My Friends Call Me C.C. by William Gardiner Hutson is a fictionalized retelling of a decade plus in the tumultuous life of Clarence Chauncey ("C.C.") Julian, starting in glamorous 1920's Los Angeles, ending with Julian's mysterious death in 1930's Shanghai, and provides the backstory to — among other historical events — the swift rise and … Continue reading Book Review: My Friends Call Me C.C.
Storytelling
Cell Power
My cell phone rang Sunday night, a concerned friend calling for advice. His older brother vanished on Saturday, and he wanted my thoughts about how to proceed. His brother, while visiting family in Florida, met a woman and scheduled a date. His last call came while driving to the date through severe weather. After that, … Continue reading Cell Power
What the Dickens?!
Have you ever started to say something, realized what a mistake you were making, and then successfully finished the sentence in another direction? Yeah, me neither. I mean, I've tried, but even when I've stuttered my way through a semi-coherent replacement sentence, there's always that feeling that the person listening can see right through me. … Continue reading What the Dickens?!
Spain: Sagrada Familia-Outside>In
Can you believe I forgot to tell you about this place? Would someone please turn on the lights? Thank you. Much better. OK, there are two things I want to highlight before we go in, both about story. First, every detail here tells a story. At first glance -- it's impressive and interesting, but then … Continue reading Spain: Sagrada Familia-Outside>In
Rear Window Mysteries
From the window of my hotel room in Chicago last month - where I looked out often to gauge how many layers to put on, or even whether to go outside - my view of the snow-covered BBQ area immediately inspired me. The weather wasn't the only thing that captured my attention. Every time I … Continue reading Rear Window Mysteries
Campfire Tales Invitation
Come close. Join us! Warm up by the fire. We're telling tales. Like this pyre, "blowing smoke," With only trees and stars as witnesses. You go first. Wait, come back! That was a joke! ~ Camp Host Chad
I Lava Deviled Eggs
How all this started: Too much time having passed since I'd introduced Volcanic Storytelling, I thought, "What would be a fun re-entry that would build on the theme, and make my lofty ideas more palatable? I know! I'll start with the food angle!" Which led to this: Yes -- that was intentional. But then things … Continue reading I Lava Deviled Eggs
The Gift of Time and Experience
"Students, we have time for one more presentation. Chad, can you explain this picture?" (collective gasp) "That's my homework assignment! Remember? You told us: "So a picture is worth a thousand words? Songs, with far less words, paint worthy pictures, And tell stories, like family trees! Deterred? Don’t be. Trees grow in parks. Take this … Continue reading The Gift of Time and Experience
Breaking the Silence
"I believe it's high time some of our young ladies step up. Silence may keep the men in your life in line, ladies, and keep them guessing as to what they did wrong, but it won't break any glass ceilings. Volunteers? Yes, Celine-Marie?" "Teacher, I couldn't decide which photo to use, so I submitted all … Continue reading Breaking the Silence
Pictures. Trees. Parks. Families.
"Good morning, students." "Good morning, Teacher!" "Oh my... Such enthusiasm! Delightful! Are you ready to present your assignments?" (crickets) "I see... Don't be timid, chickens! Share your image, tell us the song, then explain.... Oh me oh my. I've forgotten all the rules. Can anyone remember? Billy Bobby Joe? I see you desperately waving your … Continue reading Pictures. Trees. Parks. Families.
Campfire Tales 