bedford, MA featuring award-winning storyteller Joanne Piazzi. For all of the information go to http://tinyurl.com/y5abr3m . On June 26, 2010 the Story Café will offer another award-winning double feature, storytellers Eshu and Motoko for an evening that is sure to please!

Remember, if you’re seeking additional stories, crafts or curriculum connections for other holidays in May and June visit my newsletter archives. Rather than repeating previous links in this issue simply use the Google search bar at the main newsletter link here: http://tinyurl.com/36mfpg9  .
As always, I appreciate your questions, comments and suggestions. Please feel free to send me an email at storybug@aol.com; I would love to hear from you! Happy spring. I will see you in July!

Be well and happy,
Karen
http://www.storybug.net/


STORIES

Celebrate Aesop's birthday with his delightful stories from long ago.
TomsDomain.com
– Interesting sight that offers the text of Aesop’s Fables combined with 1692 translations by Sir Roger L'Estrange. Also, the fables are organized by primary characters along with their specific morals. http://tomsdomain.com/aesop/aesopmain.htm

If you pay attention the stories, smells and sounds of spring are everywhere...

The Book of Nature Myths by Florence Holbrook, 1902. Read “The Story of the First Hummingbird” find out “Why the Dove is Timid” or “Why the Juniper Has Berries” and so much more. Fifty-four myths to last you through all of the four seasons. http://tinyurl.com/2wrzooy

The Bear and the Bees http://tinyurl.com/398k2k2
The Bee, The Harp, The Mouse and the Bum-Cock http://tinyurl.com/38w7w3b
The Queen Bee – Story from the Brothers Grimm http://www.thequeenbee.us/

Birds, Folklore and Facts – You can always count on Jackie Baldwin to have a fabulous compilation of stories on almost any subject; birds are no exception.
http://www.story-lovers.com/listsbirdstories.html
Bird Stories from Around the World – Fifteen stories collected for my website.
http://www.storybug.net/links/birdstories.html
Heron and the Hummingbird – Native American folktale from the Hitchiti tribe.
http://www.americanfolklore.net/folktales/ga3.html
How the King of the Birds Was Chosen: and Other Mayan Folktales
http://tinyurl.com/3ajf4zr
The King of the Birds - http://tinyurl.com/2uealkv
The Language of the Birds – From Folktales of the Russian http://tinyurl.com/32jj9xc

Why We Have Insects Bees and Birds – From The Magic Crocodile and other folktales of Indonesia by Alice M. Terada. http://tinyurl.com/2wyqus9

Flower Fables - From the gentle hand of Louisa May Alcott, nine lovely, short fables.
http://www.classicreader.com/book/3/
Nanabush and the Wild Roses – Canadian Legend http://tinyurl.com/263qsm9
The Tulip Bed – From English Fairy and Folktales http://tinyurl.com/29grakc


BOOKS

Make a Splash! If you missed the information in the newsletter introduction Jackie Baldwin’s latest online book "Water, Water Everywhere! Make a Splash!" is scheduled for release in mid-May. Just in time for you summer program. For 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

BLOGS

The Kiddosphere – This is the creation of Jennifer Schultz, services librarian and highlights her adventures with children’s and YA literature. http://tinyurl.com/24eo3hw

Story Route – The brainchild of former librarian, now storyteller and writer, Cathryn Wellner has an eclectic history that only adds to the interesting and fascinating tapestry of her work.
http://tinyurl.com/37w38ay

BUSINESS NOTES

Color Yourself Successful by Ken Peters – “Color communicates. When language fails color can offer valuable associations with people, places and things…Because color's impact is so profound, its role in branding your business is critical. When applied effectively, color can achieve extraordinary results”. http://tinyurl.com/252m8px

Virtual Press Release Faux Pas by Janet Attard – “Using email to send press releases to editors can save you considerable time and money. One click and your release can be on its way to dozens of editor but one click of the mouse is all it takes for each editor or writer on your mailing list to delete the release, often without opening your email at all.” http://tinyurl.com/2etev8u

Why Do People Write This Way? (And How You Can Avoid Doing the Same) by Ernest Nicastro – “Leverages a proprietary coaching framework...purposeful investments in human capital...aligning people and systems in pursuit of”...why do people write this way? http://tinyurl.com/28z4xgg


“Things need not have happened to be true. Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot.”  ~ Neil Gaiman, A Midsummer Night’s Dream



CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

Fables Theme: Preschool Activities and Crafts - “Visit a theme to find activities that include easy instructions and a list of materials needed related to Aesop's and other fables. You will find crafts, printable activities, and related resources.” http://www.first-school.ws/theme/fables.htm

Giant Tissue Paper Flowers – Decorate with this lovely flowers. No watering required. http://tinyurl.com/3438nvo
Handprint Lilies – Cute and easy craft for ages 5+. http://www.dltk-holidays.com/mom/mlilies.htm
Flower Coloring Pages – A garden of choices. http://flowercoloringpages.org/

Bath Salts for Mom – Easy and inexpensive craft. http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/mother7.shtml
Flower Doorstop for Mom – Just in time for Mother’s Day! http://tinyurl.com/32mrspl


CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Aesop and Ananse: Animal Fables and Trickster Tales – Using these lesson plans students will “become familiar with fables and trickster tales from different cultural traditions and will see how stories change when transferred orally between generations and cultures.” http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=240

For the Birds – Science lesson plan on the characteristics of birds for K – 2.
http://www.arlingtonecho.org/pdf_files/forbirdsK.PDF

Collaborative Summer Library Program - “A consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children…." Includes the history of the organization, audio public service announcements, participating states, past and present themes, frequently asked questions, and more. Copyright 2005 http://lii.org   http://www.cslpreads.org/

Flower Facts and Trivia – Add some interesting trivia about flowers to your storytelling on classroom lessosn plans. http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/flowers/pcd11.html

Honey Bees and Cultural Attitudes - Grades: 4-6 Essential Skills: Literature, Language Arts, Social Studies Students explore how honey bees are portrayed in art and literature. It also offers a comprehensive and age appropriate bibliography at the end. http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/ahb/lsn25.html

The Teacher’s Guide: Plants and Flowers - Lots of lesson plans and ideas to keep the ideas blloming! http://www.theteachersguide.com/plantsflowers.htm


“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”  ~ Rudyard Kipling


EDUCATION HIGHWAY

June 11 – 13, 2010 Harvard, Illinois - Workshop and writers workshop with storyteller and author Jim May. No experience necessary. For more information email: maystory@earthlink.net

June 13 -19, 2010 Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom - Stories for Health – Words for Well Being. For who would like to know and experience more to enhance their way of working and practice. Contact: Wendy Woolfson info@storiesforhealth.org  http://www.storiesforhealth.org/

June 25 - June 27, 2010 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania- Lehigh Valley Story Festival. Three days of storytelling events, including a children’s show, workshop, concerts, and sacred stories. Contact: Charles Kiernan cjkiernan@toast.net http://www.lvstorytellers.org/

June 28 – July 1, 2010 Marblehead, Massachusetts Telling Stories to Children with Judith Black Educators, ministers, rabbis, business leaders, etc. have used this class as a springboard for integrating storytelling into their lives and work. Information: jb@storiesalive.com, 781-631-4417 or http://www.tellingstoriestochildren.com/

July 3-9, 2010 Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina - Storytellers Wild Week Working With Folktales with Mary Hamilton. For complete info and registration go to: http://www.diannehackworth.com/wildweek.php#top

July 8 – 10, 2010 Austin, Texas The Texas Storytelling Conference - Milbre Burch keynote theme "Story: A Path to Wholeness." http://www.tejasstorytelling.com/ .

July 18 - 22, 2010 Wallingford, Pennsylvania - The Teaching Power of Story with Bill Harley. Appropriate for all people who see themselves as teachers. CEU credits available Information: 800-742-3150 http://tinyurl.com/38ayyw9

July 23- 25, 2010 North Columbia, California  Sierra Storytelling Festival
http://www.sierrastorytellingfestival.org/

July 23-25, 2010 Sydney, Australia NSW Storytelling Conference - Weaving Stories Together
Develop storytelling skills, enjoy performances and interact with others who have a love of Storytelling. Call for contributions are still open. Info: Christine Carlton http://www.storytellersnsw.org.au/  or nswstory@gmail.com

July 29 – August 1, 2010 Los Angeles, California National Storytelling Conference: Many Stories - One World. For information go to www.storynet.org/conference

August 6 – 8, 2010 Leyden, MA Summer Storytelling Institute Retreat with Rona Leventhal. Limited to 14 people. 20 PDP's for Massachusetts teachers. Information: http://www.ronatales.com/ or call
413-586-0624

2010 Summer Sessions’ of the Art of the Oral Tradition at Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, Connecticut
June 27 - July 2: Multicultural Storytelling – Carol Birch
July 12 - Jul 16: Storytelling and Social Change – Heather Forest
July 19 - July 23: Methods & Genres: Storytelling – Jeri Burns & Barry Marshall
July 26 - July 30: Introduction to Storytelling – Carol Birch
Aug 9 - Aug 13: Storytelling Art & Technique – Carol Birch
For information on each course and instructor, visit: www.storycrafters.com/AOT.html  More information is also available by contacting Arlene Bielefield at lakeview01@comcast.net  or http://www.southernct.edu/summersession/

MUSIC

KIDdiddles - Searching for songs, fingerplays and games to add to your storytelling? From Alouette to Wiggle in My Toes, this is the place jump, jiggle and jive!
http://www.kididdles.com/mouseum/busy.html


KIDS CORNER

One of my very shy third grade storytelling students said, "I think you are a mind reader."
"Why?" I asked.
"Because you told me months ago that I would ask to tell my story. I can't believe I did it in front of the class today!"
"Well, I have been doing this for a while and I know how it works."
"Nope, I think you're a mind reader!"

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  978-921-GOAT(4628) or
781-477-0700


SOMETHING EXTRA

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”    ~ John F. Kennedy

A Home In Haiti – You can ensure shelter for one family or more before the hurricane season strikes Haiti  this month. Choose your tent, point, and click. What could be easier? Provide a temporary home for those in need. http://www.ahomeinhaiti.org/index.html

March/April 2010

Hello friends,

This is the first newsletter using the new system. Please let me know if you experienced any problems or have any questions.

I have added a new section to the newsletter in this issue. From time to time I will highlight blogs I feel are the best of the best. If you have any to suggest, please send the link along for review.

I hope you enjoyed a terrific New Year and Valentine’s Day. While I love snow I am happy to see spring peeking just around the corner. Of course, it makes me very happy that one of my favorite holidays, St. Patrick’s Day, will soon be here. As you may suspect I am of Celtic heritage, Irish, English and Scottish, so I revel celebrating the day when we are all Irish!

With that in mind, I invite you all to join us on March 6 for the adult Story Café at ArtWorks in New Bedford, MA for Celtic Fury, Fun and Frivolity with award winning storyteller Marni Gillard. For information on the evening and more go to http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2010/02/celtic-fury-fun-and-frivolity.html . You won't want to miss a moment with this delightful talented teller and author.

If you are interested in the art of storyteller please join me at the Northeast Storytelling Conference: Sharing the Fire in Warwick, Rhode Island this month. There is a wide variety of workshops, for beginners to experienced tellers as well as concerts and comaradeire. I will be presenting my workshop, Story by Story – Building a School Storytelling Troupe as well. For conference information got to http://www.lanes.org/ .

April is also full of some fun celebrations, the day of fools, no housework day (my personal favorite) on April 7 and Tell A Story day on April 27. I hope you will enjoy them all!

On April 12 the amazing Michael Parent, storyteller, raconteur and musician will be our feature at the Story Café. Michael will share stories about “He-roes and She-roes, Unsung and Unlabeled.” This is a fundraiser for ArtWorks and there will be no open mic this evening.. Contact ArtWorks at (508) 984-1588 for tickets for this special event, it will be worth every penny and you will be supporting the arts!

If you live in the Midwest and wish to learn more about storytelling there is another wonderful conference on the horizon, the Northlands Storytelling Conference. This is one of my favorite conferences, filled with fun and friends. I will present my workshop, Untangling the Web – Researching Stories on the Internet and there is so much more this amazing conference has to offer. For more information go to http://www.northlands.net/ .

In Massachusetts we are on the cutting edge with a brand new storyteller venue. MassMouth has an amazing series of adult Story Slams taking place in and around Boston, MA. For more info and to get in on all the fun go to http://massmouth.ning.com/events. The next one is scheduled for March 15 at Kennedy’s in Boston. I will be there meeting, greeting and taking tickets at the door. Come by, say hello and stay for the fun!

I will see you all again in May. If you have any comments or suggestions, or would like to see something added to the newsletter, please email me at storybug@aol.com I would love to hear from you!

Happy Spring!
Karen

Image: A Fairy by Arthur Rackham

STORIES

Okay, I admit it, I was a bit obsseed trying to find a way to connect Ireland and frogs this month. Eureka! I found a story with frogs and faeries. I hope you enjoy it.

The Little Green Frog - from the Yellow Fairy Tale book by Andrew Lang
http://tinyurl.com/ybz9sgq

St. Patrick’s Day will be upon us quicker than you can say “shamrock!” Here are some sites to help you celebrate in style. Erin go bragh!

In Chimney Corners: merry tales of Irish folk lore by Seumas MacManus and Pamela Colman Smith, 1899 http://tinyurl.com/p7onf

Legends and Stories of Ireland by Samuel Lover, 1831, 1834
http://sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/lasi/index.htm

Storybug.net - Visit my blog post to find Celtic stories for adults and children alike, along with some printables and a craft to share. http://tinyurl.com/y85cgdm

April is National Frog Month so here are some tales to get you hopping!

The Frog and the Condor - Peru - http://tinyurl.com/yl29sfy
The Frog Princess - Italian - http://tinyurl.com/yzl97rq
The Kind Stepdaughter and the Frog - Germany - http://tinyurl.com/yhg33fm
The Tiger and the Frog - Tibet - http://tinyurl.com/ykl6rzg
The Tsarevna Frog - Russia - http://tinyurl.com/yjfvtxe

April 15 is the birthday of Leonardo Da Vinci. To celebrate I offer you a some tales from the master.

The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci - Edited by John Paul Richter in 1880 this website offers da Vinci’s perceptions on a variety of topics. Click on the link “Humorous Writings” to discover fables on plants, animals and objects. All of these works are in the public domain. http://tinyurl.com/yzh72ma



"All sorrows can be borne if you put them into a story or tell a story about them."
                                                                         - Isak Dinesen Three Acre Sorrow

 
BLOGS
 
Chinese Folktales: "The White-Nosed Cat" and Other Tales From the Chinese-Speaking World - Chinese folktales, myths, legends, and proverbs translated, adapted, and annotated by Fred Lobb. http://tinyurl.com/ycr8bsu

New England Folklore
– Appealing and fun blog from Peter of Boston, MA. He is an avid folklore fan and intersperses short tales with interesting historical and background information.
http://newenglandfolklore.blogspot.com/

Sue Black – Storyteller and Teaching Artist – Sue is not only a talented storyteller but a teaching artist as well. Her blog is full of wonderful insights, a lovely feast for the mind. http://sueblack1.wordpress.com/


BUSINESS NOTES

Weaving Storytelling and Business with an Authentic Voice - I recently put together a handout for a college class on storytelling and business. I have placed it on my blog for your use. http://tinyurl.com/yhnnpaa

5 Free Tools That Make You Look More Professional by Brad Egeland
http://tinyurl.com/yaspdtr

7 Tips for Money-Making Postcards by Ivan Levison
http://tinyurl.com/yhoxq9w

10 for '010 - 10 Smart Leadership Questions for 2010 by Gayle Lantz
http://tinyurl.com/yzr5fxb

Building Lessons Learned in 2009: What Highly-Successful Small Business Owners Are Doing that You Can Do Too by Stacy Karacostas http://tinyurl.com/yjj4obv

Email Newsletter Design Guide By Hostway http://tinyurl.com/ygv7589

Rid Yourself of These 10 Damaging Word-Habits by Stephanie Bickel http://tinyurl.com/yzu6oux

CRAFTS AND FUN

You’ll be “wearin the green” with these fun crafts for St. Patrick’s Day!Catch him if you can!

Leprechaun Crafts - http://tinyurl.com/yl3rmq9
St. Patrick’s Day Wreaths – Easy crafts for ages 2 – 4 http://tinyurl.com/yz4bw29
St. Patrick’s Day Word Jumble http://tinyurl.com/ykjhtf8
St. Patrick’s Day Word Search http://tinyurl.com/ylx8537
St. Patrick’s Day Coloring Pages http://tinyurl.com/yz7guar

Frog crafts to complement the tales!

Frog Pouch Craft – Ages 3 and up http://tinyurl.com/ykjkko5
Frog Paper Bag Puppet – Ages 2 and up http://tinyurl.com/yjc9cbd
Frog Paper Crafts – Ages 2 and up http://tinyurl.com/yjb5tok

“Every child, and the child in every one of us, is ready to plead: Tell me a story. For the role of stories is to explain life, and the good stories, in their substance and in the structure of their language, become revelation."   - Andrew M. Greeley



CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Leprechauns, frogs and toads, oh my!

An Irish Folktale to Teach Cause and Effect - http://tinyurl.com/yg62kn9
Circle Time and Game Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day - http://tinyurl.com/ygf8bj7
Literacy Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day – Site words, literacy tiles and more. http://tinyurl.com/ylyhz9a
Math Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day - http://tinyurl.com/yjcecro
Use Irish Folktales to Teach Reading Comprehension Skills - http://tinyurl.com/yzottw8

All About Frogs for Kids and Teachers – Lots of information here: lesson plans, activities, crafts, games and more. http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Themes/frogs/
Frog Life Cycle Quiz – http://tinyurl.com/yg9vvsp
Some Strange but True Facts about Frogs and Toads http://tinyurl.com/yf5enlu


EDUCATION HIGHWAY

March 5-7, 2010 Riverwind Whirlwind Weekend Belleville, Illinois with Bil Lepp at Our Lady of the Snows  “Getting Folks to Lie Well” (Workshop details to come later or contact Mary Lu Bretsch at
618-234-9698

March 19 – 21, 2010 Warwick, Rhode Island - Sharing the Fire: The Northeast Storytelling Conference http://www.lanes.org/

March 28—April 3, 2010 Oaxaca, Mexico Storytelling Retreat and Cultural with Jim May. We “workshop” ‘til 1:00 p.m. each day and spend the rest of the day with optional visits to museums, ruins, cafés, galleries, markets, etc or rest. Contact Jim May at maystory@earthlink.net

April 9 - 11, 2010 Cape Girardeau, MO with Donald Davis, Minton Sparks, Kevin Kling, and Syd Lieberman. http://www.capestorytelling.com/

April 23-25, 2010 Green Lake, Wisconsin - Northlands Storytelling Conference “The Tale’s the Thing” http://www.northlands.net/

April 28 - May 1, 2010 Mt. Vernon, Ohio - O.O.P.S. Storytelling Conference - Mary Garrett will be telling stories and presenting “Frog Goes to High School,” a workshop on “stealth storytelling” in middle and high school. http://www.oopstorytelling.org/

April 28 - May 1, 2010 – St. Louis, MO Leeny Del Seamonds will be headliner at St. Louis Storytelling Festival in Missouri, along with Bil Lepp, Peter Cook, Gene Tagaban, Regi Carpenter, and Larry Brown. http://www.stlstorytellingfestival.org/

May 19-23, 2010 – Greensboro, North Carolina - Leeny Del Seamonds returns as headliner at NC Storyfest, Greensboro, NC, along with The Healing Force and Logie Meachum. http://wwwncstoryfest.org/

July 29-August 1, 2010 – Los Angeles, California - National Storytelling Network National Conference “Many Stories…One World” http://www.storynet.org/


MUSIC

Music and Movement – Just what the title says! Some old favorites and some that might be new for you. Help the children shake those wiggles out! http://tinyurl.com/yllxvhz  

“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”  - Aesop

SOMETHING EXTRA

Random Acts of Kindness – Terrific ideas for spreading kindness in the classroom, at work or in the community. Make someone smile today! http://www.actsofkindness.org/