Mary Garrett, writer and storyteller, tells folk tales, humorous tales and personal stories. She has told at the St. Louis and St. Charles Storytelling Festivals, Renaissance Faire, day care centers, parks, scout events, schools, and retirement communities. John Fussner, Mary’s father, was the first storyteller in her life. She credits him with instilling the love of make-believe. Mary believes in the world of story and the power of story to make this world a better place. Workshop: “Frog Goes to High School: Stealth Storytelling in the Upper Grades” available, presented at national and regional conferences. http://www.storytellermary.com
Courage and Wisdom: Stories Make the World Go Around
1) Real and Make-Believe (5 min.) All good stories contain truth, and this one actually happened. My father was my first storyteller, and I joyously carry his gift of story along with my kindergarten teacher’s gift of respect as I invite listeners into the world of make-believe.
2) Smell of the Bread (2 min.) This story can be found in many variations. I have heard it as Jewish and Arabic in origin. On a flight from Istanbul, a Chinese medical student claimed it as Chinese. Stories travel light and need no passport.
Innkeeper’s Wise Daughter (11 min.) Riddles within riddles, and a love story. . . Jewish or European
4) Mary Culhane (8 min.) I told this scary story at an Irish festival in St. Charles. Afterward, a woman asked if she could buy it on CD, which put this project on my “to do” list. Now if I could just find that woman . . .
5) King Solomon (2 min.) Shall we live forever? Karen Chace found this story of King Solomon’s toughest judgment -- a bit of perspective on life, wisdom, and coffee.
6) Scheherazade (10 min.) The frame story of 1001 Arabian Nights. Scheherazade became my hero the first time I heard her story, and I’ve loved every version since. Could stories save the kingdom? The world? I hope so!
7) Dervish in the Road (1 min.) This wonderful Sufi tale is my mantra on difficult days. I first heard it as told by Doug Lipman, and it was my farewell story when I retired from teaching.
The Minstrel Queen (10 min.) This story is also known as “The Lute Player.” I learned it for my friend Susan’s wedding. The tiny bit of singing in it is only possible because of the “Singing for People Who’ve Been Asked Not To” class at COCA (Center of Creative Arts).
Heaven and Hell Parable (3 min.) I used to tell this story early in the school year to set a tone of cooperation for my classes. In the Chinese version the problem is very long chopsticks.
Broken Fan (4 min.) A Spanish story, remembered from high school, a favorite at Renaissance Faire.
11) Black Bubble Gum (13 min.) From a John Steinbeck story, told with Brianna, Hannah, and Josiah.
Listeners’ Quotes:
"Your stories held me captive." -- Justin, Boys’ Help, Girls’ Help, St. Louis
“She transforms as she tells a tale, the glow from within lighting her face and illuminating her stories.” -- Granny Sue Holstein
“I love the story (Mary Culhane), and even more I love the emotion in the teller’s voice.” -- Kevin Young, teen listener.
“Thank you for telling stories to our campers at Hawn State Park. The stories were entertaining, lively and easy for our campers to relate to.” -- Ed Schott, Park Superintendent
“Your stories are always welcome in my coffee house.” -- Stein Hunter, Crooked Tree
I had a great time listening to your CD! :-)
Zalka Csenge Virág Budapest, Hungary
http://www.zalkacsenge.hu/
You know a story works when, after listening to it well-told one time, you can say, "Hey, I can tell that story!" -- Mike Lockett, the Normal storyteller
“It’s not the same with you gone. No one tells us stories.” -- FHN student
Thanks to Mike Anderson dulcimerguy.com for “Simple Gifts” and “The Minstrel Boy.”
Thanks to Elizabeth Ellis for holding me in the light through this project, and to many other storytelling friends for help and support.
Thanks to Mike Ehrhard at Side Track studio. (314-432-0447) and to Apple Store Galleria for their Creative assistance!
Thanks to my former students for listening and commenting. One asked, “Are all your stories about women?” Not all, but I do love strong women stories and tell them often. Feminism is nothing new. There have always been strong and capable women, and thank goodness for that!
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