Folkheart Press

Raja and the Giant Donut

2012-01-26T12:10:00.000-08:00

Raja and the Giant Donut, a Scrumptious Cream-filled Canine Adventure

Romantic, Spastic, Adventurous

Review by Alison Sutton (FolkHeart Press intern)

When a book involving a donut in the title comes up, one can only believe it to be geared strictly towards children, but not in this case. Raja and the Giant Donut, a Scrumptious Cream-filled Canine Adventure by Mumbi writer Prashant Pinge, gives a glimpse into the romantic, spastic, and adventurous life of canine’s that any age group can appreciate.

Raja and the Giant Donut is a delicious non-fiction adventure that follows Raja, a “golden brown mongrel” on the search for the world’s largest donut. Along with Raja are his two stray friends; Pakya, a white and black canine who is obsessed with a beautiful Golden Retriever Bianca and Gattu, a golden retriever who is always hungry. The three pals embark on an adventure from Shivaji Park in Mumbai to Sambhaji Park in Pune to find the giant donut.

Although they are faced with many challenges along the way, their friendship unites them, which is something all readers can relate to. Many lessons brought up in Raja and the Giant Donut can be linked to real life situations. While the story revolves mostly around the threesome’s pursuit for the giant donut, it also brings to light how canines and animals overcome their own limitations, encourage one another and never give up on their dreams. By the end of their journey, each canine has gained some knowledge about life which they apply once they are home.

At the beginning, I was not sure about reading over one hundred pages about a canine searching for a giant donut, but by the end it was an entertaining journey. I was taken on an adventure filled with descriptive language that brought me deep into the story. The descriptive words drew a perfect picture in which you could easily imagine this group of canines chowing down on a giant donut.

A downside to the book is that the reader will find the translation of the story not fully aligned with American English, thus making the reader take a second to evaluate the words being used. While some language may be confusing, a glossary is provided at the end of the book. This glossary may have been more helpful at the beginning of the book so readers are aware that a glossary may be needed.

An adorable addition to the book is a donut recipe at the end. Making your own chocolate glazed donut with sprinkles gives a more personal connection with Raja and the overall adventure.

I enjoyed reading Raja and the Giant Donut and believe it would be a great book for parents to read along with their children. Both parent and child will enjoy the giant donut adventure as well as enjoy making their own giant donut to chow on while they read about Raja’s journey. I recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs, donuts, adventure, and taking away valuable lessons from stories.

Ali Sutton is a graduating Senior from Sonoma State University majoring in Communications studies with an emphasis in Journalism and Public Relations. She has written for her schools newspaper as well as kept up a blog focusing on relationships gone bad, called Relation-Shits which can be found at blogspot.com.

Asian New Year Do's and Don'ts

2012-01-18T13:28:00.000-08:00

Beginnings are one of the most celebrated folklore motifs/themes. The start of something new, whether it’s a life, a job, a relationship or a year, is all about birth, renewal, and/or starting over. Until the Gregorian calendar, the new year was linked to spring and so many of the customs associated with it are also found in today’s spring observances (Passover, Easter, etc.).

When it comes to New Year’s, the Asian community has a plethora of traditions that are designed to invite in good luck, health, and prosperity. They are also believed to be ways of warding off evil, death, and darkness.

The first day of Chinese New Year 2012 (Chun Jie / 春节 2012) will be celebrated on Monday, 23 January 2012, and the festival will usually last for as long as 15 days. The celebration is one of the longest and most celebrated holidays in the world. As with many Chinese traditions, it began with a well known folk story:

According to the legend, there was a beast named Nian who would invade Chinese villages and eat all of their crops and people, especially children. One day when Nian came to destroy a village, he was scared away by a young girl wearing a red coat. The Chinese realized that Nian was frightened by the color red and from then on they made it a point to incorporate red into their every day lives until Nian was never seen again.

Today, the color red is still a staple of Chinese culture as well as their New Year's celebration. Although the Chinese calendar is different than the western calendar, their New Year's Day is still on the first day of the first month of the year. Due to the fact that the Chinese calendar is lunisolar, it is often referred to as “The Lunar New Year”.

Families usually gather for dinner on New Year's Eve for an annual reunion. It is also customary for the Chinese to clean their homes in order to wipe away evil spirits and begin the year with a fresh slate. Families come together while eating a feast consisting of pigs, ducks, chicken, and a selection of sweet treats. In the morning, children greet their parents with positive wishes for the new year and in return, receive red envelopes filled with money. One of the most common purposes of the Chinese New Year is to forget all the misfortune of the previous year and come together to genuinely wish the best to others in the coming year.

In Japan, the New Year celebration was originally linked to the Chinese New Year. However, in 1873, they adopted the Gregorian Calendar, making the first day of January the official New Year's Day. The Japanese have a variety of food lore traditions that they practice every year. The typical Japanese New Year dinner includes boiled seaweed, fish cakes, and mashed sweet potatoes with chestnuts, burdock root, and black soybeans. Most of the other foods that are eaten during this time are usually dried or non- perishable because when the holiday was first celebrated there were no refrigerators.

The menu, however, depends on the region that the holiday is celebrated because depending on the area, there are different foods that are encouraged or even frowned upon. Soups and sushi are also common menu items, depending on the region. The days leading up to the Japanese New Year often consist of massive food preparation efforts in order to feed the large number of guests that usually come together to celebrate the New Year. A few fun traditions of the Japanese New Year include:

TET, The Vietnamese New Year is similar to the Chinese New Year, however it differs slightly due to the time change. Most Vietnamese clean their homes to rid of negative energy as well as prepare a large feast in celebration. Common activities during this time are family returning home to visit graves of ancestors or deceased loved ones, and elders giving money in red envelopes to children. The Vietnamese also decorate their homes with peach flowers, and kumquat tree, depending on the region. Food that is usually prepared during this holiday includes watermelon, pickled onion and cabbage, leaks, dried candied fruits, and meat stewed in coconut juice. It is made clear that during the New Year celebration, there are certain activities that should and should not be participated in, for example there are “Do's and Don'ts” of a Vietnamese New Year:

Do's

· One should wish well on others

· One should give lucky presents to others

· One should scatter lime powder around the house to get rid of evil spirits

Don'ts

· One should not do or say bad things during the New Year celebration

· One should not kill or hurt animals or plants, but instead set them free

· One should not buy or wear white clothes because it resembles funerals in Vietnam

2012-01-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to one of the most influential and inspirational figures of the 20th century! Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to the equal rights of African Americans which also meant he was fighting for basic rights for all humans. His tactics were peaceful yet powerful and got the attention of the world then and now.

He was born in 1929 in Atlanta Georgia at a time when African Americans had little rights in the white world. His father, Martin Luther King Sr., was a pastor at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, stepping in for his grandfather after he stepped down in 1931. It is believed by many that the strong presence the Kings had in the community inevitably shaped Martin Luther King Jr. into the confident and driven man that he was.

Although it has also been debated whether or not King formally graduated from his segregated high school in Alabama, at the age of 15 he went on to Morehouse College. His father and grandfather had also attended this distinguished University for African Americans. Following his graduation in 1948, he attended Crozer Theological Seminary and obtained his second bachelors degree in Divinity. King married Coretta Scott in 1953 with whom he had four children. He continued his education throughout his work as a pastor and father and received his Doctorate of Philosophy from Boston University.

By 1954 King had become pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Alabama as well as a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which was just starting to make major moves for African American rights. He organized the famous bus boycott for 382 days, which resulted in the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on buses was unconstitutional, changing public transportation as well as the lives of Americans forever. Throughout King's quest for equality, he faced extreme adversity including being arrested, having his house bombed, and personal abuse.

In 1957 as the civil rights movement was booming, King was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. From this time until 1968 King toured the country to speak on behalf of his vision of justice, liberation, and peace. His influences included Christianity as well as philosophies from Mahatma Ghandi of India. Throughout this time he:

wrote five books
spoke over twenty-five hundred times
wrote his inspiring “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”
helped with voter registration drives in Alabama
directed the March on Washington (with an audience of 250,000 people)
worked with President John F. Kennedy
campaigned for President Lyndon B. Johnson

Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life in the belief that every human being deserves basic rights that are worth fighting for. He suffered a total of four assaults and was arrested upwards of twenty times. However he earned five honorary degrees, was named Man of the Year by Time Magazine, and was the youngest man to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize.

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed on the balcony of his Memphis hotel room. Although his life was cut short, his memory and endeavors live on with the help of his loving wife who founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. He remains a hero in the eyes of his followers and those whose lives have been improved by his efforts.

It is a privilege to reflect on his life and celebrate him this month.

Tomfoolery: No Fooling!

2012-01-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Trickery and foolery with words have long been the ideal folkloric mates of songs and nursery rhymes. Short and clever phrases have been used to discuss difficult topics in easy to hear/easy to listen to ways. Think of London Bridges Falling Down, for example. “Ashes, ashes, we all fall down” describes what happens to those who died from disease. Just that one line, set to a catchy, rhythmic melody, says so much! Its sing-song style remains a popular school yard song for jump rope and similar outdoor children’s games.

What happens when easy to listen to songwriter lyrics parody hot topics of the day, poking crazy fun at what some consider to be the darker threats of modern-day society?

You get Tomfoolery. This lively cabaret style musical revue pays tribute to the uncanny musical accomplishments of Tom Lehrer. Lehrer, known in the 1950’s and 60’s for witty and offbeat interpretations of social issues like religion, pollution, and threats of nuclear war wrote pieces that well-received the world over.

While brief, his musical career of 109 shows and 37 songs, developed a cult following both in the United States and abroad. And a fun show like this one could easily kindle the flames for new generations of cult followers because the themes he chose to create songs about are still very much alive.

Universal truths such as justice just don’t die and our human foibles like putting aside racial and religious prejudices for one Brotherhood week each year seem not to, either. But at least in this production we can laugh at ourselves and others; especially those we might not otherwise respect, appreciate or understand. After all, if Tom Lehrer is right in his song We Will All Go Together, in the end any country’s ability to blow the planet up puts us all in the same boat.

The Cinnabar Theater cast was outstanding. Actors Eric Morris, Krista Wigle, Elly Lichenstein and Michael Fontaine had an infectious enthusiasm that moved easily through the audience. Even my 17-year-old daughter Kiana who knew nothing about Tom Lehrer but agreed to “give him a try” was delighted with the show.

This performance, directed by Michael Fontaine (musical direction by Stuart Rabinowitsch) was very well done. The small, intimate café-like setting worked nicely and the band did a superb job of reminding the audience that Lehrer really knew how to write clever and catchy melodies and lyrics about topics that to this day continue to be rife with personal and universal tensions. And continue to help us laugh at how seriously we take ourselves!

The show runs through January 22.

TICKETS: $25 to $35
$35 General; $32 Seniors; $25 Age 22 and under.

LOCATION: Cinnabar Theater
3333 Petaluma, Blvd. North, Petaluma, CA 94952
PHONE: 707-763-8920
WEB SITE: www.cinnabartheater.org

Folk Heroine Writes Short Story Collection

2012-01-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

For centuries people have been creating, sharing and enjoying folktales and other stories. That’s because they capture for us what is remarkable about every day life. These hold heroic and non-heroic moments up to the light for all to see. In this way they celebrate and affirm the values beliefs that a particular person or specific society holds dear. Here honesty and hard work are important and love and justice do matter.

Writer Mary Hitchcock Cone has done just that in this collection of stories. Moose Mash and Other Stories chronicles the everyday events and heroes who move among us often unnoticed. It takes the keen insights and literary talents of someone like Mary to bring these people, animals and special occasions to the forefront where we the readers get to say “Yes, there’s someone like that in my life.” or “I remember that period in our history.”

Without knowing it we find ourselves connected to one another because the topics Mary has chosen to write about, while very personal to her, are universal. Has anyone not known about an animal on the loose or not been touched in some way by war?

A long-time member of a writer’s group that was formed originally by students of Anne Lamott, Mary is considered to be a short story master with a close lens on human nature, perfect pitch, and a many octave range. Her colleagues note, “She can write about anything from any point of view — be it ghosts, moose, or men. When it was her turn to read, often protesting that she had nothing much to bring in, she amazed us week after week, year after year, with yet another gem she just happened to ‘find in a drawer’ .”

A particular favorite of mine is Home Front, a straight-forward narrative about being a Red Cross volunteer serving refreshments to young soldiers being shipped out from various San Francisco Bay Area ports to serve their country during World War II. Here is an excerpt:

Outside an unmarked truck pulled in quickly, and carts carrying spigoted canisters of hot cocoa and cold lemonade (no coffee this time), paper cups, and huge supplies of the ubiquitous doughnut.

Our supervisor appeared and gathered us together in a tight circle to hear her speak.

“These boys are going overseas. They are nervous, don’t know where they are going, concerned about what lies ahead for them, and wishing they were somewhere else. This makes some of them talkative, and others morose. There is a lot of tension.

“So keep your smiles coming. Be sweet, be friendly. Chat if you have time, but pretty much keep moving down the lines. Time is short and we want to reach all of them. Remember, you are the last females and the last bit of home they are going to see for a long time. But hear this. Ladies, don’t make promises.”

Mary’s vision and wit have served her well on her own journey as a writer’s folk heroine. During the course of her life which now spans more than 80 years, she had held onto her gift as a writer and has never given up pen and paper. She has persevered and her journey as a writer brings us all to this time and to this place.

What a remarkable way for she and her daughters to begin the new year!

The book is available on Amazon. More information about Moose Mash and Other Stories (release date: January 2012) and the author are available at www.moosemash.com.

Folklore/Supersitions about the New Year

2011-12-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

Celebrating New Year’s Day is a time-honored tradition. In ancient Babylon, New Year's Day was celebrated in March which was the beginning of spring. The Romans also noted March as the new year until 46 BC when Julius Caesar designated New Year's Day as January 1st. The idea, it was reported, was to make sure the days were back in touch with the changes that the sun went through. After many changes of the Roman calendar, the days were so out of sync with the sun that order had to be restored. January 1st was also observed by Egyptian and Celtic cultures.

The Babylonians were also credited with the custom of making resolutions on New Year's Eve in order to begin the New Year with a clean slate.

Since then there have been many superstitions and folklore beliefs about how to bring in a prosperous and healthy new year. Here are a few of them:

• Pay off bills and loans so as to not bring debt into the New Year.
• Opening all doors and windows at midnight lets the old year escape.
• Babies born on New Year’s Day are said to have the best luck.
• Kissing at midnight assured affections would continue throughout the year.
• Church bells rung at midnight scare away evil spirits.
• Empty cupboards on New Year’s Eve bring a year of poverty.

If you've got folklore to share, let us know!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Who is Jack Frost?

2011-12-20T16:21:00.001-08:00

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose…

Who is Jack Frost and how did he come to be the mischievous folk lore character we have all grown to love during the holiday season?

Jack Frost also better known as Jokul Frosti ("icicle frost") is a sprite- like character with roots in Viking lore. In the United States and Britain, Frost is best known as Old Man Winter who is responsible to frosty weather and nipping the nose and toes of young children. The depiction of Jack Frost was made popular by Thomas Nast, an artist who published his work in Harper’s Weekly in 1864. The picture is winter in Central Park depicting Jack Frost as a creature covered in icicles. Thomas Nast is also responsible for the number of popular images of Christmas and Santa Claus. In 1902, L. Frank Baum’s The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus book explains that Frost is the son of the Frost King. Jack Frost with a jolly personality takes pleasure in nipping noses, ears and toes of children. Santa asks him to stop, but Frost mistrusts him and cannot resist the temptation.

Jack Frost has always been known as a figure from folklore, looking as an elfish creature who personifies crisp and cold weather. He is always known to leave beautiful patterns on autumn leaves and windows on frosty mornings. In Russia, frost is represented as Father Frost, a smith who binds water and earth together with heavy chains. In Germany, Frost is an old woman who causes it to snow by shaking out her bed of white feathers.

Although Jack Frost has no connection with Christianity, he is sometimes hijacked to appear in modern Christmas entertainments. He also often appears in literature, film, television, song, and video games as a sinister mischief maker.

Christmas Tree Lore

2011-12-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

The Christmas tree, also known as a “Yule” tree, is a decorated evergreen tree tradition that began in Estonia/Latvia in the 15^th century. First documented uses of a Christmas tree were by The Brotherhood of Blackheads, an association of local unmarried merchants, ship owners, and foreigners active in present-day Estonia and Latvia.

It was reported that members of this military organization danced around the tree and by 1584 the pastor and chronicler Balthasar Russow wrote of an established tradition of setting up a decorated spruce at the market square where the young men “went with a flock of maidens and women, first sang and danced there and then set the tree aflame.”

The first American Christmas tree can be credited to a Hessian soldier by the name of Henrick Roddmore, who was captured at the Battle of Bennington in 1776. He then went to work on the farm of Samuel Denslow in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, where for the next 14 years he put up and decorated Christmas trees in the Denslow family home.

The first American President to set up a Christmas tree in the White House was Franklin Pierce, and the first to establish the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House was Calvin Coolidge.

In 1979 during President Jimmy Carter’s term only the tree’s crowning star was lit in honor of the Americans being held hostage in Iran.

Contemporary Christmas trees now include artificial trees that have grown in popularity; especially among those who do not want to cut down live trees or cannot plant a live potted tree when the season ends. People who live in city apartments where space may be a concern use oversized tree branches placed on table tops or mantles, decorated with simply themed ornaments or standing up in vases.

In these modern times there are also mini-Christmas trees for those who live in mobile homes or travel during the holiday season and want to take the season’s spirit with them on the road. From traditional to contemporary, Christmas trees – in whatever form – are still an essential holiday ingredient.

Gingerbread: A Winter Treat

2011-12-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

In America, gingerbread is a staple item in celebrating the holiday season. It is defined as a sweet food that contains the flavors of ginger, molasses, and honey, and can be found in a soft, moist cake consistency, or hard, like that of a cookie. Originating from Armenia in 992, it has made its way throughout many regions of Europe and into the homes of millions of people.

Gingerbread, as it was known in Armenia in 992 A.D. was brought to Europe via an Armenian Monk, Grégoire de Nicopolis. It was not until the 13th Century that the recipe was brought over to Sweden and Norway. It was here that the recipe began to grow and form a tradition. The first gingerbread biscuit dates back to the 16th century, where it was a custom to paint them and display them in store windows. The United Kingdom then became recognized for their gingerbreads in the town of Shropshire and now proudly displays it on their entrance sign into town. By the 18th century, gingerbread had become widely popular among Europe.

The practice of preparing gingerbread differs widely across the world. In England, gingerbread is actually more of a bread than a cookie and is often soft and moist. Flavors such as pepper, raisins, nuts, apple, and mustard are often added for a delightful twist. It is commonly enjoyed on what is called “Bonfire Night” in England. In Croatia, gingerbread is usually formed into the shape of a heart and is used as an ornament. In the United States, however, gingerbread is predominantly a holiday treat. It is brittle and most often if the form of a cookie, which is then molded into either a small man or into a house for decorating.

The tradition of decorating gingerbread men and gingerbread houses originated in the court of Elizabeth I of England, where she had gingerbread made into the shapes of people and had them decorated to look like her guests. The practice of making gingerbread men is also a vital role in the Norwegian holiday celebration, where they make an annual gingerbread town. Norway actually pays for every child under the age of twelve to make a gingerbread house with their parents.

Today, gingerbread plays a significant role in the winter season. Many children all over the world look forward to preparing gingerbread men as well as gingerbread houses. They provide families with a means to grow closer together while working on an edible project that the whole family can enjoy. Not to mention, they make for a great holiday decoration!

A Vibrant Winter of Folk Art in Hollywood

2011-12-02T14:54:00.000-08:00

Folk art is often considered to be art of the folk (the common man or woman) and, as such, it is often kept separate from fine art. That's primarily because people make distinctions between art that is primarily utilitarian and decorative and art that is purely aesthetic. (Hard to pour water from a canvas, right?)

Folk art is often described as the art of indigenous cultures, peasants, or tradespeople. But what about the art work of literate, classically or formally educated and/or explosive artists who produce pieces that draw from the deep wells of their own cultural experiences in a way that everyone can relate to?

At the Winter Folk Art Show at La Luz De Jesus Gallery in Hollywood, such work is both folk art and fine art alive and well. A handful of artists have brought together images we all can recognize and relate to.

For example:

Gin Stevens (upper left) traced the history of Blues in this 2010 collection that culminated in a large scale work tracing of the three distinct genres of Blues music: Chicago, Delta, and Texas.

Jessica Goldfinch(upper right) studied and focused on world ideologies and creatively incorporated them into her art. Here she depicts religious imagery in an organic and humanist sense.

The show runs from Dec. 3 through Jan. 2.

Winter Lore of Cranberries

2011-11-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

Cranberries date back to medieval Europe, where they were known as marsh-worts, fen-worts, and moss-berries. Across the Atlantic Ocean, Native Americans living in the America’s were also eating and using cranberries for centuries before settlers even came to the America’s and eventually incorporated them into their Thanksgiving dinner.

Traditionally found in bog or swamp environments, cranberries grow on a vine that can be found mostly submerged in water, which perpetuates the common misconception that they grow under water. The settler’s term “cranberry” was derived from the fact that the appearance of the berry was similar to that of the beak and head of a crane. Native Americans, who used the fruit in its raw form as well as dried out to preserve meats, preferred their original term, sassamensesh.

Due to the bitter, sour taste of the cranberry it was and still is most commonly sweetened and used as a condiment or side dish. There is no proof that cranberries were incorporated into the first Thanksgiving dinner between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, which took place in October 1621, but it is believed that the Native Americans may have brought it as a generous contribution. The prime harvesting time for cranberries takes place between September to December, which would allow for the perfect ripe cranberries for the Native Americans to share with their newfound kin.

Overtime, cranberries continued to have a significant impact on the New England food scene, quickly becoming a staple for the holiday season. The Cape Cod Cranberry Company, who marketed the product as, “Ocean Spray Cape Cod Cranberry Sauce”, first canned cranberries in 1912. Ocean Spray is now the leading corporation for cranberry products.

Cranberries are most often prepared during Thanksgiving dinner in the United States and Canada and during Christmas in the United Kingdom. The preparation and taste of cranberry sauce varies depending on the area it was harvested and the ingredients added. Almonds, orange juice, zest, maple syrup, port, and cinnamon are all common flavors added for sweetness. The versatile fruit can be transformed into a variety of delectable treats such as cranberry bread, cranberry pistachio biscotti, and cranberry chocolate devil’s food cake.

One of my personal favorites in cranberry cole slaw. Let me know if you've got a special cranberry dish to share.

Cinnamon: A Holiday Spice

2011-11-16T12:40:00.001-08:00

As the holiday season quickly approaches, so do the spicy sweets. Think gingerbread and cinnamon rolls. When it comes to winter treats, cinnamon is one of the most commonly used spices during the holiday season. Dating back to 2800 B.C. Chinese records, it has long been a highly desired and fragrant commodity.

A native of Sri Lanka, (known as kwai in the Chinese language today) its botanical name is from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, which means fragrant spice plant. Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming process. Ironically, the Italians called the cinnamon sticks canella, meaning "little tube," after their word for ‘cannon’.

Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming process. Medieval physicians used cinnamon in medicines to treat coughing and sore throats. In Ancient Rome, cinnamon was used during funeral processions. In 65 AD, Roman Emperor Nero burned a year's supply of prized cinnamon at his second wife Poppaea Sabina's funeral in order to show the depth of his grief and remorse for having murdered her.

In the 17^th century, the Dutch learned the source of cinnamon on the coast of India. They were said to have bribed and threatened the local king into destroying it to preserve keep their monopoly on this valuable spice.

By the 19 century that monopoly began to crumble. It was discovered that cinnamon could easily be grown in places like Java and Sumatra. Today can also be cultivated in South America, the West Indies, and other tropical climates.

Available in shops all over the world, it has found its way into a variety of fun holiday recipes. Here are two:

Cinnamon Cider

Cinnamon Toast

Cinnamon Surprise Coffee Cake

Bowling Frozen Turkeys?

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Bowling is one of the most popular sports in the world. In the 1930’s, British anthropologist Sir Flinders Petrie discovered objects in a child’s grave in Egypt that appeared to be have been an early form of bowling. If this is true, then bowling can date back as far as to 3200 B.C. It also shows up in 14^th century England during the reign of Kind Edward III. Records show it didn’t become popular until King Henry VIII. The first permanent bowling alley of the modern world was in New York’s Battery area on a small patch of grass, which is still known today as the “Bowling Green”.

In the late 1800’s bowling grew in popularity in the United States although it was banned in a few states where it was associated with gambling. By the end of the 19^th century the American Bowling Congress was formed. Two decades later, in 1917, the Woman’s Bowling Association was started. By the mid 20^th century it made its television debut on NBC’s, “Championship Bowling”. Today over 95 million people enjoy the game in over 90 different countries.

Here in Rohnert Park, the game has taken on a twist. Turkey Bowl III is a bowling tournament like any other tournament EXCEPT that instead of using bowling balls, the players bowl with FROZEN TURKEYS! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Rohnert Park’s Grocery Outlet & members of the local business community are hosting this fun event November 19^th from 11am – 4 pm in the Rohnert Park Grocery Outlet parking lot.

Every penny of the $50 team entry fee will be used to purchase food that will be delivered to Neighbors Organized Against Hunger (NOAH) food bank in Rohnert Park which serves more than 200 families weekly. American Heritage Girls will also be on hand to collect non-perishable food donations.

The tournament takes place on customized outdoor bowling lanes and the public is invited to bowl, too, during tournament breaks. People who donate $5 to the Grocery Outlet store will be purchasing a full bag of groceries for NOAH, said Cheri Weir, the store’s owner. She added that as a thank you, those donors will also have a chance to win a FREE turkey (while supplies last) if they earn a Strike.Last years efforts resulted in more than 2000 non-perishable food items and over 150 turkeys for families in need of extra help. The goal, according to John McDonald of AM Printing & Graphics is for the business community to help others in need. “These are hard times for so many of us. It’s important that we help where we can.”

White Roses for All Saint's Day

2011-10-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

Kastania Corpuz, a Communications Major at Sonoma State University, writes about a very special November 1 tradition: All Saint’s Day:

This day is celebrated on November 1^st as a day to remember the dead in most cultures around the world. In my El Salvadoran heritage, we know this day to be a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church. Generally, we go to Mass in the morning and then go to the cemetery to visit our passed relatives for the duration of the day. Every day for years my mother and I have gone to pay our respects to family buried in Colma City which is near San Francisco. We deliver white roses to my Abuelos, Tias and Tios. My mom told me once that the white rose symbolized death and the birth of a new life. I was closest with my Abuelita and her favorite flowers were pink roses, so I would always make sure a bouquet was dropped off for her on this special day.

Here are some examples of how different countries have made their own unique All Saints Day traditions.

Mexico: Dia de los Muertos is the “Day of the Dead” celebrated with altars in homes or at the gravesites to celebrate those relatives and friends which have passed. Dia de los Inocentes is the “Day of the Innocent” which is celebrated for the children and infants which have passed. The altars consist of pictures, favorite clothing, food, and candy skulls.

Portugal and Brazil: Pão-por-Deus children go door to door and collect cakes, pomegranates and nuts similar to the American version of Halloween.

Sweden, Poland, and Germany: People will light candles in the cemeteries to remember those lost and have now gone to a better place.

Philippines: “Undas” or Todos los Santos literally means “All Saints”. Both October 31^st and November 1^st are celebrated by spending the night at the cemeteries eating, drinking, lighting candles, saying prayers and offering flowers.

What the White Rose symbolizes:

Ancient Greece: It was believed that all roses were white until Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty pricked herself on a thorn; that rose in turn came the red rose.

England: At the wedding of Queen Victoria in the 1840’s white roses were predominant and are now considered to be a wedding flower. It symbolizes the reputation of women in society as clean, untainted, pure and innocent.

Ancient Rome: White rose bushes were planted at the graves of deceased young women to indicate their virginity and innocence.

Germany: During World War II, “The White Rose”, an anti-Nazi student political group was set up in Munich. The group was created on ideals of political freedom which also symbolized secrecy, since they couldn’t be public during the Nazi Regime. The White Rose also represented loyalty because the students remained true to what they stood for until their death. When discovered most members were killed and the rose stood for purity of youth.

Italy: In the 16^th century, the Pope declared that a rose be carved in confession booths to symbolize confidentiality, secrecy and privacy. In time it also came to be synonymous with spirituality and holy union between those who have passed and life after death.

For centuries this time of year has become a special time to remember loved ones who have passed on. It’s no surprise that people want to believe their ancestors and other family members are all now in a better place; a special place as suggested by the white roses that are placed upon graves around the world.

Crimes of the Heart folk heroines

2011-10-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Spousal abuse, birthday wishes and unsung songs all reflect the poignant passions of three Mississippi sisters who form the core of Cinnabar Theater’s production of ‘Crimes of the Heart’ in Petaluma (Northern California).

The Magrath sisters – Meg (Dana Scott), Lenny (Sarah McKereghan) and Babe (Ivy Rose Miller) are folk heroines because they traverse the edges of shared family bonds, including their mother’s suicide and, holding firmly onto one another for support and for courage, leap into an uncharted future that they believe will bring them better days.

Reunited around the table of Old Granddaddy’s kitchen table in Hazelhurst, Mississippi after Babe shoots her husband, the three young women share elements of their pasts they have kept hidden. Meg never did make it in Hollywood, Lenny gave up on her one chance for romance and Babe fell in love with the wrong person at the wrong time.

As typical siblings, they tease, taunt, and love each other in a way that has the audience laughing one minute and anxious the next. Their confessions are hilarious and heartbreaking. Can they be trusted to keep each others' secrets? Will they ever forgive themselves and each other for their choices?

These folk heroines face challenges familiar to us all. Who hasn't made mistakes that alter forever the course of life? Who hasn't felt all alone in the world? And they remind us that sometimes - in the midst of it all - there is hope and that, coupled with the love of those who accept us flaws and all, is exactly what we need to move forward. As these sisters plunge into their futures, so do we, knowing that at any moment any of us may find the love and happiness we seek.

It’s easy to see why “Crime of the Heart” written by Beth Henley in 1978 is an award-winning play. Credits include:

1981 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best American Play
1981 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
1982 Theatre World Award

Directed by Sheri Lee Miller, the play runs through November 6. To find out more about this production and the rest of Cinnabar Theater's 39th season offerings, visit www.cinnabartheater.org.

Oktoberfest Festival

2011-10-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

October is a special time of year for beer and food lovers. It’s Oktoberfest time and festivals are one of the easiest ways for people to gather together to celebrate a particular culture.

Oktoberfest is an annual celebration that began in Germany on October 12, 1810 in celebration of the Crowned Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. King Ludwig wanted the entire Free State of Bavaria to revel in the excitement of his new bride. The celebratory event of choice consisted of a horse race, which drew in a crowd of about 40,000. King Ludwig even named the grassy field where it took place, “Theresienwiese”, meaning Theresa's meadow. The presence of the Royal Family, horse races, and monumental size of the event helped shape it into a celebration of Bavaria, and eventually Oktoberfest. The celebration was held again the following year, but this time included an agricultural aspect in order to boost Germany’s agriculture. Although the horse race eventually was lost from that festival, the agricultural show still remains a prevalent aspect that many festival goers look forward to. Other aspects of the festival include carnival booths, a carousel, swings, and a massive parade, as well as a plethora of German food including sausages, pretzels, chicken, roast pork, dumplings, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, and cabbage.

In the United States each Oktoberfest celebration is unique. Entertainment choices and local foods and beverages all create special regional flavors. Even so you can still count on some things remaining the same everywhere: live Bavarian style music, such as polka music, authentic German foods and German beer. Here are some of the more common dishes:

· Sauerkraut: The most well known German food is finely sliced green cabbage that has been pickled. This gives the cabbage a distinct sour flavor, which is where it gets the name Sauerkraut (sour cabbage).

· Wiener Schnitzel: A breaded veal cutlet that is dipped in flour, egg, and bread crumbs, then fried in butter or oil to a golden brown. It is traditionally served with a lemon wedge, which you can use to drizzle fresh lemon juice over the schnitzel.

· Dampfnudel: A traditional Southern Germany dish made from yeast dough formed into balls that are cooked in a pot with a little liquid (milk and butter or water and butter). As the liquid boils, it both cooks and steams the Dampfnudel.

· Hendl: Whole chickens grilled on a spit and typically sold in halves. Variations are the spit-roasted duck or goose.

Fun Oktoberfest Facts:

Most Popular Oktoberfests Outside of Germany

Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival in Kitchener and Waterloo http://www.oktoberfest.ca/
The National Beer Festival in Argentina http://www.welcomeargentina.com/villageneralbelgrano/beer-festival.html
Ohio’s Zinzinatti Oktoberfest http://www.oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/

Bunco: Pure Luck?

2011-10-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

In the world of folklore games provide people with an opportunity to get together and have fun. For children, the rewards are often very simple: toys, the joy of doing something with friends, etc.

For adults, games can take on a different tone. Prizes are perhaps more elaborate and selective and the focus becomes more fixed upon beating the odds and/or outwitting luck.

There are few games that have lasted throughout the course of a century, and Bunco proves to be one of them. A dice game of pure luck that has been redefined throughout the years, it continues to be one of the most popular played games in the United States. From it’s early beginnings in 18^th-century England it has continued to gain popularity and now even has a Facebook application. In fact I found seven different Bunco Facebook Pages from all over the country!

Bunco made it’s way over to the United States, specifically San Francisco around the 1850s, and quickly gained a reputation for being a gambling game. It was played in gambling parlors, also known as Bunco parlors. During prohibition in the 1920s, the game was re-popularized and played in speakeasies, where police squads, nicknamed “Bunco squads” would raid the venue.

The game made yet another come back around the time of the 1980s but gained immense popularity in America around 2005. It has been reported by the World Bunco Association that in 2006, 27 million people played Bunco. Currently, Bunco is played by anyone from young adults to the elderly and can be played in a home setting or a fundraiser.

A popular trend for women is having “Bunco Parties” where a hostess will invite women over to play the game at her house and provide food and beverages. The women will often take turns hosting the other ladies. Prizes create an edge to the game and offer an incentive. Bunco fundraisers are also becoming increasingly popular and have created a new avenue in the fundraising world.

Among young adults, the game has also been turned into a drinking game, affectionately entitled, “Drunko”.

The rules of the game go as such: Bunco is a dice game played in different rounds. There are teams of two and they sit at a table of four. The goal of the game is to accumulate as many points as possible for your team. During each persons turn they try to roll a specific set of numbers that are given. If they roll at least one of those numbers, they can continue to roll until they do not score anymore. If they roll a three of a kind, they score five points and if they score all three numbers that they were suppose to, they score the ideal twenty-one points. The first team to score twenty-one points wins. Since there are several teams playing, everyone (even at other tables) must stop when the original winners call, “Bunco!”. Whichever team has the highest number of points at that time wins for that table. At the end of each game, the losers go toward the losing end and the winners move up towards the winning end. Partners are also switched to avoid playing on the same team as someone twice.

Above all, Bunco is a social game. It invites people of all backgrounds to come together and relax while playing a fun game and interacting with others. Many times the game is accompanied with appetizers, snacks, dinner, dessert, cocktails, wine, and many other delectable treats. It gives people an excuse to drop their troubles at the door and get caught up in the festivities.

If you're in the North San Francisco Bay Area on Oct. 27 and want to experience the game for yourself, come check out the Rotary Club of Rohnert Park-Cotati's Bunco Tournament. Who knows, that might be your lucky day!

2011-09-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

My Sonoma State University intern Alivia Snyder loves ballet. So I invited her, a dancer, to write about this art form with a history steeped in European folklore:

Ballet is one of the most enchanting and well preserved styles of dance in the entire world. Beginning as a form of entertainment for royalty, it continues to touch many lives today. The strict precision and technique that is evident in ballerinas today is much different than what was displayed for Kings in 15th and 16th century Europe.

The Renaissance was the birthplace of a style of dance entitled ballet de cour. This original form of ballet included traditional clothing and shoes from the era. Tutus and pointe shoes were simply nonexistent. It was also more of an interactive performance, in that towards the end of the dance, the rest of the court would join in and dance all together.

Throughout the 1400s, ballet was appreciated and performed mostly for royalty. Catherine de' Medici, an Italian aristocrat had a passion for the arts, which gave ballet a vehicle through which to spread throughout Europe. When Catherine de’ Medici married French royalty, she was able to provide a platform for ballet in France through her newfound wealth. The first ballet de cour was entitled Ballet Comique de la Reine (1581), which lasted for more than 4 hours and included 24 dancers.

King Louis XIV (1653) of France also had a passion for dance. His personal dance teacher, Pierre Beauchamp, created the five positions for the feet and arms, which are still used to this day. The king even created a dance school, Académie Royale de Danse and appointed Beauchamp the school’s director.

Throughout the 1800s, ballet evolved into the dramatic art form that it is today. Ballet also flourished in Russia with the help of Tchaikovsky. Classics such as Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty were all choreographed and composed during the late 1800. Themes for these productions included mostly European folklore. Pointe shoes, tutus, flowing skirts and pastel colors all started to emerge and ballet found itself in the same league of entertainment at opera.

In the United States, ballet was first introduced in New York City. George Balanchine developed state-of-the-art technique at his studios in New York and Chicago. Balanchine is also recognized for his specific style of neo-classical ballet: a mix between classical and contemporary ballet. Although there are many other styles of ballet, they can all be broken down into classical, neo-classical, and contemporary.

Ballet is an incredibly difficult style of dance to master. The meticulous movements and balance that are required are only truly known to those who study the art. For those of us watching, it is merely appears that the dancers are floating; their poise and grace fill the stage.

Kite's Book: Tales of an 18th Century Hitman

2011-09-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Societal and cultural values are preserved through a variety of mediums. In folklore, which I believe is the street face of mythology we find a world of motifs (themes) that basically are regionalized interpretations of universal truths.

This means, for example, that the motif of hero may appear in one culture as a truly virtuous person (SuperMan) and in another may be presented as a masked man (think Zorro).

In the medium of American theatre,the hero takes on many forms and faces many issues, namely how to remain true to valued principles, such as justice. Keeping in mind that every group of people has its own renditions of what constitutes justice, I recently interviewed Playwright Robert Caisley about his play Kites Book: Tales of an 18th Century Hitman.

The play which explores issues of justice and judicial reform, has it's West Coast premiere on September 30 at the Sixth Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa CA (Sonoma County wine country). In it hitman Harry Kite swashbuckles his way through old and new world versions of crime and punishment basics. No easy feat.

Here is the Q/A with Caisley, Head of Drama Writing, Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Idaho:

Q: Seeking justice is a noble act. In the world of folklore the motif (theme) of justice is explored from many angles. How justice is defined, and who determines punishment are among the questions raised in your play which touches upon both 18^th and 20th century sensibilities about justice. What are the most notable differences?

A: The 18^th century was an interesting period of transition and change in thinking for social philosophers. There had existed this belief that the criminal tendency was innate and the natural bias it was a disease of the lower classes. You can see this idea being advanced that someone was born with criminal tendencies, lived a sordid anti-social life, and went to the grave a criminal and there was very little society could do to change that ineluctable fact. The only choice society had was to segregate the bad apples from the rest of decent (meaning wealthy) society. So the idea of rehabilitation was a very modern, revolutionary one that would begin to emerge in the 18^th century in stark contrast to the wrong-headed view of crime and criminal behavior. In the early 18^th century we didn’t have the benefit of modern neuroscience and psychology. Medicine had been dominated for at least 2,000 years by Hippocrates’ theory of the Four Humors (four substances flowing within the human body, the imbalance of which accounted for mood and behavior. Not very scientific.) It certainly didn’t help that the pseudoscience of Phrenology, developed in 1796 by Franz Joseph Gall, a German physician, was making wildly speculative claims about the relationship between the size and shape of the skull being an indicator of innate behavior and intellectual development. There was even an Italian doctor poking around within the prison system who was fond of measuring cheekbones and studying hairlines and the such and suggesting these physiological traits were empirical markers for criminal behavior. So you had all of this “backward” thinking, but at the same time we start to see, beginning in the 18^th and on into the 19^th centuries, a sharp rise in new and progressive social philosophy that started to take into account the social causes of crime within society, and what society’s moral response should be. So these two views clash in the play.

Q: Does the character Harry Kite possess traits that allow him to face personal and professional obstacles? If so, what are they and how are they important?

A: Harry Kite is obviously modeled on the popular cult hero of English folklore, Robin Hood. He is living “outside” the law, but that is only because the laws and lawmakers are so corrupt. So he’s an anti-hero.

Q: Societies can change their attitudes over time. In this play have the attitudes about crime and punishment shifted over time? Or are there intrinsic, non-negotiable truths about what justice is and is not?

A: I’d like to believe that in 2011 there is a very different view of crime and the criminal, but I think there is still a pervasive bias that crime and anti-social behavior is associated with the poor and under-educated. It’s a difficult myth to dispel because the empirical evidence suggests there is a direct, causal relationship between these two things. In the last few years we’ve seen numerous headlines in which the perpetrator of a crime is a large multi-national corporation that has defrauded the American public out of hundreds of millions of dollars. The executives of these companies usually receive a golden parachute, a slap on the wrist and an extraordinarily lavish severance package. By contrast, a young black male found in possession of a stolen vehicle will most assuredly feel the full weight of the law. So there continues to be a discrepancy between how the law is applied to the Haves and Have-nots.

Q: Theater is a powerful social tool as well as a form of entertainment. It lets people see themselves (through the guise of actors). What is it you want this play to show audiences about themselves?

A: I don’t think a single play can do anything to change this, but I think it’s every artist’s responsibility to raise questions about what is wrong with society, and hold the “mirror up to nature.” This is what the theatre is all about.

I encourage you to find out for yourself if theatre can chance your ideas about crime and punishment.

Kite's Book: Tales of an 18th Century Hitman - West Coast Premiere, Sept. 30 to Oct. 23, 2011

6th Street Playhouse: Historic Railroad Square, 52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa, CA

Tickets: 707-523-4185 or visit www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

Photo: Rahman Dalrymple as Harry Kite

Storytelling: The Personal Touch

2011-09-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

I want to share an article by Jessica Fischer in the Times News that I read today about a really nice explanation of the place of personal stories and experiences in storytelling.

Storyteller adds family tales to repertoire

International Storytelling Center’s teller-in-residence series continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary season with a week’s worth of performances by storyteller and mime Antonio Rocha.

Rocha will offer daily matinees throughout his residency, which runs Sept. 13-17. All concerts begin at 2 p.m. in the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall, an intimate theater in the heart of the Center’s headquarters in downtown Jonesborough.

Rocha is celebrated for his unique take on traditional storytelling, which incorporates fluid movement into the spoken form. (He studied under master mime Tony Montanaro.)

“Mime is an eloquent body language,” Rocha says, observing that it’s used, to some extent, in all storytelling. “When somebody is on stage making facial expressions and gestures or leaning towards the microphone, that’s all body language. Even when you’re sitting down, you’re doing it. So to a certain extent, everybody mimes a little bit, whether they realize it or not.”
ut the more he worked with traditional stories, the more Rocha realized his own life followed similar rhythms and rules.

“Folk tales eventually helped me recognize all those archetypal characters in my own life,” he explains. “Folk tales aren’t about crocodiles and chickens; they’re human characters played by animals. I woke up to the fact that, my gosh, there’s a lot of stuff from my own life that I want to bring to the stage.”

In addition to stories about his childhood in Brazil, some of Rocha’s favorite personal pieces revisit his first years in the U.S.

“There are all these little snippets of my life in America, such as my story about being a millionaire for five minutes,” he says. “Now, you have to understand that I was a college student. I didn’t know much about American culture at the time. I got a letter from Mr. McMahon saying I had won a million dollars. I almost had a heart attack. My name was spelled right. Nobody spelled my name right in those days. I have five names, and they were all written correctly!”
It was a dark hour when Rocha’s American friends had to explain the phenomenon that is Publishers Clearing House.

“I was like, what do you mean I didn’t win anything!” he recalls, laughing. For someone who gained and lost a fortune in the course of one day, he was a very good sport.

During his week in Jonesborough, Rocha also looks forward to sharing a wide range of Brazilian and African folk tales. He relishes the opportunity to play with new forms and showcase new material for the Storytelling Live! series.

“It’s always good to come back to TIR,” he says. “It’s great to present new material and connect with new faces and the folks who know my work.”

Chili 'N Wheels: Community Folk Festival

2011-09-06T14:48:00.001-07:00

When people think of folk festivals, they generally think about 'old time' folk music, arts and crafts, and foods. They think about way back when... not here and now.

The upcoming 2011 Chili N' Wheels Fall Classic - held September 10, 10-4, is all about chili and pre-1975 classic cars.

Here are some details:

Presented by Fat Dogg Productions and Rohnert Park Business Community

Highlights include FREE admission, chili, and family entertainment, including a demonstration by the Rancho Cotate High School Marching Band. Other activities include cooking awards, car trophies, and beer garden. Plus:

50+ booths of chili to sample.
Appearances by former National Football League Players including Honor Jackson.
Automotive Alley sponsored by RPM Automotive: 75 car will be on display including foreign car, custom car and American classic.
Chili judges: Heidi West (Heidi West Catering), Mayor Gina Belforte (Rohnert Park), David Templeton (North Bay Theatre Critic and Playwright), Angela Hart (Editor: Rohnert Park Patch.com), and Letitia Turner Hanke-Ryzhkov (President: North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce).
Event sections include Entertainment Alley, Automotive Alley, The Beer Garden and more.

This is a benefit for Fence at the Top, a non-profit dedicated to providing mentoring services to at risk youth.

555 Rohnert Park Expressway, Rohnert Park, CA

To Farmer's Market We Go!

2011-08-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

Farmers Markets are festive events that connect communities with individual farmers and other vendors. It's popular today for people to gather in the streets or parks of their cities or towns on weekends or in the evenings after work to sell their wares: meats, fruits, vegetables, beverages, prepared foods, and arts and crafts. This community event which has rapidly expanded across the nation is a hybrid of earlier days when people took their goods to a common outdoor site for barter and sale.Open air markets - once a standard way for people to get supplies - quickly dwindled once the shopping market came along. With the retail brick and mortar locations came delivery of foods from other places; foods that were foreign, so to speak. Imagine a pineapple or mango in a Kansas open-air market, for example.

The tradition of growing and supporting local businesses, fostered by a wave of eco-friendly lifestyle changes led to the revival of what call today The Farmer's Market.

In 1934, a group of farmers in Los Angeles decided to bring their rurally grown produce to the heart of the urban city. They displayed vegetables, fruits, and flowers from the backs of their trucks and everyone enjoyed the opportunity this presented them. From there the farmers’ spontaneous idea grew into a contemporary event.

Pretty soon the spot became known as Farmer's Market and, hence, developed into a national institution with over 5,000 markets across the country, all promoting the core idea of buying from local producers. They have become individualized to suit the needs of individual communities. Some have dancing, music, art,others have sports and/or pony rides.

In Sonoma County where I live there is a Farmers Market in almost every town. Rohnert Park and Cotati, for example, offer delicious food, wine/beer, art activities and other entertainment activities suitable for those of all ages.

These examples of Farmers Markets harken back to the days when and they also reach into a sustainable future with organic, tasty products.

Washboards: A Folk Music Transformation

2011-08-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

For centuries, musical instruments have evolved from their simpler origins into complex tools of melodies. Many have continued to be played in ways that are similar to their first use, but one unexpected instrument has had such a complete transformation from its original purpose that it’s made more than 180 degree turn around. The washboard made its musical transformation in the early 1900’s when it was adopted by a new age revolutionary era of music.

Before its musical debut, the washboard was widely known in the 18^thand 19^th century as a tool used to dry off articles of washed clothing. It was comprised of a rectangular wooden frame with a configuration of multiple ridges down the middle where clothes were rubbed on to drain off the water out. Then came the 1920’s with its “Roaring Twenties” jazz culture.

With the inclusion of metal in the washboard’s structure, the washboard morphed from almost daily household use to an instrument of modern music. It grew in popularity among zydeco (product of the blues genre), jazz, jug bands (used home-made instruments) and other forms of folk music.

Musicians who used the washboard would wear metal thimbles on most of their fingers, and strum the, along the ridges of the washboard. A thin piece of rope or string was worn around the musician’s neck and attached to the washboard for stability. The results included zany and rhythmically enhancing sounds that infused folk music with a new style.

Like most instruments, the washboard’s structure and usage went through several transitions. In zydeco music, the washboard took the name “frottoir.” In time it was created to with metal ridges and was worn like a vest. The thimbles were replaced by spoon handles or bottle openers in an assortment of strumming and tapping movements. In jug bands, the washboard acted as the drums and was played as the back beat to other instruments.

Seen as the “poor man’s instrument,” the washboard helped to usher in a new era of instruments and melodies. Its popularity flourished in the “Flapper Era” while keeping its southern rhythm and blues tempo. As is the case with all folklore, this folk musical instrument was adopted by people to meet different, yet specific times and needs.

Ice Cream: The Sweet Stuff of Summer

2011-08-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

One legend has it that ice cream originated from China and slowly made its way around the world. But there are also other legends about this popular summer time treat.Citizens of the Persian Empire are believed to have eaten concentrated grape juice over ice in approximately 400 B.C. Ingredients such as rose water, nuts and saffron were mixed in for a sweeter taste. It is believed that Arabs were the first to incorporate cream or milk. The recipe dates back to ancient Mesopotamian, Greek, or Roman recipes and became widely manufactured by the 10^th century.

The Chinese have been credited with inventing the tool to make sorbet or ice cream as we know it today. They started by mixing in the ingredients, heating them, and then cooling them at below freezing temperatures. The tale continues that Marco Polo visited and passed on the techniques to Italy, where they altered it to make what is known as gelato.

Due to lack of modern-day refrigeration, it was a hefty task to produce ice cream. Many times, slaves ventured in to the mountains to retrieve snow, which was stored under ground or in brick ice houses to keep cool. It was an expensive treat, which made it exclusive to royalty until about the 16-1700s.

During the wedding of Italian duchess Catherine de' Medici to the Duc d’Orléans in 1533, it has been rumored that Catherine brought Italian chefs over to France in order to serve ice cream in honor of their wedding.

The first traces of published recipes of ice cream begin in the 1600s. The Oxford English Dictionary recognized ice cream for the first time in 1744. In Colonial America, ice cream was introduced by Quakers and eventually enjoyed by early presidents such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. At inaugural ball of President James Madison, his First Lady Dolley Madison served ice cream as a treat.

The Industrial Age played a large part in the mass production of ice cream. In the 1800's inventions like the small-scale, hand-cranked ice cream freezer by Nancy Johnson set a new standard. The American sweet tooth grew with the innovative ice cream twists that appeared on the scene: ice cream sundae, ice cream soda, and the ice cream cone developed in the early 20^th century were among the more popular versions.

The World’s Fair is said to have been the birthplace of the ice cream cone. Although there is no 'hard proof' other than that of folk lore, the story goes that when the ice cream booth ran out of cardboard to serve its ice cream on, the neighboring waffle stand gave them waffles to use. The result: the waffle cone.

There were even instances of ice cream parlors replacing bars and saloons during prohibition as a place for Americans to come together and socialize.

Throughout the 20^th century, ice cream has taken on a variety of forms and been modified in many ways, but it’s ability to create a sense of instant joy still holds true today. Ice cream is known as a carefree, youthful treat that can be savored by all.

History: Fact, Fiction or Folklore?

2011-08-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

After attending the opening night of Marin Shakespeare Company's The Complete History of America (abridged) I'm convinced that the one who tells the American story holds the key to its truth. And the version this production tells is definitely worth seeing!

Actors Darren Bridgett, Cassidy Brown and Mick Mize under the direction of Robert Currier led the audience on a wild goose chase across the 200+ landscape of American history. Sitting beneath the stars at the Forest Meadows Amphitheater (Dominican University, San Rafael, CA) everyone was kept spell bound as the cast romped merrily from Amerigo Vespucci to President Barak Obama in less than two hours.

They held us captive as they zig-zagged into and out of American aspirations, ingenuity and inspirations. From start to finish, well-timed antics and patriotic colors framed this fast-paced production that ultimately showed us how Americans - a unique species on the planet - may not really be so different from their neighbors.

For example, their renditions of a Civil War slide show with Yankees and Confederates posing mid-war for posterity suggests we all are looking for moments of glory. The sleuthing efforts of Detective Sam Spade tell us that lone, crime-solving tough guys really may not be so tough when it comes to love.

I have written before that the distance between folklore and history is not as vast as many would think. This play confirms for me that while history chronicles the data of events in a particular documented sequence (who did what when), it is the folklore - the beliefs, traditions and customs of a certain people - that actually fill in the blanks of our humanity.

The actors' perfect timing and obvious chemistry captured the audience's attention. Not a moment was wasted. Even my teenage daughter and her twenty-something cousin were kept in stitches as the scenes flew by, reminding all of us - regardless of our age - how we got from Vespucci's map to President Obama's bump and grind.

The play, made popular by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, runs through September 25. Here are the details:
The Complete History of America (abridged)
Forest Meadows Amphitheater, Dominican University,1475 Acacia Ave., San Rafael, CA
Box Office: (415) 499-448.
Photo by Eric Chazankin

Amazing Grace is for Wretches

2011-08-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Amazing Grace is one of the most popular songs in the English-speaking language. Written by John Newton and published in 1779, it remains a treasured part of Christianity. Of course, it can be interpreted in many ways and means something different to everyone. Newton, being the author, wrote it as a lonely, foul-mouthed sailor participating in the slave trade, who suddenly received his calling from God. He spent most of his life at sea and prided himself on the fact that he could produce such profanity that no one had even heard of at the time. He lived a dangerous life, having near death experiences far too often. After one night at sea during a rigorous storm, he shouted, “If this will not do, then Lord, have mercy upon us!” This was the first time that he reached out to God to protect him, and it left him pondering. For the next eleven hours he steered the ship, contemplating what he had said and how God and Christianity had come into his life at that very moment. When he reached land, an enlightened Newton dedicated his life to the religion. He proposed to the love of his life, stopped sailing, and settled down in a small town to study theology.

John Newton wrote the song and connected to it in a very literal way. For him it meant that forgiveness is possible, even given the sins you may commit, and that a person’s soul can be saved from despair through the grace of God. He probably referred to himself as a “wretch” because of his destructive lifestyle as a filthy sailor and a heartless slave trader. Everyone, however, interprets this song differently. Many people also experience life changing events such as being almost killed, which make them reconsider the direction their life is going in.
This song has the capability to inspire people to realize their potential.

It certainly inspired journalist and playwright David Templeton at the ripe age of eleven. This is when he decided to be a “Born Again” Christian. Interestingly enough, he also decided against it years later. Today he still holds true to Christian values, treasuring the parts that still resonate most with him. He has written a one man-show called, “Wretch Like Me” which explores his experience with the religion throughout his teenage years. The comedy conveys what it was like growing up in Southern California, with a suicidal lounge sister for a mother and trying to fit in to the Downey High Jesus Club, all while struggling with the idea of what it means to be a good Christian.

The show has been called, “relentlessly funny,” “charming,” “magical,” “hysterical,” and “unforgettable” by a variety of theater critics. Templeton says that he became obsessed with the song at an early age and even memorized it front and back. When he turned 20 however, he turned his back on Christian fundamentalism asking himself, “Is it really a good thing to train ten year-olds to believe they are wretched, worthless, unworthy?” Templeton also states that the reason he chose the phrase “Wretch Like Me” for the title of his show is because it embodies the struggle he has had with the religion. He believes that it is his job to help create the world that Jesus had envisioned, “a world where everyone knows they are loved by someone, and no one ever has to feel like a wretch”.
“Wretch Like Me” is playing:

• August 5 & 6 at Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma
• August 26 & 27 at Santa Rosa Junior College
• September 9 & October 19 at Main Stage West in Sebastopol

Family Folklore: Why Mary's a Democrat

2011-07-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Mary Connell - a talented journalist and newspaper editor - is also a gifted writer. She recently sent me this guest blog about her reasons for being a Democrat. The reasons date back to family stories that not only touch her as an adult but also reveal values that were instilled in her at a very young age. These are the gifts of family folktales.

I was going through some of my grandmother's old things the other day and was reminded yet again of why I'm a Democrat.

I came across her FHA mortgage passbook, issued by the Turtle Creek Bank & Trust of Turtle Creek, Pa. Her home, at 412 James St. in Turtle Creek, is lovely. Brick, two stories, three bedrooms upstairs. Not fancy, but comfortable. A beautiful stained glass window over the front door, a big, airy, high-ceilinged kitchen and a nice backyard.

My Uncle John took me to see it in the summer of 1980 and we met the couple who lived there. They were very gracious and sent me home with two souvenirs -- a huge, gorgeous tomato just picked from the backyard and a shiny lump of Pennsylvania coal from the cellar. I still have that chunk of coal.

It wouldn't have been my grandmother's first passbook because it begins in October 1938 and the family had rented the house at least from the mid-1920s. The FHA was created in 1934 but I can't say when my grandmother bought the house. She made monthly payments of $25.47 until May 1946, when she sold the house, leaving a balance of $867. In November, she and her younger daughter, my Aunt Gertrude, packed up their car -- a Hudson? I can't remember -- and headed West, a trip that provided my cousins and me with wonderful stories of being freed from a snow drift by hulking Texas Rangers and seeing Indian women going to the polls on Election Day, Nov. 5, in Tucumcari, N.M. with their babies on their backs. It must have been an exotic sight. Makes me want to travel the old Route 66.

Without FDR and the New Deal my widowed grandmother -- my grandfather died in November of 1930, five months after my mom graduated from high school -- would never have been able to buy that home, least of all during the Depression. She was fortunate to be hired to run a WPA - women's sewing project; I think the ladies made Civilian Conservation Corp uniforms. The FHA, Social Security, an array of farm programs and a great deal more transformed America, providing opportunities for everyday people that had previously been enjoyed only by the upper middle class -- just like the G.I. Bill would do after the war.

Is History Abridged Folklore?

2011-07-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

The distance between folklore and history is not as vast as many would think. History basically is a way of chronicling events in a time sequence that is specific about the who, what, when, where and why. The information, more or less, has been documented in a way that is 'irrefutable', so to speak. Who can argue with an audio recording of a famous speech like The Reverend Martin Luther King's "I Had A Dream" speech or with the handwritten letters that John Quincy Adams and Thomas Jefferson sent to one another?

Folklore, too, is about chronicling events and customs that have specific value. Only, instead of recording big, cataclysmic or global events, it focuses more upon everyday lives of everyday people. Just think of weather folklore that would dictate when a farmer planted or harvested his fields or rite of passage customs like tying wedding shoes onto the back of the bride and grooms car to show that they are now under one roof.

The two - history and folklore - come together beautifully in the upcoming production of Marin Shakespeare Company's The Complete History of America (abridged) .

Tickling the funny bone of American history is a folkloric way to interpret historical data. This play takes a fast-paced look at what this country's touchstones are in a way that reveals their lighter side. And who can argue with the role of humor in our ability to make sense of ourselves?

The play, made popular by the Reduced Shakespeare Company,attempts in approximately 90 minutes to review almost 600 years of American history, staring with questions that still today incite controversy.

== Who really discovered America?
== Why did Abe Lincoln free the slaves?
== How many Democrats does it take to screw in a light bulb?

Actors (pictured L to R) Darren Bridgett, Cassidy Brown and Mick Mize under the direction of Robert Currier fill the Forest Meadows Amphitheater at Dominican University in San Rafael with a roller coaster of answers. And who's to say these answers are less accurate than any others?

It's important to note here that in history as in folklore, interpretation is everything. It alone tells us what we really think and feel about any given situation. Whoever is telling the story, so to speak, can present the facts, suppositions and suspicions in a way that best reflect his or her cultural values. An Eskimo, for example, might look at ice differently than an Australian because of their relationship to it; their personal experience of the subject.

Even historical scribes, artists and others, such as those credited with writing great historical works such as The Bible were influenced by the times they lived in. Who isn't?

So, take a historical spin across the American landscape - as written by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor in the mid 1990's - and recently updated by Sonoma playwright Reed Martin for this summer's Marin Shakespeare Company presentation, its second of three for its 2011 Summer Season.

Here are the details:
The Complete History of America (abridged)
July 22- September 25 (Preview: July 22, Opening night: July 30).
Forest Meadows Amphitheater, Dominican University,1475 Acacia Ave., San Rafael, CA
Box Office: (415) 499-4488

Italian Culture Marks SF Bay Area

2011-07-15T17:04:00.001-07:00

Dane Greco - a communications intern at Sonoma State University - has been assisting me with a pr campaign for the upcoming musical concerts of Due Zighi Baci. This talented duo performs European Cafe and Neapolitan music that celebrates well-loved French and Italian melodies.

At my urging, Dane wrote this guest post about the Italian influence in California's North Bay:

What sets the North Bay apart from other regions in California is its rich and dynamic cultural layout. It is a melting pot that has adapted to many different kinds of cultural entities. Each culture brings its folklore: traditional foods, music, language, religion and other qualities that, over time, have adapted to their new setting. One of the major cultural groups to contribute to the San Francisco Bay Area are the Italians who brought with them customs and folkways that quickly took root.

Italians made up one of the first waves of immigrants to land on Ellis Island in New York during the 1892 immigration boom. They were also among the early immigrants to first settle in California. The most popular example of this can be found in North Beach in San Francisco, which has appropriately been deemed “Little Italy.”

What attracted them to this location was a familiar (Mediterranean) climate and the waterfront where there were vast amounts of docks and fishing wharves. Italians made their way into business with grocery stores, cafes, bars and delicatessens that flourished. It didn’t take long for this trend to move further north towards Marin and Sonoma County.

The rapid growth of this culture within the North Bay can be seen in the numerous music, art, and food festivals that occur throughout the region, all of which offer others a peek into this vivacious community.

Italian cultural centers, such as Sons of Italy and North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation help keep the customs and awareness about them alive. Festivities that include promotions of Italian Neapolitan (Naples, Italy) music in restaurants, art like what is produced at the annual Italian Street Painting Festival in San Rafael), and even food-related activities at local professional sports games (Oakland Athletics, etc.).

Even the Italian language and culinary arts have taken hold in the area. Courses are offered at most colleges, community centers and at many high schools.

From the myriad of authentic Italian cafes and restaurants that sweep the North bay region, to the Neapolitan melodies that local Italian folk music groups, such as Due Zighi Baci, (Two Gypsy Kisses), Their unique interpretation of time-honored Italian favorites shows how versatile music is. It can be both traditional and contemporary in its presentation.

But why is this important?

The Italian community in the North Bay is a perfect example of how our melting pot country works. The folklore of the old world becomes the folklore of the new world where many cultural traditions fuse together. Each able to co-mingle and yet preserve the essence of their own unique cultural identity.

It is healthy for communities to embrace this because understanding and participating in the folklore ways of a culture different from one’s own encourages acceptance and appreciation of diversity.

The Italian-American community of the North Bay continues to do a great job of opening its cultural doors to others.

For more information:

Sons of Italy

Knights of Columbus

North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation

The Folklore of Nose Piercing

2011-07-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

It seemed only fitting that my friend Harminder Bhandal Singh would write a guest post about nose piercing. In India, her native land, nose piercing is commonplace and carries generations of tradition. Here's her take on the folklore of this fashion item:

Gaining main stream attention in the late 1900’s nose piercings have become very popular among many cultures and societies. The practice however, has been around for thousands of years. The earliest historic record of nose piercings comes from the Bible. Abraham gifted his daughter in law a beautiful nose ring as a wedding gift when she and Isaac married. The practice has continued through the ages and was brought to India in the 16^th century by Middle Eastern Moghul emperors. It did not take long for the practice to gain in popularity.

The second most popular type of body piercing in the world after ears is the nose piercing. A part of traditional Australian Aboriginal culture, it has also long been a tradition in Nepal and India. In India the practice of nose piercings has very deep roots and, in some cases, has specific cultural significance. However, first and foremost it is believed that the nose is the most prominent feature on the face and piercing it actually accentuates the face. In some southern Indian communities a majority of women have their noses pierced sometime before their wedding. It is very common for the groom’s family to include a nose ring as part of the bride’s wedding jewelry. This item is generally made of gold and diamonds. This jewelry is given to the bride as a wedding gift and remains her security for life as it is given as an investment for the couple by the parents and other relatives.

The most common forms of nose rings are either a Phul (stud) or a Nath ( nose ring). The Phul is lighter and smaller where as a Nath is much heavier and sometimes includes a chain that is placed behind the ear for extra support. In many cultures the size and the type of nose ring can denote the family’s wealth and status.

Nose piercing is also common in India because it is linked to Ayuvedra (ancient Indian medicine). According to Ayuvedra it is believed that the left nostril contains a bundle of nerves that are linked to the female reproductive system. Having those nerves pierced is believed to make child birth less painful and to also decrease pains associated with the menstrual cycle.

Nose piercing was brought to the west in the late 1960’s by travelers. The practice made its way to the United States by the Beatles after they traveled to India on their world tour. The “Fav Four” was very impressed by this art as they toured throughout India. The practice became for American teens a form of rebellion. It was frowned upon by adults and mainstream society.

Today almost forty years later the practice has not only become acceptable but is seen as very fashionable by both adults and teens.

My daughter, now 17, had her nose pierced about two years ago. The diamond stud is delicate and looks really nice. I am glad she didn't opt for something larger and more cumbersome to wear and that she didn't receive it as a wedding gift! She's still too young!!!!!!!!!

Macbeth's Theater Curse in Marin?

2011-06-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

In the realm of folklore, magic spells are cast with the intent of doing harm. The results can range from sickness to death. Curses are often vindictive and can come to life, so to speak, long after they are issued. Just think of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale and you get the idea.

They come in many forms. The more common ones include the use of an effigy designed to represent the target. In India, for example, waxed effigies are used. Ancient Egyptians also used waxed effigies upon which they would write the victims' name before tossing them into a fire.

In 17^th century England one curse in particular took to the stage, thanks to William Shakespeare. His portrayal of witches in The Tragedy of Macbeth (often referred to simply as Macbeth) written during the reign of King James who was a witch hunter was – and still is - the cause of much concern among theater folk. It has been recorded that Shakespeare populated the play with spells and witches because he knew these were of interest to the king. But the play also gained the interest of those who practiced the occult arts.

Alleged witches who were being hunted and burned (by the thousands) didn’t like the way they were being portrayed on stage. Dancing around a black cauldron, calling out odd phrases and tossing weird ingredients into the brewing pot was not helping their cause. So, as an act of vengeance it is believed that they cast a spell – a curse – on the play that still haunts it today.

Saying the name Macbeth inside a theater will bring bad luck to the play and to anyone acting in it. Unless, of course, the word is spoken as part of the script. Fortunately, as is the case with most but not all curses, there is a remedy. But it’s not a straightforward one like the type associated with Sleeping Beauty who needed only to be kissed by her true love Prince Charming.

Over the centuries, Shakespearean actors have had to jump through more hoops. The curse-reversing ritual requires the one who utters the word to leave the theater, spin around three times while uttering a profanity and then ask for permission to return to the stage. And yes, as with all remedies, there are variations. In some theater circles, one has to spit over his or her shoulder or repeat the phrase: "Thrice around the circle bound, Evil sink into the ground." Some even believe you can request Shakespeare’s help and then resolve yourself with a quote from Hamlet, such as "Angels and ministers of grace defend us".

So what will The Marin Shakespeare Company performers do during the July 8-August 14, 2011 run of Macbeth that opens their 2011 Summer Festival Season at Dominican University’s Forest Meadows Amphitheater in San Rafael? Will a cast member forget about the curse and possibly bring down or extinguish the night stars that form the theater’s ceiling?

According to Director Lesley Currier, during rehearsal there were “a large number of family emergencies and deaths amongst our cast. But that may be because we have a cast of 29 people. I've seen several actors with scars from the final Macbeth/Macduff duel. It's a grueling role for the title character because he carries so much of the line load, and then at the very end of the evening needs to fight Young Siward and then Macduff. I don't want to tempt the theatre gods by saying much more until our current production closes on August 15!”

Here’s what’s happened elsewhere in the past:

William Shakespeare himself was forced to play Lady Macbeth during the show’s first performance after the boy designated to play the part suddenly became overcome with sickness and died.
In 1672, the actor playing Macbeth substituted the blunt stage dagger with a real one, and with it killed his co-actor playing Duncan right in front of the live audience.
During its 1849 performance at New York's Astor Place, 31 people were trampled to death in a riot that had broken out.
In 1934, British actor Malcolm Keen turned mute on stage, and his replacement developed a high fever and had to be hospitalized.

To avoid the curse in the first place, cast and crew are sometimes encouraged to refer to the play by its common nicknames, “The Scottish Tragedy” or “The Scottish Play”.

Currier doesn’t encourage or discourage anyone to respect or ignore the curse. “In the theater, you might as well be a little bit superstitious, carrying on traditions of several centuries. I personally touch wood when it seems warranted, and am always aware when I utter the word "Macbeth," particularly in a theater.”

In San Rafael’s outdoor theater setting everyone, including the audience, is exposed to the elements so fingers are crossed for a positive outcome. “So much of what we do depends on the weather cooperating, and actors and crew not getting sick or injured,” noted Currier.

I plan to see the play that has been and continues to be performed by some of the most respected stage and film stars that ever lived because it serves as a reminder that a thirst for power can be dangerous and that there may very well be supernatural forces at work shaping our destinies. Keeping this in mind, of course, I will also make sure I know where the safety exits are. Just in case…

Marin Shakespeare Company is presenting a great menu this season: the cursed Macbeth, The Complete History of America (abridged), and The Tempest. And, as always they have arranged for a variety of viewing options, from previews to Shakespeare-inspired dinners and theater talks. For details, visit the website.

Are Teachers Folkheroes?

2011-06-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Folklore is filled with folk heroes and heroines who overcome obstacles in a way that gives us direction. These characters – real or not – show us how to apply our values and stay with our convictions about what we believe is right or wrong. They also teach us in ways both profound and subtle how to remain authentic and true and how to acquire the skills we will need to meet the specific challenges within our society.

These teachers are everywhere. As professional educators they help give shape to our future - children who one day will become decision making adults. In today’s rough economic climate with dwindling school resources these school figures must work on many levels at once: they must uphold the importance of education so that it doesn’t completely collapse beneath the weight of dismal budgets and they must individualize the classroom experience so that it can address the needs of those students who may have no other support in their lives.

This Business of Children, a novel by Chloe JonPaul, chronicles the lives of several school teachers and the community of children they influenced.

The author captured in words today’s classroom: insufficient resources, emotionally traumatized students and teachers who struggle to lead by example.

I recently asked JonPaul a few questions. Here’s what she had to say:

Q: Folk heroes and heroines are everyday people who do extraordinary things. How are teachers folk heroes/folk heroines?

A: I believe that good, dedicated teachers ARE heroes and heroines because they are the ones who make all other professions possible. They are the ones who deal with some of the most difficult situations that kids find themselves in: poverty, abuse, sexual molestation, learning disabilities. A good teacher provides a safe haven for at least part of the day and gives students a hopeful look into the future.

Q: What societal values do the main characters uphold/represent and what are the obstacles they must overcome?

A: Each of the 4 main characters – Dee, Vera, Stu, Mark - upholds societal values in terms of fairness and doing what is right. Even Stu, the closet gay, makes a decision “for the sake of the children” when urged by Dee. Vera, also, joins the fight for what is fair – even though she had, up to the year of her retirement, taken a back seat in public affairs.

Q: Was this an easy story to tell? Why?

A: As Vera says in the Prologue: This isn’t an easy story to tell. As for me, the writer, it wasn’t exactly easy either because I had to be very careful with my character development. I don’t want readers to think that I’m writing about real people. These characters are purely fictional. I have experienced some of the event in the story – particularly where teacher union activism is involved. While I wanted the setting to be in Maine, I chose to create a fictional town because, again, it would be unfair to name a real place.

Q: Now that you’ve written The Business of Children “to set the record straight on the plight of elementary education” as you mention in the book’s prologue, what do you hope the book will provide others?

A: I think one of the endorsements I received captures it best:

"Chloe JonPaul has captured a period of time in the United States in which educators were working under conditions similar to today. Anyone reading her novel should be able to understand why teachers feel that the system is stacked against them and their students." Marty Hittelman, President, California Federation of Teachers

This book takes us behind the scenes where the personal and professional challenges of teachers and their students play out. Along the way we become better informed about the strengths and weaknesses of our educational system.

http://chloejonpaul.com/#

Wine: Fruit of the Gods

2011-06-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

"Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life's most civilized pleasures” – Michael Broadbent.

Wine is defined as the fermented juice of grapes, made in many varieties, such as red, white, sweet, dry, still, and sparkling, for use as a beverage in cooking, in religious rites, etc., and usually having an alcohol content of 14 percent or less. Although little is known about the earliest production of wine, it is believed that ancient civilizations made it using different fruits including wild grapes. The most recent estimation of the earliest production of wine dates back to 8,000 BC in Georgia and soon to follow in Iran and Armenia in 7,000 BC and 6,000 BC. It was also prevalent in ancient Greece, Thrace, and Rome. The oldest known winery was recently found in Armenia in January of 2011. It is located in the Vayots Dzor Province in a small cave and when found, contained a wine press, fermentation vats, jars, and cups. It has been stated that the fact that winemaking was so well developed by 6,000 BC, indicates that the practice must have begun much earlier.

Wine has played many roles in the time if its existence. In ancient Egyptian culture, wine played a role in ceremonial life. In medieval Europe, it was largely accepted by Christians as an aid to help celebrate Catholic Mass and by the Jewish to celebrate Kiddush. Today, wine is still used for religious purposes but has also become a social experience. Many people have wine with dinner or while catching up with friends. Others dedicate their entire day or weekend to go wine tasting with their loved ones. Wine is truly a timeless treasure, especially here in Sonoma County, and continues to bring people together.

It comes as no surprise that the Sonoma-Marin Fair (North San Francisco, June 23-26) has chosen a wine contest to keep the tradition of wine alive in one of the California’s most popular wine regions. The 5^th Annual Amateur Wine Competition is just a small part of the folklore offered at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Amateur wine makers must provide two bottles of their homemade wine, including their label, which must identify the exhibitor name, class number & wine type. Another part of competition is the label contest itself. The design is judged based on size, shape, originality, humor, composition, and general appearance.

Fun Facts about Wine!

1. It is a common misconception that all wines improve with age. In fact, more than 90 percent of all wines should be consumed within one year.

2. The celebrity wines are on the rise! From race car driver Jeff Gordon to legendary musician Bob Dylan, to ice skater Peggy Flemming, everyone's getting in on the winemaking act. In fact, celebrity wine sales exceeded $50 million in 2008.

3. The term bouquet refers to the total scent of the wine. Aroma is the scent of the grapes. When wine tasters want to describe the bouquet and the aroma together, they use the term nose.

Origami: The Folk Art of Paper Folding

2011-06-20T14:18:00.001-07:00

Paper has long been the basis of some pretty interesting folk art. The most commonly known of paper folk art is Japanese origami - ori (to fold) and kami (paper). Historic records suggest that origami originated in China in the first or second century and by the 6^th century had been brought to Japan by Buddhist monks who used the paper, which was very expensive, for ceremonial purposes.

By the 17^th century, origami butterflies appeared during Buddhist Shinto weddings as representatives of the bride and groom and versions of the folded paper art were attached to gifts exchanged by Samurai warriors.

In time, papermaking techniques improved and the cost of paper decreased. As a result, origami became a more popular art for the common people. Folding directions were passed down from generation to generation as is the case with most folk art forms. Over the centuries origami became part of the Japanese cultural heritage.

Besides the Japanese folding paper, were the Moors, who brought paper folding with them to Spain when they invaded that country in the eighth century. The Moors used paperfolding to create geometric figures because their religion prohibited them from creating animal forms. From Spain the folk art form spread to South America.

According to Think Quest the first written set of instructions appeared in 1797.

How to Fold 1000 Cranes contained steps for how to fold a crane. The crane was considered a sacred bird in Japan. It was a Japanese custom that if a person folded 1000 cranes, they would be granted one wish. Origami became a very popular form of art as shown by the well-known Japanese woodblock print that was made in 1819 entitled "A Magician Turns Sheets of Birds". This print shows birds being created from pieces of paper.

As is the case with all living folk art forms, origami continues to be an adaptive paper art. It is found all over the world and continues to represent specific elements of folk life, like birth and marriage and also has come to symbolize valued societal ideals, like world peace.

For fun, here are some free origami resources:

Miners and Babylon Share Father's Day

2011-06-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some interesting facts and folklore about Father's Day:

The earliest record of Father's Day was found in the ruins of Babylon. A young boy named Elmesu carved a Father's Day message on a card made out of clay nearly 4,000 years ago. He wished his Babylonian father good health and a long life.

The first recorded observance of Father's Day in the United States was on July 5, 1908. The Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South in Fairmont, West Virginia held a special service to honor 360 men -- most of them fathers -- who had died seven months earlier in a coal mine explosion.

It was not officially recognized in the United States as a holiday until 1966 by Lyndon Johnson.

In Australia, the day is celebrated privately in households; often in the form of breakfast gatherings.

Celebrating Father's Day is a new concept in India and highly influenced by the U.S. celebrations.

Contemporary Art Tells A Story: Hawai'i

2011-06-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Art can tell us a great deal about a culture. For example, the culture of Hawai'i - a current National Museum of the American Indian multi-site exhibit - highlights some of Hawai‘i’s most dynamic contemporary artists.

New and experimental works of art explore what it means to be “Hawaiian” in the 21st century. Featured artists include Maika‘i Tubbs, Solomon Enos, Carl Pao, and Puni Kukahiko. This IS Hawai‘i is presented in tandem with the museum’s annual Hawai‘i Festival.

This IS Hawai'i

May 19, 2011 - July 4, 2011

Museum: American Indian Museum

Sponsor: Cosponsored with Transformer

I'm going to be in Washington D.C. (Smithsonian) in a few weeks and am going to check out the show.

Would love to hear from anyone else who might also see the show.

The Folklore of Pearls

2011-06-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Every element of the natural world -animals, minerals, flora - has a specific place in the society where it exists. And its value and purpose can be found in how it appears in the every day world of folklore. Gems - as members of the mineral world - are often imbued with qualities that include healing and the ability to generate or represent wealth.

Here are some interesting folklore tidbits and facts about this beautiful jewel:

=Fresh water pearls are given on the 1st wedding anniversary.
=Pearls are also given on the 3rd, 12th and 30th anniversaries.
=In early Chinese myths, pearls were thought to fall from the sky where dragons fought.
=Ancient Greek legends noted that pearls were the tears of gods.
=It is the only gem that can be worn in its natural form.
=Pearl diving used to be one of the most dangerous occupations. The introduction of 'cultured' pearls - pearl farming - made reduced the need for pearl divers.
=It is known as the third eye of the Buddha as well as Shiva.
=The Christian literature draws a smile between the kingdom of God and a priceless pearl.

Whatever facts and folklore there are surrounding the pearl, it is one of the most beautiful and versatile gems around today and it has found its ways in cultures across the continents.

Gnome, how does your garden grow?

2011-05-25T15:46:00.001-07:00

Wee people are a great source of folklore. These small human-like personalities have been credited with being both good and bad. They can create problems by removing or rearranging items in the house or the yard. They are also able to perform small acts of magic, like helping a garden grow.

Garden gnomes, in particular have grown in popularity. Customarily, they decorate front yard landscapes of all kinds (grass, red rock, etc.). Often wearing pointed hats and beards, they have been credited with being protectors. It is believed that they do their garden work at night when everyone else has gone to bed.

The ceramic version was developed in Germany in the 1800's and soon spread to France and England.

According to Wikipedia:

The first garden gnomes were made in Gräfenroda,^[1] a town known for its ceramics in Thuringia, Germany, in the mid-19th century. Philip Griebel made terracotta animals as decorations, and produced gnomes based on local myths as a way for people to enjoy the stories of the gnomes' willingness to help in the garden at night. The garden gnome quickly spread across Germany and into France and England, and wherever gardening was a serious hobby.

The manufacturing of gnomes spread across Germany with numerous other large and small manufacturers coming in and out of the business, each one having its own particular style of design. World War II was hard on the industry and most producers gave up then. Griebel's descendants still make them and are the last of the German producers, all others having moved production to Poland or China. Currently, there are an estimated 25 million garden gnomes in Germany.

When I think of gnomes I think of the Travelocity character who is "seen" in many places around the world. Hardly the gnome who stays home to tend to the garden!

I've also noticed that gnomes are generally never alone. They've got company - either other gnomes or small animals like deer - that serve as their landscape companions. I once saw an entire 'gnome village' with mayor, etc. in a mobile home park for senior citizens.

In some ways they are akin to the urban scarecrow, only they don't have any moving parts. Just the same they seem to be well-loved by those who own them.

Shirley Valentine's Gone to Greece

2011-05-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

The magic of folklore is that it makes the everyday 'special'. Stories, songs, food lore and folk art are among the many ways people choose to preserve what is important; what is worth remembering and sharing with others.

So what's so important about a one-woman show that highlights a vacation Shirley Valentine takes to Greece? Well, in this case the protagonist is a typical British middle-aged, working class housewife who takes the vacation of a lifetime WITHOUT bringing her life along.

What happens to her is at the heart of this theatrical presentation. Scheduled to run May 27-June 12 at the Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma (North San Francisco Bay Area) this show tells Shirley as much about herself as it tells the audience. Together they find out who Shirley really is.

Sebastopol's Mary Gannon Graham who performs the role of Shirley Valentine recently took some time to answer questions about the piece which was written by Willy Russell.

Q: Shirley Valentine is ‘every woman’; a middle aged working class housewife who finds herself in Greece. Her life becomes an adventure. The journey provides opportunities for her to discover something very important about herself and the world she lives in. What drives her to embark upon this journey?

A: Ever since she was a girl she wanted to travel, she dreamed of being an Air Hostess or a Courier, but she's married to a man who doesn't like to travel so when her friend Jane gives her the opportunity of getting away for a fortnight, it's almost too good to be true.

Q: What does she learn? And how does (or does it) change her in any way? Could she has experienced this while staying home (in England)?

A: She learns to like herself again, she learns that she really is a brave, marvelous sexy woman who's not to old to have another adventure. She also learns that nothing is ever how we envision it to be, but that if we're open to possibilities, it can be so much more than we expected. I don't believe Shirley could have experienced what she did if she had stayed in England. Her life at home had grown stagnant, routine and in many ways she felt trapped. She needed an entirely new surrounding to have the experiences that she had. She lost herself in the caring of others and became someone she didn't recognize anymore, in getting away from her home she reclaimed her individuality again, her sense of self and self worth. Realizing she was more than a wife and mother and next door neighbor, she was Shirley Valentine!

Q: What does Greece – a foreign/far away country-represent in this performance?

A: I think it represents a new beginning, a chance to reclaim who she is, a chance to fulfill a life long dream of traveling.

Q: Has Shirley’s journey touched you as a woman and a theatrical artist?

A: Most definitely. For one thing there are a truck load of lines to learn, 64 pages to be exact, not to mention that Shirley acts out 14 other characters. As a theatrical artist it's been a challenge and a huge learning experience. I've had to trust myself, and my wonderful Director John Shillington to find my own bravery and take a big leap of faith that I could do this.

As a woman, and an actress, I take that journey with Shirley every night and it is most empowering. I always feel more in touch with my true authentic self when its over. I feel that I claim my power, my beauty and my epic courage. Shirley Valentine has been and continues to be a beautiful gift in my life, one that I will always treasure and never forget.

Q: What relevance does this story line have for today’s theater goers?

A: Shirley talks near the end of the play about life and how the issues are not just about what happens to her and to other women, but how it's the same for all of us, men included. The play is, at its core, about finding yourself in a life that you did not plan for, where you can't remember what happened or how you got there, that it's not what you want anymore, and that the life you could live is still out there, that we can reinvent ourselves at anytime, at any age, to be the people we can and want to be, to live our life large!

Q: Do you think this one-woman show tells/shows us anything about our humanity? If so, what?

A: Yes! It tells us all that we can change, that we have more life in us than we can possibly imagine and that we just need to have faith, take a leap, and be courageous. That we don't need to stay stuck in a life that does not serve us or help us to be our best selves.

Q: What attracted you to this particular play?

A: When I auditioned for this play all I knew was that I had loved the movie, thought the character of Shirley was funny and charming and thought I'd like to try my hand at doing a One Woman show. I had no idea the journey she would take me on as an artist or as a person. I am blessed to have found her!

Q: Do you and Shirley Valentine share any characteristics, beliefs, etc.? If so, what?

A: I went through a period in my life several years ago after suffering great loss where I was always in fear, I felt I had no courage, and believed that my life would always be that way. Through the love of my husband ( who is nothing like Shirley's Joe), my family and the Theatre, I came out of that period to discover I had more courage than I ever thought possible. I came to believe again that I am a worthy, vibrant, graceful and phenomenal Woman! Just like Shirley Valentine!

I am a strong believer that art can change lives, can lift us up, can reflect our best and worst selves back to us. I believe that the Theatre can save lives, it saved mine.

Show Details:

WHERE: Cinnabar Theater

3333 Petaluma, Blvd. North, Petaluma, CA

WHEN:
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
2 p.m. Sundays on June 5 and June 12

TICKETS: $15 to $25
General: $25, Seniors 65 and over: $22, Under 30: $15

Contact: 707-763-8920

VIDEO: http://ow.ly/4U8Gl

Fun Facts: Mother's Day

2011-05-01T14:54:00.001-07:00

Compliments of Gatehouse News Service:

The driving force behind Mother's Day was Anna Jarvis, who organized observances in Grafton, W.Va., and Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. As the annual celebration became popular around the country, Jarvis asked members of Congress to set aside a day to honor mothers. She finally succeeded in 1914, when Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

The following information is from the United States Census Bureau

How Many Mothers

85.4 million Estimated number of mothers in the United States in 2008.

54 percent Percentage of 15- to 44-year-old women who were mothers in 2008.

82 percent Percentage of women 40 to 44 who had given birth as of 2008. In 1976, 90 percent of women in that age group had given birth.

How Many Children

2.6 The total fertility rate or number of births in 2008 per woman in Utah (based on current birth rates by age), which led the nation. At the other end of the spectrum is Vermont, with a total fertility rate of 1.7 births per woman.

94 percent Among the 37.8 million mothers living with children younger than 18 in 2004, the percentage who lived with their biological children only. In addition, 3 percent lived with stepchildren, 2 percent with any adopted children and less than 1 percent with any foster children.

Moms Who've Recently Given Birth

4.13 million Number of births registered in the United States in 2009. Of this number, 409,840 were to teens 15 to 19 and 7,934 to mothers 45 to 54.

25.1 Average age of women in 2008 when they gave birth for the first time, up from 25.0 years in 2006 and 2007. The increase in the mean age from 2007 to 2008 reflects, in part, the relatively large decline in births to women under age 25 compared with the small decline for women in the 25-39 age bracket.

40 percent Percentage of births that were the mother's first in 2008. Another 32 percent were the second-born; 17 percent, third; and 7 percent, fourth.

18,986 Number of births in 2008 that were the mother's eighth or more.

42,746 Number of births in 2008 that did not occur in hospitals. Of these, 28,357 were in a residence (home) and 12,014 were in a freestanding birthing center.

32.6 Number of twin births per 1,000 total births in 2008, the highest rate on record.

6,268 Number of triplet and higher order multiple births in 2008, the lowest number reported in more than a decade. The 2008 triplet and higher order multiple total included 5,877 triplets, 345 quadruplets, and 46 quintuplets and higher order multiples.

July. The month with the highest number of births, with 375,384 in 2008.

Tuesday. The most common day to deliver, with an average of 13,415 births taking place on Tuesdays in 2008.

Jacob and Isabella. The most popular baby names for boys and girls, respectively, in 2009.

71 Number of births in the past year per 1,000 women 15 to 50 with a graduate or professional degree. These women have a higher fertility rate than those with any other level of education.

Mothers Remembered

18,509 Number of florist establishments nationwide in 2008. The 89,741 employees in floral shops across our nation will be especially busy preparing, selling and delivering floral arrangements for Mother's Day.

85 percent The percentage of single-race Asians 25 and older who had at least a high school diploma. This is not statistically different from the percentage for the total population or the percentage of Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander alone, 85 and 86 percent respectively.

11,715 Number of employees of the 107 greeting-card publishing establishments in 2008.

14,027 The number of cosmetics, beauty supplies and perfume stores nationwide in 2008. Perfume is a popular gift given on Mother's Day.

Asparagus: White Gold

2011-04-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

Food lore has always been one of the most fascinating and versatile elements of folk lore. How to prepare, tend, hunt and harvest this basic source of sustenance of life (besides water) has long been the focus of community and individual care and concern. Intricately woven together with the mysteries of life, such as birth and death, food customs and traditions have held societies together. Consider for example the Sikh dietary practice of not eating meat, the Catholic custom of not eating meat on Friday or the Jewish tradition of keeping kosher. These are only a few examples of ways in which societies have identified themselves through their food ways.

As societies have expanded their reach from one continent to another they have either brought with them important foods to grow in their new locations, like corn kernels or they have modified and/or given new meaning and purpose to the foods they have come upon, like asparagus.

This spring vegetable has found its ways into meals around the globe. A flowering perennial plan, it was once thought to be part of the lily family. Also considered to have been related to onions and garlic it is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and Western Asia.

Asparagus has been used from early times as a vegetable and medicine, owing to its delicate flavor and diuretic properties. In fact, a recipe for cooking asparagus can be found in the oldest surviving book of recipes, De re coquinaria. It was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, who ate it fresh when in season and dried the vegetable for use in winter. Asparagus is pictured on an Egyptian frieze dating to 3000 BC.

Around the world, asparagus shoots are prepared and served in many ways. Often as an appetizer or vegetable side dish. In Asian-style cooking, asparagus is often stir-fried. It can be quickly grilled over charcoal or hardwood embers and is also used as an ingredient in some stews and soups. In the French style, it is often boiled or steamed and served with hollandaise sauce or melted butter.

Tall, narrow asparagus cooking pots allow the shoots to be steamed gently, their tips staying out of the water. In recent years, almost as a cycle dating back to early culinary habits, asparagus has regained its popularity eaten raw as a component of a salad.

Did you know this about asparagus?

· The Romans prized asparagus. In the first century, runners took asparagus from the Tiber River valley to the Alps so that it could be frozen and thus preserved for the Feast of Epicurus.

· King Louis XIV had asparagus grown in his greenhouses so that he could enjoy it year round.

· In continental northern Europe where asparagus has a short growing season, local white asparagus is in such high demand, it’s been nicknamed "white gold".

· European colonists brought it to America where Native Americans used it for medicine.

Here are few asparagus recipes:

-- Asparagus Quiche

-- Asian Beef Wrapped Asparagus

-- Asparagus Potato Salad

Slavery Emancipation Folklore

2011-04-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Folklore exists on both sides of the human fence, so to speak. Those traditions, morals and customs that reflect the best values fall on one side and on the other side are those behaviors, attitudes and practices that represent the darker side of our humanity. And, regardless of culture or geographic boundaries, both exist in all cultures.

In America one example of our best value is freedom. Freedom of speech and freedom to practice religion as one sees fit are among the cornerstones of our democracy. In fact, the Declaration of Independence was built upon it.

Here is an example of the darker side of that same American fence. It involves behaviors and attitudes about what freedom is and for whom: slavery. People, primarily those brought over from Africa to work as slave labor, were excluded from having the rights and privileges afforded others in that great declaration which, ironically, granted the right to men (not women), regardless of race, to be treated as human beings.

It took almost 200 years for our country to take at least a legal stand against the original decision/compromise that basically decreed that slaves were property, not people.

From 1619 to 1865, formal slavery was legal. According to some accounts there were about four million slaves in the United States by 1860. It would be two years after that – on April 16, 1862 - that that President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, which freed more than 3000 slaves in the District of Columbia. But it wasn’t until 1865, after the American Civil War that slavery officially ended in the rest of the United States.

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified by 30 of the then 36 states in 1865. It would be more than 100 years after that before it would be ratified in Mississippi.

Emancipation Day in Washington DC marks the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act. On January 4, 2005, legislation was signed to make Emancipation Day an official public holiday in the District of Columbia. Elsewhere in the United States, the emancipation of slaves is celebrated in only these states and territories:

· Florida

· Texas

· Mississippi

· Washington DC

· Puerto Rico

· U.S. Virgin Islands

Amazingly, in the other states where, no doubt, slavery existed – especially where Native Americans and Mexicans were enslaved- the day is not observed. And what of those six states that did not ratify the Thirteenth Amendment?

There is no doubt that this darker side of our humanity is not specifically American. Slavery has long been a force among people for eons and, as such, continues to reflect what still needs to be addressed - as often as it takes to eradicate it.

Vaisakhi: A Time of Worship and Celebration

2011-04-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

My friend Harminder Bhandal Singh lives in Punjab and every once in a while shares with me wonderful stories about India where she lives with her husband and two beautiful children. She recently read my blog post about Flying Kites http://folkheartpressblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/flying-folktales-i.html and wrote to tell me the post made her, first of all, miss America where she grew up and, secondly, reminded her of Vaisakhi, a harvest festival and one of the most significant holidays in the Sikh calendar.

Being a generous woman (and a dear friend), she said yes when I asked her to write about this celebration for Folkheart Press. So here it is. If you can, please take a few moments to comment on what she has written. I know she’d love to hear what you thought.

In the northern Indian state of Punjab the month of April brings with it a time of harvesting, rejoicing and above it all worship. April is when the entire state celebrates the coming of the harvest of wheat. Wheat is Punjab’s primary crop and the main staple in the Indian diet. The harvest season officially begins on the 13^th of April known as Vaisakhi, which is the Birth of the Khalsa (Sikhism). This day is honored throughout the homes and churches everywhere with prayers and colorful festivals.

Almost everyone goes to Gurudwara (church) and then attends a local festival complete with traditional dress, dancing and food. For all Sikhs this is a very important day because this was the day that Sikhism was officially initiated as a religion.

It was on this day over 300 years ago that the 10^th Guru of the Sikhs (sri Guru Gubind Singh) called all his devotees to Anandpur Sahib and asked for five heads. He declared on these five heads shall rise a new man. Everyone looked around and thought Guru Ji had gone crazy. However, history noted that out of the crowd stood up five men one by one and each one Guru Ji took with him behind a door and came out with a bloody sword.

It is said that Guru Ji severed the heads of the five men and later with spirit of the Amrit (Immortal drink) brought them back to life. From that forward Guru Ji announced that wherever five Sikhs shall come together and stand as one, I shall be seen in them. That is why to this day whenever anyone takes the Amrit it is given by five Sikhs.

From that day to today Vaisakhi is celebrated with fervor and vigor throughout the entire world. The festivals of Vaisakhi have followed Sikhs all over the World. However the biggest festival even today is in the holy land of Anandpur Sahib. A day when people from all over the world travel to this holy city and pay homage to both Guru Ji and Sikhism.

Cabaret: Heroine's Journey

2011-04-03T15:56:00.001-07:00

Every day folk heroes and heroines are people – real or imagined - who have faced and overcome internal and/or external challenges. Most people are familiar with the obstacles: fear, greed, anger, laziness, etc. There are countless songs, stories, rhymes, games, legends and movies about how these folk go on a quest – a journey - to find their destiny. They leave the familiar world behind (i.e., village or family) and discover along the way that the world is more complicated than they originally thought it was and that it takes character to be able to learn how to hold onto one’s self and one’s values. Those values, of course, are the morals and ethics of a particular culture at a certain time and place.

Sally Bowles, the star of the popular Broadway musical "Cabaret" is a classic example of a relatively contemporary heroine’s journey. The 19 year old English actress and cabaret singer goes to Berlin with dreams of stardom. It is against the backdrop of Berlin in the 1930’s (Nazi Germany) that she clings to her dreams despite the all too real fears she and her newly-found friends and acquaintances must live with each day.

I recently interviewed award winning actress Marjorie Rose Taylor about Sally Bowles and about the role of theater – performing arts – in the folklore landscape. Taylor, a North San Francisco Bay Area resident and graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, plays the role of Sally Bowles in the 6^th Street Playhouse (Santa Rosa) production of "Cabaret" which runs April 15-May 15:

Q: Sally Bowles is, in many ways, a folk heroine. She takes a journey far away from home in the hopes of finding stardom. What character traits do you think a performer needs to possess in order to take such a journey?

A: The first thing that comes to mind is drive and determination. Especially in Sally’s case, she has a complete belief in herself and will stop at nothing to achieve her goals.

Q: In general what character traits/values are important in theater?

A: Accountability, imagination and also flexibility in working with an ensemble and your director. In the case of “Cabaret,” it was really important and exciting for me to immerse myself in all the different versions of the story and the play as well as different resources regarding the time and the history in which “Cabaret” takes place.

Q: Set in 1930 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, the play focuses on nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around Sally Bowles and her relationship with the young American writer Cliff Bradshaw. What relevance does this story line have for today’s theater goers?

A: It has such an extreme relevance for today’s theater goers. We’re in a time of economic recession and yet we’re still grasping on so tightly to dreams we had. And thinking of the characters in “Cabaret” – they’re not perfect - they have their flaws…but are still clinging to their dreams despite the impending doom.

Today we are at the breaking point of change, with world politics and the economy, somebody coming to see “Cabaret” today will certainly see the possibilities in the reflection.

Q: Do you think this play tells/shows us anything about our humanity?If so, what?

A: The most interesting thing I see is that these characters (particularly the Kit Kat Klub performers) teach us about humanity because they are putting up a fight until the end of the show - they are not giving into the fear. And they’re choosing to stand strong and hold on to themselves, despite the world crashing down around them.

Q: What attracted you to this particular play?

A: What has always attracted me to this play is the completely three-dimensional story with its brilliant music score of classic songs and great book. What you get is a musical that isn’t all fluff. It’s a musical that shocks, titillates, potential scares and definitely makes you think.

Q: What role does theater play in our lives/society/culture?

A: Just as the Emcee says in “Cabaret” - “leave your trouble outside, in here, life is beautiful.” The theater provides a haven for people to leave their daily worries behind and to enter a space a suspended disbelief – to be entertained, to learn and to be inspired and provoked.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your own journey as an actress?

A: I’m still very much on the journey. I’m compiling my training and I’m approaching things in a different way. When I was a was a teen, I’ll be the first to admit it, I was lucky enough to just “phone it in.” But now, I’ve become more intellectual about the research and during the process of rehearsal I’m learning to let everything go and act from instinct and natural reactions.

April Fools Day Folklore

2011-03-25T19:30:00.001-07:00

April Fools Day – April 1 – is right around the corner. Although it is not a legal holiday it is a day of jokes, pranks and foolish merriment. Celebrated around the world, its actual origins aren’t clear. Some say that the initial Julian (Roman) calendar marked March 25-April 1 as the first week of the new year, in keeping with the arrival of spring. The Gregorian calendar rearranged the starting point of the new year and those who continued to observe the Julian new year were, it was said, fools.

Historically, April Fools’ Day is referenced in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (1392) story, “Nuns Priest’s Tale”. It was on the 32^nd day of March (April 1) that a fox tricked Chauntecleer. The Flemish poet Eduard de Dene wrote in 1539 of a nobleman who sent his servants on foolish errands on April1. During the Middle Ages, the week long extravaganza of tom foolery was still observed in many European countries.

In New Zealand, UK, Australia and South Africa the jokes and pranks stop at noon. Those who continue to play jokes and pull pranks are called April Fools. In fact, it is common for newspapers in the UK to run an April Fool front page in the morning edition only. Elsewhere, the jesting lasts all day.

For fun, here is a partial list of how/when other countries celebrate foolishness.

· Iran: On Norwez (Persian New Year) which falls on the first or second day of April people play jokes on each other on the 13^th day of celebration which is known as Sizdah Bedar and dates back to 536 B.C.

· Korea: The first snowy day of the year was a time for the royal family and their attendants to fool one another regardless of their status. The pranks were benevolent.

· Scotland: Hunt-the-Gowk Day ("gowk" is Gaelic for a foolish person) took place on April 1. The game involved the delivery of a message requesting help. The recipient would explain he can only help if he first contacts another person, and sends the victim to this person with an identical message, with the same result.

Folk Music: Mandolin

2011-03-19T10:29:00.001-07:00

The mandolin is a mainstay in many folk music circles. Originally a single-stringed instrument depicted in cave paintings and murals 15,000 to 8000 BC, it is closely affiliated with the lute family. The word lute is derived from the Arabic al‘ud (العود and literally means "the wood".

Designed to be plucked, struck or bowed the lute can be traced back to Mesopotamia and records indicate it appeared in Spain, ala the Moors around 711 AD.

As we know it today, the mandolin of Italy evolved from the 14^th century mandora, a miniature lute that had frets. The mandora – also known as mandolina- was often referred to as the Baroque mandoline or cat-banjo (strung with cat guts). Over time the instrument spread around Europe and continued to be modified, as is the nature of folklore that is adapted by the folk who use it.

The Neapolitan mandolin which originated in Naples, for example was distinguished by an almond-shaped body with a bowled back constructed from curved strips of wood and often bore a tortoise shell strike plate. The Neapolitan style of mandolin construction was adopted and developed by others, notably in Rome, giving two distinct but similar types of mandolin — Neapolitan and Roman.

By the twentieth century the mandolin was a staple of Celtic, bluegrass and jazz. In fact, in America it was thought to be a fad instrument from the turn of the 20th century to the mid-1920s, and was marketed by music teacher-dealers as featured in the popular musical “The Music Man.”

In the United Kingdom it has been a cornerstone of traditional English and Scottish music and has found its way into the British Rock music scene.

The mandolin, now the center of select orchestras that play bluegrass as well as light classical music, has found its place on the folk music landscape and continues to increase in popularity.

Want to hear some mandolin music?

Magical Mandolins

Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Mandolins

The Folklore of March Madness

2011-03-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

So what exactly is March Madness and how is that folklore?

March Madness is a basketball championship that is held each spring in the United States. 68 college teams participate in this fast paced elimination tournament that was created in 1939 by Phog Allen, a Kansas coach. With most of the games held in March, it has become one of this country’s most prominent sporting events.

Overall, sports are competitive games that have their roots in specific communities of origin. As community folklore many of them have been modified to suit their new environment. For example bowling which can be traced back to ancient Egypt. By the 14th century it had become popular in England. In Italy the same game of rolling a ball and knocking down pins was known as bocci.

Now, back to basketball. It was developed in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith who was charged with creating a new indoor sports activity. According to NBC.Com, the activity was designed as a physical education class at the international YMCA training school in Massachusetts. Originally the hoop was a peach basket that hung ten feet above the floor.

March Madness is an off-shoot that developed only decades after the game itself came into being. It was a way to spotlight college basketball (which is where many professional basketball players are drafted from). Remember, too, that college basketball players are still considered 'amateur' so they are not measured against their professional counterparts.

In general, folklore sports are a very vibrant category of folklore; always present in most cultures it is a physical example of several key social values: sportsmanship, ability to compete and working with others as a team.

All sports also produce sports heroes - men and women - who achieve through skill and applied determination a standard of excellence. These athletes represent the best of the best, so to speak. In turn these figures become folk heroes/heroines; people who are admired for their talents and leadership. Because many athletes come from adverse circumstances, they also represent what is possible for others who may also be in less than fortunate circumstances. They also serve as a rally cry for people who might not otherwise not come together as a larger community; one that can provide hometown, college, statewide and/or national pride.

An interesting twist in our American cultural values is the addition of wealth as another element of heroic success that many sports folk heroes/heroines gain during their careers. Unfortunately, sports fans can, and often do, forget about the other values that contribute to being a sports folk hero/heroine. It will be very interesting to see how sports as an element of community folklore continues to evolve.

Here are some basketball folk heroes/heroines:
Gene Englund
Nate Thurmond
Nikki Caldwell
Magic Johnson

Nestle and Soar: Fiber FolkArts

2011-03-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

Folk art is as time honored as any other folk lore tradition. Utilizing common, every day materials, folk artists make everyday items beautiful. Unlike ‘fine art’ folk art is not confined to just being ‘a thing of beauty’. It is also practice and useful with designs that are meaningful to the community where the items will be used. Think scarecrows, quilts and hand-painted plates.
Treasured by generations long after a folk art item has ceased to be functional, it still continues to tell a story about a time, a place and/or a person. Visually, it represents a local expression of a universal theme. An example of this can be found in the work Folk Artist Georgianne Holland, owner of Nestle and Soar Studio in Colorado. She infuses the centuries' old tradition of needlework with her own unique perspective of the natural world. Here is what she has to say about her folk art:

A member of the fiber art community for over 20 years, my current contemporary folk art is a reflection of my love for natural science, along with a touch of whimsy. I use folk art as a way to express a passion for designs found in nature.

Birds and trees are often featured in my work. I feel a kinship to those who work toward preserving and celebrating animal and plant life, many who also use nature as the reference in their home décor and lifestyle. Through my folk art I promote organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation.*

I work primarily with wool fiber and the ancient craft of needle felting by hand involves the repetitive stabbing motion of a single barbed needle through many layers of wool roving onto a foundational fabric. This repetitive up and down needle motion causes the wool roving to adhere to itself (and eventually, to the foundational fabric), which is also called dry felting. In this artistic process, dozens of colors of wool are used to create a single bird or tree design. Added to this is the embellishment of my folk art using wool crewel yarn, beads, and buttons, making my fiber art original, sturdy, textured, and full of personality.

I chose my studio’s name because of my love of the energy in both nesting and gliding…everyone deserves the chance to nestle and soar!

Like countless other folk artists before me, I do not have a formal art education. When it comes to the idea that folk art is “naïve art” this suggests that the untrained artist did the best he or she could with the materials and supplies at hand. I can relate to this as my fiber art background includes my family’s involvement with the quilt making community since 1969. Over the years, I watched many quilters practice techniques that they learned at the knee of their grandmother or favorite aunt, or, they even made up themselves as they went along! It has been my pleasure to learn the needle arts by watching hundreds of talented artists flourish and create. What a wonderful educational path!

Folk art has been described as both utilitarian and decorative and can utilize countless mediums. This free-form path seems to unite those who love it, as a folk art community, we appreciate the effort involved---such as the long hours involved in the creation of handmade needle work. I also love the “Make-Do” attitude of folk artists, for when traditional materials are unavailable, new materials are often substituted, resulting in contemporary expressions of traditional folk art forms. Folk artists traditionally learn skills and techniques through apprenticeships in informal community settings, like I did, but they can also be formally educated or even self-taught. When it comes to dry felting, I am self-taught, and it was a series of trial and error experiences that has brought me to what you now see in my Nestle and Soar Studio. In the coming year I have determined I should spend time in other fiber folk artist’s studios. It would do my heart and my art good to learn more about wool and felt from other passionate artists.

*NOTE: Whenever you order an item of folk art from Nestle and Soar, a tree will be planted in your honor in our National Forests through the Arbor Day Foundation.

The Weatherlore of March

2011-03-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

Weather has long been a popular folklore subject. So popular, in fact, that people have created songs, rhymes and games to explain or expel weather conditions. Over time scientific observations have proven these evaluations/explanations to be pretty accurate. Here are a few fun sayings:

If a circle forms ‘round the moon, ‘twill rain or snow soon.
The undesirable weather fronts that punctuate March can make for agricultural crises. For generations, people have been watching the moon for signs of what will be. For example, the ring that sometimes circles the moon is caused by high-level clouds that are made of ice crystals. This ring can often be a predictor for upcoming low pressure systems. This means wet weather.

Cold is the night . . .When the stars shine bright.
Stars and other celestial bodies appear brighter in clear skies. Moisture in the air will dim these heavenly bodies because it tends to hold in the day's heat. This, of course, means warmer temperatures. In reverse, the drier the colder the temperatures and the brighter the stars.

“If birds fly low, then rain we shall know.”
Birds fly at lower altitudes when there is a drop in air pressure. The heavier air is more difficult to fly through. A drop in air pressure causes air to become “heavier,” making it harder for birds to fly at higher altitudes. People pay attention to this because could mean bad weather (storms, rain, etc.)

Mardi Gras' King Cake

2011-02-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras is a very popular celebration. All around the world people are preparing for colorful parades, festive carnivals, all night dancing, outrageous and often flamboyant costumes, and the traditional foods that mark this special time of year.

Originally a pagan Spring ritual, Mardi Gras (which means “Fat Tuesday” in French) occurs right before the Christian Lent season begins. This year it takes place March 8. Also known as Shrove Tuesday – the day before Ash Wednesday – it has come to represent the temporary putting way or leaving behind of physical pleasures so that one can enter into a more solemn, contemplative “other than worldly’ period of time.

The King Cake is one of the more popular foods served during this time. The custom surrounding this cake celebrates the Epiphany, when Three Wise Men/Kings who were said to come bearing gifts for the Christ Child. This visit took place twelve nights after Christmas and today’s Epiphany continues to be a time for people to exchange gifts and gather together for festival meals.

The cake itself represents the three kings who traveled from far away. Circular in shape it generally is a cinnamon-filled dough that is topped with a glaze sprinkled with sugar that has been colored purple, green, and/or gold. Other contemporary fillings and toppings range from fruit spreads and jams to sweetened cream cheese and butter.

It also contains a plastic or ceramic baby that is baked right into the dough. Traditionally, whoever receives the slice of cake with the baby in it is supposed to present the next King Cake the following year. He or she may also be expected to host the next King’s Cake gathering. At some gatherings, there are many babies in the cake so that everyone can feel like ‘a king’.

Hands down, it is the dessert of choice in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and, in fact, has such a following that many of these cakes are shipped across the country for those who want a taste of Mardi Gras New Orlean’s style.

Here are links to a few recipes:

Mardi Gras King Cake

Easy Mardi Gras King Cake

Gluten Free King Cake

Mini King Cake for Kids

All of the Presidents in February

2011-02-15T11:34:00.001-08:00

February has quite a few folk traditions to its credit. Besides Valentine’s Day, it is also when the Chinese New Year takes place in America, is the final month of the Winter season and is when we American’s acknowledge our Presidents.

President’s Day itself can be traced back to the birthday of our first President George Washington. Born on February 22, 1732. During his term as president, his birthday became known as Washington’s Birthday. It didn’t become a national holiday until 1832.

President Abraham Lincoln was also a February baby. Born on February 12, 1809, there was not a national birthday celebration until the year after he was assassinated.

Fast forward to 1968 when the Congress voted to make Monday the day federal holidays would be celebrated. The result was that particular weekend, the third in the month, became a three-day holiday. Congress also voted to toss President Richard Nixon’s birthday into the mix as well. Shortly thereafter the holiday became a holiday for all of the nation’s presidents whether or not they were born in February.

So, for fun, here is a Presidential pop-quiz. See how much you know about our country’s leaders.

Questions:

Q: Why did Abraham Lincoln wear a tall black stovepipe hat?

Q: Which one of our president’s was the only unmarried man ever to be elected?

Q: The 20^th president, James Garfield could do what with the Greek and Latin languages?

Q; What Potomac River water sport did President James Quincy Adams enjoy?

Before we get to the answers, here are some fun February weather lore tidbits:

Married in February's sleety weather, Life you'll tread in tune together.
Violent north winds in February herald a fertile year.
If February gives much snow, A fine summer it doth foreshow.
Frogs in February mean frosts in May

Answers:

A: Because he carried letters, bills and notes inside the hat and needed lots of room for them.

A: James Buchanan. He was engaged once. His fiancee broke off the engagement and he remained unmarried all his life.

A: He was ambidextrous and could write Greek with one hand while writing Latin with the other.

A: In warm weather he would go skinny-dipping in the Potomac River before dawn.

Happy February!

Valentines' Day Folklore, Folktales & Folk Art

2011-02-11T17:21:00.001-08:00

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. On Monday we will be celebrating one version or other of Valentine’s Day. Either we will be romancing a loved one or reminding a family member of friend how special they are to us.

In the world of folklore there are many ways to express your feelings.

You can sing someone a song, you can bake cookies, send chocolate and flowers, write someone a poem about a special memory or make and send a card with a personal message.

Before you get going, though, here’s some folklore about this February 14^th tradition to give whatever you do more meaning:

Exact details about the 14^th of February are not archived anywhere. It is only through legends that we have the St. Valentine’s Day story.

Said to be of both ancient Christina and Roman Traidtions, the holiday is believed to have originated from the fertility celebration of Lupercalis/Lupercalia that took place on February 15. Pagan holidays, such as this one took on new meaning under the rule of Christianity which dedicated celebrations to early Christina martyrs.

Records do show that Pope Gelasius, in 496 A.D. turned the celebration into a Christian feast day for Saint Valentine, a Roman martyr who lived in the 3rd century. And he changed the date from the 15^th to the 14^th.

For the Roman, Valentine’s Day traditions included men giving handwritten greetings of affection, known as Valentines, to the women they admired. In the 18^th century, gift-giving and card exchanges became common in countries like England. Eventually these activities made their way to America and in the 1840’s Valentine's Day greeting cards began to be commercially produced in the U.S.

The more personal Valentine’s Day gifts, of course, are handmade/homemade. So think about writing a vignette that tells in folktale fashion how someone is your hero or heroine. If you have decided to give someone a special gift, tell them in a handmade card why that gift was chosen for them.

To help you with folk art ideas to accompany your folktale, here are a few sites that offer fun, free ideas:

Valentine’s Day Coloring Pages

Crochet your own American Folk Art Heart

Valentine’s Day Clip Ar t

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Animal Folklore: the Chinese Dragon

2011-02-08T17:10:00.001-08:00

Animals in folklore are very common. Dragons, in particular, are powerful, magical animal that can be benevolent or evil, depending upon where they show up in legends and folklore. From Grendel in English literature’s Beowulf to Vitra, the Hindu Dragon of the Waters to the Chinese Imperial dragon that is celebrated in Chinese New Years’ Day parades, it is a mythical force to be reckoned with.

In Oriental cultures, the dragon is a supreme force that represents both celestial and terrestrial wisdom and strength. These water-based animals are believed to bring wealth and good luck and can, according to Chinese folklore, bring rain for crops. The dragon often associated with the Chinese New Year parades is a protector against spirits that could otherwise ruin the upcoming year.

Traditionally portrayed in Chinese art as long, scaled serpentine creatures with four legs they are, unlike their European counterparts, primarily a positive symbol.

As an imperial sign, the dragon was a form taken by the first legendary Emperor when he ascended to Heaven. Emperor Huang Di’s brother Yan Di was also a legendary Emperor who was born by his mother’s spiritual connection with a mythic dragon. From then on the imperial throne was known as the Dragon Throne and that particular dragon (with five claws on each foot) became the Imperial Dragon which appears in carvings at the Forbidden City.

In all there are nine types of Chinese dragon. Here is an overview of four of them:

· The Dragon King: This is actually four distinct dragons each of which rules over the four seas. They can change into the form of a human and are guarded by shellfish soliders.

· Shenlong, the Spiritual Dragon: This creature generates wind and rain for the benefit of all.

· Dilong: Earth Dragons who rule over the rivers and streams. They are the female counterpart of the Shenlong.

· Tinalong: These Celestial Dragons pull the chariots of the Chinese gods and also guard their dwellings.

For more information about Oriental dragons, visit these sites:

Chinese Dragon Myths and Legends

Japanse and Chinese Dragon Myths and Stories

When Dreams Go Bad

2011-02-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

The world of dreams has long fascinated scientists, mystics and artists. Dream imagery has archetypal significance. As universal symbols, their mythological and folkloric interpretations are what make these sleep time symbols meaningful to a particular culture or society. Individual interpretation is what makes them personal and unique.

So what's in our dreams and why should we care?

I recently interviewed dream consultant, Dream Talk Radio host and author Anne Hill, D. Min. about these questions. Author of What To Do When Dreams Go Bad: A Practical Guide to Nightmares, founder of Creative Content Coaching, expert speaker and contributor to Huffington Post and SageWoman Magazine she shared with me a wealth of knowledge about how dreams fit into the weave of our lives.

Q: Why did you decide to write What To Do When Dreams Go Bad?

A: I wrote the book as a response to a nightmare I had while presenting a workshop that dealt with participants’ nightmare material. In working with my dream I realized that the (seemingly) threatening figure was actually more of a challenger, opening my eyes to something that was right in front of me but I had been unaware of. I understood that to mean a couple different things, and one of them was that it was time for me to write a guide to nightmares.

Q: There are many folklore/mythological themes (motifs) in dreams. Are there certain motifs that are more common than others?

A: I think the appearance of certain universal dream themes is cyclical, and that interests me very much. For instance, I heard literally dozens of reports from people this month who had tidal wave dreams around the first of the year. In the middle of this month, there was a cluster of dream reports having to do with the sudden death of children.

This is all anecdotal, of course, but I tend to look for patterns in what I hear, as a way of maybe tuning into a more regional or cultural level of meaning in the dreams of individuals.

Q: Sleep plays many roles in our culture. It’s about physical rest/restoration and it’s also about a time of day that has often been imbued with qualities that are mystical, even magical. Are there other roles?

A: We also have phrases like “asleep at the wheel” and “daydreaming,” which usually mean that someone is not paying attention or is “out of it” when they need to be more awake. Meanwhile, there are so many people with sleep disorders—diagnosed and undiagnosed—that prevent them from getting the restorative sleep they need at night. Hence their inability to track things during the day, and the tragedies that arise from people who take sleep aids that make them do irrational or dangerous things while essentially sleepwalking. There is so much about sleep that we don’t understand, but fortunately more attention is being focused on the fact that sleep deprivation is a public safety as well as a mental health issue.

I think everyone longs for a better balance of wakefulness and energy during the day, along with a deep sleep at night that helps them connect to the mysteries and wisdom of the dream world. The good news is that there are so many pieces of this puzzle coming to light, and lots of specialized attention available for people who need help with their sleep patterns or their dream material.

Q: Can you cite an example of how dreams or nightmares challenge us to live up to our potential?

A: In the case of my nightmare, it scared me so badly I woke up petrified. The figure in the dream seemed so real and so threatening—there was a heavy emotional charge to the dream. But one of the practices I use with my own dreams is to pretend I am a reporter, looking for “just the facts, ma’am.” I took a step away from the emotional content and looked at what exactly was happening and what exactly I saw in the dream. As is so often the case, the literal truth of the dream was different from what I felt was happening.

This is one of the keys to understanding dreams: they are brilliant in the way they sharpen our perceptions. So many times in our lives something will be happening, or be on the verge of happening, and all we know is how threatening or scary it feels. Our emotional reaction may be way out of line with what is actually going on. Dreams that come in the form of nightmares highlight this disparity really well, and can help us re-focus on the real issues at hand rather than staying in fear.

Dreams can also accurately predict future events, warn us of potential dangers, and point out opportunities that we otherwise would have missed. The more we work with dreams, the more likely we are to recognize this information when it comes. That is one of the real cumulative benefits of paying attention to dreams over a lifetime.

Q: Do (and if so, how) night dreams differ day dreams?

A: Most dream researchers would agree that they are on the same continuum of dreaming to waking consciousness. There has been some really interesting research done about how a little daydreaming—even an afternoon nap—helps us remember things we have just learned, and makes us better at test-taking and other stress situations. In terms of dreamwork, I see no real difference between night and day dreams. And sometimes people who don’t remember their nighttime dreams have very detailed recall of their daydreams, so that is a good place to start in exploring what their dreaming mind is up to.

Bali: A Traveler's Folktale

2011-01-25T14:40:00.001-08:00

Vacations and other travel opportunities can be the basis for some pretty interesting folktales. The traveler gets to share his or her feelings and thoughts about a special place that touched them in some memorable way.

For Bonnie Clark, owner of Lotus Healing Massage & Yoga the folklore motif of travel to an exotic place is a perfect fit. In this case the place is Bali.

Bonnie travels as a yoga teacher with Spirit Tours. The small group arrangement allows for personalized attention and that’s something Bonnie believes is important when it comes to visiting places that emanate spirituality.

Here is Bonnie’s folktale –story- about Bali:

I have always loved to travel. It's my kind of adventure to explore different types of people, customs, wildlife, botanical treasures, art and so forth. I have done quite a bit of travel and I found that Bali holds an additional
strong attraction. Its very structure seems to have been woven from an intertwining of art and spirituality. That makes a place like Bali perfect for learning more about the world and for our travelers to learn more about themselves.

When I did this trip in 2009, I felt like I was coming home to "Heaven on Earth". Bali exudes a fragrance of hospitality, beauty and grace and most of all......love. Jim Cramer, the Spirit Tour guide, having lived in Bali for ten years immersed in the culture (actually accepted into the temple dancing) and knowing the Balinese, allowed us access to the "real" Bali, including a visit to a family compound. This year’s trip includes a cooking class and a five day stay at the main art center.
There is beauty everywhere in Bali … in the lotus flowers, the rice
fields, the buildings, the clothing and especially in the genuine smiles given freely by the Balinese!

The word for artist doesn’t exist in Bali because everyone is an artist. Art and tourism are their two main sources of income. We saw wood carvings, mask making, batiks, weaving, painting, jewelry making, dancing, music and
more. Overall, there is an artistry in the way the Balinese live.

This artistry is represented in the Balinese spirituality and the way they express it. Each day starts with a beautiful ritual including fresh delicate flowers offered up to God. They do have some exquisite arrangements but the sweetness of the people surpasses even that.

Our luxurious accommodations, delicious food, great places to walk, swim and shop and the spa treatments were unbelievably inexpensive and very nice...like a bath after your massage with flower petals.

The morning Yoga that I led is very accessible for all levels and this year, just like before, we will walk to the yoga room through a garden filled with lotus flowers.

To learn more about the upcoming trip, Bonnie invites you to visit the travel page of her website.

Photos copyright Bonnie Clark, 2009.

Mothers and Moonbeams

2011-01-20T16:56:00.000-08:00

The moon has long been a mythical and folkloric symbol. Often considered feminine in nature, it represents light in the darkness and its cyclic flow of wax and wane for thousands and thousands of years has been connected to the course of seasonal events and activities around the world.

The lunar calendar of such long-established cultures as the Asian and Hebrew people, for example, has been a guiding force, a way to measure the days and years. In this way life has become linked to the phases of the moon which themselves are often the subject of artistic (poetic) expression.

The moon has also been a subject of deep study. The astronomical and astrological communities have all been watching and charting that celestial body for quite some time. Because its rotation synchronizes with that of Earth, questions about its existence and impact upon our planet have ranged from “can it sustain life as we know it?” to “how does it – or does it - influence the way people feel and think?” to “how does its gravitational pull actually work?”

The moon is the Earth’s only natural satellite. Whether it is being observed for social or scientific reasons, for natural or supra-natural content, it is without a doubt one of the most discussed heavenly bodies.

I was recently introduced to Journaling by the Moonlight: A Mother’s Path to Self-Discovery (Moonlight Muse Press) by Author Tina M. Games. This well-planned book provides women and men with an opportunity to have their own personal understanding of and relationship to the moon.

Games, a creativity and life purpose coach, calls upon her own personal moonlight journey as a mother to illuminate the conflicts that are inherent for women as they become mothers. Sleepless nights, crying babies, nurturing urgent infant needs, confused priorities, and more can result in anxiety, stress and depression. For some of us, the newness of motherhood as a role can collide with all else that we do and know ourselves to be.

This elegantly designed book is designed to dispel the shadows of conflict that arise. It is in simple terms, a road map that reaches between here and there – motherhood and me – earth and moon.

The 144 pages include thoughtful Moonlight Musings that provide insightful and contemplative questions that foster greater self-discovery. Here is one of my favorites: Take a step outside on a clear evening and take in the light of the moon. Sit with the energy for a few minutes, breathing deeply and exhaling slowly. Now close your eyes and imagine yourself gliding with the energy of the moonbeams. What does this feel like? What is coming to mind? Take some time to write about this here.

Journaling by the Moonlight: A Mother’s Path to Self-Discovery is comforting. Pages of wisdom encourage creativity and clarification of life purpose. It would make for a wonderful gift to self or to new and expectant mothers who want to weather the upswells and downpours that come with such an important life transition.

For book details visit the author’s website.

Folk Music: the Accordion

2011-01-16T15:11:00.001-08:00

One of the more common folk music instruments around today is the accordion. The accordionist plays this bellow-driven box shaped musical instrument, also known as a squeeze box, by compressing or expanding a bellows while pressing buttons on a keyboard.

Although the instrument is only a few centuries old, it belongs to a group of instruments originally known as harmonika, from the Greek harmonikos, meaning harmonic, musical.

Invented in the early 1800s in Europe (according to reports that suggest it was based upon the concept of a Chinese instrument) its’ ability to make a loud sound made it a popular instrument for dance music. Sometimes known as the ‘one man band’ instrument, it is associated with vaudeville-style folk music, polka, klezmer and Cajun music.

For fun, here are some links to accordions and accordionists that showcase its versatility:

Bulgarian Folk Accordion
French Accordion
Polish American Accordion
Scottish Accordion

It's Folk Festival time!

2011-01-09T10:28:00.001-08:00

Summer and fair weather days are not the only desirable times of the year for folk festivals to occur.

Around the world winter is one of the most action-packed festival seasons. Historically, winter was a dormant season. People ended final harvest preparations (preserving foods, repairing equipment,etc.) and turned their attentions inwards. Wet, dark days with fewer working hours encouraged that. In was under those conditions that folk established festivals that generated opportunities for them to spend their 'free time' socializing and connecting with others.

And what better way than to do it through festivals? They were - and still are- colorful, vibrant events in which people gather together for brief periods of time in order to share favorite folklore traditions. Dance, music, art and food remain high on that list.

Here are at least three festivals that are taking place in January. Check them out and if you plan to attend any or all of them, let us know. We'd love to post your report!

== Winter Folk Festival, Oregon
The Jan. 21-23 festival helps to bring folk music into our local schools and provides free Kid's Koncerts for local school children. It includes craft demonstrations, art and craft booths, food, jam sessions and workshops. Admission to the craft fair is free. Daily performances (included in festival daily admission) include top folk performers from across the US.

== Tamar Valley Folk Festival. 20th festival, Jan. 21-23, it consists of music sessions, concerts, themed concerts children's activities, poetry and dance. The concert venues are all under cover and set in beautiful surroundings of the Tamar River and historic town of George Town.

== Ann Arbor Folk Festival: Two dynamic and different nights of folk and roots music on Friday, January 28, and Saturday, January 29. Now in its 34th year, it features a blend of renowned and up-and-coming performers, featuring popular artists and new talent. All funds raised through the Festival benefit The Ark, Ann Arbor's non-profit home for folk, roots, and ethnic music.

Photo credit: The carnivalesque Gypsy cabaret band Rapskallion.

New Year Food Lore

2010-12-31T14:29:00.000-08:00

Most likely, if you've been reading my blog posts and checking out the Folkheart Press website, you know that folklore revolves around important aspects of life. This includes life cycles like birth, marriage, retirement and death AND significant acts of daily living.

Well, can you think of anything more significant than food? Okay, there's shelter, clothing, etc. But that's usually not what most people are interested in. Of course, some people are riveted to architecture and contemporary or folk art fashion trends, but, really, who doesn't have at least some interest in the food they eat?

Food is a pretty basic fact of life that has taken on many different tones around the world. What is traditional in one culture may be taboo in another. For example: pork is a pretty common ingredient in Asian meat dishes... in kosher households its forbidden.

Every culture has rules, legends, myths and tales about what it consumes and how those food items are prepared. Some dishes are medicinal, others are designed to attract wealth and/or fertility, while others are imbued with all of the above and then some.

In researching food lore associated with the New Year, I came upon these golden kernels (no pun intended) of food lore. Enjoy then and if you have some to add to the list, let me know.

• Italian fried pastry ensures a sweet year.

• Pennsylvania “Dutch” (German) tradition suggest that together pork and sauerkraut bring good luck.

• Polish fans of pickled herring say that the first bite of herring in the new year bring prosperity.

• China: Be sure to leave some sticky sweet foods for the Kitchen God who makes household reports to the deities.

Happy Eating!

A Smith Family Folktale About Santa Claus

2010-12-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus Smith Hills – A Family Folktale
This is a wonderful example of a group folktale that allows for each contributor to share his or her personal experience of the same event.

My dear friend Michael (Mike) Hills, a top notch balladeer, recently died. In the wake of his death there are many wonderful memories of him. There is one in particular that stands out as special to me and to his five siblings. It is of Michael as Santa Claus, that festive Christmas folk hero who brings joy (and presents) to children.

To preserve this benevolent holiday spirit motif as it appeared in my friend's life, I asked his brothers and sisters, Greg Smith, Patricia Stelt, Tim Smith, Christine Pedeaux and Tom Smith to share what they remembered about the years that Michael, their oldest brother, played Santa Claus.

The making of this group folktale wove together their individual experiences of the family Christmas ritual that Michael began when he was 14 (1962).

The tradition which began in Fullerton, California started when Michael’s parents asked Michael to dress up as Santa for the younger children. “They also asked me to help,” recalled brother Greg who was only two years younger than Michael.

“Every Christmas Eve I would help Mike into his red velvet Santa suit and I would guard our bedroom door so that none of the younger ones would come into our bedroom." He added that Michael made a great Santa. Large and husky for his age, his build was perfect for the job. “He wasn’t fat,” said Greg who described himself as ‘too skinny’ for such a task.

Greg continues: “I felt privileged to help him because: 1) I always enjoyed a fun adventure 2) Mike made a GREAT Santa ... mom & dad got him a GREAT-looking outfit 3) I enjoyed seeing the reactions of my little brothers and sisters.”

Michael, who later in life became an actor at places like Knotts Berry Farm, was so good in the role that a couple neighbors sometimes asked him to be Santa at their nearby homes, too, since he was already dressed up. Michael's alibi to his brothers and sisters was that he went to visit the neighbors and "just missed" Santa's early visit which was touted as a pre-visit just to say hi to the siblings while they were still awake. Before and after "Santa's" visit, he would throw some large rocks up onto the roof to sound like reindeer.

His sister Patricia (Patti) was also in on the secret. At 8 she knew what was going on and relished the joy Michael brought to them all. “Tim, Tom and Christine had no clue that Santa could possibly be anyone other than Santa. Especially because he was the same size, had a wonderful deep "Ho Ho Ho" and had a sack thrown over his back of gifts!"

The children gave him Christmas cookies for a snack, and he took turns sitting each of them on his knee, asking them what they wanted for Christmas, and always gave them a gift from his sack of toys.

Christine noted that she “loved the work gloves” he wore as Santa. “I do remember him telling us that he had to go over to the Scotts’ home for a while and Santa always came when Mike was gone.” Christine’s memory includes the jingling of bells outside the house just before he came in.

In time his brother Tim noticed that Santa Claus’s legs were hairy, much like Michael’s. The youngest child, Tom became suspicious of Santa Claus’ visits when he jumped onto Santa's knee and Santa said "Ouch, could you sit on the other knee?" At the time Tom made a connection between Santa's sore knee and the knee Michael had injured in an accident.

Patricia said that one year Michael “really blew his cover” with Tom. “Mike had an affectionate name for Tom: ‘Monkey’ and he said to Tom, “OK, Monkey, climb on up here....its your turn!"

Patricia remembered that Michael, a consummate musician even at that age ALWAYS gave the gift of music. "He pulled his gifts out of his "Turntable" labeled bag." Turntable was the downtown record shop.

She wondered why it took the younger ones so long to discover who Santa was.

Maybe they didn’t care. As Patricia herself explained, “It was an amazing, sweet thing for Mike to do each year, and he was a GREAT Santa Claus. His deep voice would resound through the neighborhood, and he was very convincing! Just one example of how he loved, even at a young age, to bring joy to others.”

By the way, until his death, the gift of music was one of Michael's legacies. My daughter Kiana, his god daughter, received countless CDs and inherited his 12 string Martin guitar and his faithful auto harp. But this is the material of another folktale!

A Modern Day Sports Hero: St. John of the Midfield

2010-12-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

Folk heroes and heroines are people who, in every day life, do the extraordinary to overcome adversity. We preserve their memories because they represent character traits and skills that we hold dear.

Folk heroes come in many shapes and sizes. In St. John of Midfield we are introduced to a sports folk hero. In today's world, sports figures loom large on the horizon but not all of them fall into the category of folk hero. Only those who exhibit talent, skills, leadership and sportsmanship even in the most difficult of times make the grade.

I recently asked author Garasamo Maccagnone to talk about the hero of St. John of the Midfield. But before the Q&A, let me give you a brief synopsis of the story:

World-class soccer star Bobo Stoikov makes an escape from communist Bulgaria and finds his way to America. Landing a job as a youth soccer coach, Bobo builds a reputation for himself as a successful, yet unorthodox, coach who propels his team to the championship title. But things go far beyond the soccer field when arch rival Sonny Christopher seeks to destroy Bobo's reputation, along with that of his best player, Luca, and the player's father, Mario. Before he realizes how serious the situation is, Bobo finds himself in sudden death and soon realizes there is more at stake than just a soccer game.

Folkheart Press: Bobo is a contemporary folk hero who faces contemporary adversities. Why did you choose the ‘sports hero’ motif?

Garasamo: The world outside of America is in love with the game of soccer. Though Americans are not quite so enthusiastic about the sport, many Americans are sport junkies. With networks dedicated to sports 24 hours a day, the sports hero holds an exalted place in the culture.

Folkheart Press: Folk heroes (and folk villains) often represent the beliefs and values of their cultures/societies. How did you determine which beliefs and values your characters would address?

Garasamo: Even if you strip out religion, our culture admires individuals who give of themselves without asking a lot in return. Be it a teacher, fireman, coach, or a counselor, we applaud those who selflessly take care of others. Honing in on that discovery, it wasn't difficult for me to create an appealing character who represented the best of our ways.

Folkheart Press: Would you describe the novel’s story line as mythical (involving archetypal and/or supra natural characters and elements) or folkloric (everyday, common place characters and themes)?

Garasamo: Bobo uses St. John as an apostolic metaphor when explaining what he saw in his young student. Of course, it's really himself that he sees in Luca. As Bobo is good, he sees the good in Luca, which he believes is the main attribute to becoming a great interior mid-fielder. Since Bobo believes St. John to be the Saint most like Jesus, he impresses on Luca to aspire to be like St. John, St. John of the Midfield.

Folkheart Press: What have you learned from your characters?

Garasamo: That evil lurks near those with the purest of intentions. With Mario, though he loathes his father's criminal empire, and does everything in his power to keep his family away from it, in the end, he has no choice but to become just like his father. With his son in danger, Mario reacts as his father would by giving a fateful nod that leads to a tragic ending.

Folkheart Press: Writers are folk heroes, too. What challenges have you overcome and which have made you stronger?

Garasamo: I'm an in-your-face type of Catholic writer who catches flak from Evangelists to Atheists. And of course, most uncomfortable with my stories, are the Catholics themselves, who often don't like to be reminded of their hypocrisy.

The author is currently working on his next book, The Fish and the Fox. Other written works by Garasamo include, The Affliction of Dreams, a collection of short stories and poetry, The Suburban Dragon, a children's book, and For the Love of St. Nick, an illustrated short story about two boys who seek the help of St. Nick after the tragic loss of their mother.

Be sure to check out tomorrow's post in this Writers In The Sky virtual blog tour by visitng Dallas Woodburn of http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com. Dallas hosts an article about using YouTube for marketing promotions and the book trailer for St. John of the Midfield. Follow this blogger on Twitter: @DallasWoodburn.

Quilts: Perfect Winter Folk Art

2010-12-14T16:52:00.001-08:00

American folk art is all about making beautiful the functional, everyday, necessary items of life. What could be more useful than a quilt?

Quilts, like blankets, are for bedding. However, unlike blankets, they are often made of colorful, decorative designs that make incredible bed coverings and can also be made to be displayed on a wall as a work of art.

They are also artful historical records of family and community. So true to the country they are made it, they cross over class, age, and ethnicity. They are tangible, tactile records of life in America that tell a story that reflects the personality and passion of its maker, the quilter.

Throughout history there have been many types of quilts around the world.

For example:
== In the Italian Renaissance, quilting was very common
== A green silk quilt decorated with metal threads,roses and pomegranates was made for King Henry VIII's wedding to Catherine of Aragon.
== Bangladesh quilts were made of worn out saris (clothes).

In America, some of the more popular quilting traditions include the Amish which is basically solid in color so as not to be "too worldly" and the Log Cabin, a composition of blocks of fabric.

Celebration of this centuries' old folk art form is currently underway at the American Folk Art Museum in New York. Now through October 2011, the museum will exhibit, Quilts: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum. This well-thought out display highlights a range of textile masterpieces, some of which have rarely been seen before.

And with Winter in full swing, but better time than now to enjoy this hearty folk art form?

If I Could Keep You Little

2010-12-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Family relationships are among the topics most explored in folktales. Grandparents, god parents, special aunts, prized cousins, parents, sons and daughters and the like comprise basic family units all over the world. Regardless of the society there are folktales about families coming together and families falling apart. That’s because families are an important part of everyone’s life cycles.

Best-selling Author and Artist Marianne Richmond explores the poignancy of parenthood in her newest book "If I Could Keep You Little…” ($15.99, Sourcebooks, Nov. 2010). Here she captures in very few words and with great artistic talent the joyful moments of early child-parent/caretaker relations and how those relations change.

As a chronicle for commonplace events, such as cutting up your child’s bread into fun shapes and tossing your child in the air, her work highlights the everyday moments that are soon missed by parents and caretakers when the child becomes too old for such interactions. And yet, those experiences are replaced with a new set of moments that are as precious.

Richmond reveals the upcoming moments with a sense of beauty and grace for she, as folk teller, reminds adults that they cannot keep a child young forever. To do so, the picture book advises, is to hinder the child’s ability to experience what the rest of life has to offer.

For example: “If I could keep you little, I’d keep you close to me. But then I’d miss you growing into who you’re meant to be!”

The book is gentle in its approach and yet very powerful. As a folktale it teaches a very important lesson: treasure the memories but remember to let go when the time comes (because that opens the door for new memories). And it does!

It also speaks to children, consoling them in a way that is tender. The author shows them how helpful it is for parents to pull back and get out of the way in order to make room for them to grow.

As the mother of a 16 year old vivacious daughter I relished the memories this book evoked and I appreciated the reminder that children do grow into wonderful people, much like caterpillars becomes butterflies.

Food Lore: What's In A Walnut?

2010-12-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

Walnuts, according to Roman food lore, were the food of the gods. Lowly plebians (humans) ate acorns, beechnuts, chestnuts and other types of lesser nuts.

The Roman word for walnut nux Gallica is linguistically traced to the Proto-Indo European word dyew-gʷlandi- "Jove's acorn". Metaphorically, it was a nut fit for a god.

Roman wedding guests were hailed by walnuts, compliments of the groom, to bring good health, to ward off disease, and increase fertility. Young men who thought the walnut enhanced fertility eagerly scrambled for the tossed jewels.

Ironically in Romania, a bride would place one roasted walnut in her bodice for every year she wished to remain childless.

In the Middle Ages, Europeans believed walnuts would ward off fevers, witchcraft, epileptic fits, the evil eye, and even lightning. The Chinese believe crickets to be a creature of good omen, and would often carry musically-trained crickets in walnut shells covered with intricately-carved patterns.

Although it is difficult to trace the native home of the walnut tree, today there are 21 species of walnut. The Romans thought it originated in Persia. Early cultivation spanned from southeastern Europe to Asia Minor to the Himalayas. Greek usage of walnut oil dates back to the fourth century B.C., nearly a century before the Romans.

Franciscan priests brought the walnut to California in the latter part of the 18th century. The oil of the nut has been used for centuries in the preparation of fine paints for artists. And the wood of the tree is a valued source of lumber for floors and furniture.

Here are some fun recipes and uses of walnut:

Maple Walnut Pie
Walnut Liquer
Quick Walnut Bread

Thanksgiving Folk Music

2010-11-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

As a member of the folklore family, folk music is music that has been transmitted orally and, unlike classical music, was often created by unknown composers. However, there are some folk songs as you will see in the case of Thanksgiving folk songs whose lyrics and music were carefully recorded.

Notice though, that some of the songs were originally hymns and in some cases they were adaptations with no credit given to the 'originator.

Around the 1950's folk music came to define popular music that is based upon traditional folk music. Only now it's heard in concerts, recordings and live broadcasts.

Think Woody Guthrie or Peter, Paul and Mary and you've got the idea.

Anyway, we never sang these songs in our home at Thanksgiving, even though it was my mother's favorite holiday. The first-born American from Rhodes immigrants, she loved all things America!

But in school, we'd gather together on Thursday afternoon in the multi-purpose room to belt out some of the more common Thanksgiving folk songs. I loved them, even though I couldn't (and still can't) carry a tune.

If you are interested in singing Thanksgiving songs with friends and family this Thanksgiving, here's a partial list of songs to consider:

==Turkey in the Straw. Lyrics and music composer(s) unknown.
== Come, Ye Thankful People Come. Sir George J. Elvey (1816-1893), organist at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle wrote the music to the well-loved Thanksgiving hymn about 1844. The lyrics are by Henry Alford (1810-1871).
== To Gramma's House (to the melody of Farmer in the Dell), lyrics unknown.
== Grandma Stuffed the Turkey by Ronald J. Euliano in 1997.
== We Gather Together. 17th century Dutch settlers brought the Prayer of Thanksgiving to the United States where it acquired music based upon a Netherlands folk hymn.

Here are few resources for lyrics and more:
Top Turkey Tunes for Tots
Songs for Teaching

Happy Singing!

DON'T ASK : for mature women only!

2010-11-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

I recently spent time with two of my girl friends, Chel and Chris who had never met each other. The plan was for us to have fun and ‘test drive’ the brand new card game DON’T ASK , ($5 + shipping) created by Beverly Mahone, baby boomer expert, radio show host and author. The game was designed for girlfriends who enjoy discussion-lots of discussion-and conversations about circumstances they may or may not find themselves in. The situations are all based upon real life experiences that any mature woman can relate to.

The basic idea is to guess how your friend would respond to a variety of situations, such as problems with neighbors, a friend who wears inappropriate clothes and the bill collector who appears at your door.

According to Mahone, author of Don't Ask and I Won’t Have to Lie the idea for the game came when one evening she and some of her girlfriends “were sitting around talking about what we would do in certain situations.” She realized “that would be a fun game to play."

And she’s right. It is!

Chel, Chris and I sat down to play and kept at it for almost two hours. We got through only seven of the questions. Seven! We must’ve spent anywhere from five to twelve minutes on each question, sometimes revealing our own personal experiences, other times hypothesizing why someone else might answer the question differently.

I came to know more about my friends and their fine characters, and in the non-judgmental environment we discovered that our thoughts and feelings were well-received. Here is where our mundane worlds came together and formed community.

For example, in response to the multiple choice question of what we would do with incessant mistreatment of a neighbor's dog.

We all had the same answer but for different reasons. And we each had an opportunity to share our own experiences with mistreated dogs. That led to a conversation about neighbors who weren't neighborly, animal cruelty and the current condition of animal shelters. That, of course, led to more dialogue about our own history with a variety of pets.

The real genius of the game was that it brought our daily lives into focus where they mattered. What informed our responses to the game questions generated a format for us to get to know one another better.

DON’T ASK is a very well-thought out game.

The only glitch – and it was easily overcome – was that there were two sets of instructions. The rules on the deck itself called for two to four players whereas the promotional one-sheet indicated that need to be one or two teams of two. In the case of an odd-number of players, such as what we had, the book is to be consulted as the surrogate fourth player.

We didn't have the book so we did what any group of thoughtful, creative women do. We easily adapted the rules so that all three of played at all times. Alternately, two would guess how each other would answer and the third would ask the question and provide her own response to the question.

By the end of the evening (remember, we got through only seven questions) we uncovered one more DON’T ASK gem.

In explaining how and why we thought another would reply, we found ourselves celebrating each other's innate wisdom and integrity. And the two who met only that night came away with an appreciation of each other. Said Chris who accurately selected Chel’s answers: “I can see Chel really envisions the big picture and considers how an action will impact others. She has a sensitivity that leads me to believe she would do no harm.”
DON'T ASK is an ideal gift for any mature woman. The three of us are very grateful to Beverly for creating a game that is much more than just party fun!

Cowboy Folklore in Prescott

2010-11-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Prescott, Arizona this weekend to say my final goodbyes to a very dear friend who died on October 14. He lived for years in this North-Eastern region surrounded by some of the most majestic red rock desert landscapes I have ever seen.

My friend Michael chose an interesting place to live because Prescott in some ways epitomizes the 'wild west.'

As a folk musician whose work crossed over into country western every now and then, he fit right into the rough and rugged terrain.

This sparsely populated state is home to the world's oldest rodeo and is Arizona's first territorial capital. It was founded in 1864, and then incorporated into Arizona in 1881. The city was named for William Hickling Prescott, a noted Arizona historian, according to the city's Office of Tourism.

The city also boasts containing nearly 800 buildings in the National Register of Historic Places. Wow, that's a lot of buildings!

I doubt I will have time to take in the scenery on this trip. But if I did, I'd want to see the local museum's current exhibit. In honor of it's cowboy-ladened past, Prescott's Phippen Museum's displayingWorking the West: Selections from the Phippen Collection is on display through February 20, 2011.

It promises to be a celebration of the working cowboy as seen through the eyes of renowned Western artists who captured this vanishing way of life on the ranches of the American West.

I will definitely keep my eyes open,though for far-flung lassos just in some stray cowboy mistakes my rental car for a steer and tries to rope and brand it!

2010-10-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

Today is Halloween. Certainly a day of memories that become folktales for many of us. Remember emptying out your trick-or-treat bag to count up and maybe even sort into category your 'booty'? I do.

And after we went to bed our mother would go through the candy (I never really knew how many pieces she may have discarded). Then she would put our sugar treasures into coffee cans, one for each of us clearly labeled so there would be no confusion about what belonged to whom!

I recently asked Lady Catherine of Pear Blossoms Blog to write a folktale/memory about Halloween. This vignette sweetly and simply captures her trick-or-treat days:

It's that time of year again, Halloween, pumpkins, black cats and lots of candy and goodies. A big harvest moon hangs in the sky and good memories fill the air.

We weren't afraid to trick or treat back in the "Good ole days". Getting a bad piece of candy or fruit never crossed anyone’s mind. When the children were small, we would walk up and down the blocks, and we knew that all the houses with a porch light on meant we were welcomed for a treat.

One year we carved a Jack-o-lantern out of a huge pumpkin, put it up behind the seat of the car with a candle inside, and drove very slowly up and down the streets with the children standing in the back seat looking out the window. They had so much fun. There weren't such things as seat belts in those days. Our children stood up in the seats of the car so they could see out. We didn't think anything about it, somehow or other they survived.

Happy pumpkin carving! Remember, “This is the day the Lord hath made, rejoice and be glad in it.”

To read more of Lady Catherine's writings, bee sure to check out her blog!

A Folktale about a Conscientious Objector

2010-10-28T16:03:00.000-07:00

Folktales are one of the ways we have to share what we know and what we have experienced with others. In many cases, folktales are vignettes that describe-and preserve-particular folkloric attributes or qualities about a specific person, place or thing.

Today I want to write a folktale about my dear friend Michael Hills. A long-time friend of mine, Michael recently ended his life. At 62, he stopped the suffering he experienced primarily as a result of having Agent Orange and PTSD; both non-transfer- able diseases contracted while he served in the Vietnam War.

That was when the country was still drafting soldiers. By lottery (birthdates randomly selected) young men were "chosen" to go to war. Their task was to fight an unwinnable war.

Michael decided he did not want to go fight a war he did not believe in. Like many of his generation he wanted peace and, as a musician, often sang about peace and other antiwar sentiments. In this way he was definitely a part of the anti-war summer of love generation.

He objected to the war but when it came time to register for the draft, he did. Unlike others who fled to the open arms of other countries, he went to the enlistment office and said he was a conscientious objector. He did not know at the time that he would have to serve just the same; conscientious objector or not. He went into that confrontation believing in his rights which included free speech and the right to" resist" the war. His beliefs were of no avail. He was drafted just the same. The only exception the military made was that he would serve as a medic rather than "in battle”.
It was during his tour as a medic who helped to save the lives of others that he would lose his safe - slowly and painfully.

Not only did medics perform a range of life- saving duties, they also were responsible for picking up the strewn body parts of soldiers who died during battle. And there were many vicious battles in Vietnam. Michael and the other medics of his unit were charged with working in the forest areas that had been heavily doused with the deadly chemical 'About Orange". There was nothing he could do to keep the nerve-killing 'pesticide' off of his arms, neck and face. Nothing.

This brave man who refused to kill others in the name of war was exposed to Agent Orange and over the years that followed that 1960-70's nightmare, the silent but destructive chemical wrecked havoc on his body and was, in the end, victorious in its efforts to destroy his nervous system.

Michael did have other health complications in his life and, as a musician, had a hard, smoky bar room type of lifestyle that had included drugs and alcohol. But it was the germ warfare of a fight he objected to that took its final toll on him.

He died October 14 this year clean and sober - and in a tremendous amount of personal and physical pain. I sure miss him.

May he rest in peace.

Pumpkin Foodlore

2010-10-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins have been around for a long time. The word pumpkin comes from the Greek pepÃµn for a large melon. In the 16th century the English called it pumpion or pompion.

This hard-shelled round globe comes in many colors: from white to dark orange and was already a staple food in many Native American communities well before the Pilgrims landed. It was pounded into flat strips that were dried and then woven into mats that were traded. The dried pumpkin was also eaten.

Sweet, it was readily welcomed by the colonial immigrants who incorporated it into their Thanksgiving foods as a dessert, soup, and/or side dish. Some records suggest it was also used to make beer.

Today, Pumpkins (squash) are commonly known as one of the indigenous "Three Sisters." The other two sisters were corn and beans. This food trinity forms the core of the Native American diet today. Historically the pumpkins made their way north from Mexico, Central America and South America. The pumpkin's meat is very high in carotenoids which help neutralize free radicals that can attack cell membranes, They also include antioxidants such as lutein and contain iron, zinc, and fiber.

Their use as Jack O'Lanterns dates back to the Celtic celebration of Samhain. This communal Autumnal gathering took place when the nights and days were about the same length. It was believed that this was when the 'two world' (light and dark) were connected to each other and spirits from the dark world would come visit those living in the light world. People were said to have left food out for the spirits that caused trouble and they lit candles to help light the way of the benevolent spirits. Over time the candles were placed in carved out squash, like pumpkin.

Here are some sites to visit for more information:

== Pumpkin Carving
== Old Fashioned Pumpkin Cookies

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!

The Fading Light of Summer

2010-10-08T15:41:00.001-07:00

Here in California we are still having summer weather. The hot dog days of Indian Summer that pretty much define September are still making their way into October. It's the shortening of the daylight hours that tell me summer is over. Night walks after dinner with the dog are now dark.
Still I know it's time to put summer away. So I think I'll share a few summer memories to close out the season.

== Tomales Beach: It's a beautiful place. Clean sands and friendly people from all over populate the expansive shoreline.
== BBQ dinners: Had lots of them this year.
== Late nights: Something about long days that keep us from going to bed early even though we still had to get up at the regular time in the morning.
== Relaxed mornings: Didn't need to get up with our daughter on school mornings. We lingered more over our morning coffee. Our daughter, of course, slept until 11 every day.
== Community garden tomatoes and sunflowers. It's not summer without the sunflowers!

My own memories were inspired by what the folks at Growing Bolder did. Growing Bolder staff and friends chimed in about their summer memories; some of which go back many years.

Take a few minutes to read what they wrote. They could inspire you, too!

After all, when the light is out all we've got to remind us are the memories. I hope you have some great ones!