tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42914929475924370572024-03-06T19:33:36.107-08:00Starlite Puppets & Musicstarlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-79641257853031885342023-10-12T11:35:00.004-07:002023-10-20T11:39:02.166-07:00A STARRY STORY & ONLINE MINI-WORKSHOP NEWS!<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>"Twinkle, twinkle little star,<br />How I wonder what you are.<br />Stars in apple, seed pod, pear.<br />Stars in berries everywhere.<br />So you guard me near and far.<br />Twinkle, twinkle little star."</i></span><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC7pj2vLzMZAUKY7nN54pgPOMpZFRVgPZZAFSh5sBahzZIiLUNRqpoQOGulgP2GWfHSP7HNBQq5_M3hFGxBEYOKEvePwpndK1QC8Tl53qAGrc-QlYTNTNHefjXN7JuJXLFMratTpUSdCpgghIbuFze9qntrRD5rBHhcyOA70dfnckTWXY63OtHaf4its/s4608/IMG_2475.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC7pj2vLzMZAUKY7nN54pgPOMpZFRVgPZZAFSh5sBahzZIiLUNRqpoQOGulgP2GWfHSP7HNBQq5_M3hFGxBEYOKEvePwpndK1QC8Tl53qAGrc-QlYTNTNHefjXN7JuJXLFMratTpUSdCpgghIbuFze9qntrRD5rBHhcyOA70dfnckTWXY63OtHaf4its/w324-h432/IMG_2475.JPG" width="324" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Hello dear puppet and music friends near and far!</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Looking out the window I see the golden beams of autumn shining on the grass. Autumn celebrations are underway, honoring the season's changing, and the fruits of harvest, like the Tampa Bay Family Festival just several weeks ago! What fun it was to have been invited to share music for the event, along with some of my favorite local bandmates who were onstage with me sharing their gifts!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><b><i>This summer I was delighted to have the opportunity to share a workshop on glove finger puppetry through the World Association of Puppetry and Storytelling Arts. We all had a wonderful experience, and it was a joy to watch the creativity unfold for each participant. There is something very special in sharing time together developing the magic of story, music, and crafting--even the addition of the simplest ring of a tiny bell can create a mood! There was so much interest that I will be offering a mini-workshop see below for details!</i></b><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">During this time of year, I am reminded of the time I lived near an apple orchard while teaching kindergarten in upstate New York. The children and I, along with parents, would walk together to the orchard, pick a large basket full, then sit and picnic on the grounds, surrounded by trees bursting with red apples! </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">When growing up, I never knew the secret of what lay in the center of an apple when sliced through its middle--did you? </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Below is my version of the story of a child hunting for the mystery of what might be "The Little Red House With No Windows or Doors." Simple enough to tell at story time, or you could assemble some figures for a table top version! Pictured above is a marionette from the story, which is received with delight at libraries and festivals!</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfAdcYv4Z9KTu9ZO9Jup80F-KLruRYpoR2QJ3QzvwYqH7hFFEo7JPpprBN9K_4UBYfG5sUe_8mXSiqSFt9movtuaj1M5IetbiPDbrWtq3xgcfoVGlm4qkJb5XZIJ_-kuU5heTTSCmuuODOh5H_Ejsm5Ai9egEqcZDhgsCX2OfZMiURpMGXJkjz9VxG2E/s960/image%20(25).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfAdcYv4Z9KTu9ZO9Jup80F-KLruRYpoR2QJ3QzvwYqH7hFFEo7JPpprBN9K_4UBYfG5sUe_8mXSiqSFt9movtuaj1M5IetbiPDbrWtq3xgcfoVGlm4qkJb5XZIJ_-kuU5heTTSCmuuODOh5H_Ejsm5Ai9egEqcZDhgsCX2OfZMiURpMGXJkjz9VxG2E/w521-h293/image%20(25).png" width="521" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">ONLINE 'MINI'-WORKSHOP: GLOVE FINGER PUPPETRY--A PUPPET STORY IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND! SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19th, from 2-4 pm EST</h2><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Explore the delight of the 'mini' puppet story! I remember the first time I came across a magical story of how the birds came to be, in a First Nation legend. Later, I wrote a story inspired by the legend, called</span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"> "Earth Mother and the Leaves". Many tellings later, this glove finger puppet story was created. Join in to see demonstrations of glove finger puppet stories, receive the story and additional poems. </span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The workshop cost includes patterns needed to create several magical mini worlds (super easy to transport and set up!) which will delight the soul. Tips on how to create the story as well as how to weave a musical touch into your mini-puppet stories will also be covered. The workshop will run for two hours. A recording will be available following the workshop. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The workshop will be held live online, with a recording available for viewing following the event.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #050505;"><b>Connie Manson, MSEd, BFA:</b> is a lifelong musician, puppeteer and craftswoman, who delights in sharing the magic of puppetry with children of all ages! She began teaching young children while still in high school, and continues to share parent child classes through the Waldorf School of Tampa Bay. Email Connie Manson at <a href="mailto:starlitepuppets@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">starlitepuppets@gmail.com</a> to register. </span><span style="color: #050505;">Fee: $25. <i>We'll meet Sunday, November 19th, from 2-4 pm, EST.</i></span><span style="color: #050505;"> </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: medium;">THE LITTLE RED HOUSE WITH NO DOORS AND NO WINDOWS AND A STAR INSIDE</span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">As told by Connie Manson</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Once upon a time there was a grandmother and granddaughter who lived happily together in a cozy cottage. <br /><br />One afternoon the little girl was tired of playing with her toys, and tired of her books and puzzles. <br /><br />"What shall I do?”, she asked her grandmother. And her grandmother, who always knew fun things for children to do, said, "Why not go and find a little red house with no doors and no windows and a star inside." <br /><br />This really made the little girl wonder. Usually her grandmother had good ideas, but she thought that this one was very strange. <br /><br />"Which way shall I go?" She asked her grandmother. "I don't know where to find a little red house with no doors and no windows". <br /><br />"Go down the lane past the farmer's house and up the hill," said grandmother, "and then hurry back as soon as you can and tell me all about your journey." <br /><br />“I am looking for a house without a door, with a star, with a star inside.” <br /><br />So the little girl started out. She jumped into a drift of fallen leaves that lay by her front door, all red and yellow and brown. The leaves made a nice crunching sound under her feet. Then she heard another noise, “Mew, mew.” Who was that? “Oh, kitty,” she asked, "Do you know where I shall find a little red house with no doors and no windows and a star inside?" Kitty looked up at her and then began rubbing against her legs, saying, “Mew, mew, me-w! I wish I could help you.” <br /><br />The little girl giggled. "Well, thank you and good day to you!" she said. <br /><br />So the little girl went on until she saw a friendly puppy. The puppy stopped and wagged his tail, so the child said to him: “Oh, puppy, can you tell me where I shall find a little red house with no doors and no windows and a star inside?" The puppy kept on wagging his tail and barked: "Bow, wow, wow! If I knew, I would surely tell you now!” <br /><br />The little girl smiled and said, "Well, thank you and good day to you!" she said. <br /><br />And close to where the puppy had greeted her there stood a friendly cow, looking over the fence and munching on a mouthful of sweet hay. So the little girl said, “Oh, mooly cow, do you know where I shall find a little red house with no doors and no windows and a star inside?" Mooly cow rubbed her soft nose against the grandchild and said, “Moo! Moo-oo-oo! Dear child, I cannot help you! But the farmer who takes care of me knows many things. He is just finishing his chores in the barn and will be out in the shake of a cow’s tail. Sit on the fence beside me and wait for him.” <br /><br />The girl thanked the cow, and climbed up onto the fence to wait for the farmer. It wasn’t long before he came out of the barn, saw the little girl and walked up to her. He smiled and said, "Good afternoon, and how may I help you?” “Mr. Farmer, do you know where I shall find a little red house with no doors and no windows and a star inside?" asked the little girl. <br /><br />"I should like to find that little house myself," he chuckled. "It would be warm when the frosty nights come and the starlight would be much prettier than a candle. But ask the wind who blows about so much and listens at all the chimneys. Perhaps the wind can tell you." <br /><br />So the little girl said thank you to the farmer continued walking along the path rather sadly. She wondered if her grandmother, who usually knew almost everything, had perhaps made a mistake. The wind was coming down the hill as the little girl was climbing up. As they met, the wind turned about and went along, singing beside the little girl. It whistled in her ear, pushed her gently along and dropped a pretty leaf into her hands. <br /><br />"I wonder," thought the little girl, "if the wind could help me find a little red house with no doors, and no windows and a star inside." <br /><br />The wind cannot speak in our words, but it went singing ahead of the little girl until it came to the top of the hill. There it climbed up in the apple tree and shook the branches. The leaves made gentle tinkling sounds. When the little girl caught up, there, at her feet, lay a big red apple. The little girl picked up the apple. It was as much as her two hands could hold. It was as red as the sun had been able to paint it, and it had no doors and no windows. Was there a star inside? <br /><br />The little girl called to the wind, "Thank you", and the wind whistled back, "You're welcome." The little girl hurried back down hill, and danced down the lane with the big, red apple in her hands. When she reached her cottage house she called out to her grandmother, “Grandmother, I have found a little red house with no windows and doors!” “I’m in the kitchen, dear one,” called grandmother, “come and let’s see if a star sits inside!” The little girl ran to the kitchen. Grandmother took a knife and cut the apple through the center. <br /><br />Oh, how wonderful! There inside the apple, lay a star! <br /><br />"It is too wonderful to eat without looking at the star, isn't it?" the little girl said to her grandmother. <br /><br />"Yes, indeed," answered grandmother. <br /><br /><br /><i>“Twinkle, twinkle little star, How I wonder what you are,<br />Stars in apple, seed pod, pear, Stars in berries everywhere.<br />So you guard me near and far. Twinkle, twinkle, little star.”</i></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></div></div>starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-85849306627368212662023-05-27T14:44:00.004-07:002023-05-27T14:45:13.023-07:00<p> </p><h1 style="text-align: left;"> Coming July 19-23 2023!!</h1><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; text-align: center; width: 546px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-7313381232725826649mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 546px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 9px 18px;"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-7313381232725826649mcnTextContentContainer" style="background-color: #f59e84; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 510px;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-7313381232725826649mcnTextContent" style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: lora, georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Join WAPASA and Connie for a Virtual Workshop during the Summer Conference: Wee Puppet Glove Storytelling Workshop </span><br /><em>(Workshop recordings will be available to all attendees and virtual conference participants for 2 months after the conference! )</em></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; text-align: center; width: 546px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 528px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 9px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="m_-7313381232725826649mcnImage CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjbvjbgiJlfCmagn7cAyrTpOPpPLWY5usuKp_skOTRgn2FyMR4AoAjdCRGBHGwOlM6FwGTl6N6-secITsA28qpZpdh8K3hX1f-FsAAPj8sAJwwHtjEVwf5T9KOfqVdF7XhEQW0VGZcWhsDWIHOJ2WmD-HVGAuNrEbOTEN20u4qlmJfHgvtnRbHxdA3qvEhg-qtq1HEUxV6H5uJQ8qONp1GkJl1d=w494-h278" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; cursor: pointer; display: inline; height: auto; max-width: 960px; outline: none; padding: 5px 5px 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" tabindex="0" width="494" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; text-align: center; width: 546px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-7313381232725826649mcnBoxedTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 546px;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 9px 18px;"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_-7313381232725826649mcnTextContentContainer" style="background-color: #f59e84; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 510px;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-7313381232725826649mcnTextContent" style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 18px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: lora, georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Hello dear puppet magic makers!! I am so delighted to share this <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://puppetryandstorytelling.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1f911eaf2c00713f0b13c6f44%26id%3Dfddb9a3f09%26e%3D7113d9a789&source=gmail&ust=1685292728712000&usg=AOvVaw18BBCDnkOJplX-GXujYdjk" href="https://puppetryandstorytelling.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1f911eaf2c00713f0b13c6f44&id=fddb9a3f09&e=7113d9a789" style="color: #007c89; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">workshop</a> with you in July!<br />Through simple cloth dyeing, hand sewing, and crafting with wool, let's create a wee puppet nature story that travels easily from place to place, takes minimal setup, and creates delight and magic in a child's day! <br /><br />This story was inspired by a tale originating from the people of the First Nation, and is a delightful seasonal story for the fall.<br /><br />You'll also have a chance to see several glove finger puppet stories in action during our time together! It's going to be inspiring, fun, and full of tips to create some magic of your own!<br /><br />Warmly,<br />Connie Manson<br /></span><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-summer-puppet-conference-2023-tickets-588513809647" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;">CLICK HERE TO REGISTER</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-71830859231085380372021-12-22T10:21:00.003-08:002021-12-22T12:37:35.175-08:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KMixVLKfH3ymxDZuMwjS0-BGagwgDrIno7RN2A7sLFtZqpy3n5DMlpOhkzNRwDBgKJbrvOAiLiP5I8T8uurlZa_Z7LIK5NXhQU9BcHHDnsgDij3aK0U-xLSVhHEFVjeOX5TP88-WxK0/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KMixVLKfH3ymxDZuMwjS0-BGagwgDrIno7RN2A7sLFtZqpy3n5DMlpOhkzNRwDBgKJbrvOAiLiP5I8T8uurlZa_Z7LIK5NXhQU9BcHHDnsgDij3aK0U-xLSVhHEFVjeOX5TP88-WxK0/w240-h320/image.png" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Make a vow when solstice comes</span></b></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">to find the light in everyone </span></b></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">keep the faith and bang the drum</span></b></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><b>on the longest night of the year"</b></i></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--Mary Chapin Carpenter</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dear friends of puppetry,</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Blessings on your Solstice! </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The healing imagery found in puppetry is needed now more than ever, as we face the challenges of our times, to remind of us what is essential and true. In this update you'll see news of an upcoming online puppet story event, and ideas for puppet storytelling in the holiday season!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Next Tuesday, December 28th, I'll be continuing the online seasonal series, with the Story of Shingebiss. Shingebiss originates from a traditional Ojibwe First Nation story of a brave 'diving duck' who through patience and perseverance overcomes the big and fierce "Chief Wintermaker". The image of a little duck standing up to the a creature many times his size is a powerful one for children--for us all!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you have already signed up I will 'see' you then, and if you have not signed up yet and wish to join, here is the link to register: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://starlitepuppets.blogspot.com/p/events.html&source=gmail&ust=1640267271855000&usg=AOvVaw2qaiEBLC5UAFtmhRLWRTyr" href="https://starlitepuppets.blogspot.com/p/events.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://starlitepuppets.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/p/events.html</a></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It would be absolutely lovely to share this with you! If you know of anyone who might be interested in this fantastic story of courage in the midst of the strongest adversity, please share this email with them--thank you!</span></div><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DPzYfAJxJBbCMBFcdiUr2jTO7JJ1br_GWFsJYVB6OIMajJTl0BCmUzwT3W_2BeJods9C6eSrOt1JPKkYBCfeY2I-7nEg1p7eDZynpkmLc9ya2XOQumjYy-mGfvlGZhQX3fP_4luibXM/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3198" data-original-width="2011" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DPzYfAJxJBbCMBFcdiUr2jTO7JJ1br_GWFsJYVB6OIMajJTl0BCmUzwT3W_2BeJods9C6eSrOt1JPKkYBCfeY2I-7nEg1p7eDZynpkmLc9ya2XOQumjYy-mGfvlGZhQX3fP_4luibXM/w122-h195/image.png" width="122" /></a></div>Finger puppet adventures!</b> Here is a little St. Nick finger puppet I created that goes perfectly with a lovely story told by Terri Reinhardt. It so embodies the spirit of the selfless giving at Christmas time, with gentle images of redemption for those finding their way, titled "A St. Nicholas Story: The Fiercest Animal in the Forest".</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> A story I have used often at Christmas time for kindergarten and nursery is "Who Was Born This Special Day?" You'll see the story below. I use finger puppets for the telling, or if you have a nativity set, you could use them in this way to share the story. As this time of year symbolizes the re-birth of the sun, and the seeds forming in the earth, the story of the birth of the child is a deeply joyful and meaningful story for children of any cultural background.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzr6Lydz-dDlsgTWaCS2MKnGdDNeKC8Hrko7xmjgv334zlyjea9g4fS72_k-RhDBFfYXzTgaerONCp5G0aHTQSECYpQ7TbbV7b_diBlaAB66bZ3Q7xD95T6mTT8pbXA_4Dz6zhQdaP7s/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzr6Lydz-dDlsgTWaCS2MKnGdDNeKC8Hrko7xmjgv334zlyjea9g4fS72_k-RhDBFfYXzTgaerONCp5G0aHTQSECYpQ7TbbV7b_diBlaAB66bZ3Q7xD95T6mTT8pbXA_4Dz6zhQdaP7s/w124-h124/image.png" width="124" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">*Note: As I am currently teaching parent/child classes with toddlers, I tell it less abstractly, as I find it easier for them to follow. For example I have little bunny ask the question "Is it you, little stone?", and have the stone answer in this manner, in rhyme--"No it is not I, ask the tree who grows nearby." That version has been included as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Brightest Blessings on your holiday season!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Warmly,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Connie Manson, artistic director and founder of Starlite Puppets</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 18pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Who was Born This Special Day?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">by Eve Bunting and Leonid Gore, edited by Connie Manson for nursery/kindergarten</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">A little mouse lived in his mossy house. He knew that someone had been born this day. He asked, “Who was born this special day? Was it you, little stone?”</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 8pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">I’ve been here since the world began, part of the great creation plan.”</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">No, it was not the stone.</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“Was it you, cedar tree?”</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“When I was a seedling floating in space, a wandering wind dropped me here in this place.”</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">No, it was not the cedar tree.</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“Was it you, little lamb?”</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“Baa, Baa. I was born back in early May, when the breezes of Spring chased Winter away.”</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> No, it was not the lamb.</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“Was it you, little donkey?”</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hee-haw”.The donkey snug in a coat of gray, shook his head in a donkey way. No, it was not the donkey.</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“Someone was born this special day, was it you, mourning dove?”</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“Croo, croo. No, not I. I was born in a nest of love with leaves that whispered and sang above.”</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">“Who was born this special day? Was it the child?”</span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The child who lies in a little bed, the shine of the star overhead?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Clouds filled with ANGELS shimmering bright, singing of joy this special night. </span></p><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Who was born this day? It was the child.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 18pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">Who was Born This Special Day?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">inspired by the story by Eve Bunting and Leonid Gore, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">as told by Connie Manson for parent/child classes</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A little bunny was hopping along, and stopped to nibble on tender twigs and little leaf buds on the bushes in the winter time. A little bird flew along, a singing a song, and said to Bunny,</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Good morning, bunny! Someone was born this special day!"</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Who was born this special day?", asked bunny.</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But the bird did not reply, he had already flown on by!</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So the bunny looked around to find out who was born on this special day--hippity hop, hippity hop!</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He saw a little stone. "Good morning little stone, were you born today?"</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Hello bunny", said the stone, "no, it was not I. Ask the tree that sits nearby!"</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So Rabbit hopped to the tree, and asked, "Good morning, tree, so green, were you born today?"</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"No, not I", answered the tree, "ask the little lamb close to me."</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"But I don't see a little lamb," said the bunny. "Listen . . . " whispered the tree.</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The bunny stretched his ears and stood very still. Soon he heard a soft, "Baa, baa . . . " he hopped until he saw a little lamb, standing behind a bush.</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Dear lamb," said the rabbit, "were you born today?"</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"No, I was not born today, ask the donkey with his coat of gray!" </span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Thank you!", said the rabbit, and hopped until he heard a loud "hee-haw, hee-haw!"</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Good morning, little donkey, were you born today?" </span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The donkey in his coat of gray, shook his head in a donkey way, "Hee-haw, hee-haw, it was not I! Ask mother and father dear who lives nearby!" </span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bunny hopped until he found a house. Who was in the house? A mother and father dear! And . . . who was this?</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A child lay in a little bed. The shine of the star high overhead. Clouds filled with angels, shimmering bright, singing of joy this special night.</span></div><div style="color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Who was born this special day? It was the child!</span></div></div>starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-1632657006241870912021-06-16T14:32:00.002-07:002021-06-16T14:32:38.479-07:00<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk4NEpYRtYAYolICt54bZjkkizO_H-rAz12FWw6RCf5TSMRbxiPDITnwCvwR0s6U55F1ApUVnbC2YNcLyC3pyRMKAXuJVvHGG5agJkFInJtJr2QPwmUOR_6yC17z3J9vtjboPUlYGuG8/s1495/Connie+Promo+pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1495" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk4NEpYRtYAYolICt54bZjkkizO_H-rAz12FWw6RCf5TSMRbxiPDITnwCvwR0s6U55F1ApUVnbC2YNcLyC3pyRMKAXuJVvHGG5agJkFInJtJr2QPwmUOR_6yC17z3J9vtjboPUlYGuG8/w359-h192/Connie+Promo+pic2.jpg" width="359" /></a></div><br />STARLITE PUPPETS was honored to be featured on Synergy Connection Radio podcast in May, sharing the ways puppetry brings magic to the young at heart. Here is a link to the podcast. Check it out!<p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://synergyconnectionradio.com/the-wonderful-life-of-a-puppeteer-with-connie-manson/">The Wonderful Life of a Puppeteer</a><br /></span></p>starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-82112623178624229042020-12-25T12:17:00.004-08:002020-12-25T12:17:34.019-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sparklestories/posts/3675859269119571" style="font-style: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAhKotS7BCBflJyoFUQ2dO76KwaZ4YGxu0OXl1OY6i9pz3GTQDaV28KBPDwX28N-Zkp5TBjIvE7iwk5jc-wuvfeJQYqeu9NkO_9H_Yax7BSGOj1BTGnGBvF3ho7CkoCNdLjnP-Brvxfo/w414-h341/image.png" width="414" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What a joy it was to collaborate with David Sewell McCann this season! Watch storyteller David and myself perform a Sparkle Stories season favorite here! Click on recordin</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">g here: </span><i><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/StarlitePuppets/posts/3546768515371587">The Candleberry Elf</a></span></span></i></p>starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-88771235526958214522019-12-26T18:50:00.001-08:002019-12-27T08:53:13.795-08:00<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Mouse Who Wanted Her Tail Back</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Adaptation by Connie Manson</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Winter is the perfect time for baking. It’s fun to share this little </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">puppet tale when baking at home or on a classroom baking day </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once upon a winter’s day, there was a little cat and there was a little mouse. They began to play together, and then mousie nibbled on cat’s tail! “Ouch,“ said cat. And so, the cat took the mouse’s tail!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “Give me my tail back!”, said the mouse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “I will give you your tail back if you will give me a bucket of milk.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First she lept and then she ran, ‘til she came to the cow and thus began, “Good day, cow!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “Good day, mouse.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “Would you please give me a bucket of milk?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “I will give you a bucket of milk, if you will give me a bale of hay.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First she lept and then she ran, ‘til she came to the farmer and thus began, “Good day, farmer!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “Good day, mouse.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “Would you please give me a bale of hay?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “I will give you a bale of hay if you will give me a loaf of bread.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First she lept, and then she ran, ‘til she came to the baker and thus began, “Good day, baker!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “Good day, mouse.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “Would you please give me a loaf of bread?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “I will give you a loaf of bread, if you will give me a sack of flour.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First she lept and then she ran, ‘til she came to the miller and thus began, “Good day, miller!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “Good day, mouse.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “Will you please give me a sack of flour?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “I will give you a sack of flour if you promise never to nibble on my grain again.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “I promise,” said the mouse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And so the miller gave the mouse a sack of flour. The mouse gave the sack of flour to the baker. And so the baker gave the mouse a loaf of bread. The mouse gave the loaf of bread to the farmer. And so the farmer gave the mouse a bale of hay. The mouse gave the bale of hay to the cow. And so the cow gave the mouse a bucket of milk. The mouse gave the bucket of milk to the cat and then and there, the cat gave the mouse her tail back, and shared her bucket of milk with little mousie.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgK1vH_v_MygxRWkG6BbrZskRxIIPUpYCpE65ArpfnnNsjdHmPuh-A049QFnIL1Z9gnxxbaQckij3GiXyg3cRKm_XRmyLztK6vm_xk45sv98nOy9TURa-hxmGHPoByHWHMqdMZR28YiU/s1600/Mousie.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="798" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgK1vH_v_MygxRWkG6BbrZskRxIIPUpYCpE65ArpfnnNsjdHmPuh-A049QFnIL1Z9gnxxbaQckij3GiXyg3cRKm_XRmyLztK6vm_xk45sv98nOy9TURa-hxmGHPoByHWHMqdMZR28YiU/s320/Mousie.tif" width="218" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Easy Mousie Finger Puppet</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">White or brown felt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">White or brown thick yarn 2 1/2” long</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">White or brown embroidery floss</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Small velcro dots in white or tan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Small black seed beads or black embroidery floss</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Small black pom pom (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. Cut out the pattern and fold in half lengthwise. Pin to hold.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. Sew a stitch or wrap a french knot for each eye with black embroidery floss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. Sew the felt from the x near the back of the mouse to the point of the mouse shape--at the nose--with matching floss, using an overcast or a blanket stitch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. Cut 2 ears from pattern. Fold each one in 1/2. Attach the ears on either side on the head of the mouse as indicated by the ‘x’. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. Attach a tiny velcro dot at the spot indicated by the x above, attach the other side of the dot on the wool yarn tail. Tie a knot at the end of the tail.</span><br />
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starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-36420178563710784162019-09-25T14:45:00.001-07:002019-09-25T14:50:50.780-07:00Little Mousie's Seed<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Happy Autumn, everyone! Enjoy a story I wrote "Little Mousie's Seed." Though the story spans all seasons, it begins and rests in Autumn. You'll find it in my resource for parents and teachers called "A Journey Through Spring" available here: </span><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstarlitepuppets.blogspot.com%2Fp%2Fshop.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1HRcENiSVid8fYpjXx5zrtKuBQazCpZnG5K1oIYn7S4hN1E6B2uli7el0&h=AT3XMOh6Cski7YOiuw6TP8O98CT0Lx_6bCu8gPFLTtUW7CDHxqa2GnLqaSMNucB0vWawPXVycXJlfE5nErgzKke2SDLQWPrpxraAHqKedbPVqa4-2u-GJuzYoah5bz5uLS-WOWbr4Rn00iVZhhOJapEszg" href="https://starlitepuppets.blogspot.com/p/shop.html?fbclid=IwAR1HRcENiSVid8fYpjXx5zrtKuBQazCpZnG5K1oIYn7S4hN1E6B2uli7el0" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: white; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>starlitepuppets.blogspot.co<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>m/p/shop.html</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">. I've included a picture of one of the puppets I use when I tell it as a puppet story. Happy Autumn Journeys to you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOUnvFg1dLGC1Tt-2PWt3-fEU8YNw8E7nPoXSk3ZPy3eZBo25JDOgPuhlk5TSBXbwteSFy-YUXbYxNgcIadwhDOjfd1liCom_dUmOqTRUyquFhZ1C4sfIugDflkEVVqLRYJTrCfoELgY/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOUnvFg1dLGC1Tt-2PWt3-fEU8YNw8E7nPoXSk3ZPy3eZBo25JDOgPuhlk5TSBXbwteSFy-YUXbYxNgcIadwhDOjfd1liCom_dUmOqTRUyquFhZ1C4sfIugDflkEVVqLRYJTrCfoELgY/s320/IMG_0108.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">Once upon a time Little Mousie was in the fields, searching for seeds. He found some! He gathered them up in</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-size: 14px;">to his cheeks to bring home to his house under the roots of a tree. But he picked up a seed that was left in the field and diggity, diggity, he dug a little hole and dropped the seed inside. Then shuttity, shut! He covered up the seed with a soft blanket of soil. Then off to his house he scurried to settle in for the winter and a nice long nap.<br /><br />The seed also napped a long, long time. One spring morning it woke up. It yawned and stretched, and . . . CRACK! It’s hard brown jacket split in two.<br /><br />“Oh!”, said the little seed, “that feels so much better!”<br /><br />The seed pressed a soft root into the moist earth below, and pushed a tender shoot up, up through the dark, warm earth. It kept on pressing up, up, until, all of a sudden its head reached the top of the earth. It peeked out from the soil and saw Father Sun smiling down brightly. The little seedling opened its leaves wide to the warm sunshine. The seedling sipped the sparkling dew the water fairies brought. Its stem grew stronger and taller, and its leaves grew larger.<br /><br />Every morning Father Sun sent his bright sunbeams down to play upon the earth. Some would dance on the soft green leaves of the little plant. “Good morning, sunbeams!” the little plant would say. And every evening after Father Sun had traveled across the sky, as He ducked down behind the trees, the little plant would call, “Good night, Father Sun!”<br /><br />One morning, a sunbeam danced down from Father Sun, and tickled the little plant‘s head. The plant was so happy! All of a sudden, the green cap that covered its little head opened wide, and out popped its face ringed with golden sunbeam petals! The flower would watch for Father Sun to rise in the morning, and follow Father Sun as he traveled across the big sky during the day.<br /><br />It wasn’t long before the flower heard a gentle humming sound as soft little bee bodies touched its brown face gently. “Zoom . . . zoom . . . hmmm . . . hmmm . . . thank you for your nectar sweet, and your soft golden dust to tickle our feet,” sang the bees. Where ever the golden bees touched the flower’s face a seed began to grow. The seeds grew larger, and the flower was so happy.<br /><br />But one day the seeds became so heavy that the flower bowed its head down towards the earth. The seeds tumbled out and landed softly on the ground. Father Sun sent his pink and purple rays and wrapped them ‘round the flower then said softly, “Pleasant dreams golden sunflower, mine!” Brother Wind whispered a soft lullaby as night tip toed to the earth.<br /><br />The next morning Little Mousie scurried into the fields to look for seeds. He found some! He tucked all of the seeds into his cheeks to carry them to his house for the winter. But he took one seed in his teeth and diggity, diggity, he dug a little hole and dropped the seed inside. Then shuttity, shut! He covered it up and left it there. Then off to his house he scurried to settle in for the winter and a nice long nap!</span></span>starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-74531003293989478012018-12-03T18:33:00.000-08:002018-12-03T18:33:25.114-08:00Once Upon a Story . . . <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Storytelling is such a magical activity for children. It's an opportunity to create a space for meaningful connection. Storytelling asks of the teller the qualities of sharing, focus, warmth, and presence. No wonder this activity is so nourishing for children, and for us all! For the youngest the capacity to follow a story and visualizing the images is still in development, so a visual support can be very helpful in order to ground the experience for them. All it takes is just a simple finger puppet to captivate the imagination of a small child during a song or story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I pulled this little goat out of a pocket in my story apron while sharing a short story poem about the animals and flowers waking up in the morning.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UqUq_7fNDzoD__KiweP19L7oJkzB2lywKITuHWyE27mp2YCmKmRR5EHJ21juxHN9OofsmAZn1gGIIqZFqMp7MS-fagvUuP1ax1zHTugXYzzie04dq0vuU7hM6peNAKcA1DORoUZqocY/s1600/42576334_2026474857417425_5674408532598849536_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UqUq_7fNDzoD__KiweP19L7oJkzB2lywKITuHWyE27mp2YCmKmRR5EHJ21juxHN9OofsmAZn1gGIIqZFqMp7MS-fagvUuP1ax1zHTugXYzzie04dq0vuU7hM6peNAKcA1DORoUZqocY/s400/42576334_2026474857417425_5674408532598849536_o.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Storytelling is the natural foundation of literacy--it is the origin of every book we read. And what a precious gift to offer, the gift of presence as you share a story learned by heart, a moment from your childhood, or a simple tale created on the spot. The trickiest part of storytelling comes at the outset, when learning how to allow the story to 'tell itself'. I remember feeling so self-conscious as I fumbled through telling a spontaneous story to a group of little ones in my home nursery. But the little ones just waited patiently and didn't mind the stumbles at all! Each time I told a story it became a little easier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wondering how to feel more confident in your ability to share a story in the moment or one by heart? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Below is an audio link to story telling tips, recorded for an online homeschooling group that I hope you find helpful. I'd love to hear your experiences with storytelling! </span><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoVKjeOR4Co&t=7s"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Art of Storytelling for Children audio link</span></a><br />
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<br />starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-49349955313655884752018-09-23T18:18:00.004-07:002018-09-23T18:21:29.620-07:00Squirrel Nutkin Autumn Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Squirrel Nutkin has a coat of brown,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Quite the loveliest in woodland town.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Two bright eyes look 'round to see,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where the sweetest nuts might be!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Create an acorn bean bag! Here's how . . .</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__czqwkekqbZpIvlvXxr37EuI3hPqMGgtihXrD48vo9cugAcB5WbRneGmj6ghrph0RFR2KBk95vg-IjMDQvP814kxUbAs12ed41NPGJOarqa-nue5bQzuD2eerKCNQrFynUj2TBgE0z0/s1600/acorn+pattern+trois.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1318" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__czqwkekqbZpIvlvXxr37EuI3hPqMGgtihXrD48vo9cugAcB5WbRneGmj6ghrph0RFR2KBk95vg-IjMDQvP814kxUbAs12ed41NPGJOarqa-nue5bQzuD2eerKCNQrFynUj2TBgE0z0/s640/acorn+pattern+trois.png" width="526" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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Fun games to play with an acorn bean bag . . .<br />
<b>For one or several children:</b><br />
Tuck away indoors or outdoors so that only a small piece is showing and have a hunt for it!<br />
<b>For a circle of children:</b><br />
As a group, sit the class in a circle, with hands outstretched behind their backs. One child will be the "squirrel", and drop the acorn into the waiting hands of one of the children. The child who gets the acorn will run to catch the "squirrel" as the "squirrel" runs back to their place in the circle.<br />
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Use the template above to create an acorn bean bag!<br />
Materials:<br />
brown felt for acorn body<br />
gray felt for acorn cap<br />
brown and gray embroidery floss<br />
dried lentils for stuffing<br />
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BODY<br />
Cut two of the acorn body--cut the tops of the acorn pattern a 1/2" higher than template.<br />
Sew pieces together with a blanket stitch, leaving the top open.<br />
Stuff acorn body with lentils, then sew the top closed.<br />
CAP<br />
Sew the top of the cap together with a blanket stitch next place over the top of the sewn acorn body and sew to the body one side at a time.<br />
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<br />starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-30981063971953744242017-12-03T09:18:00.000-08:002017-12-29T09:26:07.871-08:00<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Winter Solstice Story</span> </b></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>by Connie Manson</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Here is a story from my book "A Journey Through Winter" that can be told this season. Wonderful in the classroom or at home. Included below is a little dove finger puppet pattern. Blessings on your holiday season!</i></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIIJAe-ijzZcySoW2zZoZeRSfwjF64UdRcIEK240tqSDCJw4BiOslYEpXW5DRTpiUQLTYk9lYdiWQ1GUA6NNQsc16r_crHtyUS6W6XxATEL-pCuLh4yLoRMu0s8HK0bu2Ike8Iy9el0g/s1600/Christmas+rose1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIIJAe-ijzZcySoW2zZoZeRSfwjF64UdRcIEK240tqSDCJw4BiOslYEpXW5DRTpiUQLTYk9lYdiWQ1GUA6NNQsc16r_crHtyUS6W6XxATEL-pCuLh4yLoRMu0s8HK0bu2Ike8Iy9el0g/s1600/Christmas+rose1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>nce there was a little boy who lived with his Mother in a cozy cottage near a gurgling stream. It was summer time and many flowers were blooming near the stream‘s edge. There, the little boy would lie on his belly in the grass and watch the bees and the butterflies dance among the flowers, and the spiders swing on threads as they spun and wove their shining webs.<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There was an old tree which lay fallen in the woods that he loved to climb on and pretend he was a sailor sailing out to sea! One morning, lying in the moss by the old tree he found a large piece of bark. It was just the right size for a boat of his own! He found a branch that was straight and true, to use for a mast. There were a number of stones that lay by the brook, and he picked up a pointed, thin one, which he used to dig a hole in the bark. He fit the mast snugly into the hole. Now, for a sail! There was a leaf growing by the stream that was just large enough. Using tiny bits of twig, he attached the leaf to the mast. He spent many happy summer days watching his little boat bob up and down merrily in the water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It wasn’t long before the crickets began to sing of Prince Autumn’s arrival! The apples grew red and ripe, and fell to the ground. Prince Autumn came through the wood and painted the leaves golden, red and brown. The leaves waved in the breeze and began to dance to the ground, and some fell into the little stream. The boy helped his mother rake leaves into tall piles and then they would jump into the piles with a happy shout! Sometimes Squirrel Nutkin would come near and leap nimbly from branch to branch, chattering as he went, searching for nuts to store in his sturdy home which was tucked in a tree branch near its trunk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As the nights grew longer and the days shorter, the winds blew in puffs of cold air. The little boy would put on his warm clothes and sit quietly on the fallen old log to watch the deer as they nibbled on soft twigs and buds nearby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One evening as he was walking in the woods he found a little opening behind some bushes. He thought he saw the fluffy tail of a fox, and crawled through the opening to see. But as he was searching for the fox, the sun slipped quickly down behind the trees the woods grew very dark. The little boy looked around and didn’t know how to find his way back home again. A frosty gust of wind blew and the boy shivered with cold. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then, in the dim light, the little boy saw something gleaming on the ground. It was a small sparkling stone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“Oh, little stone, dear little stone, will you help me find my way back home?” The little stone twinkled, and suddenly the boy didn’t feel quite so cold anymore. He picked up the stone, and he was just reaching to put it in his pocket when it seemed to leap right out of his hand! It rolled a ways, then stopped by the roots of a little fir tree whose branches were gently dancing in the frosty breeze. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“Oh dear little fir tree, can you hear me? Will you help me find my way home speedily?”, asked the boy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the slender branches of the fir tree stirred, and it seemed to be pointing towards a clearing in the woods! The little boy walked until he reached the place where only a few trees were standing beneath the twinkling starlight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He heard a sound high up in a tree, in one of its branches. “Tsu-croo, tsu-croo.” What was that? A small dove poked out its head and flew down to a lower branch, closer to the boy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“Oh little dove, dear little dove, Can you guide me homeward with your song of love?” The dove sang softly, “Tsu-croo, tsu-croo, that I will do. First look up at the star that shines for you!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The boy looked up, and there he saw a star that seemed to sparkle a bit more than the others. The little boy smiled. In a twinkle, the dove flew down into the clearing and rested by something growing near the ground, then flew upward into the tree once more. He wondered what the dove had landed beside, and ran over to see. There softly glowing like a star in the grass, sat a beautiful white flower. The boy knelt down and gently picked the flower, and held it in his hand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then the dove called once again, “Tsu-croo, tsu-croo.” It kept on calling until the boy walked towards it, then flew away into the woods. The little boy quickly followed. It wasn’t long before he found himself crawling back through the opening into the bushes, near the gurgling stream behind his cottage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The boy ran inside to show his treasure to his mother, saying, “Mother, I am so sorry. I was lost in the woods. I asked a stone to help me, and it rolled to a fir tree, and I asked the fir tree to help me, and it pointed to a clearing in the woods. There I found a dove, and when I asked the dove to help me, it called to me to look up and there I saw a bright shining star. Then the dove showed me where this flower was growing, and I picked it. Next the dove flew into the woods and led me to our brook, and . . . well . . . here I am!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“My dear child, I am so happy to see you!” said the Mother. “When you didn’t answer me when I called, I asked a shining star to watch over you and guide you safely home again.” Then she smiled and gave the little boy a big hug. Together they found a small glass dish, filled it with water and laid the flower inside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“What a lovely Winter Star,“ said his Mother. And together they sat by the brightly burning fire and sipped some delicious warm soup for supper.</span><br />
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starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-41738257296596065892017-08-10T09:51:00.000-07:002017-08-11T15:46:55.213-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Picking up the Gauntlet . . .</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggI4n_pGIVz10pgreG1o1AX0W_3oB-O2RbStE7LBiA9SSEUf7J6KP2wWNE_KChpT11OGXhHtxKCpzvMxo1SwzBs0axpDKYl69eoxdNAyHNuXEzQak8oXMJ3TqBw0qdJI9CeUKqvYzsKs/s1600/680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggI4n_pGIVz10pgreG1o1AX0W_3oB-O2RbStE7LBiA9SSEUf7J6KP2wWNE_KChpT11OGXhHtxKCpzvMxo1SwzBs0axpDKYl69eoxdNAyHNuXEzQak8oXMJ3TqBw0qdJI9CeUKqvYzsKs/s320/680.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once I remember wonderful Suzanne Down challenging her newsletter readers to try writing a shelter story using a sea side theme. She suggested the sea shell becoming the common shelter--similar to the tale of "The Mitten", where a little mouse happens upon an abandoned mitten and calls it home, and along comes a little friend, and then another. Always each new friend is welcomed to join the others. What a great idea, I thought (thank you, Suzanne!) and sat down to give it a try. Those of you who have written your own stories know that the first moments are the trickiest . . . but it's always worth the effort! Somehow the tale begins to speak and guide the writer into what to say. For my story I ended up using the same rhyming format as a German shelter story another dear friend introduced me to called "The Pot" (thank you, Renate Hiller!) The version written here works nicely for those living in a beach community as I do, or during the summer time and early autumn. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the end of this story you'll see a little 'horse of the sea' puppet pattern, to help bring the tale to life!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And now, dear friends, I am throwing the gauntlet to <b><i>you</i></b>! Begin a story today . . . take a few minutes to drink in the wonders of nature in your backyard or a beloved park, then bathe in the quiet and listen . . . write what comes to you!! Scroll down this page for a link to tips on storytelling!</span><br />
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shining Shell</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">by
Connie Manson © 2012<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the ocean blue, near the shore, the
waves rolled this-a way, and they rolled that a-way. A sea shell tumbled and
tossed in the water. It rolled and rolled and then came to a stop on the sandy
ocean bottom. The sun was shining brightly up above, and little rays of
sunshine danced in the water. A tiny blue fish came darting by, swimming up and
swimming down, and looking all around. It saw the sea shell lying there. It
looked to be as big as a smooth, shining palace! It swam up to the sea shell
and called “Shining shell, shining shell, who dwells here?” But no one
answered, because no one was inside. “Then I shall live here,” it said, and it
made a cozy home inside the shell.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Along came goldie the fish. It saw the sea
shell and called out, “Shining shell, shining shell, who dwells here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“I do, tiny blue, oh-so-true, and who are
you?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“I am goldie the fish, who darts and
dips.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“Come inside, and make yourself a home
here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And so the two of them began to live
together. After a time, a little starfish came crawling by. It saw the sea
shell and called out, “Shining shell, shining shell, who dwells here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“I do, goldie the fish, who darts and
dips.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“I do, tiny blue, oh-so-true, and who are
you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“I am sandy the starfish who carries a
wish.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“Come inside, and make yourself a home
here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And so the three of them began to live
together. Along came a sea turtle,
paddling by. He saw the sea shell and called out, “Shining shell, shining
shell, who dwells here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“I do, sandy the starfish who carries a
wish.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“I do, goldie the fish, who darts and
dips.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“I do, tiny blue, oh-so-true, and who are
you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“I am snappy the turtle who paddles and
flips.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> “Come inside, and make yourself a home here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And so the four of them began to live
together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Suddenly before them darted a little sea
horse. He was in a great hurry. He saw the sea shell and cried, “I am horse of
the sea, please rescue me, for an octopus, he chases me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">“Let’s bring him inside--a shelter
we’ll be!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Little horse of the sea was safely tucked
inside. The octopus came gliding by. He looked this-a-way, he looked
that-a-way. But nothing could he spy, save a shining shell that sat nearby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Said the octopus, “How could that creature
disappear so fast?” Oh-so-quietly the
little friends sat, until at last, the octopus went gliding away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And from that day on, the little friends
lived ever safe and sound, in their shining home on the sandy ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8PQfrbvkpVItkbYk59dG9YAfEM0g907FJnpAXpUdNWCaot8IaCjEjUEpeVGf3q7g3ExaKalLEOk_rkPPoubOLS4Kd-3_Uy134zR3KlMK5QEiMpwb45q1NnaZk2xwVFW1bKRRp3i_3l4/s1600/sea+horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8PQfrbvkpVItkbYk59dG9YAfEM0g907FJnpAXpUdNWCaot8IaCjEjUEpeVGf3q7g3ExaKalLEOk_rkPPoubOLS4Kd-3_Uy134zR3KlMK5QEiMpwb45q1NnaZk2xwVFW1bKRRp3i_3l4/s320/sea+horse.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Directions for a finger puppet: Cut out two pieces from felt. The horse of the sea I modeled on was a beautiful lavender color! If eyes or desired you can use a french knot from embroidery floss or tiny black seed beads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70tjfh61q7iod6jp8sRhorH2tl2eXliraVtAMvieDeuU_R9m1FeL1yQbX4nI7TOGXnvlFHGOg2WcI2eRPz9r5b0mwiXNYYKbSvz0BDdiDBYNtyiIMh9mjTbWlksQsCU_Xc-9oK-5lpr0/s1600/french+knot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70tjfh61q7iod6jp8sRhorH2tl2eXliraVtAMvieDeuU_R9m1FeL1yQbX4nI7TOGXnvlFHGOg2WcI2eRPz9r5b0mwiXNYYKbSvz0BDdiDBYNtyiIMh9mjTbWlksQsCU_Xc-9oK-5lpr0/s200/french+knot.png" width="181" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sew around the edges with a blanket stitch or overcast stitch, leaving the bottom of the belly section open if you'd like to use it as a finger puppet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Marionette option: Add a small stone and lightly stuff with wool and sew up the opening. Add a string at the head and fin to create a simple marionette!</span></div>
starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-41376272634825765872017-08-07T21:00:00.000-07:002017-08-07T18:30:04.119-07:00<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>'A Journey Through Spring'</b> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Resource Book</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> is now available!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDWA6gazAl2_mivmLQxmef0K__K-iGQ6C4ODCxiI7r0R6LHh6m7dvU9xUn67SZHngZEx7TqOCEQWNSpQFo8OQ2UNqLzg3ohB9NXE5u6l-BepeHU-Gh8FiaPmoXKebhZwrT649lZBSVxA/s1600/Journey+Through+Spring+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDWA6gazAl2_mivmLQxmef0K__K-iGQ6C4ODCxiI7r0R6LHh6m7dvU9xUn67SZHngZEx7TqOCEQWNSpQFo8OQ2UNqLzg3ohB9NXE5u6l-BepeHU-Gh8FiaPmoXKebhZwrT649lZBSVxA/s320/Journey+Through+Spring+for+blog.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is so exciting to announce the completion of the third volume of the Seasonal Journey Series! Click on this link for details on how to order:</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://starlitepuppets.blogspot.com/p/shop.html">STARLITE PUPPETS BOOKS AND RESOURCES PAGE</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">And work has begun on creating 'A Journey Through Summer' as well!! Plans are also in motion to begin recording 'A Journey Through Winter' companion cd. We'll keep you posted on the progress. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9xiuQTAIbpBvIWXQ2aoX4TPQz77IjZgzwFhkYhzqLlF_xC6FQRiYXK29wxjw5JmkXsa3k8xRrFsGXlmyyWefepZrwIxQHQTPegiHHXT2fqs4H2r8INz40Pwrio8vab__jg75dFlkFzQ/s1600/Journey+Through+Winter-Dandelion+Puppet+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9xiuQTAIbpBvIWXQ2aoX4TPQz77IjZgzwFhkYhzqLlF_xC6FQRiYXK29wxjw5JmkXsa3k8xRrFsGXlmyyWefepZrwIxQHQTPegiHHXT2fqs4H2r8INz40Pwrio8vab__jg75dFlkFzQ/s200/Journey+Through+Winter-Dandelion+Puppet+014.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zlEh4N7317LKIW-7MRe60DrgNb5Y0OYfCJqOa9NNCpLs8LWsMV-6KM_jhEnhN9d5tx7DUWbtaYWI1TMZkTRCSICjCd1M4TYHydgBRtsqZrY6sU_mckMiQ7nSyhdU73M9y3Z3FDQzgpc/s1600/Journey+Through+Winter-Dandelion+Puppet+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zlEh4N7317LKIW-7MRe60DrgNb5Y0OYfCJqOa9NNCpLs8LWsMV-6KM_jhEnhN9d5tx7DUWbtaYWI1TMZkTRCSICjCd1M4TYHydgBRtsqZrY6sU_mckMiQ7nSyhdU73M9y3Z3FDQzgpc/s200/Journey+Through+Winter-Dandelion+Puppet+019.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In honor of warmer weather, enjoy an excerpt from 'A Journey Through Spring' to use as a verse or mini-puppet story. In the picture a needle felted root baby was the base, and to make a jaunty hat felt pieces were cut into dandelion petals and tied tightly together at one end. I had a very large acorn cap I used as the base, hot glued the petals to the acorn cap, and then wrapped the cap with green felt its base. The second hat is a loosely woven small hat I picked up at a craft store. I used a stiff translucent white fabric, cut it into small squares, folded it over once, then folded it once more to become a smaller square. Silver thread was tied on at the fold. The white puffs were tied to a stick, the folded part tucked into the hat, and pulled out when the breezes blow! Wheeee! Off they go! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Dandelion <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>by Connie Manson</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"In a meadow soft and green, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A little flower can be seen,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She gaily wears a yellow hat,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then changes to a white one just like that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Springtime* breezes gently blow,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And away the puffy blossoms go.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKQ761OzXllEV6Vt8W179oS0PrXO-OCs3SjGjwLepb34qIc4dQ79rcCLOf8l1uCWqgsA3aKSpxvNdOnA7o6nzOgDH4Nm3rptKrOaBKBnwhtsT6MJ91C26-gOMi9trr9mcvfXxDxAZbdc/s1600/Journey+Through+Winter-Dandelion+Puppet+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKQ761OzXllEV6Vt8W179oS0PrXO-OCs3SjGjwLepb34qIc4dQ79rcCLOf8l1uCWqgsA3aKSpxvNdOnA7o6nzOgDH4Nm3rptKrOaBKBnwhtsT6MJ91C26-gOMi9trr9mcvfXxDxAZbdc/s200/Journey+Through+Winter-Dandelion+Puppet+025.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bobbing to the east,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Swaying to the west;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rising up so high into the air,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dancing and bowing and floating there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The golden meadow once more she sees,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Who calls, “Won’t you please come back to me?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then white blossoms without a sound,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Softly fall upon the ground.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKQ761OzXllEV6Vt8W179oS0PrXO-OCs3SjGjwLepb34qIc4dQ79rcCLOf8l1uCWqgsA3aKSpxvNdOnA7o6nzOgDH4Nm3rptKrOaBKBnwhtsT6MJ91C26-gOMi9trr9mcvfXxDxAZbdc/s1600/Journey+Through+Winter-Dandelion+Puppet+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To rest and slumber, there to stay </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And wear a golden hat another day!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>by Connie Manson</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*Note: Summertime breezes can be substituted here!</i></span>starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-35967267591753740002016-12-31T16:59:00.001-08:002017-08-07T18:30:47.571-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Explore the Wonders of </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Table Puppet Storytelling in this Online eCourse!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NatL_NgTO0JluhbzPXl_Gm7A64Ji9T1_ex3BoiuqTwc6xmptYeCurhRyAaOOYBTpwlE6EPTuTzgI3z6uNUo3oDw5-IeSReh8lb48fFwyTc3N-h8vPDLx4Gv0XblE91vNd3zBcC89XCE/s1600/Sweet+Porridge+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NatL_NgTO0JluhbzPXl_Gm7A64Ji9T1_ex3BoiuqTwc6xmptYeCurhRyAaOOYBTpwlE6EPTuTzgI3z6uNUo3oDw5-IeSReh8lb48fFwyTc3N-h8vPDLx4Gv0XblE91vNd3zBcC89XCE/s400/Sweet+Porridge+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You're invited to join me as I team up with Lisa Boisvert Mackensie of<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> 'Celebrate the Rhythm of Life' for an online immersion into the magic of table puppet storytelling! A number of you signed up for the amazing mini-course we have just completed, and now you have the opportunity to learn how to tell stories using table puppets! I hope you'll join us! Illustrated tutorials, vocal and video instruction, personal responses to your questions from instructors and course participants, and the opportunity for instructor feedback on your personal puppetry explorations throughout the course is included in the tuition fee.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Click on the link for more info and to sign up: </span></span><a href="http://www.celebratetherhythmoflife.com/2017/01/learn-to-tell-stories-with-table.html" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">TABLE PUPPET STORYTELLING</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Puppetry creates an opening for magic in both the watcher and the puppet storyteller. It nourishes the senses, creates connection, and requires unique participation on the part of the audience; the more we believe the more real it becomes! Puppetry can be as uncomplicated as tucking a simple handkerchief over the hand or as elaborate as manipulating a many-tiered harness tied with multiple stings. But one look into the eyes of a delighted audience filled with children and the 'young at heart', and the certainty exists that puppetry speaks to everyone.</span></div>
starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-42090088497601290542016-12-17T07:42:00.002-08:002017-03-25T13:23:47.539-07:00<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Create a Magical Connection with the Children in Your Care with These Storytelling Tips for Parents, Teachers and Homeschooling Families!!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RkMYdj6dEmY4_iV551D1I-1XOFktxw03u5c5YZcgmPUFt_kp4EUsJrH6SbCxiJYRlyvV_VBO9hALY4PvBoYUXOvfWXG7ET_BduUSIH5yLdBkC5R9dTIbaKBIw1QGT2w1w0-2P7D0Tdg/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RkMYdj6dEmY4_iV551D1I-1XOFktxw03u5c5YZcgmPUFt_kp4EUsJrH6SbCxiJYRlyvV_VBO9hALY4PvBoYUXOvfWXG7ET_BduUSIH5yLdBkC5R9dTIbaKBIw1QGT2w1w0-2P7D0Tdg/s320/IMG_1229.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Many thanks to Jada A for hosting me on her homeschooling youtube series! Are you looking for more ways to support your child or students in their journey to literacy? Please join me here at this link:</span></div>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoVKjeOR4Co"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Art of Storytelling</span></a>starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-8295987273928182862016-01-01T09:18:00.001-08:002016-06-18T07:57:15.417-07:00STARLITE PUPPETS WINTER TIME NEWS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXMvi5QvoTY7IP3DLC6FA0LGoQPPL4Bpf8ttGm7wqMIIFQAgDd2J8_vOBYc07-b1UCx5k68kl3qFRBZLdp4ECL-Xxc3AgXcjtwAPt3Z0KK-DCL797PmqxrRNVbUNnsb8TMgCnvw3_uZ4/s1600/blogspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXMvi5QvoTY7IP3DLC6FA0LGoQPPL4Bpf8ttGm7wqMIIFQAgDd2J8_vOBYc07-b1UCx5k68kl3qFRBZLdp4ECL-Xxc3AgXcjtwAPt3Z0KK-DCL797PmqxrRNVbUNnsb8TMgCnvw3_uZ4/s320/blogspot.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">New Beginnings!</span></i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>WISHING YOU A JOYFUL NEW YEAR!!</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This article includes our upcoming puppet performance schedule, a delightful seasonal song, and a magical moving picture craft to accompany the music!<br /><br />Work on the parent & educator resource "A Journey Through Winter" has begun!! <br /><br />What a joyful exploration: the discovery of the basic foundational elements of the Winter season! I love the process of creating and developing materials that are engaging and fun for children and adults. This collection will include both original work and new adaptations of old favorites. It will still be some time before the project is complete, but enjoy a musical except from "A Journey Through Winter" this season. Learn a song about the brave Merganser ducks who stay and sing in the Winter time! Following each 'quack, quack' in the song, an instrument or the children may echo back. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRkRpg0sk5PSyhcKGm77eFDV3DE5qyv61pMY2Mr-CgxgG6cuSb5rj7qcn_JOIUlk_-_kjtu0F0E17gteYxs3brKEQTc0tMkYXG2mMqYo-Kn0vaSmLsrbxx4oPTt11QNwI52bJ22NHgrI/s1600/Scan_20160101+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRkRpg0sk5PSyhcKGm77eFDV3DE5qyv61pMY2Mr-CgxgG6cuSb5rj7qcn_JOIUlk_-_kjtu0F0E17gteYxs3brKEQTc0tMkYXG2mMqYo-Kn0vaSmLsrbxx4oPTt11QNwI52bJ22NHgrI/s400/Scan_20160101+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This verse was inspired by a walk that my kindergarten children and I take to the park that adjoins our school. We delight in feeding the ducks every week on 'walk day'! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Little duck, little duck his beak he takes,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To dip in the waters of the clear blue lake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Little tail up, and little beak down,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then up pops his head and he splashes around!"--<span style="font-size: x-small;">by</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Connie Manson</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Create a finger puppet and/or a magical moving picture to accompany the song and poem. This is a craft that is engaging for both adults and children.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Children love pictures that move; watching an adult using them in a poem, song or story, and then making their own. (Note: For young children cut the duck pattern and the slit in the paper in advance.) Trace the duck pattern provided below onto a piece of card stock or water color paper. Color the duck with crayons or paint, cut out with scissors, and glue to a flat wooden craft stick. Use a piece of water color paper or card stock, laid out lengthwise (landscape style) and cut a wavy slit with a matte knife 1/3 of the way up from the bottom about 2 inches from each end. Color or paint a 'winter pond' landscape, and then operate the little duck from behind the paper to make some winter magic! If you choose to include snow in the setting, try lightly brushing craft glue over parts of the 'snow' with a brush, then sprinkle on a pinch of clear glitter or fairy dust for a little sparkle!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pattern for Little Duck:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cut one for Moving Picture Pattern</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cut two for </b></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Finger Puppet Pattern </b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_DmvMua-XDVXKOedjERgnqIvuTbUBewNXAGG0sUJzYFg_XQKoL_QFznxxNvh0oWSgrG5lJgU2-WwsBrO0aBNJJKEzD_QnxgXQ5c5mgOp6N_vAlO6r4PYwoCcP7P8mqjkqkD1wvsCpZ0/s1600/Scan_20160101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_DmvMua-XDVXKOedjERgnqIvuTbUBewNXAGG0sUJzYFg_XQKoL_QFznxxNvh0oWSgrG5lJgU2-WwsBrO0aBNJJKEzD_QnxgXQ5c5mgOp6N_vAlO6r4PYwoCcP7P8mqjkqkD1wvsCpZ0/s320/Scan_20160101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: monitorpro_normal, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">:<b>U</b></span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">pcoming Puppet Performances in Southern Florida</b><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://starlitepuppets.blogspot.com/p/events.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Click here for Upcoming Performances!</span></a></b>starlitepuppets@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05159731874930584641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4291492947592437057.post-83621779354638661422015-03-14T17:51:00.001-07:002015-03-14T19:56:21.501-07:00The Magic of Transformation or . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsIAVG3OwRTTbMksRHEj-mTbPBgB4cow87vuwrKVMrEjgp6YJ7BCOOjN-6rX_OJ3-mu6Xmk0JSKzAgjwSM6B05rpra3iGQTIjJcpdguLphgilaxscmk_MYr1_16mIwvW5GlZ5S8vrjXc/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsIAVG3OwRTTbMksRHEj-mTbPBgB4cow87vuwrKVMrEjgp6YJ7BCOOjN-6rX_OJ3-mu6Xmk0JSKzAgjwSM6B05rpra3iGQTIjJcpdguLphgilaxscmk_MYr1_16mIwvW5GlZ5S8vrjXc/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">How to Create Something from 'Nothing'</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Little Bunny has ears so tall,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Little Bunny has a tail so small.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He sits up straight and he wriggles his nose.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What does he smell, do you suppose?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He hops on his toes to a curly green top. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He digs and he digs, and suddenly stops.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tender carrot, not one, but two!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Little Bunny knows just what to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He nibbles and nibbles 'til tummy is full.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And then he hip-pity hops away. . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until another day!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>by Connie Manson</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"When children pretend, they’re using their imaginations to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick can be a magic wand. A sock can be a puppet. A small child can be a superhero."--Fred Rogers</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How special it is to witness the wonder on a child's face, as they watch an ordinary handkerchief transform into a bunny, or perhaps a mousie! This activity can be shared in so many environments. I've created a little handkerchief friend for babies and toddlers, pre-schoolers and grade school children in classrooms, in the home, at street fairs and more! Handkerchief puppetry works beautifully as a way to open a puppet play with audiences of all ages. This activity invites those watching to inwardly participate in the story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">" </span>You can make a doll for a child by
folding up an old napkin, making two corners into legs, the
other two corners into arms, a knot for the head, and painting
eyes, nose, and mouth with blots of ink. Or you can buy the
child what is called a “pretty” doll, with real hair and painted
cheeks . . . If
the children have the folded napkin before them, they have to
fill in from their own imagination what is necessary to make it
real and human. This work of the imagination shapes and
builds the forms of the brain. The brain unfolds as the muscles
of the hand unfold when they do the work they are suited for." (<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">Rudolf Steiner-Austrian philosopher, social reformer, architect and founder of Waldorf education.) The art of make-believe is enlivening for children of all ages--both the young and young at heart!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQEdJebTr7RxjBDEPt2brVIZ4HpJ9nSFu9S3Gqqp3Rojx_X8z_i5qfArQGlO8W8bh4aLt6lllHd2bDiasl1_hm24Vla4wBgqo5xv-OEKweNs7JiIymytzDO-tMjHJF5bB3nM5W6zLspA/s1600/rabbit+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQEdJebTr7RxjBDEPt2brVIZ4HpJ9nSFu9S3Gqqp3Rojx_X8z_i5qfArQGlO8W8bh4aLt6lllHd2bDiasl1_hm24Vla4wBgqo5xv-OEKweNs7JiIymytzDO-tMjHJF5bB3nM5W6zLspA/s1600/rabbit+002.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX_FV3eTQKX1rKAUnndbNcATMJ3OueVxESAjJovN4YeTlh-IH5ec356g4FtGCZSalSuNb5qxYHkk-pWI4PArLQ14s39qWxZtrnRw-K3wj4rnFQfCa49mWbA86whtSvXwRx9DF4FQmII8/s1600/2014-03-30+02.08.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX_FV3eTQKX1rKAUnndbNcATMJ3OueVxESAjJovN4YeTlh-IH5ec356g4FtGCZSalSuNb5qxYHkk-pWI4PArLQ14s39qWxZtrnRw-K3wj4rnFQfCa49mWbA86whtSvXwRx9DF4FQmII8/s1600/2014-03-30+02.08.33.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So grab a handkerchief, bandanna or table napkin and follow along to create a rabbit using an excerpt from my book "Hankey Magic".</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKMIjEGKB2pnZ42uELGGpxcO8Spbpb08HIvVeeuCYIH7mX1mM0sQqEzjoKMVQxbf7OQPDZuekt5DyNTtTYKFqAarntXKeV428FVr6lbmQ5mRftJVusjuDZM4kIxXqik8iegbeXkgaRW4/s1600/Hankey+Magic+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKMIjEGKB2pnZ42uELGGpxcO8Spbpb08HIvVeeuCYIH7mX1mM0sQqEzjoKMVQxbf7OQPDZuekt5DyNTtTYKFqAarntXKeV428FVr6lbmQ5mRftJVusjuDZM4kIxXqik8iegbeXkgaRW4/s1600/Hankey+Magic+cover.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hankey Magic" is a delightful hand bound collection that includes original and traditional songs and poems and stories, with generous illustrations to easily guide you into creating a variety of handkerchief friends. With simple rolls, tucks and knots create: a rabbit, the golden sun, little puppet, donkey, mousie, simple marionette, bird and</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> a delightful silk scarf marionette like the one pictured below, left.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The package includes a hankerchief, of course! Your choice of a plain white hankey, a hand dyed hankey (brown or golden), or a batik-ed</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> bandanna. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More details on how to order here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://starlitepuppets.blogspot.com/p/shop.html">Starlite Puppets Shop</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TDGJ1YXKvdPsGWwCc_g3CfP0o4BnJsiGaStWbX3BOUz8jTCK5HYKULZuoItC7tYABOxlNAsrKFi4OIH2H6UZ9TqeegI0eIt1a_uz1Kqk0-mdASgFdmd7ZM9goAb6g_wfcUXDFIi7W_A/s1600/blog2+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TDGJ1YXKvdPsGWwCc_g3CfP0o4BnJsiGaStWbX3BOUz8jTCK5HYKULZuoItC7tYABOxlNAsrKFi4OIH2H6UZ9TqeegI0eIt1a_uz1Kqk0-mdASgFdmd7ZM9goAb6g_wfcUXDFIi7W_A/s1600/blog2+004.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Looking for a way to spend quality time with family and friends? Often the simplest activities can create the most memorable experiences. Try group storytelling! It's like creating a tapestry together. Each time someone contributes to the story a unique thread is woven into the tapestry and the picture grows more colorful, textured, and full.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For a place to start, try putting together a storytelling basket. Look for a fun basket, ideally with a lid and fill it with a feather, a seashell, pine cone and other treasures from nature, a picture of the sun, a picture of water (or a small blue silk), small finger puppets, small toy animals, interesting household items and a scarf large enough to use as a blindfold. Sit in a circle and choose someone to begin. Tie on the blindfold, and have them pick an object from the basket. Once the object is chosen, the blindfold can be removed and the story unfolds . . . If you wish to forgo the tried and true "Once upon a time . . .", perhaps you'd like to use: "A story is a story, let it come, let it go . . ." often used by storytellers in West Africa, or "A great while ago, when the world was full of wonders . .", perhaps "A long time ago, and yet perhaps it wasn't such a long time ago, there lived . . ." and here's a nice one for a magical nature story . . . "Back in the time when animals still talked . . . Squirrel Nutkin sat up in the pine tree, eating pine seeds for breakfast and chattered to Crow. . ." . Continue around the circle, allowing each person to tie on the blindfold, pick an object and continue the story until you feel the story is complete. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You may want to write down the story and ask each person to illustrate their part of the story, collect the pages and bind them together into a book.</span></div>
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<i>Don't have time to make finger puppets? </i></div>
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<i>www.lucuma.com has some great hand knit ones.</i></div>
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<i>Why the alligator? I live in Florida!</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Two fun baskets with lids. You could collect little objects from craft </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and thrift shops for your story- telling basket. Of course it doesn't</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">need to be this fancy, I just wanted to share some treasures with you! </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The bear finger puppet pattern can be found in the book </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Journey Through Autumn" available on the book/resource page.</span></i></div>
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