I'm charging the camera, packing my bag and getting ready to leave for lovely Sylva, NC where I will be signing books at the City Lights Bookstore and telling a story at the Liar's Bench with Gary Carden and others.
Gary is one of the storytellers featured in my book, Southern Appalachian Storytellers: Interviews with Sixteen Keepers of the Oral Tradition. He is famous for Blow the Tannery Whistle and other stories, books and plays and it will be great to see him again. Personally, I'm hoping he tells something wickedly funny - his sense of humor and powers of observation are pithy and highly entertaining.
Tonight's Tellabration! in Jonesborough, TN will benefit the Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter. Held at the Jonesborough Repertory Theater on Main Street, the event begins at 7pm. Bring dog or cat food, chewy toys and of course, cash will always be accepted!
Storytelling began in 1988 in Connecticut and by 1990 was catching on all over the United States. Today, it is a worldwide event celebrating story the whole weekend. Spread the word, tell a story and attend Tellabration! 2010 Animal Stories: Strays, Mutts & More with the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild.
About Me
- saundra
- Born in Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, I am a genuine Florida Cracker--a descendent of sturdy women and men who farmed their way south from North Carolina in the early 1800's. I am a graduate of Florida State University with a BS in Social Science, and earned an MA in Education/Storytelling from East Tennessee State University. My work is deeply influenced by a love and reverence for the natural world and environmental issues and my love of story. Performance Photos by Valerie Menard, Silentlightimages.com.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Anderson County Library Starburst Storytelling Festival
I was blessed to be the teller in residence at Anderson University for the annual Starburst Storytelling Festival a couple of weeks ago. The festival's organizer, Mary Beth Evans, sent this note about the event.
It was such a pleasure to have Saundra Kelley be a part of our annual Starburst Storytellers’ Festival! As the teller-in-residence throughout the week at Anderson University, she performed for over 1,000 students bused from schools in Anderson School District Five. She also worked with the University’s Childhood Curriculum instructor and her class in demonstrating how storytelling methods can be used in the classroom in teaching various disciplines.
Saundra’s background in working with seniors made her a perfect choice for visiting a number of assisted living facilities in Anderson during the week, as well. She easily adapted her repertoire to fit the residents’ interests. She also took a large group of combined Special Needs classes at an elementary school inside her storytelling world and enchanted them. The coordinating instructor was so impressed (and not a little surprised!) at how well the children behaved during the 30 minutes Saundra was with them. I have to add that her performance took place right after a school-wide fire drill!
From audiences of children in an 1800 seat auditorium to an intimate birthday celebration at an assisted living facility, Saundra more than successfully demonstrated her professionalism as a storyteller and performer – she was a smash hit!
Marybeth Evans, Community Services Coord.
Anderson County Library System
Anderson, South Carolina
It was such a pleasure to have Saundra Kelley be a part of our annual Starburst Storytellers’ Festival! As the teller-in-residence throughout the week at Anderson University, she performed for over 1,000 students bused from schools in Anderson School District Five. She also worked with the University’s Childhood Curriculum instructor and her class in demonstrating how storytelling methods can be used in the classroom in teaching various disciplines.
Saundra’s background in working with seniors made her a perfect choice for visiting a number of assisted living facilities in Anderson during the week, as well. She easily adapted her repertoire to fit the residents’ interests. She also took a large group of combined Special Needs classes at an elementary school inside her storytelling world and enchanted them. The coordinating instructor was so impressed (and not a little surprised!) at how well the children behaved during the 30 minutes Saundra was with them. I have to add that her performance took place right after a school-wide fire drill!
From audiences of children in an 1800 seat auditorium to an intimate birthday celebration at an assisted living facility, Saundra more than successfully demonstrated her professionalism as a storyteller and performer – she was a smash hit!
Marybeth Evans, Community Services Coord.
Anderson County Library System
Anderson, South Carolina
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Addendum - Veteran's Day
Never forget the bravery of the men and women who fight for us every day, and those who fought in wars past. Salute!
I'm back!
Okay, so I'm back and this time, it's for good. When I signed the contract to find, interview and edit the life journey stories of sixteen storytellers for my book, Southern Appalacian Storytellers: Interviews with Sixteen Keepers of the Oral Tradition, it seemed as though my life was consumed by them in the two and a half years it took to accomplish the task. Oh, the joy of it! And when it was done, the experience was nearly one of grief when it went into the mail.
The day my copies arrived I was totally unprepared for them. McFarland, my publisher, gave me no warning at all. There was simply a tag note on the door telling me I had a package under the chair. That's all. I retrieved the small box that was surprisingly heavy, trying to think what I had ordered, and took it inside. The phone rang, I answered and while I spoke casually put my glasses on my nose. That's when I saw where the package was from - Jefferson, NC. My heart froze, not beating at all for a moment, then I tore into the box to find the lovely proof of the work we put into it, and I say 'we' because each storyteller reviewed their own words after my editing, and then signed off once they were satisfied with the work.
On another note: for those of you living in the Johnson City, TN area, the folks at the Downtown Day Center on Fairview are in grave need of clean, warm blankets, jackets, hats, gloves - anything to keep them toasty for the upcoming winter.
Don't forget to share with those in need for the holidays and all year round.
Saundra
The day my copies arrived I was totally unprepared for them. McFarland, my publisher, gave me no warning at all. There was simply a tag note on the door telling me I had a package under the chair. That's all. I retrieved the small box that was surprisingly heavy, trying to think what I had ordered, and took it inside. The phone rang, I answered and while I spoke casually put my glasses on my nose. That's when I saw where the package was from - Jefferson, NC. My heart froze, not beating at all for a moment, then I tore into the box to find the lovely proof of the work we put into it, and I say 'we' because each storyteller reviewed their own words after my editing, and then signed off once they were satisfied with the work.
On another note: for those of you living in the Johnson City, TN area, the folks at the Downtown Day Center on Fairview are in grave need of clean, warm blankets, jackets, hats, gloves - anything to keep them toasty for the upcoming winter.
Don't forget to share with those in need for the holidays and all year round.
Saundra
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Storytelling in Appalachia
Oh, dear goodness - it has been a very long time since I wrote in this blog and I must apologize for it. Now that I've done that, I will make a promise to be more diligent with this communications tool.
For the past year and a half, I have collected interviews with Appalachian storytellers for my book, Riding the Clouds. When it went under contract with McFarland Publishers with a deadline of December 15, 2009, I found myself completely engaged in seeking and conducting interviews with some of the most fascinating people I have ever known. The book title changed when I signed the contract: it is now Storytelling in Contemporary Appalachia/stoking the fire.
The most recent interview was with Gary Neal Cardin, a native of Sylva, North Carolina. To say he is colorful would be an understatement; to add that he is also intensely intellectual, perceptive and articulate would also be accurate. The day I interviewed him, I drove into Sylva with only the most vague notion of what I would find, but excited to finally meet him. You can't take your degree at East Tennessee State University's master's in storytelling program without having knowledge of most of Appalachia's storytellers, and I was looking forward to hearing about his life's work in his own words.
Gary Neal's looked much as his website photos depict him - a strong, expressive face, unruly white hair and hands that talk with his voice. His home is a virtual library and it seems he has seen every film ever made and read as many books as time will allow. Carden's dog Jack is a fun Corgi-type mix who is his shadow.
In a week or so I will drive to Boone to meet again with storyteller Charlotte Ross who was born in the North Georgia Mountains just as old days of Appalachia ended. She is a descendent of Nancy Ward and her stories about it are intriguing. I taped her first interview three years ago and need to fill in the gaps. Charlotte is an oral teller - everything is in her head and her stories speak of a long, rich personal history with story.
In October I will travel to Memphis to interview Appalachian/Cherokee Marilou Awiakta Thompson. She was born in Tennessee and grew up in Oakridge, so her stories speak of the atom, science and nature. I will tell you more after the visit.
Also in the pipeline are Sheila Kay Adams, Elder Jerry Wolf, Ron Short, Linda Goss, Andreena Belcher and Angelynn DeBord.
Talk to you soon - Saundra
After that, I will interview
For the past year and a half, I have collected interviews with Appalachian storytellers for my book, Riding the Clouds. When it went under contract with McFarland Publishers with a deadline of December 15, 2009, I found myself completely engaged in seeking and conducting interviews with some of the most fascinating people I have ever known. The book title changed when I signed the contract: it is now Storytelling in Contemporary Appalachia/stoking the fire.
The most recent interview was with Gary Neal Cardin, a native of Sylva, North Carolina. To say he is colorful would be an understatement; to add that he is also intensely intellectual, perceptive and articulate would also be accurate. The day I interviewed him, I drove into Sylva with only the most vague notion of what I would find, but excited to finally meet him. You can't take your degree at East Tennessee State University's master's in storytelling program without having knowledge of most of Appalachia's storytellers, and I was looking forward to hearing about his life's work in his own words.
Gary Neal's looked much as his website photos depict him - a strong, expressive face, unruly white hair and hands that talk with his voice. His home is a virtual library and it seems he has seen every film ever made and read as many books as time will allow. Carden's dog Jack is a fun Corgi-type mix who is his shadow.
In a week or so I will drive to Boone to meet again with storyteller Charlotte Ross who was born in the North Georgia Mountains just as old days of Appalachia ended. She is a descendent of Nancy Ward and her stories about it are intriguing. I taped her first interview three years ago and need to fill in the gaps. Charlotte is an oral teller - everything is in her head and her stories speak of a long, rich personal history with story.
In October I will travel to Memphis to interview Appalachian/Cherokee Marilou Awiakta Thompson. She was born in Tennessee and grew up in Oakridge, so her stories speak of the atom, science and nature. I will tell you more after the visit.
Also in the pipeline are Sheila Kay Adams, Elder Jerry Wolf, Ron Short, Linda Goss, Andreena Belcher and Angelynn DeBord.
Talk to you soon - Saundra
After that, I will interview
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Greetings to all.
This has been a super-busy time for storytellers everywhere, and I am honored to have been out there plying the trade with them. Since October I have been on stage several times a week and have had a blast doing it. I told at several Assisted Living communities, went 'on tour,' to Chapel Hill North Carolina, and many, many more. My favorite was an unscheduled opportunity at the Unity Church here in Johnson City. The church has a ministry to those less fortunate, and I just happened to be talking to two of the members who invited me to tell the following night. ETSU storytelling student from North Dakota, Brenda Morman, was in town for her graduation,so we went together. When we walked in, the church was a riot of kids, gingerbread cookies and frosting. They were making holiday gifts, decorating cookies and getting their faces painted. After pizza, I told a new story I wrote this year and found the response in their faces deeply stirring. One especially touching scene was that of an elderly gentleman leaving the building. A child ran up to him and gave him a hug; the look on that man's face was priceless. When he walked into the night alone, I knew his heart was warmer because of the touch of another human being.
My last gig for 2008 was as featured teller for the Jonesborough Storytelling Guild at the Cranberry Thistle in Jonesborough. The news that day was all bad - bad economy, bad news about crooks in high places, bad, bad, bad. Gayleen Kelley was emcee that night and she asked for a favorite word to share with the audience. Mine was comfort. It seemed that I needed it, so I gave it and in return received it from the audience.
I'm going home for Christmas - off to Florida early in the morning. It will be the first time I have gone home since May! That's way too long to be away from my precious grandson and children. I will close now to finish baking cookies to take with me. Merry Christmas.
This has been a super-busy time for storytellers everywhere, and I am honored to have been out there plying the trade with them. Since October I have been on stage several times a week and have had a blast doing it. I told at several Assisted Living communities, went 'on tour,' to Chapel Hill North Carolina, and many, many more. My favorite was an unscheduled opportunity at the Unity Church here in Johnson City. The church has a ministry to those less fortunate, and I just happened to be talking to two of the members who invited me to tell the following night. ETSU storytelling student from North Dakota, Brenda Morman, was in town for her graduation,so we went together. When we walked in, the church was a riot of kids, gingerbread cookies and frosting. They were making holiday gifts, decorating cookies and getting their faces painted. After pizza, I told a new story I wrote this year and found the response in their faces deeply stirring. One especially touching scene was that of an elderly gentleman leaving the building. A child ran up to him and gave him a hug; the look on that man's face was priceless. When he walked into the night alone, I knew his heart was warmer because of the touch of another human being.
My last gig for 2008 was as featured teller for the Jonesborough Storytelling Guild at the Cranberry Thistle in Jonesborough. The news that day was all bad - bad economy, bad news about crooks in high places, bad, bad, bad. Gayleen Kelley was emcee that night and she asked for a favorite word to share with the audience. Mine was comfort. It seemed that I needed it, so I gave it and in return received it from the audience.
I'm going home for Christmas - off to Florida early in the morning. It will be the first time I have gone home since May! That's way too long to be away from my precious grandson and children. I will close now to finish baking cookies to take with me. Merry Christmas.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Hurricanes, drilling for oil and welcomed comments
In response to my daughter's comments about drilling for oil, I must clarify my position somewhat.
I, too,have begun to wonder at our arrogance in using the world's resources, fighting wars for access and dabbling in world politics where we have no business, all to keep our cars running, houses lit at night and entire cities so bright they can be seen from space. Somehow our priorities have gotten distorted and what we want seems to have overcome good sense.
It's my understanding that the processes of drilling for oil is much safer now and not as harmful to the environment, but I also know that an awful lot of oil escaped into the water down on the Gulf during this present hurricane season. While I see the need for tapping into our own resources, we must guard against commercial interests polluting the water to satisfy the mandate of corporations to make profit come hell or high water. wind and solar power win my vote, but nothing is without its faults and everything we do will change our story - the way we view ourselves.
I, too,have begun to wonder at our arrogance in using the world's resources, fighting wars for access and dabbling in world politics where we have no business, all to keep our cars running, houses lit at night and entire cities so bright they can be seen from space. Somehow our priorities have gotten distorted and what we want seems to have overcome good sense.
It's my understanding that the processes of drilling for oil is much safer now and not as harmful to the environment, but I also know that an awful lot of oil escaped into the water down on the Gulf during this present hurricane season. While I see the need for tapping into our own resources, we must guard against commercial interests polluting the water to satisfy the mandate of corporations to make profit come hell or high water. wind and solar power win my vote, but nothing is without its faults and everything we do will change our story - the way we view ourselves.
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