Where do Fish Stories Come From?

         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?

          I was inspired by Mark Kurlansky's book Cod 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 http://amzn.to/Q4xdcL 

        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.

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?

      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. http://youtu.be/cLE56imBjJs  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. http://youtu.be/Git-48_CPww  From you-tube it as a long read in several nautical history books and a visit to  Mystic Seaport http://www.mysticseaport.org/  and the Essex Shipbuilding Museum  http://www.essexshipbuildingmuseum.org/  . I got to know the Cod itself by drawing and painting them so I would remember their distinctive fins and chin barb.

Cod Watercolor on textured paper by Carolyn  Stearns '14

      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; http://youtu.be/VQ_rFz9djz4  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: http://www.timberheadmusic.com/disc/boatspetersriver.htm      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.

      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.

My review in 2013 of the book Cod is here: http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/09/rape-of-sea-book-review-cod.html

Interested in booking this story and other sea tales? www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com
    
     

 

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

 

 

A CT. Maritime Story from Geneology

     Digging through the reams of family tree material for a perfect story could be a needle in a haystack, but is more like a diamond in the rough.  From the start I had an idea that Uncle George would have a story to tell. He was eccentric - maybe, artistic - for certain, and lived over 100 years ago - perfect! Geneology can be a treasure to a storyteller!

     Now that I had a place to begin, the search narrowed to a singular branch in the family tree that was  vibrant in the times when our nation was struggling through the Civil War. It is part Connecticut history as well since Uncle George was born and raised in New Haven. The son of a sea Captain, George was raised on the docks of New Haven with the world at his front door. Early on he was allowed the benefit of the old sea salts stories as they gathered evenings  in the store near a crackling wood stove.  He had fishing pole, a small sailboat of his own, and free range of a world class harbor town. This boy, began his own life adventure when at 16 he set out to become his own man. Thrust from a carefree childhood into the need to make and pay his own way he began his story wandering the streets of New Haven in search of the inspiration that would seize his imagination and provide apprenticeship and keep.
 
     George lived a story that came down through time and left behind reminders of his talent and his determination. Like the lives of characters in books his father brought from ports all over the world he crafted a life worth remembering and sharing. I am working on several short pieces from his childhood right now. Preliminary tellings to try out a surprise entrance and a  twist at the end which I love to add to my storytelling have been done and the tweaking of George's story continues. Research continues of New Haven in his lifetime, and a comparative to today where Dunkin Donuts marks the corner of Church and Chapel street where his life was forever changed.

My stories have a goal performance, the first is the Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival  with storytelling stage. I plan to share these Connecticut gems on that stage June 10 between 12 and 4. www.mysticseaport.org  Mystic Seaport in collaboration with the Connecticut Storytelling Center www.connstorycenter.org have come together to bring a number of tellers to a two day story stage at the annual event. I am excited to introduce these tales as part of the event when I share the stage with several storytellers all with sea story repertoires. I believe Uncle George would be delighted that his story is still being told and in a venue like Mystic Seaport that honors the heritage of Connecticut maritime history.

Parts of this performance will also be shared June 3 at Mansfield Historical Society opening day Rte 195 Storrs, CT. and at Scotland ( CT.) library July 12 at 6 p.m.Sea Stories and Sea Chanteys. I might even practice a piece at VoiceMail open mic storytelling on Tues ( special day) May 29,  at Mansfield General Store in Mansfield Center. https://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/pages/VoiceMail-Open-Mic-for-Storytelling-at-Mansfield-General-Store/197283876991691

Now I just have to tell you the final reason I was drawn to share a bit of Uncle George, and invite you to come hear the rest of the story. It is his name, George Story!

Musical Bones

We continue  in nautical mode for at least this post. I have been on a  four week adventure to learn sea chantey music through a class at Mystic Seaport www.mysticseaport.org  It has been so much fun!!!

Any day that starts out looking this nice, well you just know it will be a good one!!  Today, our final class we were prepared to show off what we have learned. Each of us had a lead in  at least one chantey. I added playing Shenandoah on my harmonica to mix. Most of us joined Don Sineti on banjo playing bones.

                                                                      
              This image shows the bones in hand ready to play. This pair came with the class and are made of Rosewood. The are slightly convex and look like over sized tongue depressors. The bone nearest the thumb is anchored ( held still in place) by the middle finger an the second bone taps out the rhythm through motion of your hand and snap of the wrist. Think of using a fly swatter and you will get the motion.    
         Here is a video clip ( under a minute) of our first attempts at the bones, the banjo background music really helped.

            
 Wikipedia has info on bones and some pictures:
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bones_(instrument)

There is a Festival for bones players: http://www.rhythmbones.com/

Nautical Storytelling and Sea Chantey Music

Sea Chantey Demonstration at Mystic Seaport

    I have immersed myself in nautical research for a forth coming nautical epic storytelling. I willingly signed on to Mystic Seaport's Sea Chantey class. www.mysticseaport.org  Four weeks of singing sea chanteys and learning about the music of the sea and the work it was created to support. It is not enough, the seven of us in the class are having such a good time! There are so many sea chanteys which are a combination of tales, legends and ship terminology all colored by the  wide variety of languages and nationalities of the sailors and set to rhythms of work on sailing vessels.

Here is some video of the Mystic Seaport Demonstration Crew at work April 7, 2012 on board the L. A.Dunton. A cold spring wind whipped across the Mystic River that day to remind us of how tough work would be out in the elements. The last portion shows an example of chantey music used to work the windlass.

                               Click follow to read the next post on using "bones"* in Sea Chantey music.

Bones: a rhythm instrument made of bone or wood

Similar posts:
http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/04/chasing-story-up-hill-and-out-to-sea.html
http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/2012/03/mystic-seaport-sea-chantey-class.html

Chasing a Story Up Hill and Out to Sea

     I never have quite enough time between work hours to chase all the stories that tempt me. It may be a photo, a headline or a book that entices me and tells me, read more there is a story here to tell. In chasing a story you become the investigator, looking for clues to other versions and  finding data, photos, articles or first person accounts of  the story to weave into your own creation.
     My book shelves are not categorized in  library order but in storytelling order. Not all can be in the right category for they can serve more than one.  The hall shelf is fairy tales. The big shelf in the family room, all  six feet plus is Civil War but on that shelf alone I could pull out a great horse story or one of a child, maybe a music or medicine story. The living room hosts Colonial America shelf and across from that the shelves filled with Native American.  The pictures on my walls are not categorized but many have stories of value and when will I get to read enough to full fill these stories needs and when and where will I tell them?

                                                          
Sometimes I pull the car over because the story at the side of the road beckons, I haven't worked on this one at all but soaked up the scenery and saved some great photos from the day in Norwich, CT. when a long known of story made me climb Meetinghouse Hill.

I thought I would pursue this story only part way up, the steep path was waiting but my bad feet said "go far enough for a good picture." Apparently far enough was the top, I just took my time, it was so worth the climb.

             Now I'm dedicating time to a story that I've  been after for several years. No really this one has been with me since childhood. I was  first hooked by a stone monument on the beach at Spencer's Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. The monument says something to the effect; in memory of the Captain and Crew of the Ship Mary Celeste built there on the beach and found adrift, not a soul on board 1872. It is a classic ghost ship story one retold a million times already....but not my version, not from my perspective. It is coming and requires  a trip back to that shore to those rocky beaches this summer.

In order to fully grasp this nautical tale I'm immersing myself in the world of ocean going travel.  Presently I'm taking a class in Sea Chantey Music at Mystic Seaport in Mystic CT.  www.mysticseaport.org  Singing sailors work songs and learning the daily activity on a sailing ship all part of the tale that waits to be told.

Pardon me, no time for gardens and lawn mowing this summer.

 I'm chasing a story and the sky is the limit!

                                                                

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

5 Unusual Gifts

I don't want to give what everyone else is giving, but where do we find the unusual?

In our imaginations!

5th place in my list of unusual gifts to give:  A tire and a rope for hours of fun!
 ( rocker not included; some assembly required!)

4th Place

The Wheelbarrow

Fill this gift with fertilizer, trowel, seeds, gloves and a sprinkler and hose and get the gardener on your list dreaming of spring!

                                                           3rd in our list of Unusual Gifts

                                                                The Family Membership

         Old Sturbridge Village a Massachusetts museum  a great choice to give the gift of family membership for a year. Look for a similar museum near you get the family out  learning and enjoying the day together! www.osv.org       

           Another museum choice in the Connecticut area would be  Mystic Seaport can't go wrong either way both great adventures over and over again! P.S. a camera memory card would go great with this gift!  www.mysticseaport.org 

                                                               #2 on the Unusual Gift list

                                                                                
 How about an experience they will never forget. Bundle up for your very own "over the river and through the woods", adventure. This scene from www.blueslope.com in Franklin CT. You can find a suitable livery service, carriage rides in most states with a google search.  Sleigh Bells ring, are you listening.....

                                                  Number 1 on the Unusual Gifts List
                                   scoring high in the shop local ideology this holiday season

                                                           A Special  Performance
The perfect gift for families, relatives in a nursing facility, reunions, company get together, a school, a child's teacher, your scout or 4-H group, give a gift of storytelling or musical performance.

                              You can find a storyteller near you by visiting one of these sites:

www.connstorycenter.org    Connecticut

www.lanes.org                     New England and New York

www.storynet.org                 National