Gatsby? What Gatsby?

Yeah....I drank the Kool Aid...

I saw The Great Gatsby last week because I simply had to.  I know that the critics weren't too pleased but I am a HUGE fan of the 20s and Baz Luhrmann.  I came out with mixed feelings.  Some parts I
loved, some parts I was feeling a little...meh.

One of the biggest messages of the book is the criticism of the lifestyle lead by the powerful and wealthy.  It is supposed to make us all cringe at their greed.  However, because the movie has been so hyped, glitzed, and glamorized, folks have been throwing all sorts of Gatsby-style parties.  This has made critics and those who have actually read the book wonder, would Mr. Fitzgerald frown at how we missed the point?  And not only did we miss the point, we made it seem like the point was to be a wonderfully fabulous wealthy person with pools and money and champagne? Probably.

When I read the book, I got the message.  But I will be honest, when I walked away from the movie I thought, "Man, those parties looked like a good time."  Perhaps the flashy Baz Luhrmann was the wrong fella for the job if that was the message to be portrayed.  Or maybe he just thought, "This is a good story...but let's make people want the glam too."

Either way, for Dance Friday, here is a video by the one and only Fergie Ferg.  Famous for her membership in the Black Eyed Peas, and maybe even more famous for being Fergalicious, she was one of the musicians featured in the soundtrack for Gatsby.  Her video to go with the song makes me want to throw on a flapper dress and twist around my apartment...which I just might do.

So, for two seconds, let's ignore the message, enjoy the glitz, and remember, it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing! (And then go back to frowning at gluttony when we have danced like nobody is watching.)

A Story To Tell?

Some talented tale-spinners!

One of my favorite things about being a teacher is I have an amazing opportunity to teach a class all about storytelling.  Sorry, we do not read any books in storytelling.  This class is all about the art of traditional oral storytelling.  Kids come to me and I show them how to project their voices, how to use facial expressions, a bit of acting, and their natural enthusiasm for telling a story and, voilá, we have storytellers.

How did I get to be so lucky?  Well, it started way back in Bellingham, Washington when I was a student at Western Washington University.  I took a class with Rosemary Vohs on storytelling.  My life was changed in that class.  I learned all about the art and tradition wrapped up in this shared experience.  We learned how to tell a story, why stories have always been told, and how to keep our audience engaged.  We also learned cool facts, such as there are about a bajillion versions of Cinderella!  Well, not really that many, but most cultures have their own version.  That is so amazing!

When I started teaching, I decided to incorporate storytelling into what I do.  Eight years ago, it was just a simple unit I incorporated at the end of every year, when everyone is ready to jump ship for summer vacation.  Last year, my principal told me I had an opportunity to teach an elective and asked if I could teach any class what it would be.  I didn't have to think very long at all...storytelling.  Just so you know, not many people teach this class so I have had the joy of making it mostly up myself.  For those of you who know me, I tend to "honor" a lot of people's ideas rather than create my own.  Teaching is a shared art, right?

Some last minute coaching before our performance

In the past two years, I have had 150 storytelling students.  Last year's fourth graders returned this year for an advanced storytelling class.  I have now had 50 advanced storytelling students. Students usually tell traditional folktales, although the advanced students can tell a family story, a folktale, or a "tale with a twist," which usually includes a partner or props. After 8 weeks of learning, playing, and practicing, they perform their stories either for their class, or in front of our entire school at the school assembly.  That gives each student an audience of 149 students, and any parents who decide to show up.  Can you imagine the courage of these young students?  Standing up in front of so many of their peers, taking a risk to let it happen?  Every week I am blown away by their talent and their fearlessness.

Back in March I posted that ten of my storytellers had an opportunity to tell their stories at a local bookstore, which just happens to be my favorite local bookstore.  It was one of those dream come true moments.  I received permission from the parents, and one parent/photographer, to share the photos with you.  Here they are, and many, many thanks to Danette Mitchell for sharing these pictures with me. (If you would like to purchase any of these, please contact me!)

I hope you are all well!  Have a spectacular night...and tell someone a story!

Cinderella dances with her prince at the ball...

An evil plan is hatched...

A poor fisherman begs a fish to give his
wife a bigger house...

Jack hears those fateful words, "Fee Fie Fo Fum!"

The tortoise, proving once again, slow and steady...

We all join in singing, "Abiyoyo, abiyoyo!"

Hey Mama

She still plays dress up with me....

This weekend is Mother's Day.  Sadly, another year goes by where I am way too far from my dear mother.  However, this weekend I am starting things right with a shout out to the best mama out there!

Even though my being born story changes every year, and even though she told us all stories that would confuse our understanding of the way the world works (really, who else nicknames their children their "Bud" and "Bud Light"...we had no clue!), she is by far the best mom out there.

She also supports my Dance Friday habit like nobody's business.  If there is one person I can count on to support all my crazy dreams, all my wild aspirations, all my unforgivable traits...it is my mom.  I call her Marmie.  Yes, it is because of a book.  While I didn't inherit her gorgeous long legs, or her amazing brain that has the ability to solve any crossword puzzle, even the ones by Bob Kahn, or her knack for knowing how to make the best stuff out of knitting needles and yarn...or even make yarn...I hope that if I ever have kids at least I can pass on her ability to have the most fun ever. Ok, maybe I also want people to confuse me for my daughter's sister like they do with my mom.

My mom taught me to dream, to keep on dreaming, and when all else fails to make life something you can dance and laugh about.  Earlier today, she sent me this video that I am now posting for Dance Friday and Mother's Day.  Thank you Janice McCullough-Howe, for giving me the best life any one person could hope for.  Tonight I am getting down in my jammies for you!