Mermaids - Siren's of the Sea

The Mermaid - Painting
by John W. Waterhouse, 1900

I have lived near the ocean all of my life and spent many summer days by the sea. Mermaids have always fascinated me and I will be sharing a Massachusetts mermaid tale at the Fairy Tale Story Slam MassMouth this month. I have been doing some additional research on various stories about these fascinating sirens of the sea. I hope to add a few more to my storytelling repertoire and thought I would share some with you.

The first known mermaid stories appeared in Assyria in 1000 BCE. They are referenced throughout world mythology, variously known as sirens, water fairies, water nymphs and selkies.

The sirens of Greek mythology are sometimes portrayed in later folklore as mermaid-like; in fact, some languages use the same word for both bird and fish creatures, such as the Maltese word 'sirena'. Other related types of mythical or legendary creatures are water fairies (e.g., various water nymphs) and selkies, animals that can transform themselves from seals to humans. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mermaid

The Mermaid's Song
by Anne Hunter

Now the dancing sunbeams play
On the green and glassy sea,
Come, and I will lead the way
Where the pearly treasures be.

Come with me, and we will go
Where the rocks of coral grow.
Follow, follow, follow me.

Come, behold what treasures lie
Far below the rolling waves,
Riches, hid from human eye,
Dimly shine in ocean's caves.
Ebbing tides bear no delay,
Stormy winds are far away.

Come with me, and we will go
Where the rocks of coral grow.
Follow, follow, follow me.

The Mermaid and the Boy
by Andrew Lang found in The Brown Fairy Book

Long, long ago, there lived a king who ruled over a country by the sea. When he had been married about a year, some of his subjects, inhabiting a distant group of islands, revolted against his laws, and it became needful for him to leave his wife and go in person to settle their disputes. The queen feared that some ill would come of it, and implored him to stay at home, but he told her that nobody could do his work for him, and the next morning the sails were spread, and the king started on his voyage.

The vessel had not gone very far when she ran upon a rock, and stuck so fast in a cleft that the strength of the whole crew could not get her off again. To make matters worse, the wind was rising too, and it was quite plain that in a few hours the ship would be dashed to pieces and everybody would be drowned, when suddenly the form of a mermaid was seen dancing on the waves which threatened every moment to overwhelm them.

'There is only one way to free yourselves,' she said to the king, bobbing up and down in the water as she spoke, 'and that is to give me your solemn word that you will deliver to me the first child that is born to you.'

The king hesitated at this proposal. He hoped that some day he might have children in his home, and the thought that he must yield up the heir to his crown was very bitter to him; but just then a huge wave broke with great force on the ship's side, and his men fell on their knees and entreated him to save them.

So he promised, and this time a wave lifted the vessel clean off the rocks, and she was in the open sea once more...Continue the story by clicking the link.

The Golden Mermaid
by Andrew Lang from the Green Fairy Book

A powerful king had, among many other treasures, a wonderful tree in his garden, which bore every year beautiful golden apples. But the King was never able to enjoy his treasure, for he might watch and guard them as he liked, as soon as they began to get ripe they were always stolen. At last, in despair, he sent for his three sons, and said to the two eldest, 'Get yourselves ready for a journey. Take gold and silver with you, and a large retinue of servants, as beseems two noble princes, and go through the world till you find out who it is that steals my golden apples, and, if possible, bring the thief to me that I may punish him as he deserves.' His sons were delighted at this proposal, for they had long wished to see something of the world, so they got ready for their journey with all haste, bade their father farewell, and left the town.

The youngest Prince was much disappointed that he too was not sent out on his travels; but his father wouldn't hear of his going, for he had always been looked upon as the stupid one of the family, and the King was afraid of something happening to him. But the Prince begged and implored so long, that at last his father consented to let him go, and furnished him with gold and silver as he had done his brothers. But he gave him the most wretched horse in his stable, because the foolish youth hadn't asked for a better. So he too set out on his journey to secure the thief, amid the jeers and laughter of the whole court and town...For the rest of the story click here.

The Fisherman and His Soul
by Oscar Wilde

Every evening the young Fisherman went out upon the sea, and threw his nets into the water. When the wind blew from the land he caught nothing, or but little at best, for it was a bitter and black-winged wind, and rough waves rose up to meet it. But when the wind blew to the shore, the fish came in from the deep, and swam into the meshes of his nets, and he took them to the market-place and sold them.

Every evening he went out upon the sea, and one evening the net was so heavy that hardly could he draw it into the boat. And he laughed, and said to himself 'Surely I have caught all the fish that swim, or snared some dull monster that will be a marvel to men, or some thing of horror that the great Queen will desire,' and putting forth all his strength, he tugged at the coarse ropes till, like lines of blue enamel round a vase of bronze, the long veins rose up on his arms. He tugged at the thin ropes, and nearer and nearer came the circle of flat corks, and the net rose at last to the top of the water.

But no fish at all was in it, nor any monster or thing of horror, but only a little Mermaid lying fast asleep...For the rest of the story click here.

Mermaids on the Web
Listen to their call; this site offers you more than 1,720 resources about mermaids, selkies and sirens.
http://www.isidore-of-seville.com/mermaids/index.html

Fun for the children.
Making Friends - Under the Sea Crafts
http://www.makingfriends.com/summer/sea_life_crafts.htm


Karen Chace 2010 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

We're Moving!

"Wendy…was just slightly disappointed when he admitted he came to the nursery window. "You see, I don't know any stories, none of the lost boys know any stories." "How perfectly awful," Wendy said".
- From Peter Pan by Sir James Matthew Barrie

If you have been a subscriber to  my storytelling/teaching newsletter this is new information you will need if you would like to continue receiving it. If you would like to receive it, hop on board!

Beginning with the March 2010 issue I will be moving my bi-monthly newsletter from Vertical Response to Feedburner. If you wish to continue receiving the newsletter when it changes over you will need to resubscribe. It's fast and easy. Go to http://www.storybug.net/  and

1. Follow the instructions in the subscription box in the lower left hand corner.

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3. Final Step - Make sure you click on the link in the confirmation email that will be sent to you. If you fail to finish the final step you will not receive the newsletter.*

4. “White list” my email address storybug@aol.com

*Previously, on Vertical Response I could see if someone had not completed the confirmation process and email them a reminder. This will not be possible with Feedburner so please make sure you confirm your subscription. I would hate for you to miss out on the stories and fun!

After you subscribe, whenever I upload a new issue, you will automatically receive an email notification and a link that will take you directly to the newsletter. Feedburner will allow me to correct any errors and update links that become broken. As an extra bonus, you may always access previous newsletters at http://storybugnewsletter.blogspot.com/ , which also has a Google search bar. Looking for a site you read a while ago but can’t remember in what issue it appeared? You can use the Google bar to narrow down your choices by typing in a keyword.

The March 2010 newsletter will be the first one sent using Feedburner so there is time for you to switch over but why not do it now while it is fresh in your mind? Again, just go to http://www.storybug.net/  and type your information in the box at the lower left and follow the instructions. It will only take a few seconds. Again, please make sure to click the link in the confirmation email that will be sent to you after you subscribe.

As always, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at storybug@aol.com . Thank you again for being part of “Catch the Storybug!”

Celtic Fury, Fun and Frivolity!

You don't want to miss this opportunity to hear one of the most influential and talented storytellers. Marni will be winding her way from New York to Massachusetts for one, wonderful St. Patrick's Day show! On Saturday,  March 6, 2010 Marni will be our feature at the ArtWorks Story Cafe. Don't miss one word!

Mythical heroes, magical gods, and a notorious clan chieftain’s daughter inhabit the tales Marni Gillard will lure us to as we head toward St. Patrick’s Day. You don’t have to be Irish to bask in the glow of this Irish smiler or warm yourself at the fire she stokes in your imagination.

 
Marni’s been telling tales, teaching tellers, and writing about the process of artistry for three decades now. She is the author of Storyteller, Storyteacher, co-edited Give a Listen: Stories of Storytelling in School her recording, Without a Splash: Diving into Childhood Memories, includes great models for life tale-telling. Marni works as a teaching artist and coach throughout the Northeast and co-founded Children at the Well (interfaith youth) Storytelling Project. http://www.marnigillard.com/

“You bring your wisdom and spirit wherever you go and it opens people and changes them. I love working with you.” Storyteller Jay O’Callahan

“Your story was tight and faceted. I loved the singing and humor.” Brian Schwartz, filmmaker, Somerville, MA.

ADULT OPEN MIC: Sign up for your ten minute (maximum) turn at the mic beginning at 7:00 p.m. Share your own story, song, music, essay or poem.
TIME: 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (Feature begins at 8:00 P.M.)
LOCATION: Artworks, 384 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA
ADMISSION: FREE (pass the hat for the featured performer)
AUDIENCE: 18 and older

For more information email Karen Chace at storybug@aol.com or call Artworks at (508) 984-1588
For directions: http://www.artworksforyou.org/hours.html
Local restaurant information: http://www.freestones.com/
Parking: Elm Street Parking Garage and Custom House parking is within easy walking distance to ArtWorks. http://tinyurl.com/ylx2akr

Sponsored by Artworks! Partners for the Arts & Community http://www.artworksforyou.org/
ArtWorks! is supported in part by the MCC as well as business and individual members

A Day of Renewal and Hope

Tomorrow is more commonly known as Groundhog Day but it is also The Feast of Candlemas, a celebration of light, renewal and hope. Whichever you choose to celebrate, and whatever this month may bring, I wish you the warmth of a winter fire and the beauty of flickering candlelight.

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,
Go winter, and come not again.

GROUNDHOG DAY
By Hal Borland

Tomorrow brings that secular occasion known as Groundhog Day, when an almost incredible amount of guesswork, speculation, superstition, and error is taken for divination. The groundhog, or woodchuck, is supposed to rouse from hibernation, emerge from its den, and decide about the weather for the next six weeks. If the sun shines and the woodchuck sees its shadow it will return to its bed and winter will continue for another six weeks. If it is cloudy and the woodchuck sees no shadow it will end its sleep and winter will be at an end.

That is the old belief that reaches back to primitive times. Early tribesman credited various animals with the ability to forecast weather. The Egyptians relied on bears. Europeans turned to wolves for prophecies. In England they put their faith in otters and badgers. Early English colonists in America, never skilled in identification, mistook woodchucks for badgers, which often were called groundhogs in England. The badger was the Candlemas forecaster in England, so the American marmot inherited the prophet's mantle. And just to round out the tangle of identities, the name "woodchuck" came from the Algonquin "wejac," which means fisher, a cousin of the weasel.

And that is the way the old Candlemas legend was credited to a misnamed creature that usually slept right through the event. Not even countryman put stock in the old belief, anyway. But in upper New England there is a wry twist to it. Folks up there hope for sunshine so the groundhog can see its shadow. That, they say, means there will be only six more weeks of winter.

This is one year we can echo their hope. May the sun shine bright on Groundhog Day.

More interesting information on the Feast of Candlemas

All  theYear Round by Charles Dickens
http://tinyurl.com/yfj8uhn

Traditions on Candlemas Day from around the world:

• In Ireland, Feb. 2 was also the festival day of Brigid, known in various sources as the pagan goddess of fertility, grain and fire. Candles were lit on her festival day.
• In some cultures, children brought money to school so their teacher could buy treats. The boy or girl bringing the most money was crowned king or queen of Candlemas.
• In Luxembourg, children sang and carried candles door-to-door. They were treated with candy at the houses where they stopped.
• Any Christmas decorations not taken down on Epiphany were to be left up until Candlemas. At that time, all decoration had to be taken down. http://tinyurl.com/yjo6mx9

Before Groundhog Day, It Was Candlemas - New England Historical Society

tinyurl.com/82hqip18 

And of course, one of my blog posts with stories about candles. 

Countless Candles and Gratitude
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2015/06/countless-candles-and-gratitudes.html 

Candlemas is a celebration of light, the day of candles, but in many parts of the world it is thought of by both young and old as pancake day! http://www.theworldwidegourmet.com/traditions/candlemas/

For the children. Help the groundhog find his shadow: http://www.bry-backmanor.org/actpag26.html

Please note, websites change at a rapid pace and weblinks may change or break without notice. I cannot be responsible for redirected or broken links.  At the time of this posting all links were in working order. Thank you for understanding.

 

Karen Chace ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission, please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I greatly appreciate your support and personal integrity.

 

Tales of Love to Warm the Winter Nights

My Sweet Rose
by
John William Waterhouse, 1908

The Story of the Yara

from the Pink Fairy Tale book collected by Andrew Lang

Down in the south, where the sun shines so hotly that everything and everybody sleeps all day, and even the great forests seem silent, except early in the morning and late in the evening--down in this country there once lived a young man and a maiden. The girl had been born in the town, and had scarcely ever left it; but the young man was a native of another country, and had only come to the city near the great river because he could find no work to do where he was.

A few months after his arrival, when the days were cooler, and the people did not sleep so much as usual, a great feast was held a little way out of the town, and to this feast everyone flocked from thirty miles and more. Some walked and some rode, some came in beautiful golden coaches; but all had on splendid dresses of red or blue, while wreaths of flowers rested on their hair.

It was the first time that the youth had been present on such an occasion, and he stood silently aside watching the graceful dances and the pretty games played by the young people. And as he watched, he noticed one girl, dressed in white with scarlet pomegranates in her hair, who seemed to him lovelier than all the rest.

When the feast was over, and the young man returned home, his manner was so strange that it drew the attention of all his friends.

Through his work next day the youth continued to see the girl's face, throwing the ball to her companions, or threading her way between them as she danced. At night sleep fled from him, and after tossing for hours on his bed, he would get up and plunge into a deep pool that lay a little way in the forest.

This state of things went on for some weeks, then at last chance favoured him. One evening, as he was passing near the house where she lived, he saw her standing with her back to the wall, trying to beat off with her fan the attacks of a savage dog that was leaping at her throat. Alonzo, for such was his name, sprang forward, and with one blow of his fist stretched the creature dead upon the road. He then helped the frightened and half- fainting girl into the large cool veranda where her parents were sitting, and from that hour he was a welcome guest in the house, and it was not long before he was the promised husband of Julia...
Click here for the rest of the story.


The Story of the Queen of the Flowery Isles
from The Grey Fairy Tale Book Collected by Andrew Lang

There once lived a queen who ruled over the Flowery Isles, whose husband, to her extreme grief, died a few years after their marriage. On being left a widow she devoted herself almost entirely to the education of the two charming princesses, her only children. The elder of them was so lovely that as she grew up her mother greatly feared she would excite the jealousy of the Queen of all the Isles, who prided herself on being the most beautiful woman in the world, and insisted on all rivals bowing before her charms.

In order the better to gratify her vanity she had urged the king, her husband, to make war on all the surrounding islands, and as his greatest wish was to please her, the only conditions he imposed on any newly-conquered country was that each princess of every royal house should attend his court as soon as she was fifteen years old, and do homage to the transcendent beauty of his queen.

The queen of the Flowery Isles, well aware of this law, was fully determined to present her daughter to the proud queen as soon as her fifteenth birthday was past.

The queen herself had heard a rumour of the young princess’s great beauty, and awaited her visit with some anxiety, which soon developed into jealousy, for when the interview took place it was impossible not to be dazzled by such radiant charms, and she was obliged to admit that she had never beheld anyone so exquisitely lovely.

Of course she thought in her own mind ‘excepting myself!’ for nothing could have made her believe it possible that anyone could eclipse her.

But the outspoken admiration of the entire court soon undeceived her, and made her so angry that she pretended illness and retired to her own rooms, so as to avoid witnessing the princess’s triumph. She also sent word to the Queen of the Flowery Isles that she was sorry not to be well enough to see her again, and advised her to return to her own states with the princess, her daughter.

This message was entrusted to one of the great ladies of the court, who was an old friend of the Queen of the Flowery Isles, and who advised her not to wait to take a formal leave but to go home as fast as she could.

The queen was not slow to take the hint, and lost no time in obeying it. Being well aware of the magic powers of the incensed queen, she warned her daughter that she was threatened by some great danger if she left the palace for any reason whatever during the next six months.

The princess promised obedience, and no pains were spared to make the time pass pleasantly for her. The six months were nearly at an end, and on the very last day a splendid fête was to take place in a lovely meadow quite near the palace. The princess, who had been able to watch all the preparations from her window, implored her mother to let her go as far as the meadow; and the queen, thinking all risk must be over, consented, and promised to take her there herself.

The whole court was delighted to see their much-loved princess at liberty, and everyone set off in high glee to join in the fête.

The princess, overjoyed at being once more in the open air, was walking a little in advance of her party when suddenly the earth opened under her feet and closed again after swallowing her up!...
Click here for the rest of the story.

Keep the romance blooming with these tales of love.

Stories from the Pentamerone - Italy
https://www.surlalunefairytales.com/book.php?id=62

Greek Mythology - Seven beautiful, yet tragic love stories.
http://thanasis.com/love.htm

Chien Nang - China
https://beyondthedreamline.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/fairy-tale-tuesday-no-52-chien-nang/

For the Love of a Dove - Albania

http://www.albanianliterature.net/folktales/tale_25.html

Immortal Love Legends - Hindu
http://tinyurl.com/45fqqp

The Lady of Stavoren - Dutch
http://tinyurl.com/4y5zpg

Love Like Salt – Fourteen variants of the story from around the world.
https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/salt.html

Maid Maleen – Grimm/Germany
https://www.grimmstories.com/en/grimm_fairy-tales/maid_maleen

The Selkie Bride - Scotland

https://www.weingartdesign.com/TMaS/Stories/tmas1-SelkieBride.html

The Tale of Tam Lin, the Elf Knight – Ireland
https://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/1Kids/TamLin.html


SOMETHING EXTRA

If you desire more love stories head over to another one of my other blog post,
Wondertales and Weddings: Stories of Love and Enchantment where romance awaits!
http://karenchace.blogspot.com/2012/06/wondertales-and-weddings-stories-of.html

Need a little trivia to sweeten up your Valentine’s Day storytelling venues?

The History of Valentine’s Day: From the History Channel, enough inside information on romance to make you swoon.
http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day

The Six Greatest Love Stories of Irish Myths
https://www.shamrockgift.com/blog/folklore-friday-irish-mythology-love-stories/

Time Magazine: Esther Howland – Mother of the American Valentine: “The story of one visionary, whose talent, imagination, dedication, and perseverance created a fascinating industry….”
https://time.com/4663003/esther-howland-valentines/ 

Please note, websites change at a rapid pace and weblinks may change or break without notice. I cannot be responsible for redirected or broken links.  At the time of this posting all links were in working order. Thank you for understanding.

 

Karen Chace 2010 ©

This blog post was researched and compiled by Karen Chace. Permission for private use is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without my expressed written permission. For permission, please contact me at storybug@aol.com. Of course, if you wish to link to my blog via your website, blog, newsletter, Facebook page or Twitter please feel free to do so; I appreciate your support and personal integrity.

It Takes Two To Tango!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Treat your favorite person to a hilarious, alluring and insightful look at the triumphs and tribulations of relationships spiced with Leeny Del Seamonds Cuban-American sense of humor and peppered with her passion and fire. Special ‘guest appearance’ by Rosa-Maria…. ¡Caliente!


An internationally acclaimed performer, coach, and multi award-winning recording artist Leeny’s animated and uplifting tales and tunes reflect her love of people and desire to embrace life to its fullest. From a prized television show to a village in Gengcun, China, to the Comix Club in NYC to the National Storytelling Festival and Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival, Leeny encourages listeners to rejoice in human and cultural diversity, inviting them to share in her Cuban-American sense of humor and joy of performing. With passion, fire and wit, Leeny Del Seamonds’ dynamic one-woman shows and renowned workshops headline festivals, concerts and events worldwide.

"Internationally acclaimed Leeny Del Seamonds is a natural entertainer whose multicultural stories and songs reflect her love of people. An award-winning master storyteller, Del Seamonds peppers her tales with humor, mime, character impersonations and her vivacious personality." -The Boston Globe

Our guest host for the evening will be the warm and funny Andrea Lovett! Leeny and Andrea equals a winning combination!

Come early and have dinner. Leeny invites you to meet her and Andrea for dinner at Freestones at 5:00 p.m. It is just around the corner, within easy walking distance from ArtWorks.

ADULT OPEN MIC: Sign up for your ten minute (maximum) turn at the mic beginning at 7:00 p.m. Share your own story, song, music, essay or poem.
DATE: Saturday, February 10, 2010
TIME: 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (Feature begins at 8:00 P.M.)
LOCATION: Artworks, 384 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA. There is handicap access.
ADMISSION: FREE (pass the hat for the featured performer) Light refreshments are offered at intermision.
AUDIENCE: 18 and older

RESTAURANTS
Information on Portuguese restaurants in New Bedford.
http://www.ci.new-bedford.ma.us/Tourism/TasteofPortugal/TasteofPortugal.html
Freestones - Affordable, casual dining and it is just around the corner from ArtWorks. http://www.freestones.com/

PARKING - Elm Street Parking Garage and Custom  House parking is within easy walking distance to ArtWorks. http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/Tourism/DestinationNB/parking.html 

For more information email Karen Chace at storybug@aol.com or call Artworks at (508) 984-1588 For directions: http://www.artworksforyou.org/hours.html

Sponsored by Artworks! Partners for the Arts & Community http://www.artworksforyou.org/
ArtWorks! is supported in part by the MCC as well as business and individual members

Tales, Technology and Techniques - Ancient Tradition Meets the 21st Century

In 2008 I was invited to particpate in a panel discussion at the National Storytelling Conference. Although I was unable to attend at the last minute due to a family members passing, I put together this handout for the attendees. I updated the information today and although the article is posted at my website, http://www.storybug.net/ on the Publications Page, I thought it might be useful here as well. I hope you find some new ideas to help you market your talents to a wider audience.

As storytellers, we spend our days reading and researching times long past, times devoid of listservs, blogs, podcasts, Google and YouTube. While it may appear that the Internet and the art of Oral Tradition have little in common, as we travel further into the 21st century, the connections become clearer, stronger, and, yes, even necessary. Although the array of Internet tools can be daunting, once mastered, they will open new avenues that will help develop your skills, widen the scope of your audience, and connect you with other storytellers and educators. While not an exhaustive list, I offer you a few of these tools below to help you begin to build or expand your own cyber knowledge and presence.

STORYTELLING ON THE INTERNET HIGHWAY

BLOGS - A blog is actually a website where entries are written in chronological order. Some offer news commentary, while others are more personal, much like an online diary. Many artists are now creating their own blogs to share stories of their daily lives and connect with others. Storyteller Jackie Baldwin offers a wide-selection of storytelling blogs on her site at http://tinyurl.com/6xkjuf. If you would like to start your own blog one of the most user friendly programs is at https://www.blogger.com/start . You will be on your way in no time at all!

FORUMS - A web application for holding discussions and posting user-generated content. They are also referred to as newsgroups, message boards, discussion boards, and bulletin boards. The difference between forums and electronic mailing lists or listservs is that forums require the member to visit the website and check for new posts. Many forums offer an "e-mail notification" feature so subscribers won’t miss discussions that might interest them. To access the NSN forum go to http://nsn.freeforums.org/

LISTSERVS - One of the oldest and simplest tools to help you connect with storytellers worldwide is a listserv. When you subscribe, you automatically receive emails, known as posts, sent by other subscribers on subjects relevant to the listserv’s focus. You can opt to receive posts as they are sent, or sign up to receive them in digest format, which will send all the daily postings to you in one email. My favorite is Storytell, a free forum initially started at Texas Women’s University for discussions about storytelling now hosted by the NSN. You may subscribe at: http://lists.storynet.org/lists/info/storytell

PODCASTS - Podcast is a play on the word “broadcast” but podcasters are not restricted by FCC or traditional broadcast formats and regulations. You can automatically download them to your computer, IPod or other portable media players so you can listen at your convenience. Some follow a talk show format; others share music or news; and now storytellers are using this tool to offer interviews and stories directly from their websites. If you would like to start your own podcast but don’t know where to begin, visit How to Podcast – A Free Tutorial at http://www.how-to-podcast-tutorial.com/index.htm and soon you’ll be riding the Internet wave with the best of them!

TELECOURSES/TELECONFERENCING – You can connect to a virtual (Internet) classroom via your home or office phone. The presenter will give you a phone number and an access code to join the discussion or class. Usually, if long distance is involved, the person calling is responsible for the charges.

YOUTUBE - YouTube is an online video streaming service that allows anyone to view and share videos. You can upload yourself in performance for friends, family and potential clients to view, a terrific way to promote your storytelling style and skills. Not sure how to get YOUrself on the TUBE? Then visit http://tinyurl.com/6owc6q . When you’re ready to hit the airways, go to http://tinyurl.com/6euferand open a YouTube account.

WEB MARKETING - If you are ready to dip your toe into the World Wide Web waters, whether it is via an email newsletter or in other arenas, here are two informative articles:
Newsletter Mailing List Programs http://tinyurl.com/5aphf2
Marketing via Email Newsletters and Mailing Lists http://tinyurl.com/yelatpa

SOCIAL NETWORKS

Definition: “A social network service focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Most social network services are web based and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as e-mail and instant messaging services.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_network_service

Few studies have compared attitudes and behavior between two sites. However, for an overview of the differences and similarities between FaceBook and MySpace go to http://tinyurl.com/5me9rd

FACEBOOK - Users can join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region to connect and interact with others. People can also add friends, send messages, and update their personal profile. http://www.facebook.com/

MYSPACE – The site offers an interactive, user-submitted network of friends, personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music and videos for both teenagers and adults. http://www.myspace.com/

NING – Ning, which means “peace” in Chinese, is an online platform for users to create their own social websites and social networks on the Internet. To start your own Ning visit http://www.ning.com/

Note: In April of 2008 Facebook officially caught up to MySpace in terms of unique monthly worldwide visitors. Both services are attracting around 115 million people to their respective sites each month. http://tinyurl.com/4y9xqc For a comparison chart of social networking sites from around the world go to: http://tinyurl.com/k2jhx

STORYTELLERS IN STREAMING VIDEO

Enoch Pratt Libraries - Listen to some of our most beloved storytellers share their tales in streaming video. http://www.prattlibrary.org/home/storyIndex.aspx

YouTube – You can find many storytellers sharing their tales just by doing a simple Google search. Simply type in the Google search bar YouTube +(insert tellers name here) +storyteller, sit back and get ready to be enchanted!

Zinger Tales - You can also hear and see the beloved Jackie Torrence and other wonderful tellers share their stories. http://tinyurl.com/6pzw63

DIGITAL STORYTELLING

DigiTales - Information and resources to help students craft a digital story. http://www.digitales.us/

Educational Uses of Digital Storytelling - Examples, tools, evaluations and more. http://tinyurl.com/4oaytc

Lesson Plans for Digital Storytelling - A step by step guide, rubrics and additional resources. http://tinyurl.com/3rv6uf

Robert Clow Elementary School - Storyteller Sue Black and librarian Bev Frett offer resources and digital stories created by their students. http://tinyurl.com/6bjk6z

Shout Out! A Kid's Guide to Recording Stories - Teach children how to record and collect stories in their communities; offers a downloadable PDF guide. http://tinyurl.com/5dps8r

RADIO

Now you can hear radio broadcasts in streaming video through your computer, whether you live near the radio station or not. Just rev up your speakers and let the stories transport you. Here are a few sites to begin your journey on the airways.

Story Lovers World – The creation of California storyteller Jackie Baldwin. It broadcasts on Sundays from 5-6 pm (PST) on KSVY Sonoma, 91.3 FM. You can reach the program via http://thmm.com/ksvy/. Click under Stream It! in the upper right-hand corner and choose either High or Low speed, depending on your Internet connection. For more information, contact Jackie at jackie@storyloversworld.com. Jackie has also categorized a number of other radio programs from under the world for you to explore on her website at http://tinyurl.com/5oeft3

Storytelling Under the Baobab Tree – Since 1999, a weekly, one-hour internet radio program. It airs on Sundays, at http://spokenworld.com/

Wisdom of the Elders - A cultural and educational public radio series from Native America. Their second series includes indigenous elders, historians, storytellers, and song carriers. Program segments feature oral history and cultural arts of: Shawnee, Otoe, Omaha, Yankton, Sioux, Arikara, Mandan, Hidatsa, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Gros Ventre, Assiniboine, Blackfeet and Shoshone tribes. http://tinyurl.com/5femjf

WEB SITES OFFERING STORIES BY THEMES AND/OR CATEGORIES

Absolutely Whootie: Stories to Grow By - Multicultural folktales searchable by continent and country;
culture, age, type of story and theme. http://storiestogrowby.com/

Folktales of Cooperation for Kindergarten to Grade 3 - A curriculum guide that includes stories, activities, and additional resources. http://tinyurl.com/47m4t6

Learning to Give - Lesson plans, complementary folktales, and parent resources to involve students in philanthropy and serving their communities. http://www.learningtogive.org/

Storybug.net – I admit it, this is my site. I have been writing the Stor e Telling column for the NSN Magazine since 2002 and have added all of the researched sites from 2002 -2006 to my Storytelling Links page. They are all categorized, with short synopses to make your search easier. I will be adding more sites this summer so please check back. http://www.storybug.net/links.html

Story-Lovers – The #1 website to find an extensive array of stories, books, and web links, all lovingly organized and categorized by storyteller Jackie Baldwin. There is also Google search bar to find the theme you are seeking. http://www.story-lovers.com/

World Folklore and Folklife – In order to access this amazing resource you must be a subscriber after a 30 day trial period. However, if you are a member of the NSN, it is free! As stated in the August/September 2008 issue of Storytelling Magazine, “This is not merely a collection of tales: WFF offers in-depth cultural, historical, geographic, social, religious and folkloristic information, searchable by keyword.” The user-friendly interface makes searching or browsing quick and effective. Go to http://www.blogger.com/www.storynet.org, click on Memberclicks then go to "Member Library" and the instructions are there.

BOOKS AND ARTICLES ONLINE RELATED TO STORYTELLING

GOOGLE BOOKS - Google has added a new feature, http://books.google.com/. They have digitalized thousands of books you can access for free. If the book is not in the public domain but the publisher has given permission, you may preview it, and in some cases read the entire text. However, if it is in the public domain, you are free to download a PDF copy for your files.

GOOGLE SCHOLAR - Type key word(s) in the search box and scholarly articles are at your fingertips; a helpful tool to locate research materials to support your work. http://tinyurl.com/6bthe3

There are those who say modern technology and storytelling have no connection and that merely moving a computer mouse is far removed from the deep listening experience found at the feet of a storyteller. While that is true, I ask you to consider using the Internet not as a replacement for a personal storytelling experience but as a tool to educate more people about the impact of our art. There are many roads on the Internet highway, so why not leave a trail of breadcrumbs so folks can find their way to your door!

Permission for private use of this list is granted. Distribution, either electronically or on paper is prohibited without her expressed written permission. For permission please contact her at storybug@aol.com. To view additional resource links visit http://www.storybug.net/