Tomorrow I present at Tejas Storytelling Association's state conference at St. Edward's University in Austin. My topic is creating stories (and songs) that tie in directly with school curricula and I'm posting a few links here for the attendees and anyone else who might stumble across this.
First of all, for a good idea of what's required to be in Texas school curricula visit: Tx Education Agency's site and scroll down to find a list of of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills by Chapter. There you can see a list of the different required disciplines and open each one to see the items required by grade. I opened the science chapter as an MS Word document and just DELETED the ones I didn't feel like my programs fulfilled. That, obviously, left me with an impressive list of what my programs DID fulfill that I could post on my website and send to principals, librarians, etc. Educators LOVE this.
Next, review a list of storytellers and kids' musicians on the Texas Commission on the Arts' Touring Artist Roster. See if you notice any openings in disciplines that you might be able to fill. There are many folks who specialize in tales and tunes from various cultures (Hispanic, Native American, African American, old west/Texas are well represented) and I know there are many stories that focus on communicating morals or ethics. It's a big world with a lot to learn. Stories are probably the BEST teaching tool out there so see what you can think up...
5.26.2010
Bluebonnets revisited
Not such a pretty backdrop for a photo anymore, huh? The pods, green and tender when we last viewed them are now dried out and opening. I haven't witnessed it yet but, apparently, the seeds actually pop out.
And another of a pod that had opened but one seed, apparently didn't get "ejected."
The parent plants are dying and the seeds will nestle down in the soil. If the weather's right, they will germinate late in the fall and grow over the winter. They'll really grow tall in the spring and, hopefully, we'll have another great bluebonnet show next spring. This year has been great. Lots of other beautiful flowers out there now to enjoy. Texas springtime is something special isn't it?
5.02.2010
Looking REALLY closely at a bluebonnet
I've been talking (and singing) about bluebonnets quite a bit this spring. I'm trying to learn as much about them as I can so I dissected a couple florets and a bluebonnet pea pod today. Let's take a closer look, shall we?
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| A single bluebonnet has many, individual "florets" like this one |
This is called a floret and a single bluebonnet is made of many of these arranged in "stacks. Some flowers are laid out in a circle (such as a dandilion) but bluebonnets have petals of very different shapes and functions.
You'll see, at left, the petal with the white spot called the banner. It looks like two petals but it's really just one with a crease through the middle. A white spot on the banner means the pollen is new; it turns magenta/purple after a few days to discourage bees from visiting this floret which has probably already been pollinated.
Below the banner petal are two petals clasped together to make a sort of cup. These are called the "wings" and, inside, is the "keel," the black structure you see protruding in the picture to the right. Normally a bee lands here and will use her weight and rear legs to push open the wing petals. You can pull it down yourself the next time you see a bluebonnet! Do it gently and you won't hurt it.There will be some orange pollen at the tip of the keel (you can see a tiny bit in the photo). As far as I know, bluebonnets do not make nectar--bees only get pollen from bluebonnets (pollen's the primary source of protein for growing larvae back in the hive).
The keel is actually made of two flower petals that make a sheath for the stamens (which produce the pollent) and pistil (which receives the pollen and creates the seeds).
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| Keel petals, in background, pulled aside to reveal pistil & stamens |
The white thing protruding out somewhat further is the pistil. The stigma is the little bulb at the end--once the pollen gets there, the flower has been officially pollinated and seeds can begin to grow!
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| Pistil, isolated. The stigma at the tip, the "stalk" is properly called the style, and the thickness at the right is the ovary, which is where the seeds will develop. |
It's early May and most of the bluebonnets are now producing seeds inside little pods--yep, bluebonnets are in the same plant family as peas.
Those are seeds inside, of course (I think the knife I was using cut the edges of the seeds inside). The outer layer is the covering and the part that will actually sprout is within. Layer upon layer upon layer!
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| I squeezed the outer covering and the actual seed came out! |
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| The seed within--looks like a cartoon quote bubble, no? |
More changes to come. I'll be keeping an eye on the bluebonnets in my neighborhood and showing you the changes in the pods and seeds. Stay tuned!!
4.22.2010
My take on the world of children's publishing
Last week I exhibited at TLA (Texas Library Association conference) for something like my 11th time. This is the largest single library conference in the nation and it has been key to getting my performance career started and keeping my schedule full.
I’ve always been, essentially, an “indie artist” but, over the last couple of years, I’ve felt like I could benefit from some promotional help from a publisher. I’ve built a successful career as a performer but I feel like I need to find a significant alternative to getting my books, CD’s and DVD into the world beside just doing 500 shows a year (that’s not hyperbole).
One publisher, in particular, seems like a good fit to me. I won’t name them here but they are a small publisher that does children’s picture books, most of which tell scientifically-oriented stories. The books conclude with educational tidbits and activities. With my career in science education and heavy author visit schedule, I would think that doing a book with me would be a no-brainer; it’s certainly no-risk.
I submitted one of my most popular pieces, “The Chimichanga Song,” through their online submissions process but I got a quick reply that they will have nothing to do with a song. I spoke with one of the founders at TLA and he was dismissive. My previous successes and business were of no significance to him. “Show me a manuscript” was his basic message.
I get that. I understand that his company was not at the trade show to find authors and that they surely have hundreds if not thousands of wannabe-authors approach them every year, if not month. Another publisher said basically the same thing—they’re not interested in my starred-review DVD, my previous publishing successes or my adoring fan-base. “Show me the manuscript…”
I do have a manuscript but this whole thing got me thinking. My wife and I talked for hours over the weekend and wondered: can a publisher take an interest in the author first? Could they look for people with an established business and body of work and just help them get that to a wider audience? Might that not actually be the BEST way to manage a business?
The other issue is that publishers will basically promote a book for 6-10 months and, after that, they’re going to move on to the next title. Again we asked, can a publisher stick by a title for the long haul? Once they’ve accepted a manuscript and spent the time and money to get it printed and distributed wouldn’t it be a wise to stick with it as long as it takes? Granted some books are just going to bomb but I think many good books fall into obscurity simply because they didn’t find their audience and start selling quickly enough.
Round and around I go—stay indie, go with a publisher, stay indie. The aforementioned manuscript is nearly finished and I think I could find a publisher or I could do it myself. It is, I believe, a guaranteed hit in Texas schools for reasons I can’t publicly discuss. I think this is a project that, once submitted, at least one publisher will get excited about and I think that it could also be one of those rare, self-published breakout successes. If I stay indie and it does NOT sell as I’d hoped, however, I’m going to feel like a missed a good chance. Hmm… what to do?
I’ve always been, essentially, an “indie artist” but, over the last couple of years, I’ve felt like I could benefit from some promotional help from a publisher. I’ve built a successful career as a performer but I feel like I need to find a significant alternative to getting my books, CD’s and DVD into the world beside just doing 500 shows a year (that’s not hyperbole).
One publisher, in particular, seems like a good fit to me. I won’t name them here but they are a small publisher that does children’s picture books, most of which tell scientifically-oriented stories. The books conclude with educational tidbits and activities. With my career in science education and heavy author visit schedule, I would think that doing a book with me would be a no-brainer; it’s certainly no-risk.
I submitted one of my most popular pieces, “The Chimichanga Song,” through their online submissions process but I got a quick reply that they will have nothing to do with a song. I spoke with one of the founders at TLA and he was dismissive. My previous successes and business were of no significance to him. “Show me a manuscript” was his basic message.
I get that. I understand that his company was not at the trade show to find authors and that they surely have hundreds if not thousands of wannabe-authors approach them every year, if not month. Another publisher said basically the same thing—they’re not interested in my starred-review DVD, my previous publishing successes or my adoring fan-base. “Show me the manuscript…”
I do have a manuscript but this whole thing got me thinking. My wife and I talked for hours over the weekend and wondered: can a publisher take an interest in the author first? Could they look for people with an established business and body of work and just help them get that to a wider audience? Might that not actually be the BEST way to manage a business?
The other issue is that publishers will basically promote a book for 6-10 months and, after that, they’re going to move on to the next title. Again we asked, can a publisher stick by a title for the long haul? Once they’ve accepted a manuscript and spent the time and money to get it printed and distributed wouldn’t it be a wise to stick with it as long as it takes? Granted some books are just going to bomb but I think many good books fall into obscurity simply because they didn’t find their audience and start selling quickly enough.
Round and around I go—stay indie, go with a publisher, stay indie. The aforementioned manuscript is nearly finished and I think I could find a publisher or I could do it myself. It is, I believe, a guaranteed hit in Texas schools for reasons I can’t publicly discuss. I think this is a project that, once submitted, at least one publisher will get excited about and I think that it could also be one of those rare, self-published breakout successes. If I stay indie and it does NOT sell as I’d hoped, however, I’m going to feel like a missed a good chance. Hmm… what to do?
3.28.2010
awww, look at the baby crab!
There's an entire world of seemingly alien life adrift in the ocean currents. There are plant forms, or phytoplankton, and animal forms called zooplankton.
Not all plankton are microscopic. Some can be easily seen without any special instruments and this crab larva's about 3 mm, comparable with a half-grain of rice.
Basically, the defining characteristic of plankton is that they just drift with the ocean currents; they cannot swim strongly enough to "go against the flow." So, technically, jellyfish can be considered plankton and some of them are quite large.
Many sea animals start life as plankton and then, once they're bigger, they'll settle down all the way to the sea floor or be strong enough to swim wherever they want. I just love this guy; he looks like a Pokemon doesn't he?
Not all plankton are microscopic. Some can be easily seen without any special instruments and this crab larva's about 3 mm, comparable with a half-grain of rice.
Basically, the defining characteristic of plankton is that they just drift with the ocean currents; they cannot swim strongly enough to "go against the flow." So, technically, jellyfish can be considered plankton and some of them are quite large.
Many sea animals start life as plankton and then, once they're bigger, they'll settle down all the way to the sea floor or be strong enough to swim wherever they want. I just love this guy; he looks like a Pokemon doesn't he?
3.18.2010
Bald eagle nest
Another cool thing I saw on the way home from San Angelo last week--a bald eagle nest!! I passed this a couple of years ago and thought, "Man!! That's GOT to be an eagle nest!" Didn't have time to stop but this time I did and took this shot. Wish I had a more powerful telephoto!! It's about 8 miles east of Llano, TX, on Hwy 29. There's a nice little pull-off so you can park safely. Just remember to bring your binoculars; it's in plain view but it's about 100-200 yards behind a fence. I visited with some people who drop by regularly and they said that there were some young eaglets in the nest and a fledgling that was sticking around and helping take care of the young (that one is highlighted in the photo). There's lots of info on this nest online so you can browse around to learn more if you want but you should definitely pay a little visit if you're in the area!If you're nowhere near the nest you can google "eagle watching" + your city or state and find a place near you where you can see them. Great to see the national bird and great to see a creature thriving that was once on the verge of extinction in the lower 48!
3.15.2010
The bluebonnets are blooming!
For my fans in other state, I must explain: here in Texas, it's a cultural tradition to search for the biggest field of bluebonnets we can find, hop out and take a picture. Kids, dogs, girlfriends, cattle, donkies--you name it--all make great subjects.
Not much can compare with acres of bluebonnets in all their glory but don't forget to take a close look at an individual flower, too. Click on the photos for larger images and more detail...
3.11.2010
Where do you get all those puppets??
People often ask me about my puppets and props. For the most part, I use ”Folktales” puppets made by a company called Folkmanis. I wanted so many when I started my business in 1994 that I would ask for them for Christmas each year. Family always loved to see what was in my presents each year! I still remember my mom sitting all Chistmas-day long with that huge frog that I use in “Metamorphosis” and “The Chimichanga Song!”
You can find this brand of puppets in many zoo/nature center/museum gift shops but I get most of mine through AcornNaturalists.com. They carry all the good animal puppets as well as my CD’s
I discovered these puppets about 18 years ago and I think they’d been around about 5-10 years at that point. They had the brilliant idea to make puppets that actually looked a whole like the real animal and that did something the real animal did (turtle goes in its shell, owl’s head can rotate around, shark can actually swallow things, etc.). Most puppets before this were ”rag-doll” style or just very unrealistic.
Environmental educators like myself went crazy for them and I can’t count all the different performers, presenters, and librarians that I’ve seen using them. Until I started using my big projection screen, I accumulated more and more each year but my trunk of puppets runneth over and I have found the screen a much better way to “illustrate” my songs and stories. It also allows me to keep my hands free for playing guitar…
There are some puppets by Sunny & Co. Toys, Inc. that are even MORE realistic. The fish I use in my “Symbiosis” song are by them. Great stuff but, as I said, I’m not using as many puppets these days.
I have a tadpole puppet I got for Christmas in about ‘98 or ‘99, that I use in my song “Metamorphosis.” It was made by a company called Crocodile Creek but, apparently, they’re not making them any more. I saw a smaller version in Wichita Falls in about 2003 and have googled the puppet many times. Only very occasionally I see them offered used somewhere.
I just looked at the Folkmanis site and they have a NEW tadpole/frog puppet that looks promising!!!! I wasn't much on their old one because it reversed through the frog's mouth (if that makes any sense) so it was EITHER a tadpole or a frog. The Crocodile Creek one is cool, however, because you can pull out the back legs, then the front legs to show those stages, then you turn it inside out through the BELLY when you’re ready to show the adult frog. Anyway, this new (to me at least) Folkmanis puppet looks like it will be able to show those "in-between" stages better than their old one. Man, those guys are GREAT!!!!
Finally, the pink poodle I use in “Fifi the Ferocious” was made by Mary Meyer. Again, these are no longer made. I have a standing search on eBay so anytime someone sells one, I grab it. I have about 3 Fifi’s ready to step in when my current one wears out I’ve seen many other pink poodle stuffed animals in many places and, interestingly enough, they’re often even names Fifi. I guess I was kind of obvious when I chose that name…
I’ll write another entry about this puppet in particular; she’s worth of her own entry, methinks.
Let me know if you need more info about any of the other stuff you see me use!
You can find this brand of puppets in many zoo/nature center/museum gift shops but I get most of mine through AcornNaturalists.com. They carry all the good animal puppets as well as my CD’s
I discovered these puppets about 18 years ago and I think they’d been around about 5-10 years at that point. They had the brilliant idea to make puppets that actually looked a whole like the real animal and that did something the real animal did (turtle goes in its shell, owl’s head can rotate around, shark can actually swallow things, etc.). Most puppets before this were ”rag-doll” style or just very unrealistic.
Environmental educators like myself went crazy for them and I can’t count all the different performers, presenters, and librarians that I’ve seen using them. Until I started using my big projection screen, I accumulated more and more each year but my trunk of puppets runneth over and I have found the screen a much better way to “illustrate” my songs and stories. It also allows me to keep my hands free for playing guitar…
There are some puppets by Sunny & Co. Toys, Inc. that are even MORE realistic. The fish I use in my “Symbiosis” song are by them. Great stuff but, as I said, I’m not using as many puppets these days.
I have a tadpole puppet I got for Christmas in about ‘98 or ‘99, that I use in my song “Metamorphosis.” It was made by a company called Crocodile Creek but, apparently, they’re not making them any more. I saw a smaller version in Wichita Falls in about 2003 and have googled the puppet many times. Only very occasionally I see them offered used somewhere.
I just looked at the Folkmanis site and they have a NEW tadpole/frog puppet that looks promising!!!! I wasn't much on their old one because it reversed through the frog's mouth (if that makes any sense) so it was EITHER a tadpole or a frog. The Crocodile Creek one is cool, however, because you can pull out the back legs, then the front legs to show those stages, then you turn it inside out through the BELLY when you’re ready to show the adult frog. Anyway, this new (to me at least) Folkmanis puppet looks like it will be able to show those "in-between" stages better than their old one. Man, those guys are GREAT!!!!
Finally, the pink poodle I use in “Fifi the Ferocious” was made by Mary Meyer. Again, these are no longer made. I have a standing search on eBay so anytime someone sells one, I grab it. I have about 3 Fifi’s ready to step in when my current one wears out I’ve seen many other pink poodle stuffed animals in many places and, interestingly enough, they’re often even names Fifi. I guess I was kind of obvious when I chose that name…
I’ll write another entry about this puppet in particular; she’s worth of her own entry, methinks.
Let me know if you need more info about any of the other stuff you see me use!
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