Summer escaped my grasp. The kids are back in school, college coursework began last Monday, and pools close in less than a week.
The sun is still in charge, paralyzing migraine sufferers while they drive on the interstate. Air conditioners and ceiling fans hum to keep us cool and comfortable.
Meanwhile, that stack of summer reads is still sitting on the ottoman in the living room. We were ambitious and set out to read our list, the library's list, Oprah's list, and our kid's list. Oh what a summer. And then there are the magazines. The May issues we never got to read, with outdated summer fashion advice and recipes.
The good news: we can play summer for one more week!!! Grab the stack of magazines and one of the books on the ottoman, mix up your favorite summer drink, and head to the pool. Go easy on yourself. It's the summer after all, well what's left of it.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Thursday, July 4, 2013
At the Corner of Historical Memory and the Documented Past
At the intersection of historical memory and the documented past, we find ourselves searching for the truth of our ancestors' shared experiences. We hope the realization of this truth allows us to recognize that shared humanity, pushing us past the slogans and clichés, and images the mainstream has conjured for us to believe. We are just beginning to unveil this truth, if only our hearts and minds were ready.
Join in this journey this fall at the Missouri History Museum's Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello: Paradox of Liberty
Peace,
Vy
Thursday, April 18, 2013
2013 Irene Eveland Award Recipient
Irene Eveland Award 2013
34th Annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival
May 1-4, 2013
I won the new talent award.
Click on the following link for the press release
http://www.prlog.org/12120607-st-louis-storytelling-festival-announces-irene-eveland-award-recipient.html
Join in the fun and post your comments!!!
Who are your favorite storytellers?
34th Annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival
May 1-4, 2013
I won the new talent award.
Click on the following link for the press release
http://www.prlog.org/12120607-st-louis-storytelling-festival-announces-irene-eveland-award-recipient.html
Join in the fun and post your comments!!!
Who are your favorite storytellers?
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Can't wait to read that one...
Glorious by Bernice L. McFadden, is available earlier on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. Move Glorious from your summer reading list to your spring break reading list. Switch Glorious to your April book club selection.
I was pleasantly suprised with an update email from Amazon.com. I pre-ordered the new book, Glorious, from writer Bernice L. McFadden expecting a May shipment. The shipment has been moved up to the last week of March. I can't help but think all the pre-orders prompted the distributor to release the book early. I very seldom pre-order. You don't get charged; however, I just always wait until the actual release date. Clicking that pre-order button along with other McFadden followers showed the publishers and distributors just how interested we are in high quality literature by African American women, particularly Bernice L. McFadden.
Reading Glorious? Join naki, Bernice L. McFadden's blog, goodreads.com and request to join "Vysvoice" bookclub.
Order your copy today.
I was pleasantly suprised with an update email from Amazon.com. I pre-ordered the new book, Glorious, from writer Bernice L. McFadden expecting a May shipment. The shipment has been moved up to the last week of March. I can't help but think all the pre-orders prompted the distributor to release the book early. I very seldom pre-order. You don't get charged; however, I just always wait until the actual release date. Clicking that pre-order button along with other McFadden followers showed the publishers and distributors just how interested we are in high quality literature by African American women, particularly Bernice L. McFadden.
Reading Glorious? Join naki, Bernice L. McFadden's blog, goodreads.com and request to join "Vysvoice" bookclub.
Order your copy today.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Reading King
We have reduced Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to four words, "I Have A Dream".
As the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday is celebrated this year, take some time to get to know the man and the movement behind those words.
Check out the Listmania list Essential Reading For A King on Goodreads.
As the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday is celebrated this year, take some time to get to know the man and the movement behind those words.
Check out the Listmania list Essential Reading For A King on Goodreads.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
To Move the Past or Not to Move the Past, That Is Question
The documentary, Moving Midway, will challenge your views of the legacy of slavery, the purpose of preservation, and the definition of family.
Watch the documentary with your family, book club, or preservation organization. We each have a unique vantage point based on our unique experiences, culture, background, geography, heritage, wealth, and sense of community.
Watch the documentary with your family, book club, or preservation organization. We each have a unique vantage point based on our unique experiences, culture, background, geography, heritage, wealth, and sense of community.
The Story Through Dance
Some of us tell stories using our words, some of us tell stories using the oils on canvas, some of us beat the drum and call out in song, gasping for another breath, holding onto a note until tears fall from the eyes of people who witness our telling.
Perhaps the most beautiful and powerful way to tell a story is through the art of dance. Arms, legs, and muscles move the air and we see heatwaves between people caught in a trance. Would the performers tell the story the same way if we were not watching? Are we voyers, peering in on the expressive interaction between dancers. The performance is intimate between the dancers. They really do not need us. We are the spectators. We are stopping to affect ourselves and be moved. We sit still in awe. The dancers sweat and exhaust themselves. We sit still in amazement trying to anticipate the next move asking ourselves who in our lives do we trust. Everyone will leave the performance affected. The dancers will know how hard they worked. The choreographer will want to change something to make it better. The audience will leave inspired.
Next Friday, I am attending the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company's production, Fondly Do We Hope...Fervently Do We Pray, at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill's Carolina Performing Arts Center.
I do not know what to expect. The production imagines a world "what if". If Lincoln had completed his second term in office, then what world would we have created? Fondly Do We Hope...Fervently Do We Pray imagines such a world.
In conjuction with the production is the exhibit, Jacob Lawrence and The Legend of John Brown, at the Ackland Art Museum.
How will I be affected? I will let you know after the performance.
Perhaps the most beautiful and powerful way to tell a story is through the art of dance. Arms, legs, and muscles move the air and we see heatwaves between people caught in a trance. Would the performers tell the story the same way if we were not watching? Are we voyers, peering in on the expressive interaction between dancers. The performance is intimate between the dancers. They really do not need us. We are the spectators. We are stopping to affect ourselves and be moved. We sit still in awe. The dancers sweat and exhaust themselves. We sit still in amazement trying to anticipate the next move asking ourselves who in our lives do we trust. Everyone will leave the performance affected. The dancers will know how hard they worked. The choreographer will want to change something to make it better. The audience will leave inspired.
Next Friday, I am attending the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company's production, Fondly Do We Hope...Fervently Do We Pray, at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill's Carolina Performing Arts Center.
I do not know what to expect. The production imagines a world "what if". If Lincoln had completed his second term in office, then what world would we have created? Fondly Do We Hope...Fervently Do We Pray imagines such a world.
In conjuction with the production is the exhibit, Jacob Lawrence and The Legend of John Brown, at the Ackland Art Museum.
How will I be affected? I will let you know after the performance.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sugar Lacey Haunts Me
Sugar Lacey's debut to the literary world is almost ten years old. The central character of Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden made me question the woman I was yesterday, the woman I am today, and the woman I want to become tomorrow.
I highly reccommend Sugar for your next book club selection. Sugar Lacey will be the talk of your book club just as she was the talk of Bigelow, Arkansas. Add sweet potato pie to the menu for your book club meeting and eat, laugh, and cry. Your innermost reactions to this novel will shock you as you become part of McFadden's witness to the life of Sugar Lacey.
Join Naki, Bernice L. McFadden's blog and celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sugar.
Vote for your favorite Bernice L. McFadden book on Goodreads: Best of Bernice L. McFadden
I highly reccommend Sugar for your next book club selection. Sugar Lacey will be the talk of your book club just as she was the talk of Bigelow, Arkansas. Add sweet potato pie to the menu for your book club meeting and eat, laugh, and cry. Your innermost reactions to this novel will shock you as you become part of McFadden's witness to the life of Sugar Lacey.
Join Naki, Bernice L. McFadden's blog and celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sugar.
Vote for your favorite Bernice L. McFadden book on Goodreads: Best of Bernice L. McFadden
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Independent Bookstore
Want to make a positive impact on the environment?
Want to keep your dollars local?
Want to get involved in community causes?
Why shop at the Regulator?
Where do you shop for books? Why?
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Waiting for Black Issues Book Review?
For those of waiting for Black Issues Book Review to publish a new volume, follow reviews and news about black books:
QBR-The Black Review Online
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literary Review & News on Blog Talk Radio
Reviews and news are also available through your local library. Get or renew your library card and visit the library's website. Search for journals and newspapers to read reviews online.
QBR-The Black Review Online
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literary Review & News on Blog Talk Radio
Reviews and news are also available through your local library. Get or renew your library card and visit the library's website. Search for journals and newspapers to read reviews online.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Picture Book
A quilt comforts in the fall chill,
Stories delight,
Grandma and little ones read books aloud,
Sipping hot chocolate,
Savoring every sip and every word and every picture.
Dreams await.
Children's Book Illustrators take the story to another level, imagining a world for us to see, shaping how we see characters, setting, and the story itself.
Just a few of my favorites.
Kadir Nelson
Brian Pinkney
Jerry Pinkney
Leo and Diane Dillon
Patricia Polacco
Stories delight,
Grandma and little ones read books aloud,
Sipping hot chocolate,
Savoring every sip and every word and every picture.
Dreams await.
Children's Book Illustrators take the story to another level, imagining a world for us to see, shaping how we see characters, setting, and the story itself.
Just a few of my favorites.
Kadir Nelson
Brian Pinkney
Jerry Pinkney
Leo and Diane Dillon
Patricia Polacco
Vote for your favorite picture book on Goodreads:
African and African American Folktales
Best of Kadir Nelson
Black is Beautiful for Girls
Monday, November 2, 2009
I dressed up as myself for Halloween
For Halloween, I was myself. I participated in my first performance as a storyteller.
I used to tell stories at the library, I took the week long PoetryAlive! workshop with Allan Wolf and I completed the Storytelling Course at the University of Missouri-St. Louis this summer with Lynn Rubright, Sue Hinkel, Annette Harrison, Perrin Stifel. But for me to get on stage with real live performers who do this all the time was a big step. I thought I was going to watch and enjoy other performers, but I was "called" to the stage.
My new friend, Miss J, whispered something to her aunt about my stories and her aunt, who promoted and hosted the event graciously put me on the program. Just like that...divine intervention. When Miss J told me what she did, I almost dropped to the floor. "I need ice water." She brought me a small glass and showed me the stage. The venue was cozy, the "Warm Lyrics Cafe" at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree. Miss J's aunt, Shelia Wilson, envisioned such an evening with many more to come over the next couple of months all over North Carolina.
I read just a few short stories that I had written in the last couple of weeks. The audience was extremely supportive, with Miss J smiling up front. Afterwards, people came up to me with beautiful words to express how my stories made them feel.
"I could see, hear, and smell everything you were saying."
"You are so talented."
"You got it, girl. Now go and do it."
"That story reminded me of my grandfather."
"You are truly a blessing."
I am the one who is blessed...blessed with the opportunity to share...
I will not wait until next Halloween to "dress up" again as myself. Stay tuned for the next "Warm Lyrics Cafe". and Candid Conversations with Shelia Wilson in January 2010.
I used to tell stories at the library, I took the week long PoetryAlive! workshop with Allan Wolf and I completed the Storytelling Course at the University of Missouri-St. Louis this summer with Lynn Rubright, Sue Hinkel, Annette Harrison, Perrin Stifel. But for me to get on stage with real live performers who do this all the time was a big step. I thought I was going to watch and enjoy other performers, but I was "called" to the stage.
My new friend, Miss J, whispered something to her aunt about my stories and her aunt, who promoted and hosted the event graciously put me on the program. Just like that...divine intervention. When Miss J told me what she did, I almost dropped to the floor. "I need ice water." She brought me a small glass and showed me the stage. The venue was cozy, the "Warm Lyrics Cafe" at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree. Miss J's aunt, Shelia Wilson, envisioned such an evening with many more to come over the next couple of months all over North Carolina.
I read just a few short stories that I had written in the last couple of weeks. The audience was extremely supportive, with Miss J smiling up front. Afterwards, people came up to me with beautiful words to express how my stories made them feel.
"I could see, hear, and smell everything you were saying."
"You are so talented."
"You got it, girl. Now go and do it."
"That story reminded me of my grandfather."
"You are truly a blessing."
I am the one who is blessed...blessed with the opportunity to share...
I will not wait until next Halloween to "dress up" again as myself. Stay tuned for the next "Warm Lyrics Cafe". and Candid Conversations with Shelia Wilson in January 2010.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Storytelling in North Carolina
From the mountains to the coast, the storytelling tradition is alive in North Carolina. At festivals, libraries, schools, and community events, the young and mature enjoy seasoned as well as beginning storytellers.
To enjoy talented storytellers in your area, visit these sites:
Raleigh Convention Bureau
National Storytelling Network
The North Carolina Storytelling Guild
Asheville Storytelling Circle
The Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast (SACS)
To enjoy talented storytellers in your area, visit these sites:
Raleigh Convention Bureau
National Storytelling Network
The North Carolina Storytelling Guild
Asheville Storytelling Circle
The Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast (SACS)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Reader's Advisory-A Recipe for Finding Good Books
Ingredients:
Thousands of readers
Millions of titles
One host site
A dash of creativity
A cup of connectivity
Bake forever at a constant temperature for people to enjoy sharing their favorite books.
Yields: Goodreads
The best social networking website to share your favorites and not so favorites, to interact with authors, and to keep track of your library, especially if your real home library looks a mess like mine.
Visit my virtual library by searching "Vy" and joining my friends list. The Goodreads site links books to Amazon and the World Catalog, so you can view exactly where copies of the book are in your area. Wow, the world is getting smaller.
Join my online book club.
Click on the link above.
Create an account.
Search "Vy's Book Club".
Read and share today.
Thousands of readers
Millions of titles
One host site
A dash of creativity
A cup of connectivity
Bake forever at a constant temperature for people to enjoy sharing their favorite books.
Yields: Goodreads
The best social networking website to share your favorites and not so favorites, to interact with authors, and to keep track of your library, especially if your real home library looks a mess like mine.
Visit my virtual library by searching "Vy" and joining my friends list. The Goodreads site links books to Amazon and the World Catalog, so you can view exactly where copies of the book are in your area. Wow, the world is getting smaller.
Join my online book club.
Click on the link above.
Create an account.
Search "Vy's Book Club".
Read and share today.
African American Cultural Complex
Use your resources and gifts to positively impact your community and the world. Do not wait for someone else to do it.
Dr. E.B. and Juanita Palmer created the African American Cultural Complex, an experiential museum on their property in Raleigh, North Carolina. I took a quick self guided tour on Saturday and promised Mrs. Palmer I would be back for a formal tour. Just a few steps from my car, I was transported to North Carolina's past.
The African American Cultural Complex hosts events throughout the spring and summer, such as the Heritage Trail Festival and the Amistad Saga Outdoor Drama.
A must on everyone's calendar for next year.
Dr. E.B. and Juanita Palmer created the African American Cultural Complex, an experiential museum on their property in Raleigh, North Carolina. I took a quick self guided tour on Saturday and promised Mrs. Palmer I would be back for a formal tour. Just a few steps from my car, I was transported to North Carolina's past.
The African American Cultural Complex hosts events throughout the spring and summer, such as the Heritage Trail Festival and the Amistad Saga Outdoor Drama.
A must on everyone's calendar for next year.
Monday, November 10, 2008
A kid's Library Shelf
Building a child's personal home library is the gift that grows with the children in your life. Think of all the children in your life. Books are a powerful gift for birthdays, Christmas, graduation, or any other special occasion. The children in my life expect books from me. One year I changed gears and was surprised to see disappointed faces. Now I get requests or hints for certain books, even complete sets of books.
Buy kids what they want and like to read. Pique their interest with a visit to a book signing sponsored by a library or bookstore. Teach children how to take care to their books. Talk to parents about a bookshelf for older kids or a bookbag for younger kids.
Always personalize the books. You can add a bookplate or write a message to the kids. (Some collectors say personalized books are devalued.) Don't forget bookmarks and booklights as well.
By the time the special children in your life reach 18, they will have a collection of books that chronicle their life, growth, and your love and committment to them.
Peace,
Vy
Buy kids what they want and like to read. Pique their interest with a visit to a book signing sponsored by a library or bookstore. Teach children how to take care to their books. Talk to parents about a bookshelf for older kids or a bookbag for younger kids.
Always personalize the books. You can add a bookplate or write a message to the kids. (Some collectors say personalized books are devalued.) Don't forget bookmarks and booklights as well.
By the time the special children in your life reach 18, they will have a collection of books that chronicle their life, growth, and your love and committment to them.
Peace,
Vy
Your Neighborhood Bookstore
Did you visit the library yet? If so, then it's time to visit your neighborhood bookstore...or someone else's neighborhood bookstore.
Borders, Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks offer the standard. However, intimate locally owned and independent bookstores such as Subterranean, Left Bank Books, Not Just Another Bookstore, Diversity Gallery, and Afro World may offer more soul for a cold rainy day.
My favorite bookstores are giftshops at museums and cultural institutions. The Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Black World History Wax Museum, and The Old Courthouse are a must visit. Many offer local topics and authors as well as personalized service.
Discover your favorites today. Enjoy.
Peace,
Vy
Borders, Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks offer the standard. However, intimate locally owned and independent bookstores such as Subterranean, Left Bank Books, Not Just Another Bookstore, Diversity Gallery, and Afro World may offer more soul for a cold rainy day.
My favorite bookstores are giftshops at museums and cultural institutions. The Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Black World History Wax Museum, and The Old Courthouse are a must visit. Many offer local topics and authors as well as personalized service.
Discover your favorites today. Enjoy.
Peace,
Vy
Your Neighborhood Library...it's all FREE!
When was the last time you visited your neighborhood library?
If more than a couple of years have passed, then you may be in for a big surprise. I challenge you this week to visit your library's website, attend a booksigning, research your family's history, or just sit and read a book to your kids.
At St. Louis County (Missouri) Library's website, http://www.slcl.org/, I download books to my computer, read book reviews online, and find resources to use in my consulting work. I visit my neighborhood branch to preview books I want to buy, read magazines I can't afford, and meet with friends for booksignings.
...and it's all FREE!
If more than a couple of years have passed, then you may be in for a big surprise. I challenge you this week to visit your library's website, attend a booksigning, research your family's history, or just sit and read a book to your kids.
At St. Louis County (Missouri) Library's website, http://www.slcl.org/, I download books to my computer, read book reviews online, and find resources to use in my consulting work. I visit my neighborhood branch to preview books I want to buy, read magazines I can't afford, and meet with friends for booksignings.
...and it's all FREE!
Peace,
Vy
Welcome to Vy's Voice
Vy's Voice is the online voice of Vynetta Morrow, education consultant and African American Children's Literature Specialist. Visit this blog to stay informed and share your thoughts on topics related to African American Children's Literature and the study and teaching of African American History. Enjoy.
Peace,
Vy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
