tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43743593700116114502024-03-13T22:32:48.755-07:00Carolyn Stearns StorytellerStoryteller, announcer, supporter of family based agriculture and youth. I write from my inspirations and fill my blogs with my other love - photography.Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-72617665905013351822014-06-03T08:00:00.000-07:002014-06-04T05:29:38.624-07:00Weathervane Story Resources; Everythings Ducky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A Duck in flight tops this building at a fair and tells us which way the wind blows. I love the artistry of the wings, very close to life like. Our foul friends show up in stories let's see what we can find!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULI9Fzd7QRo/U4vl9RzJohI/AAAAAAAADSM/PPz9wmRU3nU/s1600/Big+E+12+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULI9Fzd7QRo/U4vl9RzJohI/AAAAAAAADSM/PPz9wmRU3nU/s1600/Big+E+12+017.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let's start our duck resource list with a Russian Folk Tale about a <strong>Duck That Lays Golden Eggs</strong>!</div>
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<a href="http://www.worldoftales.com/European_folktales/Russian_Folktale_9.html">http://www.worldoftales.com/European_folktales/Russian_Folktale_9.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pggu7iHr3LI/U42v-Qo1l3I/AAAAAAAADTE/SRL_DYUjaVI/s1600/20140602_102105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pggu7iHr3LI/U42v-Qo1l3I/AAAAAAAADTE/SRL_DYUjaVI/s1600/20140602_102105.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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No collection of Duck resources would be complete with out <strong>The Ugly Duckling</strong></div>
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Here is some Ugly Duckling Background info:</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ugly_Duckling">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ugly_Duckling</a></div>
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Here is a pre-school curriculum to go with the tale:</div>
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<a href="http://www.first-school.ws/activities/fairytales/ugly-duckling.htm">http://www.first-school.ws/activities/fairytales/ugly-duckling.htm</a> </div>
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and another</div>
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<a href="http://www.speakaboos.com/worksheet/lesson-plans/the-ugly-duckling">http://www.speakaboos.com/worksheet/lesson-plans/the-ugly-duckling</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMZ1zeFxPrg/U42vWP7p2sI/AAAAAAAADS0/eAGNBgUjbhY/s1600/20140602_102046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMZ1zeFxPrg/U42vWP7p2sI/AAAAAAAADS0/eAGNBgUjbhY/s1600/20140602_102046.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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How about an <strong>Aesop Fable: The Tortoise and the Ducks</strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.first-school.ws/theme/fables/tortoise-ducks.htm">http://www.first-school.ws/theme/fables/tortoise-ducks.htm</a></div>
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(I also know this story as the Rattlesnake and the Vultures from Mexico)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-Tdg6A4HPE/U4xaqb00DLI/AAAAAAAADSc/DQoyGzLH3w4/s1600/1-tb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-Tdg6A4HPE/U4xaqb00DLI/AAAAAAAADSc/DQoyGzLH3w4/s1600/1-tb.jpg" height="320" width="269" /></a></div>
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In 1908 Miss <strong>Jemima Puddleduck</strong> was introduced to Peter Rabbit and the barnyard at Hill Top by Beatrix Potter</div>
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<a href="http://www.peterrabbit.com/uk/fun_and_games/meet_the_characters/jemima_puddle-duck">http://www.peterrabbit.com/uk/fun_and_games/meet_the_characters/jemima_puddle-duck</a></div>
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Listen to it here:</div>
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<a href="http://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/148/peter-rabbit-and-other-stories/4905/the-tale-of-jemima-puddle-duck/">http://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/148/peter-rabbit-and-other-stories/4905/the-tale-of-jemima-puddle-duck/</a></div>
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Here is the e-book from Project Gutenberg</div>
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<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/14814/14814-h/14814-h.htm">http://www.gutenberg.org/files/14814/14814-h/14814-h.htm</a></div>
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May of 1944 master story artist Walt Disney introduces Donald Duck</div>
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<a href="https://www.uky.edu/Projects/Chemcomics/html/dd_15_2_n.html">https://www.uky.edu/Projects/Chemcomics/html/dd_15_2_n.html</a></div>
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<strong>Henry the Duck</strong> has a website with an ongoing list of stories chronicling his many adventures:</div>
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<a href="http://www.henrytheduck.net/">http://www.henrytheduck.net/</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWHnECUPWSs/U42voHLDGbI/AAAAAAAADS8/6l_NgV1KY9w/s1600/20140602_102115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWHnECUPWSs/U42voHLDGbI/AAAAAAAADS8/6l_NgV1KY9w/s1600/20140602_102115.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are some stories not from storytelling but from Duck Hunters - there was even a proposal on a duck hunting trip, from <strong>Ducks Unlimited</strong> a long list of stories:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ducks.org/hunting/duck-hunting-stories">http://www.ducks.org/hunting/duck-hunting-stories</a></div>
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Along the same lines a collection of duck and outdoorsmen stories from the 1940's is available in the 3 book set by Gordon Macquarrie</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stories-Hunters-Gordon-Macquarrie-Trilogy/dp/1572230037">http://www.amazon.com/Stories-Hunters-Gordon-Macquarrie-Trilogy/dp/1572230037</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOe5y7avaqI/U4xbvVE4BAI/AAAAAAAADSk/vDoTXN5T14g/s1600/!DUCKDUC.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOe5y7avaqI/U4xbvVE4BAI/AAAAAAAADSk/vDoTXN5T14g/s1600/!DUCKDUC.gif" /></a></div>
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Couldn't close this without a reference to the popular game <strong>Duck Duck Goose</strong> try it with wet sponges for Drip Drip Splash</div>
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<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Play-Duck-Duck-Goose">http://www.wikihow.com/Play-Duck-Duck-Goose</a></div>
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The image for Duck Duck Goose from a great resource of children's games:</div>
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<a href="http://www.playtherapygames.com/HTML/dgptallgames.html">http://www.playtherapygames.com/HTML/dgptallgames.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sz0RptKK8Qk/U420Ie6avPI/AAAAAAAADTQ/XINtWp9gjE8/s1600/20140602_102031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sz0RptKK8Qk/U420Ie6avPI/AAAAAAAADTQ/XINtWp9gjE8/s1600/20140602_102031.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photos taken at Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center</div>
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<a href="http://www.ct.gov/dEep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=437244&deepNav_GID=1650">http://www.ct.gov/dEep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=437244&deepNav_GID=1650</a></div>
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<strong>Here are a couple of previous Weathervane posts:</strong></div>
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/10/weather-vanes-fox-story-resource.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/10/weather-vanes-fox-story-resource.html</a> </div>
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/08/weather-vanes-story-resources-part-7.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/08/weather-vanes-story-resources-part-7.html</a></div>
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-37307242765852900082014-06-01T09:41:00.000-07:002014-06-01T09:41:54.791-07:00 Focusing on One Thing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is power in focusing the camera on just one thing, see what these 10 images taught me.<br />
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Focus, I try to focus and see what an image is telling me, what does it represent in my life. I try to see the world around me as individual entities and as a part of the whole, instead of the blur of a tech assisted whirl of work and family. I need to make time to stop and take the pictures!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53YhfsIg088/U4qlJJKYleI/AAAAAAAADQM/CoPSWMExtPU/s1600/100_5582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53YhfsIg088/U4qlJJKYleI/AAAAAAAADQM/CoPSWMExtPU/s1600/100_5582.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
From the Willimantic Frog Bridge (CT) Just one of the four frogs. The frog for me is a symbol of "celebrate our weakness and strength, learn to laugh at myself." Willimantic celebrates a history of the early settlers fearing an attack from an imminent army on the march take to their weapons and march out to meet the foe and protect the families. Only to find the waters receding on a local pond to the dismay of the many bullfrogs in residence who croaked their last death calls to the world. I have learned to face my fear, it might be nothing more than another frog and to have a hearty laugh when I misinterpret the world around me! <a href="http://connecticuthistory.org/bridge-ornaments-help-tell-the-legend-of-the-windham-frog-fight/">http://connecticuthistory.org/bridge-ornaments-help-tell-the-legend-of-the-windham-frog-fight/</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SwbUUKerd1Y/U4qpPqXDTAI/AAAAAAAADQU/58BAGc4FIsA/s1600/20140220_073211-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SwbUUKerd1Y/U4qpPqXDTAI/AAAAAAAADQU/58BAGc4FIsA/s1600/20140220_073211-1.jpg" height="305" width="320" /></a></div>
Jump back to a prior season and enjoy the beauty of one Cardinal in the snow. The Cardinal reminds me that even when I shine in my work or creative life there are those unseen, partners with a subtle display of strength who help me go forward. The female Cardinal is drab with a touch of color, but without her where would he be? Without my supporters where would I be?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpNe9QKEHm8/U4qpvLIqXHI/AAAAAAAADQc/07uxCMKInTw/s1600/20140531_140303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpNe9QKEHm8/U4qpvLIqXHI/AAAAAAAADQc/07uxCMKInTw/s1600/20140531_140303.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Looks like a perfect summer day outside! The window looks perfect and shows us one frame of the world outside. Could thunder clouds line the other horizon? I am reminded to get more than one view before I make my statements!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZVeeOSJffQ/U4qqDgI32aI/AAAAAAAADQk/66-O_9efDnA/s1600/20140527_133910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZVeeOSJffQ/U4qqDgI32aI/AAAAAAAADQk/66-O_9efDnA/s1600/20140527_133910.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Not everyday a beautiful butterfly sits near you! Life is fragile, it can be torn apart by a simple raindrop but that does not deter the butterfly from spreading his wings and going great distances. I am reminded to go, the world is waiting and worrying about not succeeding won't get me anywhere. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFyQK5Dzht8/U4s496VY1BI/AAAAAAAADQ8/8SG3APLjf_A/s1600/not+downtown+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFyQK5Dzht8/U4s496VY1BI/AAAAAAAADQ8/8SG3APLjf_A/s1600/not+downtown+009.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_435118444"></span><span id="goog_435118445"></span> Like Robert Frost suggests in his poem, choose the road less traveled by- and that has made all the difference. I learned that poem first in music in high school choir, the message has stayed with me since. Hear the choir version I learned here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-sLY-BgYpo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-sLY-BgYpo</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrnY3Apx0Q8/U4s6RrA9R9I/AAAAAAAADRE/AhIChnI8P9I/s1600/New+London+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQSfp7Hcz1w/U4s6xgr8XlI/AAAAAAAADRU/02-9Q_edUZY/s1600/New+London+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQSfp7Hcz1w/U4s6xgr8XlI/AAAAAAAADRU/02-9Q_edUZY/s1600/New+London+020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Leave a mark on the world. It does not matter if no one can see I just think I should mark my time here, it tells me I have a place in the long history of the world and no life or event is insignificant. This boat etched into the roof sheathing of the Nathan Hale School House in New London CT reminded me to do something, even if no one will see it. This was hidden behind lath and plaster. Through restoration 175+ years later it tells a story of the students once there, and the ships at New London Harbor. <a href="http://www.connecticutsar.org/sites/nl-schoolhouse.htm">http://www.connecticutsar.org/sites/nl-schoolhouse.htm</a> I am leaving my mark through teaching and stories, both invisible, both a mark that will shine through time.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M48J_9THxOg/U4s-ZEjmsEI/AAAAAAAADRc/QLN5AVFimGM/s1600/sunrise+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M48J_9THxOg/U4s-ZEjmsEI/AAAAAAAADRc/QLN5AVFimGM/s1600/sunrise+003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Greet every day with great expectations! My attitude will determine the quality of my day.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-iBqptVyYY/U4s_XzTa4QI/AAAAAAAADRk/mn2E1jMRrCE/s1600/Feb+photo+class+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-iBqptVyYY/U4s_XzTa4QI/AAAAAAAADRk/mn2E1jMRrCE/s1600/Feb+photo+class+099.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Simply stated, I need to make time for my friends. A cup of coffee, a call to them, an old fashioned letter. The sign ( from Cafemantic in Willimantic CT) a simple reminder to make that happen often! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63HEYXJUV4U/U4tAMI2sa4I/AAAAAAAADRs/ETRGmL41SnI/s1600/2012-04-18+11.24.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63HEYXJUV4U/U4tAMI2sa4I/AAAAAAAADRs/ETRGmL41SnI/s1600/2012-04-18+11.24.48.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Don't leave kids on the outside of conversations or decision making. "Kids Say the Darndest Things" was once a TV show, how sad we had to be reminded by TV to listen to children.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-guPSzpdPGcM/U4tBQMMQS5I/AAAAAAAADR0/rTU2G4-H3aI/s1600/AGT+New+York+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdmD9F6sVHU/U4tBfiiCCdI/AAAAAAAADR8/1y_-q_BGTRA/s1600/Bees+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdmD9F6sVHU/U4tBfiiCCdI/AAAAAAAADR8/1y_-q_BGTRA/s1600/Bees+010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
It takes a lot of workers and only one Queen!<br />
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I love taking pictures, now with the ease of photography with a phone in the pocket, I get to take even more. The biggest change in my photo hobby came with the jump to digital photos the economic freedom to take as many as I want! <br />
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Stone inspired thoughts with resources for stories: <a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/07/story-stones-story-resources.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/07/story-stones-story-resources.html</a><br />
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Where I went with my inspirations: <br />
<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/02/why-i-tried-out-for-americas-got-talent.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/02/why-i-tried-out-for-americas-got-talent.html</a><br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-27745018132520579622014-05-30T19:55:00.001-07:002014-05-30T19:55:48.284-07:00One Day Museum <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The <strong>One Day Museum</strong> was an impromptu idea that has hung on for the long haul through May and will be around through the end of the school year and into summer day camp. I have been pleasantly surprised at the interest and enthusiasm the <strong>One Day Museum</strong> has created with students.<br />
The set up is simple, an old aquarium turned upside down on a side table holds an item for a day. Sometimes we have a worksheet to go along with it. There are days when someone just answers questions about the item. I love days when we leave it to the kids to talk about the item and see what they think. We have a monthly theme at our program for the students lessons and activities to revolve around, the museum item may or may not correlate to the theme. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qNAp29PuD0/U4k7pDn548I/AAAAAAAADP0/IlgTd0jMj-8/s1600/20140528_183454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qNAp29PuD0/U4k7pDn548I/AAAAAAAADP0/IlgTd0jMj-8/s1600/20140528_183454.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
In this photo the museum holds an antique key. There was a lot of discussion about locks and size comparison to present day locks. Then when told the key was handmade and each was a bit unique the conversations tool a turn. I am happy when the children engage in one on one conversations and small group discussions ( informal) over the item in the museum. Like all museums they appeal to different clientele. Some items appeal to our 1-3 grade kids, some really get the 7th and 8th grade students interested. We have had a taxidermy duck, tools, model airplanes for flight month, live pollywogs, fossils and so many more items.<br />
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The day the <strong>One Day Museum</strong> hosted seashells we had so many questions about the different shells. We talked about the sea, ocean ecology, the different types of shells the shell purpose and the make up of the shells. We talked about Native Americans and Pilgrims using shell fish and about the catching and cooking of different shellfish. <br />
The glass enclosure protects out Museum exhibit from too many fingers but it also teaches the students that some things in museums are only to look at not to touch. We are learning everyday with our <strong>One Day Museum</strong> and hope other schools and after - school programs will enjoy this idea and try it,<u> please feel free to reply</u> what item you might put in a one day museum. <br />
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Paper City another activity you might enjoy trying with school children: <a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-paper-city.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-paper-city.html</a><br />
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Here is a fun way to interpret fairy tale content - or any book for that matter:<br />
<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/05/chalk-up-student-fairy-tales.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/05/chalk-up-student-fairy-tales.html</a><br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-26433320725698959552014-04-11T07:36:00.000-07:002014-04-11T07:36:07.056-07:00Where do Fish Stories Come From?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Where do fish stories come from? How do we find the vehicle to tell a story and make it compelling for the listening experience. I am a performance storyteller for all ages, my current project is for a curriculum guided school based program. Whose voice should the story represent and what message do I need to focus on? Will children grasp the complexities and what new vocabulary will be introduced and explained via the storyline. Do I have adequate research on my topic to tell the story?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Evuq0KjRJOc/U0U-p8T2gGI/AAAAAAAADPM/bVOWeS6yIik/s1600/cod+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Evuq0KjRJOc/U0U-p8T2gGI/AAAAAAAADPM/bVOWeS6yIik/s1600/cod+002.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I was inspired by Mark Kurlansky's book <u><strong>Cod</strong></u> to delve further into the world and history of fishing and fishermen. Then an opportunity presented itself to construct a story for performance to third grade children around the topics of Wildlife, Water, People and more specifically immigration and the ecology of the sea. Cod would be the perfect vehicle to help tell this story. At the outset I was not even aware of the children's version of this book and was so excited to find it! Here is a look at that version from Amazon <a href="http://amzn.to/Q4xdcL">http://amzn.to/Q4xdcL</a> <br />
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That was just the beginning, a story is a complex intertwining of facts from multiple sources. Cod gave me my background knowledge. Then I needed characters, I found mine on the list of passengers on the Mayflower voyage to the New World in 1620. Here I researched the children of the Ancient Time as it was called and selected two. The characters themselves required more research as they are historical not fiction. My characters are Remember Allerton and Richard More, each have left a long lineage and a place in the history of the founding of our nation.<br />
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My next question to answer was, What does Cod fishing look like? How do you fish for Cod in the old ways and the new? <br />
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I journeyed into the realm of salt water fishing and the life and habits of Cod. Here is where You-Tube came in handy to give me some visual reference. Here is a link to a story about the decline of Cod populations. <a href="http://youtu.be/cLE56imBjJs">http://youtu.be/cLE56imBjJs</a> This next link is a moving video full of the visuals I needed to be able to tell my story with an accuracy and true representation. <a href="http://youtu.be/Git-48_CPww">http://youtu.be/Git-48_CPww</a> From you-tube it as a long read in several nautical history books and a visit to Mystic Seaport <a href="http://www.mysticseaport.org/">http://www.mysticseaport.org/</a> and the Essex Shipbuilding Museum <a href="http://www.essexshipbuildingmuseum.org/">http://www.essexshipbuildingmuseum.org/</a> . I got to know the Cod itself by drawing and painting them so I would remember their distinctive fins and chin barb.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFQNXWagLOQ/U0f4vYOnESI/AAAAAAAADPg/hoxi2DpMSz8/s1600/Cod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFQNXWagLOQ/U0f4vYOnESI/AAAAAAAADPg/hoxi2DpMSz8/s1600/Cod.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cod Watercolor on textured paper by Carolyn Stearns '14</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is heavy material and my focus audience for the premier of this story is third grade. I need a way to take the depth of history and content and make it memorable and fun to hear and retain. I have added music to the story, interspersed to introduce new sections of the story and as a culminating piece to spark conversation about the ecological and financial damage done to the Cod legacy by over fishing the waters. The music I chose for this is an old sea chantey "Cape Cod Girls", hear a version at this link; <a href="http://youtu.be/VQ_rFz9djz4">http://youtu.be/VQ_rFz9djz4</a> As with all chantey music there are many versions and arrangements so I took the liberty of adapting this song to fit the story a bit more and have our sailors/ fishermen bound for a "New World". The music to close this piece is one verse of a sea ballad called " Peter's River" by Mary Garvey (c) 1995 and used with her permission. The sheet music and lyrics are available here: <a href="http://www.timberheadmusic.com/disc/boatspetersriver.htm">http://www.timberheadmusic.com/disc/boatspetersriver.htm</a> I heard this song a few years ago and it haunted my mind but in a weekend filled with music I could not remember the melody. Then in June 2012 I shared the stage at Mystic Sea Music Festival with Mary Garvey, it was from that meeting that I learned the song that has become one I hum often when working. <br />
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Spring of 2014 this story will debut and be added to my regular repertoire of stories to tell. The story has such depth I will be able to offer an adult version with more content as well. <br />
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<strong>My review in 2013 of the book Cod is here: </strong><a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html</a><br />
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<strong>Interested in booking this story and other sea tales?</strong> <a href="http://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/">www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com</a> <br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-19348480812168832132014-04-05T19:40:00.000-07:002014-04-05T19:40:43.571-07:00Chalk It Up to Hans Christian Andersen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Flying
Trunk - A Fairytale in Chalk<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hans Christian Andersen penned the fairy tale
“The Flying Trunk” The tale was first published in 1839. I chose it for a
project at the after school I work in because of its relation to flying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the month of April the theme at after
school<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is, “I will fly – Volare”. The
flying related fairytale was perfect to share as the storyteller at after
school. The arts and after school programming go hand in hand. With the
thermometer outside climbing to an early spring 50 degrees we headed to the
sidewalk for our story.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young man in our story inherits a
sizeable fortune only to squander it down to the last few coins. Now poor, his
soul possessions are his slippers, and an old dressing gown. He needs to leave
where he lives and does not know where to go. A friend gifts the young man a
trunk. (I used the word suitcase to help the children define this kind of
trunk) The young man has nothing to put in the trunk so he gets in himself. The
trunk is enchanted; its magic lifts him off in a flight across the countryside
to the land of the Turks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He flies through this foreign country
like a bird under the sun and over the mountains rivers, villages and people working in
the fields. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He comes to the palace of the Sultan and sees a beautiful Princess
at a tower window.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> He flies up to her and in through the open window. The
princess has been kept in the tower to avoid a prophecy that she would marry
poorly. He visits several times, each time sharing stories to entertain her. As
expected in a fairy tale, they fall in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The princess tells her parents of her suitor and they come to the tower
to meet him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He tells them a story, they enjoy it. </span>He is a good looking young
man with a magical flying trunk, they agree the couple <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>should be married! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In
celebration of the wedding the young man buys a big box of fireworks. He flies
over the city with the fireworks setting them off in the night sky.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He lands his
trunk in the city to tell everyone his story and why he is lighting the
fireworks. Sadly he does not watch over his trunk and the sparks of the
fireworks cause it to catch fire. The fire incinerates his trunk, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>nothing is left.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He can no
longer fly to the tower to see his beautiful bride. She sits at the windows and
her tears fall to the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once again
he has nothing but his slippers and an old dressing gown. He wanders the
streets of the land of the Turks telling stories.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I told the
story to the children once straight through, then told it in pieces noting a
section of sidewalk for each image they could draw. This was a chance to reinforce story sequencing with the children.They worked on their
picture and visited up and down to see what others were doing. There was a lot
of discussion of what things should look like. This allowed us to talk about
what each person sees in their mind when they hear a story and differences in
how they draw it with chalk. At the end we walked the length of the story and
everyone told a part to go with their chalk drawing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our vocabulary words from this story:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trunk<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>foreign<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Volare<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enchanted<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>inherit<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>possession<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Turks<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>palace<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sultan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prophecy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>suitor<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>entertain<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">wander<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>incinerates<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dressing gown<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">fortune squander<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A Previous adventure with chalk and
fairy tales:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1ei3XF5">http://bit.ly/1ei3XF5</a></span></span></span></b></div>
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-24525518210750454912014-03-02T08:41:00.001-08:002014-03-02T08:41:35.849-08:00I'm Leaving You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My close friends won't be surprised by my declaration of independence. My neighbors won't hold any grudge although some will miss socializing with "us" as a couple. I will learn to be social without the pain of the long tenuous relationship.<br />
We set out in our relationship so many years ago. We had the usual hot and heavy beginning but as the years passed the time we spent together has become such a burden. I don't regret a day of our past time together but know we have grown apart to an irreparable point. The thought of waking up to face you for another morning is too harsh. <br />
Once upon a time we lived and worked together in a magical world. Long ago we built great things together, that's all just a fading memory. Now each day together we give each other icy stares and the drudgery of a furrow too long in a cold and heartless relationship.<br />
I'm leaving you, good-bye!</div>
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This weekend March 6-7-8-9, 2014 I will be in Texas at the Tejas Storytelling Festival,</div>
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it's spring in Texas! </div>
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<a href="http://www.tejasstorytelling.com/festival/">http://www.tejasstorytelling.com/festival/</a></div>
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another blog with a touch of humor:</div>
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/10/wont-be-caught-speeding.html?showComment=1393777502932#c750166294975581995">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/10/wont-be-caught-speeding.html?showComment=1393777502932#c750166294975581995</a> </div>
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Snow day activities: </div>
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2014/01/8-things-to-do-when-it-is-wicked-cold.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2014/01/8-things-to-do-when-it-is-wicked-cold.html</a> </div>
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0Storrs, CT 06268, USA41.8078488 -72.22453541.7131358 -72.3858965 41.9025618 -72.0631735tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-80596779045877505532014-02-23T19:51:00.002-08:002014-02-23T19:51:54.082-08:00The Birth of an Audio CD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
How many hours, how many emails, how many years? Yes, years from start of the CD idea to CD in hand. In order to make the best CD, I needed to be ready, and so did the material. This is a storytelling CD, but the same could be said for music, you have to be ready. There is the honing of your skills to a certain level and then learning and practicing the pieces. Well that's the tip of the iceberg! <br />
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From there it was into the studio for recording sessions, it took several sessions to get what we needed done. <a href="http://www.suiteaudio.com/">www.suiteaudio.com</a> was where I worked and I was very pleased with the engineering by Bob Nary and his adaptability to recording spoken word. A story without an audience and told in the limited studio space takes some tweaking. I am accustomed to certain movements and moments when I wait for audience response. Those moments were not there and so there were gaps that needed to be tightened up. There were a few phrases that relied heavily in performance to my body language, those needed some new wording to work in the world of audio. That was a learning process on how we listen to story and what story tells the listeners through language spoken and emanating from the storytellers gestures and facial expression. That was all awhile ago, in the very beginning of the CD dream becoming a reality. <br />
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Before I could do the recording there had been months of reading and research to bring the stories to life through thorough understanding of the setting and content. Google images, library hours, family documents, historical reference books, and some field trips to actual sites. Time on Ancestry.com, historical sites, museum sites and art exhibitions and then the writing, thinking, talking it out and multiple rough draft tellings of each story. <br />
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In the end I recorded seven stories and selected Tim VanEgmond <a href="http://www.timvanegmond.com/">www.timvanegmond.com</a> to record hammered dulcimer music between tracks as a story break. This works much like a palate cleanser at a wine tasting, the snippets of music are a simple way to give the listener a moment to soak in the story before moving on to the next. I decided to do this after listening to every storytelling CD I could get my hands on. I took notes while listening. I liked having a moment to breathe before jumping into the next story and I hope my listeners do too!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LP5YQXsAJ1I/Uwqt2Cnz3NI/AAAAAAAADL8/Bay78hx-EwM/s1600/keeper+Front+merge+4.98+RGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LP5YQXsAJ1I/Uwqt2Cnz3NI/AAAAAAAADL8/Bay78hx-EwM/s1600/keeper+Front+merge+4.98+RGB.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
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The CD cover art process was a learning experience as well. I wanted to exemplify the art work of my Great Great Uncle and that meant getting copyright permissions. The front cover art is from the White House Art Association. The Abraham Lincoln portrait is the most iconic use of his art ,having produced this image of the popular President after three days of preliminary sketches done in the Presidential office. The portrait hangs today in the White House. The back cover has a black and white image of his Rembrandt style self portrait from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. With the permissions granted and the CD cover approved, fees paid the cover was becoming a reality. I chose a 6 panel cover to be able to showcase additional art and to properly thank all involved in this project.</div>
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Anticipation ran high as I awaited the delivery of the cases of CDs. I was planning a launch party and needed the CD there to make its official debut. I had given allowed extra time because it was December and shipping and all other work seems to get bogged down in holiday agendas. Finally on a snowy December 2013 day I hold one in my hands. I couldn't wait to share them with my family and peers. Now we were ready to party! I rented the firehouse banquet hall and planned some light refreshments and a Champagne toast with my brother and guests to Great Great Uncle George, to art and to the untold stories now shared. I used the stage there to showcase a couple of the stories on the CD and had a table for CD sales set up. I even considered the proximity to the holiday and provided a wrapping station.</div>
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Next step on my CD journey was making my CD available online as a download through CD Baby. I finished that in February 2014 after taking a break from the project to adjust to a new schedule and to spend time with my family. Now it is available there, it was a simple task to load and set up. They have designed a simple interface and walk you step by step through the process. It was only a matter of days before it was available. here is the link to that <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/carolynstearnsstorytelle">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/carolynstearnsstorytelle</a><br />
The CD is born, but that is not an end just a start to a new chapter. Now it is a schedule of CD promotion I am working on. I have done a radio show and placed them in the local book store. I am covering my social media accounts and taking them with me to performances. I have sent courtesy copies to reviewers, award organizations and to the people who helped make it possible. <br />
A storytelling CD is not a big money maker. They are sometimes referred to as the " new business card" In this case the CD "George Henry Story - The Man Who Painted Lincoln" is a legacy. It was time for the world to hear his stories so carefully preserved and passed down through multiple generations, it is time to renew interest in his art. The legacy of the man named Story is his story. How fortunate that my career as a professional storyteller allows me to share it. Maybe it's not fortunate maybe the name has a genetic implication!<br />
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Links to selected museums of art galleries with George Story art in their collections:<br />
<a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/search-results?ft=George+Henry+Story&x=4&y=3">http://www.metmuseum.org/search-results?ft=George+Henry+Story&x=4&y=3</a><br />
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a favorite of mine: <a href="https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/1675/Playing_Soldiers">https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/1675/Playing_Soldiers</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.thewadsworth.org/">http://www.thewadsworth.org/</a> Hartford CT.<br />
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In Mass. <a href="http://accessaddison.andover.edu/4DACTION/HANDLECGI/CTN3?display=por">http://accessaddison.andover.edu/4DACTION/HANDLECGI/CTN3?display=por</a><br />
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and many more as well! <br />
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A blog about George Story's contemporary Mark Twain written after my visit to his home<br />
<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/never-twain-shall-meet.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/never-twain-shall-meet.html</a><br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-90964240927060103002014-02-13T20:38:00.001-08:002014-02-13T20:38:05.319-08:00Snow Day...Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Another Connecticut snow day has me locked away in my home office. I had work to get done, but since I was up early my long day included some arts. <br />
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I had a fun time exploring the new set of watercolors, they are fancy, in little aluminum tubes. I painted this Cod, that must seem to be a funny art subject but I am working on some stories for a storytelling performance, Cod fishing and immigration are the core of my research.<br />
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On the subject of Cod I highly recommend the book by that title, written by Mark Kurlansky. Here is a link to my review of the book in an earlier post. <a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html</a><br />
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I stirred a big pot of chili and watched the snow assault the windows, my mind wandered. I grabbed my pad and penned the thoughts of snow, nothing fancy just a bit poetic, a rare journey for my mind.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cJ-6_m1os4c/Uv1RYz6BGyI/AAAAAAAADKs/b8FzUnuZDMI/s1600/20140213_181232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="by Carolyn Stearns" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cJ-6_m1os4c/Uv1RYz6BGyI/AAAAAAAADKs/b8FzUnuZDMI/s640/20140213_181232.jpg" height="300" title="Cod" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Here is a piece of my writing from today</div>
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<strong>Singing</strong></div>
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I hear you singing</div>
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Soft and distant</div>
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I hear you singing</div>
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a whispered tune</div>
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I hear you singing</div>
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voice now bold</div>
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I hear you singing</div>
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crescendo to forte</div>
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I hear you singing</div>
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a herald to multitudes</div>
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I hear you singing</div>
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lament to freedom</div>
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I hear you singing</div>
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Wrap me in your cloak of white</div>
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I hear you singing</div>
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all day and all night</div>
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a song of centuries</div>
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I hear you</div>
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old friend and enemy</div>
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Nor'easter</div>
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Another snow post you might enjoy or find useful if it keeps snowing! : <a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2014/01/8-things-to-do-when-it-is-wicked-cold.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2014/01/8-things-to-do-when-it-is-wicked-cold.html</a><br />
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Here is a post about singing:<br />
<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/06/singing-chesapeake.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/06/singing-chesapeake.html</a></div>
Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-41904682623277058472014-02-05T13:41:00.000-08:002014-02-05T13:41:14.412-08:00A Paper City <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The after school program I work at has been making little paper houses, bigger paper churches and more. The Paper City Project introduces maps in a 3D lesson on the students home town. The cold winter days lent themselves to coloring tiny buildings and cutting them out. From a simple hand drawn pattern the basic houses were crafted and the small collection grew along a window sill. We had a date for the display to be shared and we worked toward it.<br />
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Snow cancellations, and a Monday holiday and more kept us from making as many buildings as we first imagined but we made a fine representation. This view is less than a quarter of our city.<br />
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WHY? <br />
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We learned about places in our town that children were unaware of. We learned how to give directions by the building location. We understand now that the mills are on the river and the train yards near the mills. Along with all our building we had a guest to share the paper city. The President of the CT Eastern Railroad Museum, Mark Granville, brought a length of track, engines and cars so we had a real view of where the trains were in proximity to the town. Thank You!<a href="http://www.cteastrrmuseum.org/">http://www.cteastrrmuseum.org/</a><br />
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We talked our way through the layout of the city by starting where we were and moving out from that point. Students had different buildings they were familiar with. Library, post office, schools, hospital and favorite food outlets were pretty easy. Smaller shops and businesses brought a lot more discussion as to which side of Main St and where in relation to certain churches or other dominant buildings. The entire discussion and placement process went well. Strips of black construction paper became our roads and wavy blue pieces the Willimantic River.<br />
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Students learned about Willimantic history, some heard the story of the Frogs of Windham, which is why we have a bridge with huge frogs on it! <a href="http://www.damnedct.com/the-frog-bridge-willimantic/">http://www.damnedct.com/the-frog-bridge-willimantic/</a> This story took place in 1754 in Windham, the town Willimantic is a part of. <br />
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Here is an image of the plan I drew for the smaller houses. For the youngest students I outlined the cutting edge in colored pencil. Once cut out and the students name added we folded the creases and then flipped the house over to color on the windows, doors, siding and accessories. Some of these also became small businesses like Cafemantic and the Shoesmith. The final piece colored was the roof. Then we used glue sticks to assemble the house.<br />
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A companion activity to this was a timeline around two sides of the room. Our theme for the month was Decades, so it was broken out in those increments. There were many pictures of historical Willimantic along the timeline. This was a fun project for the middle of winter and one I would do again with the kids. <br />
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Looking for some other winter type activities? <a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2014/01/8-things-to-do-when-it-is-wicked-cold.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2014/01/8-things-to-do-when-it-is-wicked-cold.html</a><br />
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This was fun too, but if you are in New England you will have to wait for better weather!<br />
<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/05/chalk-up-student-fairy-tales.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/05/chalk-up-student-fairy-tales.html</a><br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com3Willimantic, CT 06226, USA41.7133607 -72.20676809999997741.6185307 -72.368129599999975 41.808190700000004 -72.045406599999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-20005873075156636652014-01-30T19:32:00.000-08:002014-01-30T19:32:50.092-08:008 Things to Do When it is Wicked Cold<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I don't know about you but I am ready for spring!<br />
It won't be here for awhile yet in Connecticut and even longer if you live north of this latitude. So I gathered some ideas for things to do when the North wind blows and the snow piles up and the little red line in the thermometer does a disappearing act.<br />
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<strong>1.) Table Games</strong><br />
When was the last time you had Monopoly's Boardwalk and Park Place loaded with hotels? What word in Scrabble made you laugh until you cried? How many rounds of Uno until you finally win a game? Seriously, how can a 4 year old consistently beat me at Candyland? Hot Chocolate and pop corn and this is a perfect winter day! <br />
<strong>2.) Storytelling</strong><br />
Here are a short list of story prompts, you may know some more that work perfect with your friends and family. Just write them on slips of paper and put them in a hat. Draw an item and tell everyone your personal story to go along with the idea. ( Somebody get the video recorder going!)<br />
Where were you when the police arrived? Where did you go when you skipped school? When you were a kid what kind of trouble did you get into? Who gave you your first kiss? What was your prom like? What car did you learn to drive on? What was the strangest workday you had? How lost did you get? What really happened to your homework? Why did you sneak in? Looking to learn more about storytelling? Here are links to my website, the CT. Storytelling Center, the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling, the home of story in Massachusetts and the National Storytelling Network. <a href="http://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/">www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com</a> <a href="http://www.connstoycenter.org/">www.connstoycenter.org</a> <a href="http://www.lanes.org/">www.lanes.org</a> <a href="http://www.massmouth.org/">www.massmouth.org</a> <a href="http://www.storynet.org/">www.storynet.org</a> <br />
<strong>3.) Old Fashioned Letter Writing</strong><br />
That's right, get out some paper and a pen and craft a letter to stay in touch with an old friend or family member. Tell them about recent news and then maybe reminisce about a shared time long ago. Dig out the address, put a stamp on it and make someone's day.<br />
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<strong>4.) Drawing</strong><br />
Is there an inner artist waiting to burst forth. Even if there is no hint of an artist you can have fun drawing. How about stick figure cartoons about some work oops. Got a funny family story that can be done in stick figures. Look at this online site of how to draw and try a couple of the images here: <a href="http://www.my-how-to-draw.com/">http://www.my-how-to-draw.com/</a> You could draw a super hero to rescue you from the cold!<br />
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<strong>5.) Charades</strong><br />
Who can't remember laughing at friends playing this at a party. Of course you may have to talk some family members into the game. You may need to institute a Charade dinner, no talking just gesture the conversation and pass the peas and let the fun begin. See how a teacher uses Charades to teach proper grammar. <a href="http://seemoreplaces.com/blog/2010/09/video-of-the-week-using-charades-to-teach-english-grammar/#.UusWdpWPKUk">http://seemoreplaces.com/blog/2010/09/video-of-the-week-using-charades-to-teach-english-grammar/#.UusWdpWPKUk</a><br />
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<strong>6.) Play Music</strong><br />
Dig out an instrument and play some music. It doesn't need to be performance quality to be fun and good for you too. Playing music is good for the mind and if a wind instrument it is great exercise for your lungs! Not musical? Turn on a CD, radio, or personal music and tap to the beat, you can improvise a drum with a coffee can, box or book ( don't tell a librarian I said that). Start here for ideas: <a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2012/10/15/musical-instrument-crafts-for-kids/">http://www.redtedart.com/2012/10/15/musical-instrument-crafts-for-kids/</a><br />
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<strong>7.) Books to Read</strong><br />
<span style="color: red;"> 1.)</span> <u><strong> Cod</strong></u> by: Mark Kurlansky his work is a historical book and an environmental warning, but the writing is easy to read with a flow of a favorite mystery or novel. There is a Kids version too! This is the book to help the world, to better understand the effects of over fishing and the ramifications of that practice.<br />
<span style="color: red;"> 2.)</span> <u><strong>Lincoln; Team of Rivals</strong></u> By: Doris Kearns Goodwin here is a interview of the author about the book. <a href="http://youtu.be/WUWHRbXdIEM">http://youtu.be/WUWHRbXdIEM</a> We need to know where we have been and the sacrifices made to keep our country in order to move forward. A must read book for the American spirit!<br />
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<span style="color: red;"> 3.)</span> <u><strong>Dancing Men</strong></u> by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle This is an oldie but a goodie. First our brains need a little mystery to work on, its like push ups for the brain. The take the wonderful code of the dancing men and have some fun creating family messages, challenge your co-workers, plan an event around the theme, or have a dinner party mystery.<br />
<span style="color: red;">4.)</span> Gather the kids, grown ups to, never to old to read a story aloud together. May I recommend a classic, <u><strong>Secret Garden</strong></u> by: Frances Hodgson Burnett perfect to read about the coming spring! <br />
<span style="color: red;"> 5.)</span> My final recommendation is one to make us appreciate the rest and reconnection to family that winter brings. There is a special beauty in winter and no one captured that better in words than Robert Frost in, <u><strong>Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening</strong></u><br />
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<strong>8.) Puzzles</strong><br />
There are many kinds of puzzles, jigsaw, word, and mechanical among the favorites. To me it just wouldn't be winter if we didn't pass at least one week with a giant jigsaw taking up the whole dining room table. Family members stop and put in a piece or two and go on. A couple of us bring steaming cups of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and settle in for some serious puzzle time and conversation. It's simple as long as the cat stays off it! Here is a puzzle image to chase away winter blues: <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/MasterPieces-Colorize-Flippity-Flop-1000-Piece-Jigsaw-Puzzle-71346-MIN1826.html">http://www.wayfair.com/MasterPieces-Colorize-Flippity-Flop-1000-Piece-Jigsaw-Puzzle-71346-MIN1826.html</a><br />
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You might like this link too: <a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/06/singing-chesapeake.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/06/singing-chesapeake.html</a><br />
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More on the book Cod in a review I wrote: <a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html</a></div>
Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-6727091963565878412013-10-10T21:02:00.001-07:002013-10-10T21:02:51.948-07:002013 National Storytelling Festival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong>The National Storytelling Festival</strong> <br />
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What an adventure it is to attend the National Storytelling Festival! I was invited by my friend Norah Dooley <a href="http://www.norahdooley.com/">www.norahdooley.com</a> who would be telling in the Exchange Place. I have wanted to go to the festival for a long time and 2013 with Norah's invite, I finally made it there. We've travelled together to a story event in the past and enjoy the time to talk story business and for fun!<br />
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I expected to hear great storytelling, I did not expect the beautiful scenery, I really never gave it a thought. The there was the camaraderie, the friends, food and fun! The little town of Jonesborough TN. is a beautiful spot, a classic American Main St. and they know how to host a party. <br />
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My hobby is photography, I am always clicking pictures and this weekend was no different. I enjoyed just wandering the festival snapping the memories of my first visit to Jonesborough. Here is a link to the slide show.<br />
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<a href="http://www.slideshare.net/mothermoo/national-storytelling-festival">http://www.slideshare.net/mothermoo/national-storytelling-festival</a><br />
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Here are some memories: <br />
a train that we thought would never end, a Gorilla's breath, Tim Lowry hearing bells, the youngest and oldest listeners at the National Story Slam, Abraham and Isaac -Gettysburg, a Vietnamese dress, breakfast with storytellers, The Ballad of Ronnie Calloway, folks from New Zealand, Native American flute music in the night air from Joe Bruchac, walking up the hill, golf carts, Sisters Italy-Ireland-America, Music with Chuck Brodsky and Rev. Robert Jones, stories, stories, stories...<br />
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The International Storytelling Center hosts the Festival. <a href="http://www.storytellingcenter.net/festival/">http://www.storytellingcenter.net/festival/</a> The festival staff were a hard working team to make the event so seamless to the visitor. <br />
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I stopped by to visit at the National Storytelling Network's tent near the Court House and received a warm greeting from our staff and from other storytellers who stopped in to say HI! <a href="http://www.storynet.org/">www.storynet.org</a> <br />
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I saw so many storytellers I know. There was also a whole group who seemed much like my Facebook page come alive, there they were in person to talk to - wonderful to finally meet them all! <br />
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Last but not least I got to tell "George Henry Story and the Ghost of New Haven" in the Swap tent. My 10 minutes of story fun in Jonesborough! <br />
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You can hear that story I shared on my forth coming CD; George Henry Story- The Man Who Painted Lincoln" it will be out late fall. <a href="http://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/">www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com</a> <br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-24475575308994081522013-09-16T07:13:00.001-07:002013-09-16T07:15:45.784-07:00Hands Wide Open; Reviewed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Hands Wide Open a CD by Ms. Sheila Arnold Storyteller</span></strong><br />
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Oh! Ms. Sheila what a collection of stories to touch the heart and warm the soul! I was swept away and lingered in the car listening to the last, not yet ready to leave your rich voice and soothing words. The opening story, Weeping Willow was an affirmation of traditional storytelling and was, as I expected, well delivered with such characterizations that it reminded me of playground days and children's voices.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkuLJCzI-l0/UjcN9c5b5gI/AAAAAAAADGs/S7edlzTe01o/s1600/2013-09-15+11.00.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkuLJCzI-l0/UjcN9c5b5gI/AAAAAAAADGs/S7edlzTe01o/s320/2013-09-15+11.00.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then track 2, "Elaina's Birthday Dance" - what a story of love and surprise! I will listen to that one over and over again and am so happy it has been sent along to my Grandchildren. This is a story that is for whole families, a treasure among stories. <br />
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Track 3, "A Good Stick" was as visual as spoken words get. I walked in search of the good stick, saw the monument to old man and boy and listened with baited breath for the story Grandpa would reveal. Thank you for the journey into your story. This story should be shared with every family that has an elder moving into a care facility. <br />
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Tracks 4-5-6 sweep the listener up into a classic story with a vivid chase and soothe through a son's song and you finish by capturing our hearts with "Vicki's" story. <br />
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This is a wonderful collection, I highly recommend this CD produced by Aslan Productions; Buck P. Creacy and available at <a href="http://www.mssheila.org/">www.mssheila.org</a> or to email Ms. Sheila <a href="mailto:sheilaarnold39@aol.com">sheilaarnold39@aol.com</a> <br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-5242645608646174692013-08-04T05:06:00.002-07:002013-08-04T05:06:53.582-07:00Launch of a Great Ship- The Charles W. Morgan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship of a bygone era went back into the water on July 21,2013. Her maiden launch was on July 21, 1841 at New Bedford, Ma. Through the talents of countless craftsman and steadfast fundraisers the iconic ship was carefully restored and readied for a launch. Towering over the shipyard the massive hull waited out the morning rain and watched as the last preparations were made. A huge crowd was expected to come and witness this once in a lifetime event.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYPeAsTMpYw/Ue3etBLyIZI/AAAAAAAAC70/0WkhmQIH4Eo/s1600/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYPeAsTMpYw/Ue3etBLyIZI/AAAAAAAAC70/0WkhmQIH4Eo/s320/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Decked out in patriotic bunting and surrounded by camera crews and seating for dignitaries the Charles W. Morgan stood a final dry watch. The people began to arrive first in a trickle of the early hours, there were others like myself who were there long before Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea, opened her gates. There was no way I was going to miss this event! Then the crowds came in droves filling the roads and paths of the museum village and lining the docks in wait for a shuttle ride on the Mystic River. As the noon hour passed the masses began to gravitate toward the DuPont Shipyard or the massive tent on the village green where huge screens were set up for overflow viewing or for those not able to stand to watch.<br />
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I assumed a spot in the shipyard near the rail to watch the proceedings and began a long wait. The sun came out and beat down on the growing crowd and we waited mostly in quiet speaking in muted voices. Chantey music was coming out over large speakers set for the occasion and every one was filled with anticipation.</div>
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The United States Coast Guard Band from New London, CT. filed in and took their seats. They had come to provide the fitting musical tribute to the event. Their playing of the National Anthem kicked off the ceremony.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvHa_9G35O4/Ue3jKnBSLzI/AAAAAAAAC8c/OpCRyyh1gwg/s1600/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvHa_9G35O4/Ue3jKnBSLzI/AAAAAAAAC8c/OpCRyyh1gwg/s320/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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All the while the cool breeze off the river fluttered a bold blue Connecticut state flag flying high on the Morgan.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBra_dTatYc/Ue3gaGDF8xI/AAAAAAAAC8M/_QZlWJ2wd_k/s1600/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBra_dTatYc/Ue3gaGDF8xI/AAAAAAAAC8M/_QZlWJ2wd_k/s320/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The speakers began, first an invocation from the Minister of the Mystic Congregational Church, I wondered how many ship launches that river had seen through the years? Each launch beginning with a blessing from the local ministry to send the ship on with God Speed. </div>
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The speakers were dwarfed by the hull behind them as they each in turn came to the podium. Awe seemed to be the theme of speeches given, awe of this great accomplishment, of the ship's history and of the hours taken to bring this ship back to sailing status. ( Not there yet, there will be several more months of work to reset the masts and finish the interior and equip her to modern safety standards for her 38th voyage) There is yet more funding to secure - you can make a donation here: <a href="http://www.mysticseaport.org/support/morgan/">http://www.mysticseaport.org/support/morgan/</a></div>
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The commencement of the launch process via ship deep water elevator see it here in my video from the front line of observers at the launch:</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiXqZk9QLGY&feature=share&list=UUP5iRLayfwSR5loSLCyyIfw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiXqZk9QLGY&feature=share&list=UUP5iRLayfwSR5loSLCyyIfw</a></div>
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Please visit the Mystic Seaport link to view all the proceedings of the eventful day.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mysticseaport.org/news/2013/charles-w-morgan-is-launched/">http://www.mysticseaport.org/news/2013/charles-w-morgan-is-launched/</a></div>
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Next spring the final preparations will be done and the sails set. The Charles W. Morgan is going home for a visit to New Bedford, MA. Other ports of call will be at Newport and Boston. The epic journey of the last wooden whaling ship will be a journey of inspiration and education. Now the Charles W. Morgan serves as an instructional vessel to enlighten all to the past and future of America and the Sea. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbaF_QTVjC4/Ue3oDEIlXmI/AAAAAAAAC8s/Z4_AB5s4Zdc/s1600/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fbaF_QTVjC4/Ue3oDEIlXmI/AAAAAAAAC8s/Z4_AB5s4Zdc/s320/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crew unfurls the sails of the Joseph Conrad on launch day</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXmm2aCnWJc/Ue3oa3ExF2I/AAAAAAAAC80/HGm4tKl3HU0/s1600/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXmm2aCnWJc/Ue3oa3ExF2I/AAAAAAAAC80/HGm4tKl3HU0/s320/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Eleven of these whaling boats are needed for the Charles W. Morgan. Many were built by shipyards and museums around the country in support of the Mystic Seaport Morgan restoration effort. Read more about the building of the Beetle Boat at New Bedford; <a href="http://www.whalingmuseum.org/explore/exhibitions/upcoming/beetle-whaleboat-project-2012">http://www.whalingmuseum.org/explore/exhibitions/upcoming/beetle-whaleboat-project-2012</a></div>
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the Whaling Boat Regatta info is here: </div>
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<a href="http://www.whalingmuseum.org/programs/international-whaleboat-regatta">http://www.whalingmuseum.org/programs/international-whaleboat-regatta</a> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PJZVyWGXVs/Ue3r-lt1RJI/AAAAAAAAC9E/CHaX77gTffY/s1600/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PJZVyWGXVs/Ue3r-lt1RJI/AAAAAAAAC9E/CHaX77gTffY/s320/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am a storyteller who loves the sea stories, I honor my seafaring ancestry when I share the old stories and songs of the sea. <a href="http://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/">www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com</a> My day at Mystic Seaport's Launch of the Charles W. Morgan was a day where I was the witness to a great ship and a greater community that will see this icon with her sheets to the wind once more. You know I will be there to witness the epic Voyage 2014, as the</div>
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<strong>Charles W. Morgan</strong> </div>
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goes back to sea. Enjoy a few more photos from my day at Mystic Seaport.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPzOd6SUAS4/Ue3tfvDFseI/AAAAAAAAC9U/VRZFOrB8Sag/s1600/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPzOd6SUAS4/Ue3tfvDFseI/AAAAAAAAC9U/VRZFOrB8Sag/s320/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UElaR4rkVhQ/Ue3tvgi8RjI/AAAAAAAAC9k/9MYQ4FiLjs4/s1600/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UElaR4rkVhQ/Ue3tvgi8RjI/AAAAAAAAC9k/9MYQ4FiLjs4/s320/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Mystic Seaport President Steve White<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh6Gk3c-iA8/Ue3tzhyoJgI/AAAAAAAAC9s/Z2pY-JY1xuw/s1600/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh6Gk3c-iA8/Ue3tzhyoJgI/AAAAAAAAC9s/Z2pY-JY1xuw/s320/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Keynote Speaker Ric Burns - award winning filmmaker<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_WPvrVCVzw/Ue3uEusqEsI/AAAAAAAAC90/TvB8Sn0SId0/s1600/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_WPvrVCVzw/Ue3uEusqEsI/AAAAAAAAC90/TvB8Sn0SId0/s320/Charles+W.+Morgan+Launch+026.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
CT. Representative Joe Courtney<br />
In blue jacket in the background is Sarah Bullard descendent of Charles W. Morgan<br />
Ms. Bullard cracked a bottle of blended sea and river waters on the hull to christen the ship<br />
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whaling boats<br />
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Ship Joseph Conrad<br />
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A Historic Film Clip of the Charles W. Morgan</div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/MwK5aEq-p1k">http://youtu.be/MwK5aEq-p1k</a></div>
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Mystic Seaport You-Tube on the Morgan</div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/w9z3nQMF1d4">http://youtu.be/w9z3nQMF1d4</a></div>
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<strong>3 Cheers</strong></div>
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<strong>Huzzah, Huzzah, Huzzah!</strong></div>
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Other blogs I've posted with a nautical theme:</div>
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/06/singing-chesapeake.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/06/singing-chesapeake.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html</a></div>
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com4Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355, USA41.3613575 -71.96616770000002841.3553985 -71.976252700000032 41.367316499999994 -71.956082700000024tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-20105691961029263242013-06-25T05:52:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:52:34.471-07:00Singing the Chesapeake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When we teach children to love, honor and respect the rivers and streams that lead down to great bays and the sea we have taken them on a journey to save the Earth. <br />
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The message is often lost in the abundant activities crammed into an annual vacation adventure. Music has the power to get the message to the children and travel with them for years to come. A song of preservation and appreciation that is fun to sing will be remembered long into ice encrusted winters.<br />
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Published in 2012 the <strong>"Singing the Chesapeake"</strong> collection by the late Tom Wisner is a voice for the waters and a tool for enjoyment of environmental studies. It is best said in this quote from the introduction page in the book.<br />
"This collection of songs by Tom Wisner, the "Bard of the Chesapeake," are the living, streaming echoes of a unique lifelong dedication and creative act of service - Tom's deep commitment to environmental education and awareness that he shared through music."<br />
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Here is a collection of Tom's most powerful sentiments and testimony to Chesapeake Bay conservation and care. No need to limit our thoughts to one bay, these inspirations teach the lessons relevant to all bodies of water. <br />
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Tom Wisner's dedication to the Chesapeake and waterways is alive and well in the music he wrote and performed. It is his legacy of music entrusted to his close friends Teresa Whitaker and Frank Schwartz that is presented in this booklet and accompanying CD. Music, lyrics, background information and an audio track make this a complete teaching tool. Do not limit yourself to the pages and echoing voice of Tom Wisner though, this music is available in live performance by Teresa and Frank. <a href="http://www.frankandteresa.net/">www.frankandteresa.net</a> will link you to their music and story filled world. <br />
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I'm still humming "Made of Water" after hearing Frank and Teresa perform it. I laugh along with visions of children when I hear Teresa Whitaker's enclosed piece "How Does it Feel to Be a Fish?"<br />
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I'm loving <strong>"Singing the Chesapeake"</strong> featuring songs by Tom Wisner For Children of all ages. Additional songs by Teresa Whitaker and Mark Wisner. You are going to love it too!<br />
<a href="http://www.frankandteresa.net/">www.frankandteresa.net</a> <a href="mailto:ftzj@cox.net">ftzj</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null">@cox.net</a> <br />
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Singing the Chesapeake is made possible by Chestory/Chears and Finding Home Productions <br />
(c) 2012 <br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-39508863198698007162013-05-26T01:32:00.000-07:002013-05-26T01:32:34.706-07:00Chalk Up Student Fairy Tales<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What do kids know and understand of fairy tales? How do they interpret them? I, as a storyteller, was wondering and used sidewalk chalk as a way to begin exploration of the questions. <br />
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I work in an after school program and thought the kids would enjoy a spring afternoon with sidewalk chalk. I began by reminding them of our visit to a local art gallery. I pointed out how each piece of art had its own space and people walked by admiring them. I proposed we make a fairy tale art gallery on the front sidewalk for the parents to look at when they came for pick up. <br />
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Sidewalks are broken by distinct cracks, this sure makes building a student art gallery easy! Each of the kids was assigned a segment of our walkway. I said our art show subject was fairy tales they could draw a picture from any fairy tale they wanted, I then gave the example Cinderella or The Little Mermaid. <br />
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Right from the example we have Cinderella in her beautiful gown and wearing the crown. Two of three step sisters are present but not as glamorous at all. The third step sister fell off the curb, I was told this! ( I titled the art for them so we could read it) At 7 years old this young lady was focused on interpreting the happily ever after part of the story. <br />
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This little lady, just 6 years old depicted the Little Mermaid, again straight from my examples. She had many questions as to the requirements of the art before beginning to draw. I told them this was to be their art, anything they wanted to show from the story, no rules except stay in their square and physically on the sidewalk. The Little Mermaid is swimming into the cave in her picture. She chose to show a part that scares her, we talked about this and what made it scary, it was not knowing the outcome.<br />
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I love this one, it has a special meaning. This young lady was 8 years old. She chose the 3 Little Pigs to draw. In this scene they are dancing, the wolf is gone. I asked why she liked this story and was told, "because the third pig is smart, he built a brick house". I know this represents safety to this little girl - all the buildings in this housing project where they live are BRICK! <br />
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A 6 year old boy drew this rendition of the Little Red Hen. He is a very physical boy, in constant motion as he drew. The blue spirals were her fields and the pink is Mrs. Hen herself. He commented he wasn't good at chickens - he didn't know any! This tied in nicely with all the garden work we have been doing. <br />
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This artist was 8 years old and chose Robin Hood to depict. I did not go into the difference between fairly tale, folk tale and legend, I wanted them to have a totally positive experience and for me to leave it as much to their interpretation as possible. Robin is drawn with a crown, I'm not sure that he would like to be part of the royal family but I believe her interpretation was of power and good. I am most interested in her using the form of a snake as the image for the "bad guy". The evil serpent certainly has a frown, Robin isn't happy he is fighting for his money I was informed. <br />
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This student is 9 years old. I thought it very interesting that she did not pick a particular story but singled out the common character from many stories. In her words "they all have a mean guy". This was also her writing, it's boldness certainly showing some of the strength of the character. She laughed and commented he wouldn't be a mean guy when it rained. What power it is to show what is scary and know it would be gone the next morning! <br />
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This use of fairy tales was a fun project the children enjoyed and were proud of. They were very excited to show family members at pick up time. There was much more excitement over this art, than art on paper, I believe because it was so public a space. This few minutes of sidewalk time was a window into their world. Fairy Tales have a place in children's learning to give voice and interpretation of feelings that are complex. They have the power to give hope and wipe out evil with a single rain storm! This day at our after school was a happily ever afternoon!<br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-53552036204773892852013-03-29T06:52:00.001-07:002013-03-29T10:28:21.429-07:00Job Posting: Troll Caretaker<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Caretaker Wanted: for single male troll</h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iao0-GzO4xY/UVWVNQwkIhI/AAAAAAAACzo/lfB4KHp7v4o/s1600/2013-03-20+14.20.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iao0-GzO4xY/UVWVNQwkIhI/AAAAAAAACzo/lfB4KHp7v4o/s320/2013-03-20+14.20.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Person of interest in employment as Troll Caretaker should apply by visiting the realty site and arrange a tour of the home. The current troll keepers are moving on. The well established and low maintenance troll wishes new caretaker to be easy going and patient with troll like behaviors. New caretaker must be willing to relocate to Mansfield, CT.<br />
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Maintenance of troll habitat and current standards of troll care must be certified and met with due diligence. The troll in need has protected this domain for a very long time. Green Door policy is to note when the troll is out so that maintenance of his Daffodils, snow removal or other seasonal care does not disturb his privacy and desired introverted ways. <br />
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Standard Halloween open door policy is negotiable upon signed intent to make an offer on position. It should be noted that the 1-2 hour event to welcome the children of the neighborhood has been an anticipated and celebrated event of the Halloween evening. Every school bus that passes and every car with children in check on the troll status. It has been that way for more than 30 years, it is hoped the tradition will continue without interruption.<br />
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For more information on troll care and keeping and Troll stories see these links:<br />
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<a href="http://library.thinkquest.org/12924/nr2.htm">http://library.thinkquest.org/12924/nr2.htm</a><br />
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Troll Story from their home country:<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/AeZRT7d4m7E">http://youtu.be/AeZRT7d4m7E</a><br />
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Everything Trolls:<br />
<a href="http://www.trollforest.com/">http://www.trollforest.com/</a><br />
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Famous Troll:<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billy_Goats_Gruff">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billy_Goats_Gruff</a><br />
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Troll Storytelling: Resources For Understanding:<br />
<a href="http://users.skynet.be/fa023784/trollmoon/TrollBlog/files/4c5b38b5c8a85cc197feaeb317e575cb-43.html">http://users.skynet.be/fa023784/trollmoon/TrollBlog/files/4c5b38b5c8a85cc197feaeb317e575cb-43.html</a><br />
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Norway Troll Resources:<br />
<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/troll-of-norway">http://www.squidoo.com/troll-of-norway</a><br />
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Troll Beads <br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/W5Mrsecrp2s">http://youtu.be/W5Mrsecrp2s</a><br />
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Apply Here:<br />
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Landmarks Realty<br />
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Troll's old friend fox and his resources are in ths blog:<br />
<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/10/weather-vanes-fox-story-resource.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/10/weather-vanes-fox-story-resource.html</a><br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-63732083177213873862013-02-11T04:42:00.000-08:002013-02-11T04:42:03.547-08:00Why I Tried Out for America's Got Talent<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"You went to New York City for the <strong>America's Got Talent</strong> T.V. Show auditions .......Really? Why, How ? What was it like? Tell me more!" I've heard that a lot in the last week! <br />
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Imagine this scenario:<br />
"Hello CBS Broadcasting how much is a 2 minute commercial? <br />
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A few questions, of course, yes, Prime Time, yes a show with High Ratings....<br />
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No my budget is fixed........<br />
Is there a discount if I buy two commercial slots? I'd like one for my storytelling business, the other a general promotion to highlight storytelling as a performance art, entertainment, and educational program. ...................<br />
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The price is what?................................Dollars? ................................gulp and deep breath, Thanks anyway, I think I will look for Plan B!<br />
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I didn't actually make the call, I just had to think about it. There is no way we are going to break into that market share anytime soon! There are many discussions though on how to grow audiences and reach out to both new tellers and listeners. Reaching out would help me and storytelling in general. The way to do that is mass media, and, it is expensive. <br />
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<u>Along came Plan B!</u> <br />
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If I can go to the try outs for America's Got Talent then I might boost my career and help storytelling. There's a chance, because they have not featured storytelling before, could I get picked and get my two minutes on television? This would take some planning and a strategy. Carolyn Stearns Storyteller, I can do this, I thought, I have to do this! <a href="http://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/">www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com</a> <br />
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Online at AGT I found information on how to try out. I read this several times. Then thought about my constant question. What story should I tell? There were no tryouts in the Northeast posted but I went ahead with the plan knowing it would work out if it was meant to. There was video entry allowed. <br />
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I chose several stories that I thought were powerful and could hold their power when edited to the appetizer sized morsel AGT would allow. Video entries could only be 2 minutes! I called on Jim Harriman, storyteller, theatre director, play write to coach me and help me hone the words to a sharp 2 minute presentation. Jim's help and advice to get the best punch from the 2 minutes was incredibly valuable. I had my goal in sight and soon it would be in reach. We met at the CAST Children's Theatre, Manchester for the coaching and video session, I really appreciate the CAST space for its quiet and welcome for my project. <a href="http://www.casttheatre.org/">http://www.casttheatre.org/</a> I was not telling anyone what I was working on, there were only three or four people who knew about this project. <br />
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The story choice was a tale of Clara Barton on the Civil War battlefield at Antietam. This also allowed for use of my Civil War era costume as I felt in a live audition finding a way to stand out in a crowd of thousands was a critical point. I sent the video and watched their website. Some time later they posted the New York City audition information. I filled out the online forms and pushed send! All planning then was focusing on getting there. On Feb 1, 2013 I got the phone call confirming my time of arrival. They also told me I could only have 90 seconds! I can do that I thought! For the first time nerves made my stomach leap. I don't know what made me more nervous the trip or the try out! <br />
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I am a country mouse, prior to AGT I had been to New York City only 3 times. The first New York City trip was in high school to march in a parade, then on a bus trip to the Statue of Liberty, and more recently with a friend to research my Christmas Spirits story. I checked it all out feeling very intimidated by the city and the prospect of travel there. I asked friends which also then entailed telling them what I was up to, and swearing them to secrecy. No one was available to go with me, but in the end this was a good thing.<br />
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Before dawn February 2, 2013 I drove out of the yard, my trip to the America's Got Talent try outs at St. John Studios in Manhattan was underway. I told my husband what I was doing the night before and packed my car with costume, I was off on my adventure. At New Haven I took the train to NYC, this was only my second time taking the train, I loved the ride through lower Connecticut. Arriving at Grand Central I got a cab to the studio and joined the line of all pursuing the AGT dream. It was a bitter cold morning as we stood in the tunnel waiting to get into the building. I dressed for the cold and passed the time with a new young friend chasing her dream, her Grandma the hero that brought her to the try outs!! <br />
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The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel was a reality on this day!! At the corner they were organizing people to go inside.<br />
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Two security checkpoints and I had my number. The bathroom was so crowded I found a corner in the hallway to change to my Civil War style dress. I had thought this out too, I had some of the under layers already on, so slip off one piece and slide into the hoop and dress. Then another line snaked through channels taped onto the floor all the way to the registration area. <br />
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I was registered and moved in to he first holding room. This was a mass of people all gathered in sight of a dream and working their way toward their 90 seconds. <br />
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Slowly, in groups of about 100 the group was sifted. I waited, the hours slipping by. A text message of encouragement came in from my brother, one of my secret keepers. He made me smile, yes I have this, I am in the moment. First they pulled my group into a curtained area. The dancers left us, then the people needing a keyboard left. Staff then took the instrumentalists, our group was now about 40 and we headed off through the building. We were put in a small room in silence as tryouts were taking place right next door, we could hear the voices singing. Again we were sorted and a smaller group of us left to yet another room. Here they asked if all were singers, if not raise your hand. I raised mine, they took the paperwork I had carried all day, a storyteller? You will go with these stand up comedians in a couple minutes. Across the room a weary mother playfully cuffed her teen daughter, Why couldn't you be a storyteller! I soon left the singers.<br />
Four of us were ready, this is it! The three comedians and I were asked to follow our guide to another room, inside were the two producers listening to spoken auditions. The guys held the door and I swept in lifting my big dress to step over a threshold. The two producers looked up beaming - "Great costume!" The four of us were lined up at the back and they called out names from our paperwork. I went up last, stood on the big green X taped to the floor, I introduced myself and took the deep breath. My mind set its mental clock I had to finish this in the 90 seconds. " She lifted her skirt to step over the dead bodies in search of those with life still in them....." I had their attention, my story was told and it was over. The four of us were done and we left. In the hall we were excited to have done our piece,we talked on the elevator ride down. Soon I was changed and out into the city.<br />
I had plans to meet up with storyteller Robin Bady of Brooklyn, a debriefing and celebration. I had not been nervous, intense focus on the job to be done. Nerves could only get in my way. Now though the adrenaline coursing through me was intense, <strong>I DID IT!!!</strong> <br />
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10 p.m. I post to Facebook a picture and what I had done that day and lay there watching the comments roll in. Someone said I was Brave! Later in the week when I am with my brother he repeats it, he thinks I am brave, and maybe I am. I will never let a city intimidate me again, I can do my work where ever and when ever, I am a country mouse, but I am a mouse that roared! <br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-8061225515811127262013-02-01T05:20:00.000-08:002013-02-01T05:20:47.071-08:00Social Media "You Can't Make Me" <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong> "You can't make me!",</strong> a childhood declaration en route to the unwanted bath, or the dreaded family event, it is a classic line of resistance. Often the phrase is a playground recourse to a dare or command to adhere to some childhood standard. We learn this early in life and wear the moments proudly in memory. <br />
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The time has passed. It is time to put down the memory in the category of childhood power and embrace social media, at least at some level, a beginning! There are those who yearn for the days pre-social media, the pen and phone days of yore. I am not advocating putting down your pen or your phone they are both powerful tools in the tool box of promotion, and marketing of you and your interest. Social Media is for business and an integral piece in my worlds of the Arts, Agriculture and Non-Profits. It is not the teen thing, or the young persons place, it is the place for our business today. <br />
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A century or more ago there was a resistance to those silly glass balls and wires, after all the fuss the LIGHT BULB was and is, a great idea. The image has become the icon for new ideas.<br />
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Passing over Social Media as a unwanted trend or fad will only leave you with the Edison resistant- in the dark. Social Media is as relevant to life today as Walter Cronkite was to news, so please tune in.<br />
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You don't need to partake of the whole pie, just select a couple bites and begin to engage people and build a following. Today your circle of friends can circle the globe, so join a conversation, comment on a blog,( start with this one - what do you think?) favorite a great photo and begin to reach out with all these wonderful tools! Engagement is the seed you sow, what you work on, growth, network, reach are the harvest. Interested in more about my other social media sites? Here is a link to my page listing them: <a href="http://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/Index.cfm?PageID=1512">http://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/Index.cfm?PageID=1512</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">credit for photo shared through:</span><br />
<div id="yui_3_7_3_3_1359556669361_1115">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This social media prism is inspired by Brian Solis & JESS3.<br />It's made by </span><a href="http://www.ethority.de/" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ethority</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, a German social media marketing agency. More information here: </span><a href="http://social-media-prism.ethority.de/" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://social-media-prism.ethority.de</span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en</span></a></div>
Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-75116701828883678102013-01-28T19:28:00.000-08:002013-01-31T07:45:17.775-08:00 I Was Absent, But I Produced... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was absent from my blog.Was there homework? Is there a new assignment? I took a hiatus from writing and posting, chasing articles and images, I just took a break. I believe in the power of my blog to reach people and to get information I feel relevant, collected and redistributed. A little bit of my family newspaper heritage showing there. On the other hand, I have two day jobs and was in pursuit of several major projects. I took a good look at myself and my expectations and decided, I needed a break.<br />
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One of my projects is the stories of Great Uncle George. George Henry Story to be exact, the man who painted Lincoln. I have been reading and researching his journals and accounts and parallel history to compile a vision of his life and work. A very important moment of that lifetime was when he sat with President Abraham Lincoln for three days sketching and taking notes prior to painting the portrait that now hangs in President Obama's office. <br />
Here is what I have produced since the hiatus began. A one hour performance of stories from Uncle George Henry Story's autobiography. ( unpublished but (c) ) My mother was working on publishing that before she passed away last year, that is something my brother and I plan to finish.<br />
I have recorded a CD of the George Story tales which is presently being mastered and will soon be available on CD Baby, later in disc format. More info on the performances and CD are available on my website; <a href="http://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/">www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com</a> <br />
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Then there was the video project. The Wood Memorial Library and Gallery in So. Windsor CT. <a href="http://www.woodmemoriallibrary.org/">www.woodmemoriallibrary.org</a> was prepping an exhibit of paintings by George Story. The Wood worked in collaboration with The Wadsworth Athaneum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art NYC, The Brooklyn Museum and the Smith College Gallery along with private art collectors. The Metropolitan video team offered to make a orientation film. It was then that the Wood learned I was a professional storyteller and was performing pieces of Uncle George's stories. A magical evening under the lights, wired for sound, standing in a period home with appropriate props, we filmed the Lincoln story now showing at the Wood Memorial through Feb. 28, 2013.<br />
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So venture out to the Wood Memorial Library and Gallery check the website for hours they are open and the special events dates. <a href="http://www.woodmemoriallibrary.org/">www.woodmemoriallibrary.org</a> Take a long slow walk through the gallery and think about Uncle George sitting before his canvas, palette in hand, stroke by stroke capturing time.<br />
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I'm back to posting blogs now, a little at a time, word by word, capturing time. Thanks for stopping by to read.<br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-23847468102380344262012-12-28T21:35:00.000-08:002012-12-28T21:35:02.284-08:00Students Caught Eating Curriculum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math curriculum must be delicious, </div>
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students at my workshops thought so!</div>
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The workshop and demonstration S.T.E.A.M. Ice Cream is rocking the schools with excitement and creating buzz at expos and fair type outings. S.T.E.A.M. Ice Cream uses alternative energy to make 5 gallons of delicious ice cream. Students don't think twice about the math and science because the workshop naturally engages their imagination and willingness to experiment and improvise. <br />
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The art of storytelling releases the student inquisitive nature through stories of inventors and innovators, many of whom were very young when they began their work. With these stories shared we get the group consensus that it is cool to invent and there are no wrong answers when brainstorming. Students inhibitions about sharing off beat thoughts diminish as they work in a atmosphere of acceptance. The goal of producing 5 gallons of ice cream is a worthy reward too!<br />
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With the stories and math done the brainstorming comes in. How can we use what we have to power the ice cream maker. Bike power or solar power, are available, wind and water are coming in 2013, and a novel way invented by one of the workshop students! We may even get kid power harnessed!!<br />
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A recycled bike make a great power unit even a cow can run! <br />
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The S.T.E.A.M. Ice Cream Workshop can be a 3 hour workshop, a 2 hour workshop, it can be done with large groups that rotate through stations and it is a great 45 demonstration with tasting after a batch is made!<br />
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When we do shorter workshops we send the math and science worksheets along in advance and have some things as follow up. Students see the process of making the ice cream using alternative energy and hear the storytelling/literacy component. I always include info on open space, farm to school, farmland preservation and buy local to the conversation during my visits. <br />
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At a fair, expo, event, corporate visit or museum S.T.E.A.M. Ice Cream can be an ongoing demo with ice cream being sampled. <br />
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If you are looking for the newest way to engage students or the public at an event S.T.E.A.M. Ice Cream is sure to please a crowd! <br />
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visit my website for more details: <a href="http://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/Index.cfm?PageID=1511">http://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/Index.cfm?PageID=1511</a><br />
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from the website you can call or email to query a date, find links to grants that could cover this program for your non profit or school and contact me with questions. <br />
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S.T.E.A.M. Ice Cream is on Facebook come "Like" the page please</div>
Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-67851561009997460502012-10-25T06:10:00.001-07:002012-11-05T19:56:06.233-08:00Weather Vanes Fox Story Resource<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Weather vanes story resources is an occasionally recurring series in my blog. Each weather vane highlights particular subjects with links and anecdotal information to help create a living story from material on the web.<br />
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Elusive and wily the fox in story and in the wild represents a character of resource and cunning.<br />
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Brer Fox is a character of the Uncle Remus folk tales that were collected by Joel Chandler Harris. These folk tales were made popular once again and brought to the new era by Walt Disney. The first use of Brer Fox in his 1946 movie Song of the South and later with the construction of Splash Mountain at Disney World Orlando, Fla. To read more about the history of Brer Fox in media here is the link to the Wikipedia page: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Br'er_Fox_and_Br'er_Bear">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Br'er_Fox_and_Br'er_Bear</a><br />
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Here is an online link to a classic Brer Fox tale; <a href="http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2008/09/brer_fox_goes_hunting.html">http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2008/09/brer_fox_goes_hunting.html</a><br />
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Eatonton, GA. is home to the Uncle Remus Museum. Housed in former slave quarters the small museum an American folklore treasure. Trip Advisor has news and reviews of the Uncle Remus Museum with photos included. <br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34919-d2290571-Reviews-Uncle_Remus_Museum-Eatonton_Georgia.html">http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34919-d2290571-Reviews-Uncle_Remus_Museum-Eatonton_Georgia.html</a> <br />
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The direct link to the museum is here:<br />
<a href="http://www.uncleremus.com/museum.html">http://www.uncleremus.com/museum.html</a><br />
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<strong>Francis Marion</strong> of South Carolina was among the legends and heroes created during the American Revolution. Smithsonian sifts through the resources, legends, lore and fact to get a closer look at our wily patriot. <br />
<a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/biography/fox.html">http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/biography/fox.html</a><br />
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more on the legend: <a href="http://www.swampfoxmemorial.org/francismarion.html">http://www.swampfoxmemorial.org/francismarion.html</a><br />
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Walt Disney again had a part in the later career of this Fox. Disney created a TV series in 8 parts depicting the life of the notorious patriot. Actor Leslie Nielsen was the star. After the original airing<br />
dates the show returned in syndicated programming and three episodes on DVD. More here:<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Swamp_Fox_(TV_series">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Swamp_Fox_(TV_series</a>) <br />
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Here is a quote from the theme song:<br />
"Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, tail on his hat... nobody knows where the Swamp Fox at; Swamp Fox, Swamp Fox, hiding in the glen, He'll ride away to fight again. Got no money, got no beds, got no roof above our heads; got no shelter when it rains, All we've got is Yankee brains!"<br />
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South Carolina Storyteller Tim Lowry portrays the Legendary General Francis Marion. His website: <a href="http://storytellertimlowry.com/">http://storytellertimlowry.com/</a> <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aq4UmQufpJc/UIk3BIBVjrI/AAAAAAAACpc/fhnWpjTeDPM/s1600/Tm+Lowry+Francis+Marion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aq4UmQufpJc/UIk3BIBVjrI/AAAAAAAACpc/fhnWpjTeDPM/s1600/Tm+Lowry+Francis+Marion.jpg" /></a></div>
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Other posts from the Weather vane series:<br />
<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/08/weather-vanes-story-resources-part-7.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/08/weather-vanes-story-resources-part-7.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/01/weather-vanes-story-resources-part-5.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/01/weather-vanes-story-resources-part-5.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2011/12/weather-vanes-story-resources-part-3.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2011/12/weather-vanes-story-resources-part-3.html</a><br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-9337245228325735022012-10-16T09:05:00.001-07:002012-10-16T09:05:48.971-07:00100 Day Journey to Mustang Makeover<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
100 days ago he was nothing, no... he was a bit of wind and plains trapped temporarily in horsehide. The BLM ( Bureau of Land Management) round up, brought him in and he was put with a shipment headed east to TN. There he ran through chutes and into the waiting trailer of trainer Geoff Goodson and a second journey, this time to Connecticut. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icPGg85walM/UH1_RizHTLI/AAAAAAAACm4/7BzRiHP4jfw/s1600/Geoff+2+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icPGg85walM/UH1_RizHTLI/AAAAAAAACm4/7BzRiHP4jfw/s320/Geoff+2+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now his 100 days are up and he is off again. This trip is to Clemson, SC. and the Extreme Mustang Makeover. The competition of horse trainers and Mustang horses is a unique look at the incredible intelligence, compatibility, and flexibility of the Mustang. <br />
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They leave today for the long ride south. A team effort to put Lil Joe Wrangler into the competition with other Mustangs and trainers. With Geoff Goodson are a ring crew and more importantly to us back home, updates from Clemson! Lil Joe will compete in compulsories, and freestyle. Check it all out here at their site: <br />
<a href="http://www.extrememustangmakeover.com/emmsouthcarolina.php">http://www.extrememustangmakeover.com/emmsouthcarolina.php</a><br />
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Compulsories are the useful and safety oriented skills of a good equine citizen. Expectations are high and all the Mustangs need to exhibit a strong foundation before moving on to the freestyle. <br />
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Freestyle, an event to measure how much trust and training can be developed in a 100 day program of foundation building. Lil Joe Wrangler was a star pupil. His work sessions were kept short to accommodate his young age and physical development. He became a go everywhere, do everything horse. Lil Joe developed a fan club, he has a big heart and a personality the size of the open plains. Before leaving for Clemson and the big weekend long competition Geoff Goodson and Lil Joe Wrangler put on a public demonstration here at Round Stone Farm in East Hampton CT.<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roundstone-Farm-LLC/169194046424247">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roundstone-Farm-LLC/169194046424247</a><br />
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Here is a video compilation from the Mustang Demonstration with CT. Horse trainer Geoff Goodson.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gszfiGoZ0aI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Here is a link to Geoff Goodson's site: <a href="http://www.geoffgoodsonhorsemanship.com/">http://www.geoffgoodsonhorsemanship.com/</a><br />
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Best of Luck to Geoff Goodson and Lil Joe Wrangler in the Extreme Mustang Makeover. <br />
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Previous Blogs in the Lil Joe series: <br />
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/08/lil-joe-mustang-horseadventure.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/08/lil-joe-mustang-horseadventure.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/07/american-mustang-horse-from-bottom-up.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/07/american-mustang-horse-from-bottom-up.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/06/utah-wild-mustang-in-connecticut.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/06/utah-wild-mustang-in-connecticut.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/06/wild-horses-couldnt-keep-me-away.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/06/wild-horses-couldnt-keep-me-away.html</a><br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-89677457963418694552012-10-08T14:54:00.000-07:002012-10-08T15:01:30.514-07:00Won't Be Caught Speeding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My husband had a tire blowout the other day, ripped a gaping smile shape into the thick black rubber tire. My son, a mechanical minded young man set to the task of changing out the tire for a new one.<br />
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It quickly became apparent that the axles were a different diameter. My husband said it was ok with him if the new axle was a little smaller. Proud to say my son thought the wiggle and play in the tire with an ill fitting part were a bad combo.<br />
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My husband quickly replied he never takes it over 30 mph, it would do.<br />
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On the road again with the newly installed tire and a safety device my son added. Just because we're farming doesn't mean we can't have a little fun, even under 30 mph.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HB8pOXbbS_E/UHNKG5MpyiI/AAAAAAAACmU/VmGN8f3l29s/s1600/wheelbarrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HB8pOXbbS_E/UHNKG5MpyiI/AAAAAAAACmU/VmGN8f3l29s/s320/wheelbarrow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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another farm oriented blog of mine:</div>
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/wed-word-wisdom-ruminate.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/wed-word-wisdom-ruminate.html</a></div>
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-75348901200943261822012-10-03T08:15:00.000-07:002012-10-03T08:15:20.879-07:00Wed. Word Wisdom - Hand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong>Wednesday Word Wisdom with Carolyn Stearns Storyteller</strong><br />
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<strong>Hand</strong>; it's not what you think it is really so much more. As an equine reference point it is a fun word to define.<br />
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<strong>Hand</strong>: <br />
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<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td align="right" class="td3n1" width="1%"><span id="hotword"> </span></td><td class="td3n2"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">unit</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">length</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">measurement</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">equalling</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">four</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">inches,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">used</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">for</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">measuring</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">height</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">horses,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">usually</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">from</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">front</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">hoof</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">withers</span> </span><br />
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and I know you were thinking of the appendage at the end of your arm and it's close because before standard measuring tools the hand was the standard term used to measure a horse. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4auMCmOSJMI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Come back next week for a new Wednesday Word Wisdom. Bringing you the lesser known meanings of words or their origins in agriculture and history.<br />
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Previous Wednesday Word Wisdom entries:<br />
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/wed-word-wisdom-ruminate.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/wed-word-wisdom-ruminate.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/wed-word-wisdom-sheepishly.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/wed-word-wisdom-sheepishly.html</a><br />
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Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374359370011611450.post-24324833312344354032012-09-26T03:37:00.000-07:002012-09-26T03:37:21.470-07:00Wed. Word Wisdom - Sheepishly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wednesday Word Wisdom highlights a different word each week. Many will have agricultural backgrounds. Can you use my word of the week during your week?<br />
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I think kids would have fun finding ways to make a movie of a definition, I sure am!<br />
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<strong>Sheepishly</strong>; This flock at The University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture is sure acting sheepishly! They tuck their head down low and behind another hoping not to be noticed.<br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/t_KC4UtDKrM/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/t_KC4UtDKrM?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/t_KC4UtDKrM?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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Have a word with an agricultural root you would like me to post? Just leave a comment at the bottom. If it isn't on my list already I will add it.<br />
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Last week's word: Ruminate;<br />
<a href="http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/wed-word-wisdom-ruminate.html">http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/wed-word-wisdom-ruminate.html</a></div>
Carolyn Stearnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529454359380716038noreply@blogger.com0