Call to Storytellers/Teaching Artists #1: Mentorship Part I

Quick Performance Update:  
     Thurs., Aug.6 - "Reading to the Rhythm" Storytelling Program as part of Summer Reading Program, Chuckatuck Public Library, Suffolk, VA, 3 - 4 pm
     Fri. & Sat., Aug. 14 & 15 - Storytelling at Umoja Festival 2015, Johnson City, TN
     Sun., Aug. 16 - "Faith 'n' Unity" Storytelling Program, Bethel Christian Church, 701 S. Depot St., Jonesborough, TN; 4 - 5:30 pm
     Tues., Aug. 25 - Storytelling at JOY Luncheon, First Baptist Church, Hampton, VA; 11:30 - 1 pm
     Thurs., Aug. 27 - Storytelling as part of First Baptist Norfolk Outreach, Bobbitt Apartments, Norfolk, VA; 2 - 3 pm

Upcoming Sept./Oct. performances:  MD (Hagerstown); NC (Storytelling Festival of the Carolinas, Laurinburg); NH (White Mountain Storytelling Festival, Waterville Valley); NY (Harrison, New Rochelle); OH (Southern Ohio Storytelling Festival, Chillicothe); TN (National Storytelling Festival, Jonesborough); VA (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Yorktown)

A CALL TO STORYTELLERS & TEACHING ARTISTS

It seems as if I have been telling stories all my life, at least according to my Uncle Cosmo, who says when I was younger, I would force the family to sit and watch my “productions.”  Then, when my son, Kriss, was born, I started telling stories to him, and eventually to his classmates.  I started work as a Colonial Williamsburg Storyteller in 1998 and that was the first time I was regularly paid to be a teller. 

It was there, at Colonial Williamsburg, that I got my first taste of true, criticism and good feedback. Her name was Stephanie “Stevie” Kaufmann.  She was, and is, a fantastic storyteller.  I had to “clear” a story (or two) before her and 2 other people before I could tell stories to the general public.  I told an old whaling “scary” story, "The Charnel Ship",  and thought I did well, but Stevie just eviscerated me.  She wondered why I would tell a story about a whaling ship not knowing what that type of ship was, and not even using any proper nautical terms.  She asked if I had done any research at all?  I sputtered out “no”, and she sent me away, told me to go to the children’s section of the library and check out a book on ships and nautical terms, and come back later and see if I could "clear".  I was totally unprepared for that response, but her “kick in the butt” was just what my “natural gift” needed.  So, I went to the children’s section of the library, checked out a book on ships (with lots of pictures and nautical terms) and revised my story.  The next time I told it, all Stevie did was smile from ear to ear and say, “You’re cleared.”   

Stevie Kauffman as Christiana Campbell
from foursquare.com

First lesson in mentorship:  Sometimes you need someone to tell you the truth, kick you in the butt, and make you better – so just listen!

While at Colonial Williamsburg (CW), I met Diane Ferlatte at the second CW Storytelling Festival.  We instantly connected and I have to admit she overwhelmed me with the power of how she told story.  We exchanged phone numbers and I said I would call, although I knew I wouldn’t because she was a “national storyteller, so much better and higher than little ol’ me”.  (Yeah, that was my real thinking.  Yuck!)  I was driving toward home from a program in northern Virginia, just getting ready to pass the Lorton, VA exit on the highway, and here came a call from Diane, “Hi, Sheila.  I’m doing a program about bullying, and am looking for stories.  What would you tell?”  I pulled off that exit and stopped at the Shell station and talked with Diane – my eyes as wide as a deer!  Why had she called me, I wondered?  After some thought, I gave her a suggestion, we talked through the story, and it just wasn’t the right one, but I was delighted that she had at least considered it.  We talked about life and then she gave me the overall gist of her upcoming program, thanked me for listening and we said goodbye.  I was flabbergasted. 

Diane Ferlatte and I

That was the beginning of Diane’s mentorship of me.  She has “made” me stay at her home when visiting in the Oakland area, come to see my program while in the area and given feedback (which I use to this day for that program), sat with me and discussed upcoming programs and stories she wanted to tell and let me give her feedback, introduced me to African-American folktales, writers, folk musicians and the legacy of storytellers before my time; challenged my perception of myself and the limited goals I set; and, encouraged me to think for myself.  Diane was the one I went to for the final bit of advice before presenting at exchange place at the National Storytelling Festival.  Her advice was, “When  you get on the stage, take a moment, breathe and look at your audience for a moment.  Take in that moment.”  I did, and that moment will never leave me.  She continues to encourage me to learn and tell the old stories and to share story with others.

Second lesson in mentoring:  Live your life with your mentee.  Share what you do, not just hearing the other person. 

Next week I’ll share Part II of this blog.  If you have a chance, share with me and readers, who was the person who kicked your butt and got you straight? OR the one who shared their life to such an extent that you were able to see yourself and your career in a clearer light? 

What is Ms. Sheila reading?  Just finished reading “Gray Mountain” by John Grisham, which is an incredible book and a treatise about strip mining and the bureaucracies those effected by coal mining have to face.  It’s a book about Appalachia, a place I have a heart for, and even mentioned one of my favorite places:  Madison, WV.  Now reading a "The Boy who Drew Monsters" by Keith Donohue, a new author to me.

Most interesting thing researched this week? Read a historic society pamphlet about Lincoln County, OK and came across the term, “the 5 Civilized Tribes”, and this disturbed me to no end.  Now I am well aware they used the term in its historical context, but whoa!, it just hit me like a slap.  I often tell teachers to use the terminology used in a particular era, so students won’t be jolted when they hear it, and so they can deal with those terms.  This was proof of that to me again.  How much superiority is stated in those 3 words above, and that shows the reason why so many policies and laws were biased/slanted in the late 1800’s.  Sometimes we need to be shocked and dismayed about our history, to connect to those who were the oppressed, disenfranchised, segregated, abused and neglected

I = I Can be White: A-Z Blogging Challenge 2015: History Stories and the Telling of Them

Quick Performance Update (next two weeks):

    Wed., Apr. 15 – Dana Middle School, AM, Hawthorne, CA (Betsy Costner Historic Character Presentation)

   Thurs., Apr. 16 – Anza Elementary School, AM & PM & Evening, Hawothrne, CA  (Oney Judge Historic Character Presentation; General Storytelling Program & “Words of Excitement” Evening Program for Parents)

    Sat., Apr. 18 – Stone Soup Storytelling Festival New Voices Showcase, Woodruff, SC; 11:30 am – 1 pm

    Mon., Apr. 20 - Performances for Rancho Solano School Student Tour Groups in Herndon, VA, 7:30 – 8:30 pm

    Thurs., Apr. 23 – Bobbitt Apartments, Norfolk, VA, 2 – 3 pm; General Adult Storytelling

    Fri., Apr. 24 – “Audience Management” Professional Development Workshop for Young Audiences of Virginia, Inc. Artists and others, Norfolk, VA; 10 am – 12 pm

    Sat., Apr. 25 – Portsmouth Community Colored Library Museum, 521 Middle St., Portsmouth, VA; 1 pm & 3 pm (“Words of Excitement” Storytelling Program and Workshop)

     Apr. 25, 28 - Performances for Worldstrides, Inc. Student Tour Groups in Williamsburg, VA.

     Other Apr. performances:   Oregon (Corvallis)

     Upcoming May performances:  California (Ojai, Fresno); New York (Westchester County); VA (Fairfax, Norfolk, Williamsburg), West Virginia (Shepherdstown)

You may have figured out that I am behind in the A-Z Blogging Challenge 2015, but I am determined to at least finish all the letters (although May might be my ending date).  Today don’t be taken aback by the title, enjoy!

I = I Can be White

"Flower Girl" by Margaret Bowland
see her website and other amazing pictures
www.margaretbowland.com

I arrived at the job opportunity dressed in a fine business outfit and prepared to convince my two interviewers that I was the best for the position.  I went first to the lobby and the receptionist informed the specific department’s secretary of my arrival.  The secretary came to retrieve me and when she saw me, she greeted me and a small smile came across her face.  I caught it, but said nothing.  I was taken to the large office where I would be interviewed by two women – 1 white and 1 black.  As I walked in and they stood up, I noted the quick glance between the two of them, and the slight surprised smiles.  I walked up, shook their hands, introduced myself and said, boldly, “You thought I was white, didn’t you?”  They both laughed and nodded their heads.  I continued, “Well, they tell me I have a ‘white girl’ voice on the phone.”  I paused.  “Think I can use that as the new executive assistant for the department?”  I got the job!

Since college I have often been told about my “white girl’s” voice.  What does that actually mean?  It means that I speak “proper”, not with “ebonics” or in a “country” or “urban” style.  Whatever!  Although I don’t get offended by the nomenclature, and it is said to me by those who are African-American, it does make me wonder, why do we think people who are from a particular area have to speak a certain way.  On the other hand, I have seen how the voice has fooled people and they have given me things because of the “voice” and later been surprised when they met me face-to-face. 

Okay, so I may talk “white”, but what about the question I have sometimes been asked:  “Can I play someone of a different color?”  My usual answer:  “If you do so with respect then yes.”  But folks rarely take on the “risky” part.  However, one day I did. 

You see what happened was J:  I was scheduled to be the keynote speaker, presenting Ol’ Bess, for the New York’s Westchester Lower Hudson Council for  Social Studies Conference.  I arrived the evening before, but my luggage did not arrive with me.  [This was before I learned to keep my next day’s clothes/costume in my carry-on bag.]  Not only did my luggage not arrive, but it wasn’t going to arrive until I was ready to depart the next day AFTER my presentation would be complete.  Ugh!!  After much thought, and some great consultation with my colleague and Historic Character Presenter, Darci Tucker and her husband, Terry Yemm, I decided to do my first part of the keynote presentation with just my voice being heard over the speakers.  Although, my contact person (and now friend), Steve Goldberg, was a little leery about this, he consented.  I also decided to do a second section of the keynote speaker, representing a white teacher at Central High School, Little Rock, Arkansas during its time of desegregation in 1957.

The next day came.  Steve said something like, “sometimes we need to listen to the voices of the past”, and I began to sing in character and do my entire presentation over microphone without my presence.  I couldn’t see the people inside the ballroom, but Steve said that they were entranced – just listening, many with eyes closed.  They laughed at all the right parts and winced at the difficult lines; it was accepted splendidly, with many compliments on the uniqueness of the style.  I walked in as I sang the last song, and no one even noticed, until, as the applause was happening, I stepped to the front.  Then I said, I wanted to present another voice.  I did my presentation with the “voice” of a white teacher, seeing the outside mob and also despising to have to teach “those black children”, until she hears it:

“Then I heard the mob scream, ‘Can’t you just send out one?  Just one.’  I understood what the mob meant.  If only one was sent, they would string it up and no other blacks would attempt to come.  I watched out the window, as did my colleagues and the few students in the school, while “that child” sat in the furthest corner from us.  And then one of the teachers said, ever so softly, but with such conviction, ‘Can’t we just send them one?’  There was a silence and I was stunned….and then mortified.  What was happening?  We were teachers!  We were teachers!  We were to protect those we taught.  We were to teach them how to stand in times of trouble, to develop their characters and give them wisdom for years to come.  We…..were….teachers!  I turned to “that”…no, my student and we locked eyes.  I would be his teacher.”

After a great round of applause, several people came to me and said, “You know I never saw your color.”  And “You really were white.”  When presenting a good story, sometimes I think, “What’s color got to do with it?” 

Ellen Craft from
Underground Railroad
by William Still

Okay, one more story to add.  My friend and colleague, Sarah Brady, wanted to do a program about women around the period of the Civil War era.  She had the women she wanted to present, but did not feel like she could do justice to this time period without also presenting a slave.  She was told clearly that this would be inappropriate as she was white.  She shared with me her quandary and I immediately said, “Nonsense.” And I opened Underground Railroad by William Still [a phenomenal primary source, that is completely free online at, Underground Railroad by William Still] and showed her the picture of Ellen Craft (per many laws, even 1/16th of portion of Negro blood made you a Negro).  Well, of course, she portrays her and shares her story and has been marvelous, changing the view of what a slave looks like. 

So, go on, share the story that needs to be shared – and do it with respect.  And when you see me next, who knows what color I’ll be next!

Today’s Blog Question – Please feel free to answer the question in the comments below. 

What do you think of portraying someone who is not of your culture, color or heritage?  Would you be offended if you see someone doing that?  What about telling stories, particularly folktales, from other cultures than your own?  My personal feeling, tell everyone’s folktales so that someone will remember, but also share from which culture it comes.

What am I reading?  Currently reading “Passionate God” by Bishop Kenneth C Ulmer, Ph. D (my evening reading) & “Revolution in World Missions” by K. P. Yohannan & “Angels Make Their Hope Here” by Breena Clarke.  Line from “Revolution” that I had to share:  “He [God] blesses us for a purpose.”

H = History Alive: A-Z Blogging Challenge 2015: History Stories and the Telling of Them

Quick Performance Update (next two weeks):

    Sat., Apr. 11 - Lancaster Court Days, @Mary Washington Library and Museum, Lancaster, VA; 10 am – 4 pm (Oney Judge Historic Character Presentation, Ol’ Bess Historic Character Presentation, General Storytelling)

    Apr. 13, 28 - Performances for Worldstrides, Inc. Student Tour Groups in Williamsburg, VA. 

    Wed., Apr. 15 – Dana Middle School, AM, Hawthorne, CA (Betsy Costner Historic Character Presentation)

   Thurs., Apr. 16 – Anza Elementary School, AM & PM & Evening, Hawothrne, CA  (Oney Judge Historic Character Presentation; General Storytelling Program & “Words of Excitement” Evening Program for Parents)

    Sat., Apr. 18 – Stone Soup Storytelling Festival New Voices Showcase, Woodruff, SC; 11:30 am – 1 pm

    Mon., Apr. 20 - Performances for Rancho Solano School Student Tour Groups in Herndon, VA, 7:30 – 8:30 pm

    Thurs., Apr. 23 – Bobbitt Apartments, Norfolk, VA, 2 – 3 pm (General Adult Storytelling)

    Fri., Apr. 24 – “Audience Management” Professional Development Workshop for Young Audiences of Virginia, Inc. Artists and others, Norfolk, VA; 10 am – 12 pm

     Other Apr. performances:   Oregon (Corvallis); Virginia (Portsmouth, Williamsburg)

     Upcoming May performances:  California (Ojai, Fresno); New York (Westchester County); VA (Fairfax, Norfolk, Williamsburg), West Virginia (Shepherdstown)

This was another one of those letters that I had a hard time deciding what to share about.  First, I listed “Holocaust” and the stories that I have heard from various media and how that has emotionally affected me.  Secondly, I thought, “How come?”, which, again, is about how things emotionally affect us, and, as many students do after some of my more difficult stories, we ask the question, “How come?”  Then I thought about the two items together and I remembered the first time I really heard about the Holocaust and started asking, “How Come?” and when history came alive.  Join me on Day 8 of the A-Z Blogging Challenge….

H = History Alive!

Corrie Ten Boom

Corrie Ten Boom is the Dutch Christian author of The Hiding Place, and who helped many Jewish people escape the Nazi Holocaust, and eventually was imprisoned for these actions.  You know, I got to meet her.  Okay, let me say that again:  “You know, I got to meet her.”  You can’t see me, so you don’t see that look of awe that still is on my face for an event that happened when I was in 7^th grade, but it’s there because “I met her.”  (Just learned from her biography that I met her shortly before her two strokes later that year that left her unable to speak and in paralysis.  From Wikipedia.org.)

Comics When we lived in Newport, Rhode Island, Ms. Ten Boom came to our church and spoke.  Up to that point I really hadn’t known much about the Holocaust, but I did know about Corrie Ten Boom.  You see, there were some Christian comic books (by Spire Christian Comics, http://bit.ly/1GyfClt) that had come out which were about real life stories.  There was one about a man who had been a POW in Vietnam and had returned home.  There was another about Tom Landry, who was the Dallas Cowboys for 29 years and led them to VI and X11 Super Bowl championship titles.  Then there was one about Corrie Ten Boom.  I loved them all equally…..until SHE came to my church and was in flesh and blood. 

History became wide open and real to me more than it ever had before.  The things I had learned through that comic book were just the beginning and they paled considerably as she spoke to us.  Okay, here’s a truth, I don’t remember a thing she said.  I just remember looking at her in awe – History Alive!  She spoke to the entire church congregation during service and then to our youth group.  Her spirit, as I remember it, was sweet and kind, yet confident and determined and committed.  She began my journey to learn more and more about the Holocaust.  Later, in high school, that journey led me to the Civil Rights Movement and American slavery, which I often compared to Holocaust in the abuse and genocide of people. 

Then, while preparing my Daisy Bates Historic Character Presentation, I had the opportunity to meet Minniejean Brown (now Minniejean Brown-Trickey).  I even did my preview of the Presentation with her and 4 others.  *Gulp*  She was wonderful and gave great advice, along with instructions of what I must make sure students knew about the Little Rock Nine.  I’ve met a few “famous” people in my life, but it’s those history makers – people who have overcome astonishing odds and left a legacy to follow – that make my heart skip an extra beat and smile.  They make me ask the other “how come?”, the positive one.  For instance, “How come she had so much strength to survive?”, “How come she was chosen to walk into a segregated school?”, “How come he decided to use his extraordinary jail time on an island to help him be ready to be a President of a country?”, “How come they married and had children, even though the law said slaves were prohibited from marriage, and they knew families might be separated?”  “How come and how can I learn from them?”  

Daisy Bates Historic Character Presentation by me!
Note:  I look nothing like Daisy Bates.  :) 

It doesn’t bother me at all when a person says to me, “How come?” and they are focused on all the negativity, usually, “How come people treat other people like that?”  I love that question because I know the person is really grappling with human nature, and making a resolution to not be a person who mistreats others.  It also usually means that person will do more research on their own; I have piqued their interest.

But the other “How come?” is even more enjoyable.  It’s when a student who is in the midst of a crossroads, is looking at who I presented and wondering if they can make better decisions.  It’s the kid who hated education until they realized how special that education would have been for their ancestors.  It’s the adult who says that they really didn't think much about a person in history and now they want to take a second look.  It’s the adult who cries when hearing a story, recognizing their own mistreatment of others in their past, and realizing they can be forgiven or they can forgive.  History coming alive can bring all of the above and even more. 

By the way… Corrie Ten Boom…..I met her!  

Today’s Blog Question – Couldn’t figure out one.  What question would you ask?  Or what question would like to answer?

P.S.  Check out some other wonderful Historic Character Presenters and Storytellers:  Darci Tucker (www.americanlives.net) and Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti (http://www.rhetoricofsurvival.com/).  Of course, for some of the best “History Alive” you can have, visit Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA  (www.colonialwilliamsburg.org).

What am I reading?  Currently reading “Passionate God” by Bishop Kenneth C Ulmer, Ph. D (my evening reading) & “Revolution in World Missions” by K. P. Yohannan & “Angels Make Their Hope Here” by Breena Clarke.  Line from “Angels” that I had to share:  “If your women are not brave, it will not matter that your men are.  For your children will not live long and your People will perish.” – Russell Sitton, 1780 (quote at beginning of the book)

G = Genesis: A-Z Blogging Challenge 2015: History Stories and the Telling of Them

Alright, I was determined to get this one out on the correct day.  I have so much more respect for full-time bloggers that have another job as well.  Whew!  I had a hard time determining my “G”, but I’m thrilled with my selection and hope you will be as well.  My desire is to share some history facts and the stories I think are intriguing around them, along with some ways I’ve told history stories and techniques of researching and telling historical stories.  Day 7 and G = ….

G = Genesis

“In the beginning...” – Genesis 1:1

I am a Christian.  As a Christian, I consider the Bible God’s love letter to me and to the world.  I present Christian monologues and tell Biblical stories.  I love to read the Bible, and do so every day, and most of the time I find my inspiration, my direction and my purpose through my reading of the Word.  However, I also see the Bible as an historical work, and try to make sure that my monologues and stories are presented with the depth of knowing the history surrounding what I am relating.

The best way I have found to tell Biblical stories is to take the time to look at the historical background in various ways, including archaeological and anthropological background.  This information gives your story a depth, rather than just relating “the event” or person.  The more time I spend learning about the history, allows me to make the story a part of me, as well as, give a special telling to my audiences.

The best way to be able to give details of a setting in an historical storytelling is to visit the actual location.  For me it was the John Walsh “Storytellers Trip to Israel”.  This was an amazing trip with other storytellers, and story listeners, where we told the stories of the Bible in their locations, or as close as one could get.  It was amazing and personally moving and convicting!  We stood near a wheat field that is purported to be the area where David fought Goliath.  It was just flat cool to pass the sign near the field that pointed the area to Gath, where Goliath was from.  My personal

testimonial in coming to Christ includes Jesus’ meeting of the Woman at the Well in Samaria.  We were able to go to the church that guards and houses that well.  We drank from that well such pristine and cool water that I can still feel its refreshing on my lips.  And outside under the cover a ivy-covered covering, I told the story of The Samaritan Woman and used it to lead to my own story.  Everywhere we went the stories abounded and I learned archaeological information that enhanced the history of the actual stories.  I have a completely different view of the stories in the Bible and as I read (and tell) the vision of the land, the smells in the air (and of camels) and the sounds of water, birds and animals remain with me.

One of the stories on my CD, “Mini, Many, Minnie Stories told by Ms. Sheila”, I tell the story of Elisha, the Baldhead.  I loved the story long before I went to Israel.  However, after returning from Israel, I was able to talk about the long hike “up” from Jericho to Jerusalem, completing understanding that hike because of the steep bus ride we had taken.  I imagined his sweat pouring on his face, the labored breathing and the straining and aching of his muscles; his walk became real!  I hope you will feel the same when you hear the story, Elisha, the Baldhead (story)

Now I have to give a big SHOUT OUT for two fantastic and practical workshop presenters that have helped me even more in bringing the Bible to life:  Barbara McBride-Smith (www.barbaramcbridesmith.com) and Donald Davis (www.ddavisstoryteller.com).  I came away from both workshops with great insight into the Bible, its need to have the history and how to make the stories relevant to the 21^st – century audience.  After each workshop, I have worked on further stories, including the parable, “The Prodigal Son” (which I will be turning into a Christmas play) and Benaiah, one of David’s bodyguards.  I HIGHLY recommend their workshops to any and all who want to make the biblical stories come alive. 

Oh, let me make sure I also make the same HIGH RECOMMENDATION to visit Israel with John Walsh and other storytellers.  You can also learn how to better tell Biblical stories from John Walsh even without going to Israel via his youtube videos, “Art of Storytelling” and various books from his website, www.bibletelling.org, but why not include a trip to an amazing place, while learning.  Learn about the Israel trip, Trip to Israel Introduction  

Today’s Blog Question – please leave an answer in comments. 

Do you tell stories from the Bible?  How much research do you do before telling the story and what type of resources do you use?  Who are people you have heard that tell great religious stories adding depth through detail?

P.S.  Check out these resources.  

     Conference:  Network of Biblical Storytellers, Inc. Festival Gathering - http://www.nbsint.org/festivalgathering

     Biblical Storyteller Workshop Presenter:  Dennis Dewey, www.dennisdewey.org  (He'll be in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, VA over the May 31 weekend!  More information contact me.)

     

F = Fannie Lou Hamer: A-Z Blogging Challenge 2015: History Stories and the Telling of Them

Okay, so I’m a day late (again) in this A-Z Blogging Challenge 2015.  My desire is to share some history facts and the stories I think are intriguing around them, along with some ways I’ve told history stories and techniques of researching and telling historical stories.  So here was yesterday’s (which, since it’s history is good any day J)...

F = Fannie Lou Hamer

from www.howard.edu

Fannie Lou Hamer, a voting rights activist from Mississippi in the 1960’s and a fighter against poverty, is one of the 10 women in history that I portray.  (See the others at my website, www.mssheila.org)  She was a woman who had been a sharecropper all of her life and didn’t even know she had the right to vote until 1963.  Once she found out she had the right, she became a strong voice and leader in the voting rights movement.  She was a highly respected woman and leader in Mississippi in spite of, or maybe because of, severe opposition – forced to move from her home, lost her job and her husband’s, shot at, beaten severely, jailed without even a phone call, released from jail without an apology or compensation, and more.  YET, through all of this she was able to keep herself from hatred of those who opposed her, and was a beacon of light and hope, along with a throaty voice of soul, for all who took their first steps to political and social freedom.

What a story to tell!  I loved learning about her and once I read about her, I knew I wanted to portray.  So I did what I usually do:

a)      I read some children’s/young adult biographies about Fannie Lou Hamer

b)      I copied her timeline from one of the books and proceeded to look online at a larger timeline and see what else was happening in her life.

c)       I wrote down things that impressed me about her life, which would become the basis of what I would share.

d)      I wrote down what I hoped people would learn, feel or be inspired by when I finished the presentation.

How I felt when program flopped for teens
from movie, "Appaloosa",
which I just happened to be watching
while writing this.  

And I was ready!?!   No, I wasn’t.  You see, “c” was so long that I couldn’t wrap my head around how to tell her story without it sounding like a bunch of facts, events and dates.  As a matter of fact the first 3 times I did the Historic Character Presentation – me portraying her – it was a flop.  Okay, the fact was that two of the groups were very receptive [one group only had ½ hour and the other group had more older folks than children], but I knew it wasn’t close to where I wanted it.  My third group were high schoolers and I had the equivalent of “being run out of town”, at least for me:  I couldn’t keep their attention, the interactive parts seemed too forced and the students couldn’t understand distinguish serious moments from humorous.  Although the teachers were more focused on the students’ behavior rather than me; I was frustrated that I couldn’t share Fannie’s voice in such a way that she moved the students like she moved me.  After talking to one of the principals after the program, he said it was good, not my best (he had seen me many times before and I still go to his school annually), but that what he thought was missing was that the students had no point of reference.  Ah, a wise observation!

I had to make some changes and most of them were in myself.  I was so determined to tell her “whole” story, that I wasn’t really looking at her “stories”.  I knew so much history about and around her and her era, that I was forgetting to bring people in on the secret.  Also, in an effort to try to make her relatable, I was making her sound humorous and unrealistic.  I had to make a change…..and I did!

For my Fannie Lou Hamer presentation I have two people join me on stage:  myself and Fannie.  I begin the presentation sharing a bit about how I became interested and learned about Fannie Lou Hamer and giving some background information.  Then I say that she didn’t even know she could vote until she was in her 40’s.  I pause and step to the side and change my demeanor; now I’m Fannie and through her voice, I tell about the day I went to vote and was denied, but still lost my job and my home.  Then I come back, sort of as a narrator, and relate a few other things in her life, in the life of Mississippi folk and the nation, and end by saying, “having the right to vote was essential, but not everyone believed it was essential for all folks.”  I move away and sit in a chair, hunched over, and in the voice of Fannie I share about when I was forcible jailed and then beaten and then I sing one or two of the songs she sung in the jail.  There usually is applause, but then I let another minute pass so folks can reflect on her words. 

I come back to my narrator self and tell about the assignation of Medgar Evers, of Hamer’s release and her move to the world of politics.  I tell about the formation of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and their trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey for the Democratic National Convention.  Then I move over to the chair, and pull around a wooden table tray that has a purse on it.  I put the tray in front of the chair, pick up the purse, sigh deeply, change into Fannie and sit in the chair.  I set the purse down and put my arms on the arms and hands on the table, with my fingers intertwined and I say the exact words that Fannie Lou Hamer said at the Democratic Convention…adding some of her additional words from that time and ending with, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”  I make a pregnant pause, stand up and return to being the narrator.  I tell briefly of Fannie’s rest of life and then I tell why I believe she is so important.  Then, I ask for questions, and I’ve always left just enough juicy fragments, that people will either ask questions or go search for her; either way I’m pleased.  Oh, and this is 45 minutes before questions. 

I have presented it this way once and it was very successful.  I had a variety of ages at the program and everyone was gripped and loved the back and forth.  No one felt lost and there were plenty of questions afterwards.  I think I’ve found a way to tell her story and present her voice. 

Now here is Fannie Lou Hamer’s actual voice:  Fannie Lou Hamer's speech to Democratic National Convention 1964

Today’s Blog Question – please leave an answer in comments. 

What do you think about the way I am telling her story?  What historical figure would you find it difficult to portray (historic character presentation) or through stories?  How do you tell the difficult life stories?

E = Earlene Reflects: A-Z Blogging Challenge 2015: History Stories and the Telling of Them

Here we go back on track with the A-Z Blogging Challenge 2015.  It’s a challenge alright and teaching me much discipline.  My theme is “History Stories and the telling of them.”  My desire is to share some history facts and the stories I think are intriguing around them, along with some ways I’ve told history stories and techniques of researching and telling historical stories.  I was going to do the topic “Elizabeth Eckford:  The Lesson of Reconciliation”, but I came across a special book yesterday at my parent’s house and had to change the topic.

E = Earlene Reflects

"My mother’s middle name was Miriam.  My father’s middle name was Earl.  Hence, Miriam Earlene.  I never knew why they called me by my middle name.  But they always did.  Nevertheless, when I went to school, I was called Miriam.  I never liked being called that.  (It wasn’t the name itself; I was used to Earlene and rebelled against the attempted change.)  By the time I got to high school, I began trying to be known as 'M. Earlene Costner.'  And this became my official signature.  When I married, needless to say I dropped the 'M' altogether, using Earlene as my 1^st name and my maiden initial – 'C' – an my husband’s last name.  No nickname.  There was an effort made by someone to call me 'Dimples', and my high school principle suggested 'Mima', which went over like a lead balloon." – Earlene C. Arnold

You may have guessed that Earlene C. Arnold is my mother.  While I was at my parent’s house yesterday talking with Dad (see yesterday’s blog), I came across a book I gave my mother on Mother’s Day 1996, Reflections from a Mother’s Heart:  A Family Legacy for your Children printed by Word Publishing, Inc., Dallas, TX.  This book asks questions and offers blank spaces for the “mother” to write down information from their past.  I opened the book not expecting to see anything written (she didn’t really get into this) and saw the above reflection.  I was surprised and delighted; I heard my mother’s voice.  You see, my mother died June 2014 and I miss her calling me “ladybug”, miss laying on her bed early in the morning and pestering her until she just started talking about life, miss her listening ears and her frank and “real” advice.

Finding her words written on the page gave me her voice back, and made me think of this blog about history.  My mother is now “my” history, and I believe she has stories she’d like me to tell.  I bet you have people from your family who would like their stories to be told – maybe you’re their voice.

I’ll end with sharing more of my mother’s voice.  Let’s bask together in her story, shall we?  [The questions are from the book.]

When did you first go to church?  What are you earliest memories of church?

I was all but born in church.  In those days, I think one couldn’t go out in public for 6 weeks or so.  However, I’m certain that as sson as possible I was there.  After all, I was the 1^st born of their pastor.  (My sister had been born a year earlier, but didn’t live long – maybe hours)….

How did your mother spend her day?  Did she have a job or do volunteer work outside the home?

Mother stayed at home until Daddy past [passed] the GPO.  Then she worked as a GS-2 clerk in The Commerce Dept in Washington [DC]

List one special memory about each of your brothers and sisters.

Anna Costner, Wallace Costner Sr., Barbara,
Wallace Costner, Jr.;
Back Row:  Marion [Selby]
Earlene Costner

…My sister was 8 when she came to live with us.  She is 9 ½ years younger than me.  At first I had more of a parental relationship with her, but when I went to U of I [University of Illinois], she began to look to our parents as hers, and I became her sister.  I’d take her lots of places, even my boyfriends would sometimes taker her along.

What were your family finances like when you were growing up?  How did that affect you?

      Others thought we were doing well.  We were buying our house, we had a car, I took piano lessons, we went to school in Washington [DC].  Mother (especially) and Daddy spent money very wisely; we really didn’t have much.  We had what we needed, but little else.  Each school year I had 3 new dresses, and one pair of sensible shoes.  I wore one dress Mon., Tues., Wed., one Thurs., Fri. and the other Mon., Tues., Wed. of the next week.  Then repeated the cycle.  That may be why I have overloaded closets + shoe bags now.  We seldom went to a movie, but that was probably due to our basic life style as well.  Our life revolved around Daddy’s ministry, which left little time for outside activities.  But I don’t recall feeling deprived about that.  What I really wanted was an allowance to spend as I chose.  I never had one.  That did bother me.  [This is all new information for me.  I see a story in the making.]

Where did you go to grade school?  Junior High?  High School?  Tell me about your best childhood friend.

…There were 5 of us in Francis Jr. High – Carole Ferguson, Janice Green, Care Dickerson, Shirley Jackson & I.  All but Janice continued with me to Dunbar High, but only Shirley remained a close friend.  She & I also went to Howard became sorority sisters.  I have made loose contact with the other three….

What fashions were popular when you were in high school?  Did you like them?  Why or why not?

      Poodle skirts.  Saddle oxfords.  Penny loafers.  Crinolines.  Twin sweaters.  Did I like them?  Okay.  I wasn’t much for fashion, and anyway we didn’t have the money to indulge in that.  However, I’ve always had a thing for shoes, and I did have saddle oxfords and various kinds of loafers.

Who in your family served in the military and when?  Do you have a special memory of that person?

     Daddy and his next two younger brothers were in World War I.  His youngest brother served in World War II.  The military was something our family did in time of war, but never as a career.  Fortunately, all of the above came home.  Really, I don’t think any of my family were killed or seriously injured in war.  Of course I have wonderful memories of them, but nothing I can attach to their military service...

Do you have a collection when you were growing up?  What initially sparked your interest in it?

      As a pre-teen, I loved paper dolls.  I guess I dressed vicariously through them.  There weren’t many youngsters on our street.  (As a matter of fact, most of the winter there were none.)  I didn’t like playing with my brother (he was into active things, I was much more sedentary), so I enjoyed things I could do alone…

Glacier Bay Alaska
photo by Dave Breskill

What places would you still like to visit?  Why?

…The Grecian isles – I’ve seen the Mediterranean, and it is gorgeous.  I’ve heard so much about the beauty of the Grecian isles – both in aesthetic beauty and in ambience – I want to see for myself.  [She never made it there.]

   Alaska – I’ve heard it is marvelously beautiful.  I want to see glaciers, the rivers, the nearly pristine land.  [She DID make it there with my Dad.]  

Today’s Blog Question – please leave an answer in comments.  Have you had someone in your family keep a journal or write their reflections?  Who?  Have you told any stories from this information?  Do you keep a journal or write your reflections?  What do you hope your posterity will do with this information?

P.S.  If you want to really know how to make family history into a story, check out Carolyn Stearn’s blog and attend anything she teachers.  She is a great friend and a wonderful storyteller.  Blog information http://carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com/

D = Dad Loves History: A-Z Blogging Challenge 2015: History Stories and the Telling of Them

Quick Performance Update (next two weeks):

    Apr. 6, 7 & 13 - Performances for Worldstrides, Inc. Student Tour Groups in Williamsburg, VA. 

    Sat., Apr. 11 - Lancaster Court Days, @Mary Washington Library and Museum, Lancaster, VA; 10 am – 4 pm (Oney Judge Historic Character Presentation, Ol’ Bess Historic Character Presentation, General Storytelling)

    Wed., Apr. 15 – Dana Middle School, AM, Hawthorne, CA (Betsy Costner Historic Character Presentation)

   Thurs., Apr. 16 – Anza Elementary School, AM & PM & Evening, Hawothrne, CA  (Oney Judge Historic Character Presentation; General Storytelling Program & “Words of Excitement” Evening Program for Parents)

    Sat., Apr. 18 – Stone Soup Storytelling Festival New Voices Showcase, Woodruff, SC; 11:30 am – 1 pm

     Other Apr. performances:   Oregon (Corvallis); Virginia (Herndon, Portsmouth, Williamsburg)

     Upcoming May performances:  California (Fresno); New York (Westchester County); VA (Norfolk, Williamsburg), West Virginia (Shepherdstown)

I’m a day late with day 4 of the A-Z Blogging Challenge 2015, but I’m going to assume no one blogs on Sundays because that is the catch-up day (at least it will be mine).  I’ll be back on track tomorrow.

My theme is “History Stories and the telling of them.”  My desire is to share some history facts and the stories I think are intriguing around them, along with some ways I’ve told history stories and techniques of researching and telling historical stories.  Finally, Day 4….

D = Dad Loves History

My Dad loves reading about and learning about history, and he has been my greatest influence in regards to wanting to learn history.  He particularly loves biographies and military history, although, if it’s good, he’s read just about any type of historical non-fiction book.

My Daddy - Wallace C. Arnold

One of my strong memory fragments from when I was in my “tween” years was my Dad having to read History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.  This was a paperback book with over 600 pages and I can even remember the cover of a warrior in a chariot in orange with a black background.  Today I asked my Dad about that book and he nodded his head as I spoke, and then relayed more of the story (as always). 

Dad was the commander of a Armstrong Army Barracks, Büdingen, Germany when he was honored by being asked to leave his post early and be a student at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island.  Two months before he was to leave Büdingen, in the middle of packing a house and transitioning the command leadership, he received the book with instructions to have it read before he started at the College.  Dad shared how the book took a lot of time to read; time he did not have.  My mother became involved in this “book reading” because Dad had to write a paper and my mother was the typist and there was much back and forth about the paper.  Dad learned later that this book, which is also a primary source document, was the basis of modern warfare strategies and tactics, and laid the foundation for everything else they would learn.  I’m certain I remember the emotional angst about that book because Dad usually loved books on history. However, in spite of its infamous place in family history, the book still sits on Dad’s bookshelf in his office.

My father is also a great public speaker.  He’s so good in fact, that I love to hear his presentations.  One of the things I admire about his talks is that he does his research.  He doesn’t just present facts, figures and events, he tells the stories and searches until he finds the right story to tell.  His love of history strengthens his resolve to make history interesting and engaging.

I remember the first time my father saw one of my Historic Character Presentations.  I was at a church that he had often attended when he was young and I was there to present Oney Judge, the personal maidservant of Martha Washington.  He was thrilled about the amount of research I had completed and was able to share, about the level of reality in my presentation as an elderly woman, and delighted that I was HIS child (the beaming smile gave him away).

Over the last few Christmases, Dad has informed his family what books he would like to have as gifts.  We, like his faithful soldiers, have succumbed to his directions.  He returns the favor by buying books of his liking for me.  A year ago he purchased me Killing Jesus by Bill O’Reilly – a wonderful historical read and I was delighted with all the information I learned and the storytelling way it was presented.  Last Christmas my father received Unbroken by Laura Hillinbrand; 41, A Portrait of my Father by of George W.Bush, and a couple of fictional books by his favorite authors.  As I went searching as directing for his requested book, I ran across another one that I thought would be perfect.  I wrapped it carefully.  As Dad opens each book, he looks at the giver and says, “That was well done.”  When he opened the second book I gave him, The Black Panthers: A Story by Race, War and Courage by Gina  M Dinicolo, his eyebrows raised and with surprise said, “Well, I have never heard of them.  This is new to me.  Can’t wait to read it!”

History Lover

I love that my Daddy still gets excited about learning “new” history….and maybe, one day, he will BE “new” history when he writes his own autobiography.

If you are a history lover, was there someone that helped foster that love and how did they do that?  If you are not adverse to history, but not a great lover of it, then check out one of Bill O’Reilly’s Killing history series – the writing is great and suddenly history has life.  If you don’t like history, what made you dislike it?  After answering, jump over to my website [www.mssheila.org] and hire me to come and do one of my Historic Character Presentations for a home concert, or at your organization, library or school.  [Yes, that was a shameless pitch!]

What am I reading?  Yesterday I read, “At the Zoo” by David M. Schwartz (children’s book).  Most recent thing I learned from this little book:  “Camels with one hump are from Africa.  Camels with two humps are from Asia.” [didn’t know that]  Currently reading “Passionate God” by Bishop Kenneth C Ulmer, Ph. D (my evening reading) & “Revolution in World Missions” by K. P. Yohannan.