Network: The Way It’s Supposed to Be

Quick Performance Update – next week: None
Other Jan. performances:  None

A little over a week ago, Historic Character Presenter & Storyteller, Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti of Woventales Productions LLC (www.woventales.com), called me and let me know she had been contracted for a program which, due to surgery, I couldn’t do.  Okay, back to the beginning (as my Mother always starts her stories), I was requested for a program on Jan. 21, but surgery was pushed back, so I informed the contact person I was unavailable, and asked her if she wanted me to send some names of performers/presenters.  The contact person said yes, and I began a search for persons that did both Historic Character Presentations and Storytelling.  I sent an email to those folks and asked if they were available, and three persons were available.  I sent the names back to the contact person, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

When Gwendolyn and the contact person informed me that a good fit had been made, there was excitement on both sides.  Gwendolyn had a new gig and a new business connection.  The contact person had been able to make connection for a new program quickly and with the confidence of a recommendation from another performer, and our relationship remained intact and positive for future performances.  And, me, well, I felt fantastic.  This is the way it is supposed to be with performers – always looking for opportunities for others as well as myself.  How easy it would have been to just say, “I can’t help you, sorry” and give no other information.  Or, I could have sent out a general – “Hey, here’s a possible gig” and send the contact person’s information and let the shoot out begin – making her life more difficult.  But that is not the way it is supposed to be.  I, as a professional, should maintain the relationship by providing professional recommendations in a thoughtful manner which highlights other professionals and makes it easy for event producers. 

So, what is my point?

A)     Make Connections with other persons in your professions – online and at conferences, etc.  Gwendolyn and I met as LinkedIn connections.  [Okay, here it is, a SHAMELESS PLUG FOR LINKEDIN….oh, and it’s where the contact person met me as well! - www.linkedin.com]  Have you joined something?  LinkedIn?  Twitter?  Facebook?  Pinterest?  Connect with others.  Attend conferences, go to professional development and see what is outside of your world.

B)     Make your connections count.  There was a woman on LinkedIn that encouraged people to write a short note once you connected, so I have been doing.  Many of those little notes have turned into friends, not just acquaintances.  Contact people when you will be in their area, not just for “business”, but to have a cup of coffee and get to know each other.  Inform people you are connected to about performances, activities, events, professional development – THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE YOU  ONLY!  Yes, we all want people to attend our performances, but when it’s all about you – you’re no different than the telemarketer.

C)     Be wise about recommendations, BUT MAKE THEM.  I only make recommendations for people I have great confidence in.  I have seen them perform, work, talk, etc., OR I know of their caliber from other trusted friends.  When a request comes across my desk/email and I cannot meet the request, I immediately start looking for those who can, and ASK the requestor if they WANT recommendations.  (Yes, I do ask if I can do the program at a later time, but I need to help them with this event as well.)  Then I look through my list of friends (and yes, I keep a list of my professional friends).  I talk to THEM before I recommend them, to see if they have dates available.  No worse feeling an event requestor can have – to get a recommendation about someone not available.  Ugh!

D)    Finally, help those in your profession rise, by sharing what good things you have learned.  Here is my thank you for setting the example:  Kit Rogers – sending out requests that are sent to National Storytelling Network - http://www.storynet.org/; Mark Goldman – sending out his newsletter that consistently shares storytelling insights as well as other programming, just love his newsletter - http://www.storytellermark.com/newsletters/Newsletterz.asp?NL_Date=12/31/2012; Karen Chace – whose blog is the “go to” for storytelling research and sharing without hesitation - http://www.karenchace.blogspot.com/.  These, and others {I truly failed to mention Don "Buck" Creacy and Kris Hillenburg}, have been shining stars of how we need to help each other. 

Print copied from Karen's blog about "A Rising Tide" - seemed apropos

I met some tellers, a long while ago, that I wanted to share with about other opportunities to do storytelling performances.  It took them a while to believe I really wanted to assist them, because they had met another performer before me who said they would help, but then that person came back and said, “I can’t really help you, because you’ll take away my business.”  Wow!  That’s the way it ain’t supposed to be, so let’s be better! 

 What is Ms. Sheila reading?  Yes, I am STILL reading:  Anecdotes Illustrative  of New Testament Texts published by The S.S. Scranton Company, Hartford, CT (1901).  It’s a long book, but lots of new short, short stories that I can, as Dan ? would say, “give as gifts to others.”

Most interesting thing researched this week?  More of an observation:  Sometimes the hardest thing in healing is just giving yourself permission to listen to your body as it heals; sometimes my body has to shout – “Sit down.  Lie Down, or I’ll take you down.”

Surgery: Health for Artists

Quick Performance Update – next week: None
Other Jan. performances:  None

I had surgery (hysterectomy) this past Tuesday, Jan. 8.  Although in some pain and having some soreness, I know the end result is I will be a healthier person, and for that I am glad. 

Getting to this point started because of a performance in March of 2012 where I passed out at the end of program.  Through an overnight stay at a hospital in Vancouver, WA, I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids.  Great friends in that area watched over me and made sure I comfortably arrived back home and the process began to a)  get health insurance and b) get the best possible care and have some physical resolution.

The health care insurance was my challenge, because I have asthma and with that pre-existing condition, insurance was too high.  Then came Obamacare!  I am a testimony to the positive effects of Obamacare and getting healthcare for my pre-existing conditions.  I pay $288/month to cover myself and am grateful beyond belief. 

I encourage all artists to get healthcare insurance, particularly since now it’s a little easier.  Here is the suggestion I was given, and used: 

A)   Get services from a Federally Qualified Health Center - they charge on a sliding scale fee and even if you pay full fees, it's often less than a private practice. There are many in our area (VA). See Access Partnership's link for a listing: http://accesspartnership.org/19.html

B)   Check to see if you qualify for Pre-Existing Condition Health Insurance Plan. The rates are very affordable and since you have a pre-ex condition, it's doubtful you can get insurance at a reasonable price. Also, be aware that even after you purchase coverage from a private insurance there is often a pre-ex period (3-6 months and sometimes a year) before that condition is covered!  website: http://www.pcip.gov.

If you have insurance ideas and suggestions that are viable and affordable for artists, please share with others. 

Time for me to get back to recuperating (which means sleeping a lot and using great drugs - J), so let me finish by saying thank you to everyone who has been open to sharing how they dealt with certain prescription drugs and with surgery.  Your insights helped me make good decisions.  Your prayers, thoughts and texts have reminded me that I am loved and cared for, and quite blessed with my cross-country friendships. 

What is Ms. Sheila reading?  Still reading:  Anecdotes Illustrative  of New Testament Texts published by The S.S. Scranton Company, Hartford, CT (1901).

Most interesting thing researched this week?  I found out the prayer, “Now I lay be down to sleep” was written in the 18^th-century.  How cool that I can add this to my 18^th-Century storytelling presentation and Historic Character Presentations.

Starting Over

Quick Performance Update – next week: None
Other Jan. performances:  None

It is 2013!  Last year this is what I wrote on my first Blog:

“First things first. It's 2012, and time for a new start in the Blogosphere. I am now on Twitter (mssheila757) and this has introduced me to the world of great Blogs and bloggers - I have a new goal to attain. The plan is to be consistent on Tuesdays and share about where I will performing, what research has caught my eye as of late, and other odds and ends about my profession as Storyteller and Character Presenter. So hang with me and, if you like it (or disagree or want to add), share a comment and share with friends. Peace.”

Uh, well, I failed miserably about keeping my Tuesdays as Blogging days.  But it’s a new year and a new time and I get to Start Over, although it is Wednesday.  J

Actually, all year long I am constantly starting over.  I restart my diet and changes in eating habits over and over.  I constantly revise, update and restart how my “home time” schedule should be.  I also am constantly restarting, re-energizing and researching for my storytelling programs, historic character presentations, creative writing/dramatic workshops and motivational/inspirational speaking engagements -   which is what I hope all Artists are doing.

I compare my artistic “start over” to getting a rental car. (Yes, note my shameless plug for Avis.  They are my preferred rental car company and have a great rewards and corporate plan.)  When I get in my own car, I start it and just drive to my destination.  This is how I am when I am doing lots of performances back to back or without much break – just get to the performance and do my thing. 

Continuing the “rental car” metaphor; in a rental car, I always take a moment to make sure I “get to know” this car.  I act as if I’ve not been in a car before.  I try to do this same thing before getting ready to perform, particularly if I have had a significant break between performances.  I work through a semi-checklist:

v  Rearview Mirror at my height.  How have the stories I am presenting done with audiences in the past?  Is there a better age group for this audience?  How has it done in this type of venue?  I have done this story for this group before and need to do something different, or do they enjoy and desire the repetition?

v  Sideview mirror appropriately placed.  Are there any distractions I need to be aware of for this performance?  Is my time limited?  Will I be in a place with a microphone?  How is my voice?  Is it early and I need to go to bed early the night before?

v  Where are the windshield wiper and light buttons?  Do I have everything I need to make sure the performance goes smoothly?  Also, do I have everything I need so people can follow up with me, i.e., brochures, CD’s, business cards, etc.?  Have I packed everything I need for the road and/or the program?  [Have to compliment my storyteller friend, Lynn Ruehlmann, who came to First Night Williamsburg with all of her materials, and I, well, I didn’t remember to check for the light button.  Sometimes the problem of just driving is going to fast and not looking or thinking.] 

v  How do I turn on and access the radio, CD and/or Sirrus, including the volume, the scan, etc. so I can relax a bit?  What will help me relax before the program?  Do I need to say some affirmations?  Am I praying?  What type warm-ups do I need to do and have I made time to do them? 

So, I’m starting over with the blog, but also taking some time to check out my presentations and stories, acting, for a little bit, like I’ve never told or presented them before.  I hope that at the end of this significant break I will have, that I will be an even better Artist and Performer.  Won’t you join me?

What is Ms. Sheila reading?  Anecdotes Illustrative  of New Testament Texts published by The S.S. Scranton Company, Hartford, CT (1901) that had been given to my maternal grandfather.

Most interesting thing researched this week?  I was preparing to do my Ol’ Bess Historic Character Presentation at First Night Williamsburg (VA) and looked at Virginia Gazettes(newspaper) from Dec. 1775.  Came across a small article from the Dec. 2 newspaper which reported about the accidental gun shooting of the girl, Fanny Brooking, by her father while he was maintaining his gun.  It broke my heart and reminded me that the tragedies of guns aren’t new.  ( http://tinyurl.com/ayyxp6o  column 1)

End of Season - Part I

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (all the below scriptures are from Ecclesiastes)

Quick Update: Sun., May 27, Tues., May 29, Wed., May 30, Thurs., May 31 & Fri., June 1 – evening programming for Worldstrides, Inc., school groups visiting Williamsburg, VA. If you are in the area and would like to attend one of these programs, please email me, sheilaarnold39@aol.com
Other June Locations: VA (Williamsburg, Norfolk, Hampton)

I often feel like I have “seasons” in my life. Upon ending my 2011-12 year-long residency at Anderson Christian School, Anderson, IN, I sigh with delight at ending one of my “seasons”, and prepare for what next school year will bring.

“A time to be born and a time to die,” – 3:2
Born this year were two special babies to me, special friends from my Oklahoma travels. Brian & Mandy’s Tuker, and, Sid and Christa’s grandbaby, Demma. There were many deaths along the way this year, most of them friends of my parents – reminder of their mortality.

“A time to plant and a time to uproot,” – 3:2
I planted lots and lots of seeds this year: seeds of knowledge, seeds of joy, seeds of listening, seeds for new programming area, seeds of great spiritual growth in myself. I uprooted the scars that I had allow to grow on my heart from years of fear in long-term relationships, and I am going to my 30th High School Reunion (my first class reunion! – how exciting)

“a time to kill and a time to heal,” – 3:3
This year I joyfully celebrated as the neurosurgeon, Dr. McAdams, took the cancerous tumor out of my Mother’s brain, and two other amazing doctors – Dr. Thornton and Dr. Hunter – provide laser proton radiation therapy and the chemotherapy pill – and they KILLED that tumor! And, I am grateful to all the schools, who willing rescheduled and reshuffled their programming with me, so I could take time with my Mother (and my Father) and help in the healing process. To God be the Glory!

“a time to tear down and a time to build” – 3:3
I tore down the image of storytelling in at least one teacher’s mind, who thought their students wouldn’t really enjoy storytelling, and certainly wouldn’t sit for an hour. HA! With great joy, they proclaimed they were wrong and delighted with their students in stories. In Indiana, I built so many connections including Salamonie Reservoir (Teresa Rody & Laura Whiteleather), Ellen Munds (Indiana Storytelling Arts), Canterbury School, Indiana Christian Academy and Southwood Elementary.

“a time to weep and a time to laugh” – 3:4
I cried my last day at Anderson Christian School and I will miss those kids. I laughed every time I came to Anderson Christian School when I would walk in and disturb every line walking to the gym quietly. Ms. Sheila messed up a lot of orderliness – and enjoyed it. Oh, and the laughter with Mr. & Mrs. Reeves (lifelong friends of my family whom I visited with in Indiana) as we drove until lost and laughed at how well....and not so well....a GPS gets you home! :) Love you both so much.

“a time to mourn and a time to dance” – 3:4
I did not have any mourning this school year, but I sho’ did dance. And I will never dance so well as doing the Hava Nagila (Jewish Dance) on the boat while cruising the Sea of Galilee with my BibleTelling Group friends in Israel. And then to teach the Hava Nagila to the students at Indiana Christian Academy and Anderson Christian School was so much fun – and in the church sanctuary, it was the greatest praise to God and to life. HAVA NAGILA! (Let us Be Glad!) -

Passin'

"If you're white, you're alright. If you're brown, you can hang around. If you're black, you gotta get back." - from Lost Boundaries

Quick Update: Thurs., Feb. 1 - Anderson Christian School, Anderson, IN; Fri., Feb. 2 - Woodland Middle School, Gurnee, IL; Sat., Feb. 3 - Salamonie and Mississinewa Reservoirs, Andrews, IN; Tues., Feb. 6 - McReynolds Middle School, Houston, TX
Other Feb. Locations: WV, TN, CA, VA (Fairfax Co., Roanoke, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Hampton Roads area, Chesterfield, Ashburn)

I watched a movie while in Iowa called "Lost Boundaries." It was originally released in 1949 in France. Later it was released in America - early 1950's and I am sure it must have stunned audiences. The movie is about a black couple that pass as white in a New Hampshire town for over 20 years. Through events [of which I never was able to see because I Had to do a program], the couple revealed their true colors (literally) to the town and even their two children. [Watch a scene - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Miq1AXIj5M0]

The quote at the top was used in the movie. I had heard quite a bit while growing up, but was shocked to see it in the movie. I was fascinated by the movie and googled later to find out it was representing a true story of Dr. Albert Johnston.


I have been late writing my blog, but I couldn't get this movie, nor all the things it made me think out of my head. How many times have I read and heard about passin'. I have extended family members who could have, and still could, have chosen that route for themselves, and in some cases it would have made their lives physically more easy, but I wonder what would happen psychologically.



There have been other movies about passin' - "Imitation of Life" (beautifully done) and even "Soul Man" (if want to see the other direction). Passin' has been a part of politics and writers. It helped Ellen Craft pose as a while slave owner with her husband posing as the manservant and they went from Georgia to Philadelphia escaping slavery in the 1800's.

My friend, Darci, who is white, and I, wrote a portion of our performance, "Cotton, Slavery and Freedom" about an escaped slave (daughter of the master) who lives in the North and the woman (another slave who has escaped) recognizes her. The fear that Darci portrays while we do that scene seems reminiscent of what I saw in the movie - it's a powerful part of what we do. Another friend, Abigail Schumann, who is white, portrays a slave in her one woman show, "Our Common Passages" (you can purchase at www.colonialwilliamsburg.org) and she is so believable, I had to sit back in awe.

But does passin' still happen today? I'm certain it does. I have seen people on television that my family and I have had heated discussions about "what are they?", i.e., Herman Cain's "affair" woman....hmmmmm....

Is this a topic to talk about and relevant? I say yes. People still try to "pass" today, even if it's not just color. A suburban white teenager wearing his pants down, his shirts big and gold blinging to pass as gangsta. A Middle Eastern man giving himself the last name of a Hispanic, so he can work. A person living paycheck to paycheck, buying on credit the biggest house, car and lifestyle and appearing on reality television knowing that everything is falling apart.

I'd like us to think about what Passin' means today. Does it happen? What stories show passin', like the new movie, is it "Alfred Nobbs" with Glenn close. Are their fairy tales that show this? Are we capable to let people "pass" as themselves and still afford them the opportunities they would receive if they were passin'.

Just some....dare I say it....passin' thoughts. (Okay, you can groan!)

Preparing Storytelling Programs – 18th-Century Stories

18th-century: Ol’ Bess speaks at a Gathering. Ol’ Bess, a tavern slave from 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia, stops by in costume and invites folks to a slave-gathering and shares the tales of humor, lessons and dreams from her time period. She also shares about her life – joys, sorrows and hopes. Songs are included in this very interactive program. If time is available, and students are grade 6 and above, there is a Q&A session at end of presentation. Some titles: “Simon & Susannah”, “Devil Coined a Phrase” (compiled by Zora Neale Hurston), “Combustible Woman” (from Virginia Gazette)

Well, friends, I didn't make it two weeks in a row writing my blog post on Tuesdays, however, I finally made it. This is one of those "odds and ends" about me in this wonderful profession as Teaching Artist. Enjoy. Peace,

Quick Performance Update: 1/16 - Nodland Elementary School, Sioux City, IA & Sunnyside Elementary School, Sioux City, IA; 1/17 - Sunnyside Elementary School, Sioux City, IA & Roosevelt Elementary School, Sioux City, IA & East High School, Sioux City, IA
Other Jan. performances in: OK, IN & VA (Virginia Beach and Yorktown)

As a Teaching Artist one of the things I have to do is prepare for my programs as much as possible. I love this part of my job, because I really enjoy prep and organizational time, as well as research. Right now I'm planning for 7 Storytelling Programs, 1 Professional Development, 1 Evening Program for Parents and 1 Historic Character Presentation in the upcoming week. I want to share with you about how I prepare for one of those progams - 18th-Century Stories (as described above).

I try to start preparing about a week in advance. The first thing I do is choose and then write the stories that I will be presenting. For this program, I have a pattern to follow, but need to choose which stories fall in that pattern. Here is my 18th-Century Stories pattern:
18th-Century Song (I choose from a list of 9 songs)
18th-Century Story (I choose from a list of 21 stories)
An Active/Participant Song (I choose from a list of 3)
An Interactive 18th-Century Story (I choose from a list of 4 stories)
One of Ol' Bess' family stories (I choose from 5 family stories)
Simon and Susannah (hear me do this story at http://www.mssheila.org/YoungPeople.html)

Each of the stories and songs are documented from the 18th-Century, and the list is always growing. For my upcoming program at Whittier Elementary, I am going to present:
Song: Bound to Go (see lyrics at http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/HigSpir.html)
Story: Arsenic encouraged
Song: Sit Down, Servant
Story: Anansi and Sons
Family Story: Julius Goes to War (this is story about how Julius, Ol' Bess' son, leaves Williamsburg, VA to join the British militia upon the issuance of Lord Dunmore's Proclamation. Learn more about this Proclamation event at www.colonialwilliamsburg.org)
Story: Simon and Susannah

I have just finished printing off copies of my stories and the songs and placing them in a tote bag for my programming date. Along with copies of stories, I will put my CD's, my purchasing materials (including my credit card swiper, receipts) and brochures in the tote. Finally, I print out my Storytelling Program in order, with the information about where I am presenting (with directions) and the times for presentations. Making sure I have everything on hand for the programming makes my life a lot less stressful. I always put the estimated time with the directions, so I know when I need to leave.

Next on my prep list is to choose and put aside my outfit for the day. This program is a costumed one, because I portray Ol' Bess from the 18th-Century. (see the picture). It just so happens that I will need to wash this costume, making "doing the laundry" now a part of my prep list. :)

I try to send a Teacher Guide one week in advance that includes pre- and post-programming activities for each of the stories that will be presented. I also send the words of the songs, along with a place where the song can be heard again. This Teacher Guide is customized for the stories I will be telling. It also includes hints for preparing students, and an evaluation form for teachers.

Then comes the part I really like: REVIEW. This is the part that I think separates storytellers. Review, Practice and Research; then, Review, Practice and Research some more - that is the name of the game. I start my review by reading all stories to be presented one at time - first silently and then out loud. Then I either listen to an audiotaped version of my story OR I record the story and save on my computer or CD to listen to inthe future. This part is important for me to see what I do well, and what I need to do better.

It seems like that should be it, but for me it is not. I like to take some time over the next week leading up to the performance and do some RESEARCH. I am presently reading portions of an old Storytelling Folktale Dictionary that a good friend, Patty Z., a librarian, gave me some years ago. I read the different entries and sometimes do some internet research on things that interest me and take notes. Last week's blog post about "bees" came from that research. I usually read one page, and then read at least a chapter from one of several books that I have listed. The book this week is "Kidnapped" by Robert Stevenson. How does this book help me? Well, it's 18th-century written, and actually I have found many words in there that I didn't know, but then come across while looking at 18th-Century newspapers. Since I do an 18th-Century Storytelling program AND Ol' Bess as a Historic Character Presentation, anything that helps increase my 18th-century knowledge is helpful.

And that's it! Every day for a week, I try to do one hour of prep for upcoming programs. It's tough, but the bottom line - it's worth it. I am organized, prepared, and at peace. Being at peace is probably the best, because my mind being stress free, allows me to focus on my audience and change things as needed.

Other little notes: Here is the basis of the "arsenic" story.
in VA Gazette dated 10/8/1767; From: London reported on July 8, 1767

On Monday last a man and his wife, in the Parish of St. Martin in the Fields, having some words together, the husband gave her sixpence, and advised her to purchase some arsenic and poison herself; the woman, from a false spirit of resentment, put her husband’s injunction into execution, and expired soon after in great agony.

Share more with you next week. Sheila

Secret Knowledge of Bees

“The old wisdom of the bees” – “the secret knowledge of the bees”, “ask the wild bee for what the druids knew” are frequent phrases of Scottish Highland and island story" - Standard Dictionary of Folklore.

First things first. It's 2012, and time for a new start in the Blogosphere. I am now on Twitter (mssheila757) and this has introduced me to the world of great Blogs and bloggers - I have a new goal to attain. The plan is to be consistent on Tuesdays and share about where I will performing, what research has caught my eye as of late, and other odds and ends about my profession as Storyteller and Character Presenter. So hang with me and, if you like it (or disagree or want to add), share a comment and share with friends. Peace.

Quick Performance Update: 1/6 - Christopher Farms Elementary School, Virginia Beach, VA; 1/7 - Newsome House, Newport News, VA
Other Jan. performances in: IA, OK, IN & VA (Virginia Beach and Yorktown)

So this started with some research on "bees" in folklore. Bees are considered messengers of the gods. In Ireland, it is important to tell the bees about a new project you are starting. I have not made a trip to a hive, but I hope the picture and the thoughts count. Also, learned some superstitions: a bee coming in your house (someone will die), a bee coming in and then leaving (stranger is coming to visit), and a bee comes in your house and then dies (well, your time is up!) And don't ever kill a bee - your death and your abundance will dry up. All good things to know.

I shared all this with my mother, including asking her if "bee venom" was ever used as a home remedy. "No," she said, "but Daddy [her Daddy] used to have to drink coal oil if sick." (Too much information.) I did learn about apitherapy which is bee venom theray and that bee venom is a product in some of our medicines - good as anti-inflammatory. Now I understand "bee pollen" be sold in the vitamin section. After sharing this with my mother, her thought was, "why do we say 'the birds and the bees' (referring to "the talk")?" I have no idea, however, did come across a book, "Birds, Bees and Babies", that might answer the question. See the story told at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpcZd4Fc0Lc. I'll let you do your own research or share thoughts about "the birds and the bees."

It also was interesting to note various media that talk about bees. The "Bee Movie" (Jerry Seinfield's cartoon movie), with the lesson that our ecosystem is interdependent and particularly needs the bees. My friend, storyteller extraordinaire and great blogger, Karen Langford Chance informed me about the book, "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd, which became a movie starring Queen Latifah. (On a separate note, you should definitely be following Karen's blog if you love stories - karenchace.blogspot.com/) Want to hear awesome stories by great storytellers go to Story Bee, www.storybee.org. Some of my favorites are there: Donna Washington, Buck Creacy, Pam Holcomb and Ed Stivender. Two other stories about bees: "Buzzy Bee" by Carol Moore, http://www.magickeys.com/books/bee/index.html & "Bird & Bee Story" told on youtube, with really sappy background music, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjrHHj0j09M.

Other Little Notes, just cause: Read "Malindy and the Little Devil" in Virginia Hamilton's HerStories. This is a great story for practicing different voices, along with "Are You My Mother?" by P.D. Eastman. Ran across the Baptist Sunday School Hymnal from 1863 - very old songs, but great words. My Mom sang me a song she remembered from younger days, "My Grandfather's Clock." Anyone else know this one?

Share more with you next week. Sheila