So yesterday I was in another part of Virginia I was unfamiliar with - the Northern Neck area. There is lots of history in that part of Virginia. I placed the birthplace of George Washington and Stratford Hall is there. The highways are named after famous, and not so famous, people. And I enjoyed the wine. (Try Ingleside Winery - wonderful place!)
I felt like I was driving in Southwest Missouri - the little towns that kept cropping up. Names I was completely unfamiliar with - Kilmarnock, being one of them - but it was fun to learn about so much. I am always amazed about how diverse Virginia is. It may not be as large as California, but there is still so much to see and do and each area of Virginia has its own flavor. Virginia is definitely a great state.
I performed at Chesapeake Academy in Irvington, VA. They have an organization called PALS - Performing Arts (something, something). Also, the Wylie Foundation and Target provide grants for the programs they bring in. I was blessed yesterday to be doing "My Piano" storytelling program, because God made sure that I kept everything in the car that I needed, since I was running like the wind, and didn't even know until two days before, what program I was doing for them. Chesapeake Academy kindly invited other schools as well parents with children to come. It was a delight. And, I must say, one of the best sound systems I have ever used - and much needed.
Okay, the countdown continues - 4 days until recording!! God, to you be the glory! Amen.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Rapt 4th Graders
Wow, what a day yesterday! It was long and by the end I was more exhausted physically than I have been in many, many months, even a couple of years. I am presently in Jessup, MD (again I had to ask the front desk person - "where am I?" - LOL). Had time to share and vent and cry to God, and He used His word to help revive my soul. Amen.
Now, the 4th graders! What a great time I had at General Wayne Elementary School, Malvern, PA with the 4th graders. Every year I had gone before I was with the 5th graders and with my buddy, Barbara Masters (who I didn't get to see - Sorry!) The teacher asked me for the full two hours of my time with these students.
I presented Betsy Costner Historic Character Presentation (pre- and post-Civil War). It's one of the most powerful presentations I do. For 45 mins. the students traveled with me through the life of Betsy Costner. Then for 15 mins. we had Q&A. After that we did a little "Juba" just to move a bit, and then it was Q&A and giving facts about the War, about the life of the slave, etc. for the next 45 mins. One student even asked, "Where did the slaves come from?" Ahhh, my favorite lesson. So I had the chance to teach it - my way - and then review it. I'm so proud of those kids and they way they learned, and I love teaching that particular topic. It was great!!
So at 3 pm I say, "It's time to go" and there are groans from the students. I say, "Really, you have to go." And I get a standing ovation from some of the 4th graders. We spent so much time learning, learning, learning and they wanted more. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be? I even gave the teachers a chance to ask questions and each of them did - what great examples. Had a great time, Amy. Hope to do it again.
Joy and Pain - don't they always seem to come at the same time? But God is the God of both!! Amen.
Now, the 4th graders! What a great time I had at General Wayne Elementary School, Malvern, PA with the 4th graders. Every year I had gone before I was with the 5th graders and with my buddy, Barbara Masters (who I didn't get to see - Sorry!) The teacher asked me for the full two hours of my time with these students.
I presented Betsy Costner Historic Character Presentation (pre- and post-Civil War). It's one of the most powerful presentations I do. For 45 mins. the students traveled with me through the life of Betsy Costner. Then for 15 mins. we had Q&A. After that we did a little "Juba" just to move a bit, and then it was Q&A and giving facts about the War, about the life of the slave, etc. for the next 45 mins. One student even asked, "Where did the slaves come from?" Ahhh, my favorite lesson. So I had the chance to teach it - my way - and then review it. I'm so proud of those kids and they way they learned, and I love teaching that particular topic. It was great!!
So at 3 pm I say, "It's time to go" and there are groans from the students. I say, "Really, you have to go." And I get a standing ovation from some of the 4th graders. We spent so much time learning, learning, learning and they wanted more. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be? I even gave the teachers a chance to ask questions and each of them did - what great examples. Had a great time, Amy. Hope to do it again.
Joy and Pain - don't they always seem to come at the same time? But God is the God of both!! Amen.
Monday, March 8, 2010
A Coming Home
Yesterday I gave an African-American Storytelling Presentation at First Baptist Church Warrenton (Fauquier County), VA. It was a coming home of sorts for me. My father was raised in this county and so many people came out in support, not necessarily of me, but of the relationship that my parents have had with the community. I had lots of my Dad's side of the family there and it was a joy to see them. (Thanks, Whit and Betty, for coming all the way from North Carolina!)
It was an amazing experience to present in the church. African-American Baptist folk like to respond and interact and there was lots of that. I also had the joy to have an "out of body experience" as I watched myself tell a story (one I don't do often) and said to myself, "Wow! She's good." :) I really saw God at work - in choosing what stories to tell, in which order and how long to go!
Bottom line - I had a blast! And it was very, very well-received. Yesterday I believe I realized I will do well at Storytelling Festivals, with my reliance on God. I cannot thank Mabel Joynes and Cousin Virginia White enough for their belief in me, and how they treated me like a superstar.
I'm in Pennsylvania right now, in a place called Mountville (?), just stopped to sleep at the hotel before I head to Malvern. I leave today on a great high from yesterday, but also much humility - I must share the gift and it's not really mine. Amen!
It was an amazing experience to present in the church. African-American Baptist folk like to respond and interact and there was lots of that. I also had the joy to have an "out of body experience" as I watched myself tell a story (one I don't do often) and said to myself, "Wow! She's good." :) I really saw God at work - in choosing what stories to tell, in which order and how long to go!
Bottom line - I had a blast! And it was very, very well-received. Yesterday I believe I realized I will do well at Storytelling Festivals, with my reliance on God. I cannot thank Mabel Joynes and Cousin Virginia White enough for their belief in me, and how they treated me like a superstar.
I'm in Pennsylvania right now, in a place called Mountville (?), just stopped to sleep at the hotel before I head to Malvern. I leave today on a great high from yesterday, but also much humility - I must share the gift and it's not really mine. Amen!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A Day in Hampton
Good morning. Well, yesterday I had the opportunity to perform in my home city, Hampton, VA. I get very few requests for performances in Hampton, and it saddens me. I am doing more in Hampton than I have ever done, but I wish I could do more.
I was thrilled to be at A.W. Bassette Elementary School yesterday and had a blast with the teachers and staff. They will also have a booth at the Hampton History Museum for the program on Mar. 6, where I will be at as well. It will be great to see them. If you are around time, come and see me for any of the four 1/2 hour programs - 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 2 pm.
On a CD note, I believe I have told the name of the CD - "Hands Wide Open." And I have attached what will possibly be the cover picture. Buck is going to California for a little bit to work, and we are working on the graphics. I have to finish some of this work - for an hour - each day. Needs to get done, so he can do the mockup of the CD. We are scheduled to start the recording on Mon., Mar. 13, 2010. Please keep myself and Buck (my producer) in prayer - as I believe we are about to hit some spiritual warfare regarding the CD. I have my armor from God on, and am ready for a battle, and need your prayers through this busy time. Let me know what I can pray for you. Peace.
I was thrilled to be at A.W. Bassette Elementary School yesterday and had a blast with the teachers and staff. They will also have a booth at the Hampton History Museum for the program on Mar. 6, where I will be at as well. It will be great to see them. If you are around time, come and see me for any of the four 1/2 hour programs - 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 2 pm.
On a CD note, I believe I have told the name of the CD - "Hands Wide Open." And I have attached what will possibly be the cover picture. Buck is going to California for a little bit to work, and we are working on the graphics. I have to finish some of this work - for an hour - each day. Needs to get done, so he can do the mockup of the CD. We are scheduled to start the recording on Mon., Mar. 13, 2010. Please keep myself and Buck (my producer) in prayer - as I believe we are about to hit some spiritual warfare regarding the CD. I have my armor from God on, and am ready for a battle, and need your prayers through this busy time. Let me know what I can pray for you. Peace.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Virginia Bound
Hello, everyone. I have spent this past week going up and down the roads of Virginia. I had a day off on Monday - and I remember very little of it, except working at the computer and trying to finish my schedule for the days I'd be in Virginia.
All my programs were through Young Audiences of Virginia. On Tuesday I had three programs - Portsmouth, Virginia Beach (for College students at TCC) and in Warsaw, VA at Rappahannock Community College. I ended the night by driving to Franklin, VA,where I was performing on Wednesday at S.P. Morton Elementary - wonderful time there - thanks Bonnie and Frank, especially. Then I spent Wednesday afternoon driving up to Northern Virginia. I missed most of the traffic by driving Route 1 and that was pleasant. I stayed with my Aunt Marion and Uncle Selby - thank you both, and met my little cousin - Maciah. (I may be spelling that wrong. :(
Then on Thursday I was at Rose Hill Elementary School, which was the school my cousins attended when they were young. It was good. I also recognized that the only home that is still in the family from the time I was young, is the home of this Aunt and Uncle. It was wonderful to visit, but also bittersweet seeing how time had moved each of us up and away and we only had one "homestead" left. I will treasure this time.
I left that afternoon - again with the joy of Metro traffic - to get home and performed yesterday at Strawbridge Elementary in Virginia Beach. Had a wonderful time with the students and staff, and other visitors who kept stopping by. :) If you haven't heard of Young Audiences, then google them and see them across the country providing affordable programming for students. It's a non-profit organization and if you'd like to contribute to them, they would love it!! Glad for a day off and still have much work today.
Thought for the day: When we ask God to know us - do we really mean it? Peace,
All my programs were through Young Audiences of Virginia. On Tuesday I had three programs - Portsmouth, Virginia Beach (for College students at TCC) and in Warsaw, VA at Rappahannock Community College. I ended the night by driving to Franklin, VA,where I was performing on Wednesday at S.P. Morton Elementary - wonderful time there - thanks Bonnie and Frank, especially. Then I spent Wednesday afternoon driving up to Northern Virginia. I missed most of the traffic by driving Route 1 and that was pleasant. I stayed with my Aunt Marion and Uncle Selby - thank you both, and met my little cousin - Maciah. (I may be spelling that wrong. :(
Then on Thursday I was at Rose Hill Elementary School, which was the school my cousins attended when they were young. It was good. I also recognized that the only home that is still in the family from the time I was young, is the home of this Aunt and Uncle. It was wonderful to visit, but also bittersweet seeing how time had moved each of us up and away and we only had one "homestead" left. I will treasure this time.
I left that afternoon - again with the joy of Metro traffic - to get home and performed yesterday at Strawbridge Elementary in Virginia Beach. Had a wonderful time with the students and staff, and other visitors who kept stopping by. :) If you haven't heard of Young Audiences, then google them and see them across the country providing affordable programming for students. It's a non-profit organization and if you'd like to contribute to them, they would love it!! Glad for a day off and still have much work today.
Thought for the day: When we ask God to know us - do we really mean it? Peace,
Friday, January 29, 2010
Winter Wallop
Hello, Everyone. It has been a long time since I have written. I have been busy on the road since Jan. 13. Now here it is Jan. 29 and I am ensconced warmly in the Rice household in Tulsa, OK, watching out of the breakfast nook window as the "Winter Wallop" (consisting of ice, sleet and snow) takes place in front of my eyes.
Yesterday I had my 5th performance at Jenks East Intermediate. The day before I conducted my first Professional Development at the school. Both went great. However, yesterday was a particular high for me because of the connection made with some of the special needs students. Last year I had learned through some inadvertent events that when I met special needs students before the program they were able to be a part of my program longer, be participatory and I had the mindset to include them more, purposefully. So, I had requested this to happen yesterday. It was marvelous! I met the students and their paraprofessionals. We learned courtesies, introduced ourselves, talked about clothing and then sat up front.
I watched how God led me to think and include these students throughout the program. I usually call one student forward to help me with an activity and I called one young man, who is nonverbal. This activity usually requires the verbal, but I led the verbal part and held the item. (Great smile on his face.) During the Q&A portion of the program - OH, I was doing my Ol' Bess HIstoric Character Presentation - 2 of the students also asked questions. Afterwards, one student came to me and informed me that I did not answer the question she was asking and we talked again and I listened better, and I answered the right question. :) Also, another student had a picture with me and signed to me "thank you." I will tell you, I fairly floated throughout the day. It was my learning moment - how can I make sure all students are included, and encourage them, and make their experience as they participate positive for themselves and for other students. I will add this to my "talk" (which I haven't developed yet) about presenting to students (for professionals).
Also, had an opportunity to present in Christa Rice's classroom (amazing teacher, who works with amazing teachers - thank you all at JEI), while a parent was present. The parent, part of the PTAG, was so engaged she actively asked her own questions!! It was fun to teach to students again as well.
Thanks again, JEI, for a great day. Oh, I spent time sharing my pictures with Christa and Syd Rice last night and think I might have a title for CD - "Hands Wide Open" (Hands Wide Open: Written-from-the-Heart Stories of Ms. Sheila). I'm still working on it. Love ya'll.
Yesterday I had my 5th performance at Jenks East Intermediate. The day before I conducted my first Professional Development at the school. Both went great. However, yesterday was a particular high for me because of the connection made with some of the special needs students. Last year I had learned through some inadvertent events that when I met special needs students before the program they were able to be a part of my program longer, be participatory and I had the mindset to include them more, purposefully. So, I had requested this to happen yesterday. It was marvelous! I met the students and their paraprofessionals. We learned courtesies, introduced ourselves, talked about clothing and then sat up front.
I watched how God led me to think and include these students throughout the program. I usually call one student forward to help me with an activity and I called one young man, who is nonverbal. This activity usually requires the verbal, but I led the verbal part and held the item. (Great smile on his face.) During the Q&A portion of the program - OH, I was doing my Ol' Bess HIstoric Character Presentation - 2 of the students also asked questions. Afterwards, one student came to me and informed me that I did not answer the question she was asking and we talked again and I listened better, and I answered the right question. :) Also, another student had a picture with me and signed to me "thank you." I will tell you, I fairly floated throughout the day. It was my learning moment - how can I make sure all students are included, and encourage them, and make their experience as they participate positive for themselves and for other students. I will add this to my "talk" (which I haven't developed yet) about presenting to students (for professionals).
Also, had an opportunity to present in Christa Rice's classroom (amazing teacher, who works with amazing teachers - thank you all at JEI), while a parent was present. The parent, part of the PTAG, was so engaged she actively asked her own questions!! It was fun to teach to students again as well.
Thanks again, JEI, for a great day. Oh, I spent time sharing my pictures with Christa and Syd Rice last night and think I might have a title for CD - "Hands Wide Open" (Hands Wide Open: Written-from-the-Heart Stories of Ms. Sheila). I'm still working on it. Love ya'll.
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,
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,
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