Showing posts with label CD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CD. Show all posts

Thursday, September 2, 2010

A New Month

Hello, Everyone. September has come and my month of relaxtion and rest is coming to a close, but it was nice. My e-mails came down to a workable number (under 100). I have confirmed programming for various dates in October, January, February and April. I am working on the boxes that are laying about my house - even finding books and tapes I'd forgotten I had. I've been getting through some of my computer search items regarding books, articles and general curiousities, as well as adding new videos to my queue on Blockbuster.com. I'm working on my taxes - yes, late, but finally, getting done. I've been preparing for my upcoming programs. It's been good.

Today I perform at Chrysler Museum (Norfolk, VA) as part of the "Tickle My Ears" program - 4 years for me with the museum. I will do 2 storytelling programs for pre-schoolers, based on the theme "One Bowl for You, Two Bowls for Me." The focus is dishes. And, yes, it was a challenge to figure out what to tell. However, I put together some stories: "In a People House" by Theo LeSeig; "Teaching Mr. Wolf Manners" - an original story; some counting songs: "5 LIttle Monkeys" & "The Ants Come Marching one by one"; we are in the Indian/Islamic Gallery - so an Indian Story - I think I'm doing "The young Reader" (Margaret McDonald), but possibly "Ali Baba and the 39 theives", and finish with the child's point of view of the Grimms Tale, "The Old Man and the Bowl." We have singing, short stories, longer stories, books, a classic story - all should make for a great program (hopefully).

The CD is selling very slowly right now, in spite of the fact that I'm in the midst of a Back-to-School Sale. I've only sold 3 during this sale. Hopefully, when I go to next week's Moonshell Storytelling Festival (Omaha, NE), I will sell a lot more. I'm going to try and paste on a video of me telling "Teaching Mr. Wolf Manners" - done at home as a practice session. Here goes:Okay, it's supposedly uploading.

So we'll see. I'll end with the words that are so close to me at the moment, "Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee." That's what I want most in my life is to have my life be an imitation and an example of Christ's. Love you all. Take care.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Working at Home

Hello, Everyone. It's nice to be working at home, and I have so much to get done. I have sort of thrown my hands up in the air about getting a lot done because I still have so much travel left. However, when the last of May comes and I'm home almost all summer and certainly having my days available in summer - I can imagine my house turning into a place to live.

You all well know that the CD is recorded and has been mastered, and now re-mastered. We decided to add just a bit more space between the stories - so people could breathe and pause and enjoy, before the next story was to come. Neil Kesterson, the Sound Engineer, has been wonderful to work with on this project. I am astounded how he was able to e-mail the "Pauses" to me, which my parents and I delighted in. The sales of the CD continue to rise for pre-sale, but once the CD is in my hand, I expect that it will sell quite well. I can't wait to sell them for the Worldstrides groups. It will be such a pleasure.

I clinched (through God's direction) another new program to start in June. June, in spite of being easier and at home, will also have the challenge of being the time I have new programming beginning for Worldstrides and for Crowne Plaza. However, nothing like new developments to get the blood and mind continuing to flow. Take care everyone, sorry for just chatting today. Peace and remember "He is Risen."

Monday, January 4, 2010

Happy New Year! 2010

Hello, Everyone. Happy New Year. I had a wonderful holiday season and am thrilled to see another year and, as the old folks would say, "I'm still in my right mind. :)

I had a great time yesterday in Williamsburg. First, I told stories at Mauna Community Church, a Korean Methodist Church, in Williamsburg. I had friends, Young and Claudia Kim, who I had not intersected with for almost 3 years, invite me to their new church. When I arrived I saw Lydia, their daughter, and their nephew, Samuel. It was great to see them again. I told 3 stories: "Toad is Called Uncle", Vietnamese folktale; "Anansi and the Quail", African folktale; and, a 21st century version of "The Good Samaritan" (Biblical parable). The stories were well-received by the kids (and the parents who stayed).

What was neat to see how each of the folktales had a biblical lesson or insight as well. In "Toad" I was able to compare THE king of heaven (God) to the story's "king of heaven" - God cares about us and we never have to worry about him not wanting to hear our requests and it doesn't take so long to talk to him - all opposites of the story's "king of heaven." And the kids got that point. In "Anansi" we talked about controlling our anger, how to deal with people when we are angry, and learning to love people even when they are working hard to trick you. I also shared with the kids about my mission trips to Vietnam and Malawi. (In prayer to go back to Malawi this July.)

Then I met with Darci and we reveiwed items for this weekend, and she told her story. It's interesting that as I'm learning from my Producer (Thanks, Buck) about my stories, he is right that I hear others' stories so differently. I know Darci will do great and I can see the differences in the way I hear and give feedback with stories. Well, the day needs to continue. Have a great week everyone. Peace and belief,

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Now it's time to say goodbye....to 2009

Hello, friends. Well, I'm in my hotel room in Albuqurque, NM, and am anxious to get home - an unusual position for me. I have had a great time in California (seeing Litel Elementary, Campbell Hall and Vinedale Elementary) and here in New Mexico (seeing Thoreau Elementary). Seeing my past 2 adopted schools was great and seeing my teachers whom I really care about was awesome. Being a "superstar" was wonderful with the students and I loved their response to the stories. The story that wins, hands-down, "Little Johnny Eight Spot." Each of my adopted schools wanted to hear it again, and I conceded. It will hopefully be on the CD.

Ah, the CD. I'm thrilled now that I know my controlling idea - Hearts and Smiles. I still have three stories to write, have characterizations on my stories to be done, and I need to record "Elaina's Birthday Dance" to see if I can hear the child, or the adult behind the child. Lots to do, and I'm grateful that Buck is so patient with me. I do believe it is on my website to be bought now, so today and tomorrow out goes the e-mail for pre-sale. Can't wait.

I have had a great year. I had 200 programs in 16 states, (WA, VA, IL, NM, OK, Minnesota, GA, PA, WV, KY, AZ, CA, OR, FL, IA, MD), including Worldstrides, Young Audiences of Virginia, CWTI outreach and "Tickle My Ear" Chrysler Museum programs. I added on 4 new states that I have been in - Minnesota, Arizona, Nebraska and Iowa. I had several repeat programs including, but not limited to, East Intermedieate (Jenks, OK), Harvest Hills Elementary (OK), Bourbon Central Elementary (Paris, KY), North Middletown Elementary (North Middletown, KY), Malvern Elementary (PA) & Felida Elementary (Vancouver, WA).

I have been to Disneyland, visited Spokane and taken that marvelous road in Washington from Spokane to Vancouver, across the mountain - amazing. I have hung out with old friends and have met new ones (Sharon Kennedy being a main new friend). I finished my 2nd adopted school - Thoreau & started my third - Roosevelt. I have visited all of my adopted schools at least twice this year.

God continues to bless my life, continues to grow the gift He gave me, and gives me opportunities to use this gift more and more for him. "How can I say thanks for the things He has done for me? Things so undeserved, that He gave to prove His love for me....To God be the Glory!"

Merry Christmas