Snow Day...Again

      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. 

       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.

       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. http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html
 

      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.
 

 

Here is a piece of my writing from today

 

Singing

 

I hear you singing

Soft and distant

 

I hear you singing

a whispered tune

 

I hear you singing

 voice now bold

 

I hear you singing

crescendo to forte

 

I hear you singing

a herald to multitudes

 

I hear you singing

 lament to freedom

 

I hear you singing

Wrap me in your cloak of white

 

I hear you singing

all day and all night

 

I hear you singing

a song of centuries

 

I hear you

old friend and enemy

 

I hear you sing

Nor'easter

 

 

 

  

Another snow post you might enjoy or find useful if it keeps snowing! : http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2014/01/8-things-to-do-when-it-is-wicked-cold.html

Here is a post about singing:
 http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/06/singing-chesapeake.html

Launch of a Great Ship- The Charles W. Morgan

        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.

         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.
                          

 

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.

 

 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.

 

 

 All the while the cool breeze off the river fluttered a bold blue Connecticut state flag flying high on the Morgan.

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.

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: http://www.mysticseaport.org/support/morgan/

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:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiXqZk9QLGY&feature=share&list=UUP5iRLayfwSR5loSLCyyIfw

 

  

 Please visit the Mystic Seaport link to view all the proceedings of the eventful day.

http://www.mysticseaport.org/news/2013/charles-w-morgan-is-launched/

 

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.

Crew unfurls the sails of the Joseph Conrad on launch day

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; http://www.whalingmuseum.org/explore/exhibitions/upcoming/beetle-whaleboat-project-2012

 

 the Whaling Boat Regatta info is here:

http://www.whalingmuseum.org/programs/international-whaleboat-regatta

 

 

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. www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com 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

 Charles W. Morgan

goes back to sea. Enjoy a few more photos from my day at Mystic Seaport.

                                                     

                                                Mystic Seaport President Steve White

                                               Keynote Speaker Ric Burns - award winning filmmaker

                                                         CT. Representative Joe Courtney
               In blue jacket in the background is Sarah Bullard descendent of Charles W. Morgan
        Ms. Bullard cracked a bottle of blended sea and river waters on the hull to christen the ship

                                                 

                                                                      whaling boats

                                                               Ship Joseph Conrad

 

A Historic Film Clip of the Charles W. Morgan

http://youtu.be/MwK5aEq-p1k

Mystic Seaport You-Tube on the Morgan

http://youtu.be/w9z3nQMF1d4

 

3 Cheers

Huzzah, Huzzah,  Huzzah!

 

Other blogs I've posted with a nautical theme:

 http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2013/06/singing-chesapeake.html

 

 http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html

 

 

Job Posting: Troll Caretaker

                                Caretaker Wanted: for single male troll

       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.

       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.

       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.

For more information on troll care and keeping and Troll stories see these links:

http://library.thinkquest.org/12924/nr2.htm

Troll Story from their home country:

http://youtu.be/AeZRT7d4m7E

Everything Trolls:
http://www.trollforest.com/

Famous Troll:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billy_Goats_Gruff

Troll Storytelling: Resources For Understanding:
http://users.skynet.be/fa023784/trollmoon/TrollBlog/files/4c5b38b5c8a85cc197feaeb317e575cb-43.html

Norway Troll Resources:
http://www.squidoo.com/troll-of-norway

Troll Beads
http://youtu.be/W5Mrsecrp2s


Apply Here:

                                                               Landmarks Realty



 Troll's old friend fox and his resources are in ths blog:
http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/10/weather-vanes-fox-story-resource.html




 

Never the Twain Shall Meet

We will never meet Mark Twain ( the pen name of Samuel Clemens), but standing in his home, surrounded by possessions that were his, a glimpse. Reading his works penned in the third story "man cave", I know more. Reading what a few of our American Presidents had to say about Mark Twain, yet another piece. Mark Twain was a storyteller!  Our guide related about his stories at dinner parties, I felt at home.

This recent visit was a warm late summer day and I could imagine Twain at his desk writing and growing drowsy. The guide told us a hammock once hung on the third floor porch so he could nap out there. It is in among the tree tops and so resembled a tree house. From there the views were of the carriage house, the Park River (now underground), Harriet Beecher Stowe's house, and the greenhouse that supplied table flowers year round.

As I stood on the porch I tried to imagine the family here. One could easily imagine children playing
here even on a rainy day. Their voices drifting up to their father far above them in the hammock or at his desk. I could almost hear the crunch of the gravel as a carriage bearing guests could have come up the drive way and paused under the portico for them to disembark.

The Clemens family kept some ducks who had this view of the house from down near the river and marsh. Today cars park where they once swam, but it is not hard to imagine on a warm summer afternoon.

A unique example of Victorian architecture from top to bottom, the Twain/Clemens home was state of the art when built and yet designed for the family to enjoy. A favorite feature of mine is the curved butlers pantry that connects the service wing to the main house. Only the butler had access, it was his little kingdom. China and silver services were kept here and  he served the meals from this space.

Here are a few more pictures from my most recent visit:

                                                        details details everywhere!

 

a slate roof

                              Glass conservatory off the family library complete with fountain!

 In Connecticut or coming to Connecticut here is the link to the Twain Visitor Center:
                                                   http://www.marktwainhouse.org/

         His boyhood home in Missouri is a museum as well: http://www.marktwainmuseum.org/

Mark Twain, many of his quotes you will recognize even if you did not know they were from him.

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.
Mark Twain

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain.html#0kcolVxTHv7LwrYK.99

Mystic Seaport Sea Chantey Class

I tried ignoring the posting for this class.  I went back and looked again. There is definitely something to this music that made me sign up for class for 4 Saturdays in the spring! I have always felt the draw of the sea, that remaining salt water in the veins from  generations of family who loved and worked the sea.

First class was so much fun. We sang many  of the songs and now are choosing a song we will sing the lead on. My intent of learning some of these is to be an addition and understanding for a nautical epic I'm working on.

                                                     I am drawn to the images and scenes of the nautical world. The simple knots and coiled ropes, the ships at dock the ripples on still water and the gull overhead.

Against a gray sky two crew members climb aloft to tend a ship in port at Mystic. After class I wandered the village for a few minutes snapping pictures. It was a call of a gull that made me look up, as if to say you didnt see this and I took the quick moment to focus and capture the image. Somehow with the singing of the music and understanding the kind of ships work that the songs were created for makes it all seem much more alive.

other sea posts:

http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2011/12/rye-beach.html

http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2011/10/bosuns-pipe-calling.html

Review- Tom Callinan ; Commemorations and I'll Take New England Any Day

Tom Callinan Introduces us to two new CD's of his  legendary music!

Commemorations    and   I'll Take New England Any Day

Commemorations is a collection of local legends and National treasures put to music. The characters of a time past and gone are given the breath of life in their story told. The music is warm, engaging and memorable as the tunes wind you into a tale centuries old or as fresh as yesterdays commute across the Baldwin Bridge.

This is CD is perfect compliment to  a classroom, would work well in a pub, the music is for museums and families alike.  This  2011 release is sure to be a favorite among the history lovers and the classic sounds of guitar and voice meld into the troubadours message.

On this CD I fell in love with a couple of the songs right away. One is the tale of Sebal Luddington, a previously unsung heroine. She made a valiant ride similar to Paul Revere and with that ride earned her right to be honored in lore and song.

Another fave of this album is Bushnell's Turtle. I love the rythym and the descriptive nature of the Turtle's work.  This is certainly a song of bravery.  17 songs on this packed CD, a sure thing for the next long car trip or as a gift to student of history.

3:12 the time it takes to sum up the great body of work completed by Connecticut great Noah Webster. His mastery of word and language truly unsurpassed. Whenever I pick up a dictionary from this time on  my toe will tap out a beat to a song  of the wonder of all those words.

Land of Hills and Mills is a wonderful tale of the Quiet Corner of Connecticut. The 5:46 second journey is a timeline of what once was and now is Killingly, CT.

Bells of Norwich, service of the Yantic Fire Dept. and  a heroic stand against odds at Fort Griswold help to fill out a collection of historical power in music.

The Second CD is : "I'll Take  New England Any Day"
    This is a collection of songs to perfectly describe all the variables that New England can be, sometimes all within a day! A second purpose is recognizing holidays in song. The Patriotism of a Memorial Day or Fourth of July down to the  "Christmas in Connecticut" track.

Does an Apple have the power to haunt, well maybe those of Micah Rood do, listen and find out. Other tracks feature the music of simple pipe flutes, in haunting tone or lilting like an Irish jig. The longing tones of the flute bring out the power in the words of the  creation story of the Abenaki Peoples in the story of  Mount Monadnock. 

The CD is  versatile and easy to listen to with  styles well matched to the traditional tale they interpret. I highly recommend both of Tom Callinan's CD's.  www.crackerbarrel-ents.com

Tom Callinan

The First CT. State Troubadour will be launching these CD's simultaneously from the Customs House ( home to  New London Maritime Society) in New London CT. The debut is part of a festival of Celebration sponsored by the Maritime Museum in New London, CT. Dec 3 at 6:30 p.m. Children 10 and up will enjoy the performance and adults will  listen anew to tales once heard now brought back in song.

(Please call for a reservation space is limited 860-447-2501. $5.00 to guests over age 14. Members of the society enter free)

other blog with a nautical interest:
www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2011/10/bosuns-pipe-calling.html

CD Debut  Celebration Announcement in Blog
www.lanesrepct.blogspot.com/2011/11/tom-callinan-double-cd-debut.html

The Gospel of Mark Alive: Storyteller Rev. Bert Marshall

Stop right now and check November 27, 2011 on your calendar!

Sure hope you are free at 2:00 p.m. for this very impressive performance of:

 "The Gospel of Mark Alive"

 a storytelling performance by Reverend Bert Marshall at First Church of Christ

Mansfield Center, CT.

                                                                                 
Suggested Donation $5.00 per person $15.00 per family. We are easy to find at the intersection of routes 195 and 89 in Mansfield Center, just south of the Uconn campus.
                                                                             

Hear Mark's whole incredible mysterious story from beginning to end, as it may have been told in the early years of the Jesus Movement, before the rise of Christianity. www.gospelofmarkalive.com  (see the powerful teaser clip there!!)

This will be a very special day at First Church of Christ in Mansfield Center ( UCC)
                                                                           

Fair Trade Gift Fair 11-2

Community Tree Lighting with music by Take Note 6:30 pm followed by refreshments

other blogs I've posted about Mansfield:
www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2011/07/mansfield-general-store-whats-story.html

www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2011/07/signs-im-not-in-downtown-mansfield.html

Little Lebanon Llama

I was driving through the town of Lebanon CT. a place so steeped in colonial American history, but on this day it wasn't the classic colonials, the mile long green or the  huge church spire that caught my eye. My attention was grabbed by a tiny creature just over the fence from the road. I stopped the car, backed  up and pulled off along side this new little life. How lucky that day my camera bag was in the co-pilot seat. Inspired by the long lashes and inquisitive little face I got out and took a few bits of  video and created a little short movie.
  Let me introduce you to the Little Lebanon Llama.

                                                         
This sent me in search of links to Llama stories.

Amazon has the classic story Is Your Momma A Llama?
                  www.amazon.com/Llama-Stories-Growing-Scholastic-Collection/dp/B00019G4PA

Here is a Llama Lover Support Group:
                  www.experienceproject.com/groups/Want-A-Pet-Llama/74282

A Wonderful Story of Roger the Guard Llama
                  www.highlightskids.com/Science/Stories/SS0700_rogerthellama.asp

From the Andrew Lang Fairy Tale Collection - Lilac Book
                  www.online-literature.com/andrew_lang/lilac_fairy/13/

I'm always attracted to the animal stories! To the animals as well, I have been fortunate to be able to get to know a huge assortment of creatures over the years.

Here are some of my other animal centered blogs that might interest you.
 www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2010/08/maze-ing-give-donkey-and-ice-cream-cone.html

www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-is-lippitt-morgan-horse.html

www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2011/07/museum-squirrel.html
         

Civil War General Edward W. Whitaker CT. Hero

   Through storytelling, lecture, web promotion and sharing in conversation I am slowly spreading the word about the brave farm boy from Ashford and his heroic record in the Civil War.  His story like so many thousands of Civil War era stories is about a farm boy turned soldier, many of whom did not go home after the war. Edward Whitaker was indeed one of the lucky ones. His story is not his alone to share though. His is a family story, of how this family raised their children and the deep sense of duty and honor in them all.  Four Whitaker brothers enlisted  Edward and Daniel here in Hartford,Ct. for  three months as privates in the Infantry( Edward was 19 at the time). Older brother William was  in New Hampshire when President Lincoln's call for troops went out, he enlisted in the Infantry in New Hampshire. George, another brother was in California and served his time in the Civil War between California and New Mexico.

                                                                              
After the three month tour was over the Whitaker brothers knew the war was to last a very long time, they re-enlisted to see it through. Edward and Daniel decided they were not going to walk the rest of this war, they enlisted in the CT. Cavalry and their unit was attached to the Union, Harris Light Cavalry of New York.  The unit fought in most of the major conflicts all the way to  the end at Appomattox Court House. In telling the story of a hometown hero to school students and historical groups I paint a vivid picture of Edward riding  through the enemy lines with a small unit to capture the renowned Confederate spy Harry Gilmore. You would wince to hear the telling of his horse being shot out from under him as he charged and leaped over the Confederate lines at the battle of Five Forks.
    There is no way you can escape the pain of hearing how he escorted his brother Daniel's body home for burial after he was shot and died in the battle at Aldie, Virginia. How hard it must have been to return to battle without that brother at his side. How hard to be brave and know the toll it would take on his mother back in Ashford if he should lose his life in this seemingly eternal war.

                                                                                 
    Four sisters were as heroic as the men of the Whitaker family. Four sisters who packed bags right at the end of the war. Four sisters who went beyond what was so recently enemy lines to open schools for freed slaves. The Civil War is rich with the tales of heroism and sacrifice, courage and resolve.  Sharing a family story of all these noble traits is a not a gift, it is what we owe!
     150 years since the Civil War ripped this nation into bloodied halves and 150 years for healing the gaping wound. Sharing the stories is the best way to insure we never never take these advantages, passions, courage and freedom for granted. General Edward Whitaker rode out onto the field at Appomattox with allguns aimed, galloped across under the white flag of surrender carried by a single Confederate soldier. Edward, the once farm boy of Ashford CT., accepted the unconditional surrender of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia from General Longstreet and went  on to be forgotten by history.
    Please visit our page on FACEBOOK  "Family Tree of General Edward Whitaker". We will be adding more info and items and looking for descnedents of any of the Whitaker family lines. Edward was one of 16 children raised here in Ashford. Descended from the Whitakers of Rhode Island and his mother's family, the Colegrove's whose family line goes back to Roger Williams founder of Rhode Island. This is a family of Old New England as I researched the geneology I even found members of the Allen family which are also my ancestors. All the more reason to honor the memory of these family members thrust onto the field of battle from a humble begining along Horse Hill in Ashford, CT.

The Connecticut Charter Oak

The Connecticut Charter Oak, what a story!

Spring rain on the leaves of a young descendant of the CT. Charter Oak

It is Memorial Day weekend and I am reminded  that we are celebrating freedoms earned my many Connecticut citizens. I am in awe of the strength, ingenuity, wit and talents of the Connecticut people. Through our colorful and remarkable history we have become a state of resources but we were first a state of determination to live free.

One of our state stories is of legendary proportion. The story of the Charter Oak. Connecticut was established and granted a charter to govern by. It was a document quite liberal in its day and provided the people with the framework for the new society here  far from mother England. As the young colony stretched her wings and grew the powers sought to rein in the unruly colonists and recalled the  charter. A meeting was held in Hartford and the leading officials of the colony gathered around the document that represented their freedoms. It lay on a candlelit table for scrutiny by all. In the midst of the meeting where some  respected England's wishes  and wanted to return the charter and others felt strongly to never relinquish rights given. During the heated meeting the candles were suddenly extinguished by a breeze or opened window. The darkness was complete there was a shuffling and tumble of chaos in the room and when light was eventually reignited the Charter was gone. Patriots  had swept it off the table in a daring plan to preserve their rights to govern. The document was gone!  Now a part of Connecticut history the charter was hidden in the hollow of a great oak tree. Deep inside the oak tree, a known representative of strength was the paper that insured Connecticut freedoms and rights.  It was the first move by the young colonies to break away from England and precipitated much thought and argument about loyalty to the crown.

Connecticut's Charter Oak was honored as the protective tree that ensured our liberties. Many many years later as a violent storm swept through Connecticut the tree met its fate and crashed to the earth. So revered for her strength and role in our independence that some of the wood was used to make the chair that the state senate leader sits on.

   Over the years many people had collected acorns from under the Charter Oak and planted them about the state a symbol of the historical moment. Many of these trees are noted with a historical marker and still today people collect a few acorns and undertake the growing of the next generation of  Charter Oak.

 The photo of wet spring rain  on  Charter oak leaves is in my yard.  This young tree is ready to move on to a place of distinction. It has grown from a tiny little sprig and now is strong enough to make the move into the open. I have a larger one I nurtured in my flower bed now established in the midst of the front yard. Someday its large branches will throw shade on the pasture, house a multitude of bird nests and remind us of the sacrifices made in Connecticut's infancy.

When I share Connecticut history storytelling I often will tell about the Charter Oak.  Many people are still unaware of the reason the oak leaf is a  common Connecticut  symbol.  We can continue to  promote the freedoms the colonists felt so strong about preserving in that early charter by remembering and sharing the story of the Connecticut Charter Oak.

Note in the sign below from the University of Connecticut the use of the Charter Oak symbolism.

to find out more visit:

www.chs.org   the Connecticut Historical Society

www.cslib.org  the Connecticut State Library

to book a Connecticut History Storytelling Program

www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com