January/February 2013

Victorian Postcard, 1905

Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
~William Arthur Ward

 

Happy New Year!

I hope the holiday season found you surrounded by those you love and those who love you. It’s hard to believe another year has passed but each New Year brings with it the opportunity for a fresh start, new goals and endless possibilities.

 

Last night I was blessed to participate in New Bedford’s AHA New Year’s Eve celebration. As always, the audiences were delightful and eager to listen to winter tales told (not read) from around the world. This year was extra special as one of my fourth grade storytelling students and her family were in the audience for the second show. This is my third year participating in this amazing event; it is always a fun and delightful way to ring in the New Year! Afterwards, a late dinner with my family and grandson, just two months old, to ring in his very first New Year; a perfect ending to the old and beginning of the new!

I already have plans to attend the LANES Northeast Storytelling Conference in Maine in April where I will present my workshop, Story by Story: Building a School Storytelling Troupe. This is always a wonderful conference, with something for everyone, whether you are a storyteller, librarian, educators, etc. If you are experienced in your field, or just beginning, join us for a weekend of learning, laughter, camaraderie and stories!

In August, I will make my way to Virginia for the National Storytelling Network’s Conference. This is another wonderful opportunity to network with friends old and new, learn something fresh and fun, and come away rejuvenated and inspired. I hope you can join me at either conference, or better yet, both!

As always, I appreciate your time. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please drop me a note at storybug@aol.com; I love to hear from you!

May 2013 bring you health, joy, serenity and success!
 

Karen Chace
www.storybug.net

 

This week a storytelling colleague shared this riddle from National Public Radio (NPR).

 What is greater than God
 Worse than the Devil?
 The poor have it.
 The rich need it.
 If you eat it or drink it, you will die.

You will find the answer hidden somewhere in this newsletter.

I started thinking about different riddle stories and lo and behold, when I was searching for new ideas for this newsletter I found that January 29 is National Puzzle Day! So of course I  had to find some riddle stories to share. 
 
 

"The thing about a story is that you dream it as you tell it, hoping that others might then dream along with you, and in this way memory and imagination combine to make spirits in the head."
From The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

STORIES

A Bride for Khan Turali – Azerbaijan
http://tinyurl.com/cwvgm99

Clever Manka  - Czechoslovakia
http://tinyurl.com/c5cfybb

The Clever Wife - China

http://tinyurl.com/d7d8clp
The Enchanted Princess – Russia
http://tinyurl.com/c7lk63u

Outwitting the Chimp – Congo
http://tinyurl.com/bqqyfso

The Pumpkin in the Jar – Philippines
http://tinyurl.com/d7jt78g

The Riddle – Grimm
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/lfb/gn/gnfb35.htm

The Riddle – Romania
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/roma/gft/gft063.htm

February 2013 is the Year of the Snake and the Chinese New Year begins on February 10. For some sssssscintillating stories go to this link on my blog:
http://tinyurl.com/ayarmzb

Lions, Dragons, and Nian: Animals of the Chinese New Year - Wonderfully inclusive lesson plan on the Chinese Spring Festival and eastern and western dragons associated with the Chinese New Year. Offered by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
http://tinyurl.com/6szu7n

Below are two previous blog posts on the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Tiger and the Year of the Rabbit, respectively. There are additional curriculum and crafts, which will be useful this year as well. 

Year of the Tiger

http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2009/12/2010-year-of-tiger.html

Year of the Rabbit

http://tinyurl.com/bjokvrv

 

February 26 is Tell a Fairy Tale Day, which is perfect for storytellers! Here is a blog post I wrote in 2011 with a fairly inclusive number of public domain fairy tale books.

Wisdom, Wit and Wonder

http://tinyurl.com/7vb4das

And to add to the fun, a book from 1910.

Fairy Tale Plays and How to Act Them - While some of the language is antiquated it can be easily updated. The book also offers suggestions on costumes, props and scenery. http://tinyurl.com/bpccbt

 

“To read a book for the first time is to make an acquaintance with a new friend; to read it for a second time is to meet an old one.” ~Chinese Saying

 

BOOKS

Riddling Tales from Around the World by Marjorie Dundas.

http://tinyurl.com/cpzqezz

Stories to Solve by George Shannon

http://tinyurl.com/buhutom

More Stories to Solve by George Shannon
http://tinyurl.com/d4nawe3
 

BOUNTIFUL BLOG

Snip, Snap, Snute by Lise Lunge-Larsen and the Children’s Literature Network – This blog is a bit different than those I usually highlight but you will find a plethora of reviews on books grouped by specific themes. Teachers, storytellers, librarians and parents should definitely bookmark this blog.

http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org/blog/sss/?p=1724

 

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Dale Carnegie

 

BUSINESS NOTES

3 Major Mistakes to Avoid at Networking Events by Bill Lampton, Ph.D. http://www.businessknowhow.com/marketing/networking-mistakes.htm

How To Get More Newsletter Subscribers by Janet Attard
http://www.businessknowhow.com/internet/subscribers.htm

Key Components of a Business Plan: Part I by Dave Lavinsky

http://www.businessknowhow.com/startup/business-plan-parts.htm
 

CRAFTS

 

Q. Why are cat’s bad storytellers?
A. Because they only have one tail!

Dltk-KIDS – A variety of animal riddles and coloring pages to keep the children guessing.

http://www.dltk-kids.com/type/riddles.htm

How to Make a Puzzle

http://www.examiner.com/article/kids-crafts-how-to-make-a-puzzle

Puzzlemaker.com – This is a terrific site; I use it often. Make your own mazes, word searches and more.

http://tinyurl.com/ashjc76

Puzzle Piece Picture Frame

http://www.kinderart.com/recycle/puzzle2.shtml

CURRICULUM

Learning to Give – Lesson Plan to complement the story of The Clever Wife, found above in the Stories section.

http://learningtogive.org/lessons/unit226/lesson18.html

Rocking Riddles – From PBS for grades 1-3. “Help students learn to use descriptive, detailed and creative writing by creating riddles.”

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/wordgirl/lessonplans/riddles/
 

The answer to the riddle at the top of the blog is “Nothing.”

Surfnetkids.com – Lots of links to fun riddles to use in or out of the classroom.

http://www.surfnetkids.com/riddles.htm?awt_l=KxaZg&awt_m=Jilzpjx00zShGL

EDUCATION HIGHWAY, RADIO, SPOKEN WORD AND GUILDS

Education Highway - Go to:
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2012/08/education-highwaystorytelling-concerts.html

Spoken Word, Open Mics and Storytelling Guilds- Go to: http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2011/08/story-slams-open-mics-and-storytelling.html

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Remember, if you are seeking stories, curriculum, etc., for other special days or events don’t forget to search the newsletter archives. A Google search box is available on the main newsletter site at http://storybugnewsletter.blogspot.com. I also add stories, crafts and education resources on my blog as well, which also offers a Google search box. You may find my blog here: http://www.karenchace.blogspot.com/.

GUEST BLOGGER ARTICLES

A Rising Tide – Guest Blogger’s Share Their Expertise

It is with great appreciation and admiration I offer you the links to the current Guest Blogger articles from my storytelling and business colleagues in the USA and beyond. I will continue to add more as they are published.

If you are interested in becoming a Guest Blogger in 2013 email me at storybug@aol.com for details with “Guest Blogger Information” in the subject heading and be part of the rising tide!
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-rising-tideguest-bloggers-share-their.html

 
This newsletter was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my newsletter via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity. © 2013

 

 

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