We are fam-i-ly. I got all my family and me. We are fam-i-ly.
Without the music you don't get the full effect when David ends one of his stories with everyone clapping and singing the Sister Sledge song "We are family." But it is so effective.
What I was thinking about yesterday really was manifest today with David and Daniel doing their thing at the Training Center and the preschool at St. Pauls in Marshalltown. The group was 28 kids and 65 adults and all were delighted with David and Daniel. David told the stories in an informal mix of Spanish and English that made it all so inclusive, so rich.
All along the way on the Spot tours, the richness of the mix of backgrounds and culture has been so evident whether it is age-old Iowa stories or the newer residents' addition to the mix, it has been a great sharing of family stories and home country traditions. Over and over again we are made aware of how we each add something worthy to the experience. Indeed, we are family. I think I really now understand Family Values.
The last stop in Marshalltown was at Fake Space which creates virtual reality. It hit me how that is what David does in his storytelling--low tech virtual reality. He takes us into new worlds and gives us all the visual and audio needed to create a reality outside of the existing one.
Ron
April 30, 2007
A comment
Day 6 entry below had a nice greeting from a Spencerite on the comment left there. It is so good to get feedback.
Day 8 on the Spot Tour--on the road
Sunday. One last great cup of coffee in Spencer (Shaky Tree opened just for us. Wow. That is so nice!) and we are on the road to Marshalltown. Conversation on the way made the time fly. We missed seeing the Pocahontas statue again. I guess we took a different route.
We pulled into Marshalltown and left David and Daniel off at their motel with all their gear and headed home to Iowa City. Two thoughts. One, I was so happy to be home and it made me think about D&D being gone from home for much longer. And two, we felt a little funny just leaving them there, like we were abandoning friends. But of course Marshalltown is taking good care and we are heading up there each day to experience our third community on the Spot tour. Daniel said he took a long walk out on the edge of town and experienced one of our Iowa sunsets. Something for him to take home, perhaps.
We got back to Spring/Summer and things were gorgeous in Iowa City. I had time before dark to get in my first skate along the river. The path in Iowa City along the Iowa River is so gorgeous and great access to the outdoors. Hancher to Napoleon Park is my usual route. David said he lives on the Hudson River in Nyack. My guess is that Daniel isn't far from the East River in Brooklyn but I don't know for sure. Perry on the Racoon. Spencer on the Little Sioux. Marshalltown on the Iowa. Hmmm.
I listened to some Brazilian music while I skated and it made me think to Spot 4 and Cyro Baptista. Next year will be great too. And then I was thinking about all the things... Well, that will wait. This stream of consciousness thing is making these entries longer than I intended.
Ron
We pulled into Marshalltown and left David and Daniel off at their motel with all their gear and headed home to Iowa City. Two thoughts. One, I was so happy to be home and it made me think about D&D being gone from home for much longer. And two, we felt a little funny just leaving them there, like we were abandoning friends. But of course Marshalltown is taking good care and we are heading up there each day to experience our third community on the Spot tour. Daniel said he took a long walk out on the edge of town and experienced one of our Iowa sunsets. Something for him to take home, perhaps.
We got back to Spring/Summer and things were gorgeous in Iowa City. I had time before dark to get in my first skate along the river. The path in Iowa City along the Iowa River is so gorgeous and great access to the outdoors. Hancher to Napoleon Park is my usual route. David said he lives on the Hudson River in Nyack. My guess is that Daniel isn't far from the East River in Brooklyn but I don't know for sure. Perry on the Racoon. Spencer on the Little Sioux. Marshalltown on the Iowa. Hmmm.
I listened to some Brazilian music while I skated and it made me think to Spot 4 and Cyro Baptista. Next year will be great too. And then I was thinking about all the things... Well, that will wait. This stream of consciousness thing is making these entries longer than I intended.
Ron
April 28, 2007
Day 7 on the Spot tour--Spencer
Tonight the final concert in Spencer. David was fielding questions from the audience. He said that they have played in places from famous, big places to school classrooms and that it's all the same because what it is really about is people touching people. That is what it is. That is what this week has been about. No wonder it is so good.
David read some of his poetry later at a gathering. I was stunned and I really will never be the same. My gratitude to Daniel and David continues to grow with all they have given us.
Tomorrow on to Marshalltown. Half done.
Ron
David read some of his poetry later at a gathering. I was stunned and I really will never be the same. My gratitude to Daniel and David continues to grow with all they have given us.
Tomorrow on to Marshalltown. Half done.
Ron
Day 6 on the Spot Tour--Spencer
I just went downtown to get a cup of great coffee from Micah. He is new to town, hooked up with a long time resident, and opened a coffee shop. You can just tell he is the kind of barista that really cares about his product and his art. Everything is done methodically and precisely. The brewed coffee is French press. Amazing. So I went to pay and he said that there was a paid running tab for us from someone in town. What?! How many ways can you say nice? I hope whoever it is will read this and hear my thanks.
But on to Spot. After awhile the superlatives start to become superfluous. You have to experience David and Daniel to really understand the magic and depth of what they do. Friday's activities all were amazing. A jammed classroom at Johnson School of lower grades were once again taken on David's journey. David met with the teachers the day before to talk about the special needs kids in the group and what to expect for these special kids. David's background in music therapy and working with kids once again made the event very special for all.
A teacher workshop later in the day was so good. These 20-some teachers jumped right in to the activity. I was thinking how you take 20-some regular folks and it is like pulling teeth to get them to participate. I have to admit I am one of them and I hide behind my camera so David won't say to me: “You, sir, you're not helping us here. Get those hands up.” I watched one young adult guy at an after school program crack up laughing when David chided him for not participating. And of course he did join right in and had a ball.
One of the most successful activities in Spencer (well, actually, they all are but...) is always the family workshop night at an empty store front at the mall. I forgot to count but there were tons of people there and they all learned the basics of storytelling while having way too much fun.
So that was day six. Some of us went to a movie at the mall too late last night and I was thinking again about the music. Daniel said he has done movie music. I have noticed how quickly I get into one of David's stories when the music starts. The music sets a mood and I think really facilitates getting the picture. Much of what Daniel does is improvisational and amazing. There go those superlatives again but I just don't know how to do it any better.
All along I have been aware how when you leave one of David's stories, you leave with a really strong, good message about life and relationships and raising kids. I know in large part that is David's ability to make the story work on so many levels. He told the teachers that he does the story to make it work for kids but be interesting for adults. An example of this from his story of "The Fisherman and His Wife" are two asides. One is about a great big tv which the kids always gasp at and the other is about the fisherman refinancing his shack at just the right time which the adults love and appreciate. These are in the context of a fairy tale story and very funny.
So anyway, great day today in Spencer. Next up, the big show.
Ron
But on to Spot. After awhile the superlatives start to become superfluous. You have to experience David and Daniel to really understand the magic and depth of what they do. Friday's activities all were amazing. A jammed classroom at Johnson School of lower grades were once again taken on David's journey. David met with the teachers the day before to talk about the special needs kids in the group and what to expect for these special kids. David's background in music therapy and working with kids once again made the event very special for all.
A teacher workshop later in the day was so good. These 20-some teachers jumped right in to the activity. I was thinking how you take 20-some regular folks and it is like pulling teeth to get them to participate. I have to admit I am one of them and I hide behind my camera so David won't say to me: “You, sir, you're not helping us here. Get those hands up.” I watched one young adult guy at an after school program crack up laughing when David chided him for not participating. And of course he did join right in and had a ball.
One of the most successful activities in Spencer (well, actually, they all are but...) is always the family workshop night at an empty store front at the mall. I forgot to count but there were tons of people there and they all learned the basics of storytelling while having way too much fun.
So that was day six. Some of us went to a movie at the mall too late last night and I was thinking again about the music. Daniel said he has done movie music. I have noticed how quickly I get into one of David's stories when the music starts. The music sets a mood and I think really facilitates getting the picture. Much of what Daniel does is improvisational and amazing. There go those superlatives again but I just don't know how to do it any better.
All along I have been aware how when you leave one of David's stories, you leave with a really strong, good message about life and relationships and raising kids. I know in large part that is David's ability to make the story work on so many levels. He told the teachers that he does the story to make it work for kids but be interesting for adults. An example of this from his story of "The Fisherman and His Wife" are two asides. One is about a great big tv which the kids always gasp at and the other is about the fisherman refinancing his shack at just the right time which the adults love and appreciate. These are in the context of a fairy tale story and very funny.
So anyway, great day today in Spencer. Next up, the big show.
Ron
April 26, 2007
Day 5 on tour/more from Bailey
Go down an entry or two and find Bailey's most recent two blogs. She wrote about the final performance in Perry and then her feelings a couple of days later. I am so grateful Bailey did this for us and she has a great future ahead of her.
One thing Bailey commented on that was so enriching for everyone was the way David uplifts language and diversity. His ability to be inclusive with his ease of bilingual storytelling was truly uplifting for all the listeners. It makes me wonder if people who are worried about losing English have ever experienced the richness of sharing another's language and culture and stories and lives. You just have to watch one of these times when David is doing both English and Spanish to understand the rich culture of America.
Ron
One thing Bailey commented on that was so enriching for everyone was the way David uplifts language and diversity. His ability to be inclusive with his ease of bilingual storytelling was truly uplifting for all the listeners. It makes me wonder if people who are worried about losing English have ever experienced the richness of sharing another's language and culture and stories and lives. You just have to watch one of these times when David is doing both English and Spanish to understand the rich culture of America.
Ron
Day 5 on the Spot tour--Spencer
The folks today at the activities ranged from early preschoolers to older folks. I especially tried to watch people today. The main thing I noticed consistently was the intentness with which everyone listened to the stories. David is so engaging with this his actions and creativity that you really get focused on what he is telling.
One comment I heard from the adults today several times had to do with Daniel's ability to do so many kinds of music with apparently no effort. Do you remember the running joke that was based on a comic book ad, I think, that read: “He sat down at the piano and entertained and amazed his friends when he began to play.” Hey that is Daniel. He is amazing all his new friends like crazy.
But the effortlessness thing is what I really wanted to comment on. It is such hard work to do what they do. They perform and it all seems so good and so rich. That is because of all the hard work that went into it. But what I have been noticing is all the work required to keep on schedule, schlep intruments and such around, and be ready to perform. We try to help out when we can with moving equipment and such but it is pretty negligible. Hard work to be a performer.
Ron
One comment I heard from the adults today several times had to do with Daniel's ability to do so many kinds of music with apparently no effort. Do you remember the running joke that was based on a comic book ad, I think, that read: “He sat down at the piano and entertained and amazed his friends when he began to play.” Hey that is Daniel. He is amazing all his new friends like crazy.
But the effortlessness thing is what I really wanted to comment on. It is such hard work to do what they do. They perform and it all seems so good and so rich. That is because of all the hard work that went into it. But what I have been noticing is all the work required to keep on schedule, schlep intruments and such around, and be ready to perform. We try to help out when we can with moving equipment and such but it is pretty negligible. Hard work to be a performer.
Ron
Day 4 on the Spot tour
Today was pouring rain as we loaded the van for the trip from Perry to Spencer. It has been raining all night and the fields around Nadine's and then on the trip north have huge lakes of water. When we got to the highway to head into town, a field was dumping its overflow of water all over the highway bringing with it a bed of corn stocks that covered the road. It rained about three-fourths of the way.
When we do this tour I get a tiny inkling of a life I would never know otherwise--the life of an artist touring. It takes a real dedication to do what you believe in when you tour. We do it for just a few days and it seems difficult. Finding food, beds not your own, places to relax. I have a new appreciation for what it takes to see the artists on stage at Hancher, what the artist goes through, that is.
Ron
When we do this tour I get a tiny inkling of a life I would never know otherwise--the life of an artist touring. It takes a real dedication to do what you believe in when you tour. We do it for just a few days and it seems difficult. Finding food, beds not your own, places to relax. I have a new appreciation for what it takes to see the artists on stage at Hancher, what the artist goes through, that is.
Ron
Bailey with an afterthought
Hi, it's me again, Bailey, the SPOT reporter from Perry. David and Daniel have only been gone two days, but I miss them already. I miss David's funny, enthusiastic stories, and Daniel's great music. My sister and I couldn't decide if we wanted a DVD or a CD, so we got both, and I'm glad we did. I can listen to David's stories, or watch them, whenever I want. I hope a lot of people did as I did, and bought The Frog Bride to remember David Gonzalez. And just possibly, they will run into them somewhere or another and want to see his next performance.
Spot Reporter Bailey on the final performance in Perry
Hi! It's me again, Bailey, the SPOT reporter for Perry. Oh, my gosh! The performance last night was spectacular! David and Daniel were excellent! Out of the whole tour, I only heard David tell two stories twice.
Some of the stories David told were the turtle story, a true story about him and his uncle, and a story about Juan Bo-Bo. There were singing parts in some of the stories, and he would ask for the girls to sing, then the boys, then the adults. During lots of the stories, he would say a word in Spanish, and ask if anyone knew what that word meant. They would answer correctly, and he would make all these comments, saying, "He hits it left and right, he makes a home run!" meaning that the kids could speak Spanish and English. After David went back to his stories, you could see the kids beaming!
When David asked for questions, lots of kids asked for stories they had already heard, and wanted to hear again. David kept looking back at Daniel, asking, "Is that too long? Can we do that one?" One kid asked, "Can Daniel talk?" Daniel gave a short "Meow".
At the very end, everyone ran out to buy the CD's and DVD's that David and Daniel were selling. Daniel stayed on stage for a couple of minutes afterwards, and there was a big crowd of kids wanting to ask him questions. I think the show was a big hit. David and Daniel were funny, kind, enthusiastic, and like a lot of kids said, just plain cool!
Some of the stories David told were the turtle story, a true story about him and his uncle, and a story about Juan Bo-Bo. There were singing parts in some of the stories, and he would ask for the girls to sing, then the boys, then the adults. During lots of the stories, he would say a word in Spanish, and ask if anyone knew what that word meant. They would answer correctly, and he would make all these comments, saying, "He hits it left and right, he makes a home run!" meaning that the kids could speak Spanish and English. After David went back to his stories, you could see the kids beaming!
When David asked for questions, lots of kids asked for stories they had already heard, and wanted to hear again. David kept looking back at Daniel, asking, "Is that too long? Can we do that one?" One kid asked, "Can Daniel talk?" Daniel gave a short "Meow".
At the very end, everyone ran out to buy the CD's and DVD's that David and Daniel were selling. Daniel stayed on stage for a couple of minutes afterwards, and there was a big crowd of kids wanting to ask him questions. I think the show was a big hit. David and Daniel were funny, kind, enthusiastic, and like a lot of kids said, just plain cool!
April 24, 2007
Day 3 of the Spot tour in Perry
You just gotta love it. David and Daniel have played to at least a half dozen audiences in two days and tonight filled the auditorium. You could see lots of kids and folks who had been at earlier events and came back for more. And then there were lots who came to see what the hoopla was all about.
I was videotaping tonight and shooting photos at the back by the door and after it started a girl came in and had four quarters in her hand. The ticket price was one dollar for kids and she had her dollar and asked me who she should pay. She gave Donna her money and then slipped into a seat. It was a barely a split second before she was laughing and completely into the show. That is David and Daniel. Then there was the older couple who came up afterward to say they really enjoyed the show and she had taught 5th grade. Then there were all the kids who had seen enough already to have a favorite story and hoped a request might let them hear it one more time. And the row of adults that came together. And the Spot Reporter and her sister always in their Spot t-shirt. Wow. I could go on and on but just let me say that it seemed to me that the community of Perry with all its age and cultural variations was well represented. To quote David and repeat from last night: sweeeet.
I hope to get a bunch of photos up on the website real soon of the Perry visit. It is so hard to find the time needed to get it done while on the road but it is so good to see images and jog the memory.Good to relive the good times!
So now we will spend the rainy and windy night here and then be on our way. It is so good to spend time in one place. And then the time always comes to move on. Kind of like what David and his stories have been teaching us this week. Kind of like life.
Ron
I was videotaping tonight and shooting photos at the back by the door and after it started a girl came in and had four quarters in her hand. The ticket price was one dollar for kids and she had her dollar and asked me who she should pay. She gave Donna her money and then slipped into a seat. It was a barely a split second before she was laughing and completely into the show. That is David and Daniel. Then there was the older couple who came up afterward to say they really enjoyed the show and she had taught 5th grade. Then there were all the kids who had seen enough already to have a favorite story and hoped a request might let them hear it one more time. And the row of adults that came together. And the Spot Reporter and her sister always in their Spot t-shirt. Wow. I could go on and on but just let me say that it seemed to me that the community of Perry with all its age and cultural variations was well represented. To quote David and repeat from last night: sweeeet.
I hope to get a bunch of photos up on the website real soon of the Perry visit. It is so hard to find the time needed to get it done while on the road but it is so good to see images and jog the memory.Good to relive the good times!
So now we will spend the rainy and windy night here and then be on our way. It is so good to spend time in one place. And then the time always comes to move on. Kind of like what David and his stories have been teaching us this week. Kind of like life.
Ron
April 23, 2007
Day 2 of the Spot Tour
Bailey continues with some star reporting. I am so proud of what she is doing. Below are two more entries. Be sure and read them and if you see Bailey tell her "good job, good writing."
It struck me today that David told such a great story that I think was autobiographical. Now maybe I am analyzing it way too much but...
Today one of David's stories was about the boy who painted pictures with his song. Like all the folk tales/fairy tales/stories that David performs there is something so rich to be learned and come away with. I have to admit that I have become teary on occasion. His stories are VERY funny and sometimes scary (yes, scary) and always moving.
The story was about a boy who was given a very wonderful gift. He felt bad that he was just a kid and that he had nothing to give the people in his country who needed help. He then disovered that he had a gift to create beautiful pictures in the sky with the song he sang. I sat there just visualizing the boy and his dad and the castle and the woman with small children that he tripped on in the dark, when it hit me. David was creating these beautiful images in my imagination, not at all unlike painting pictures in the sky.
Lots of age groups today and all seemed to be enthralled. It must be hard to tell a story that can cross the age differences. One of the most delightful were the littlest kids who were captiviated and immediately started to participate in the story. I have to unlearn some of my adult inhibitions. It can be quite a burden. The kids were just free and easy in joining in.
Oh yea, the other thing is how David takes an old fairy tale with its castle turrets and sewer moats and fantastic animals and real people in undefined olden days and transforms them into modern day characters with modern gestures. It really grabs the kids. Sweet.
Ron
It struck me today that David told such a great story that I think was autobiographical. Now maybe I am analyzing it way too much but...
Today one of David's stories was about the boy who painted pictures with his song. Like all the folk tales/fairy tales/stories that David performs there is something so rich to be learned and come away with. I have to admit that I have become teary on occasion. His stories are VERY funny and sometimes scary (yes, scary) and always moving.
The story was about a boy who was given a very wonderful gift. He felt bad that he was just a kid and that he had nothing to give the people in his country who needed help. He then disovered that he had a gift to create beautiful pictures in the sky with the song he sang. I sat there just visualizing the boy and his dad and the castle and the woman with small children that he tripped on in the dark, when it hit me. David was creating these beautiful images in my imagination, not at all unlike painting pictures in the sky.
Lots of age groups today and all seemed to be enthralled. It must be hard to tell a story that can cross the age differences. One of the most delightful were the littlest kids who were captiviated and immediately started to participate in the story. I have to unlearn some of my adult inhibitions. It can be quite a burden. The kids were just free and easy in joining in.
Oh yea, the other thing is how David takes an old fairy tale with its castle turrets and sewer moats and fantastic animals and real people in undefined olden days and transforms them into modern day characters with modern gestures. It really grabs the kids. Sweet.
Ron
Bailey reports from the school on Monday
[from Bailey, Perry Spot Reporter]
Today at 9:30 in the Multi Purpose Room at Perry Elementary, David and Daniel did a performance for the third grade. I went, and got to miss one of my classes. He shouted and screamed as he told us a story about a young boy called Ben. My friends told me later that they could hear him shouting, "Give us a song!"
Daniel played more excellent music, and the third graders laughed a lot. Then he asked us about what super power we would like to have the most. Lots of people said flying, laser eyes, and one person said, "The power to eat as much pie as I want." It was really fun.
Later on that day, my mom, my sister, and I went to PACES, the after-school program for students. PACES stands for Perry's Academic and Cultural Enrichment Services. He had to do the performance twice, and I got to hear four different stories. Daniel tried to do a trick standing over his piano, but he fell. Everybody laughed. David told everybody they needed to go to the Tuesday night performance, and as a treat, they should pay for their parents. Everybody was thrilled at his performance, and I'm sure most everybody is going to go to the performance.
In a little while, adults only (too bad) will go to Casa de Oro for a chance to talk to David and ask him questions.
Today at 9:30 in the Multi Purpose Room at Perry Elementary, David and Daniel did a performance for the third grade. I went, and got to miss one of my classes. He shouted and screamed as he told us a story about a young boy called Ben. My friends told me later that they could hear him shouting, "Give us a song!"
Daniel played more excellent music, and the third graders laughed a lot. Then he asked us about what super power we would like to have the most. Lots of people said flying, laser eyes, and one person said, "The power to eat as much pie as I want." It was really fun.
Later on that day, my mom, my sister, and I went to PACES, the after-school program for students. PACES stands for Perry's Academic and Cultural Enrichment Services. He had to do the performance twice, and I got to hear four different stories. Daniel tried to do a trick standing over his piano, but he fell. Everybody laughed. David told everybody they needed to go to the Tuesday night performance, and as a treat, they should pay for their parents. Everybody was thrilled at his performance, and I'm sure most everybody is going to go to the performance.
In a little while, adults only (too bad) will go to Casa de Oro for a chance to talk to David and ask him questions.
Monday report from Bailey in Perry
[from Bailey, Perry Spot Reporter]
Hi! I'm Bailey, and I'm the SPOT reporter for Perry. I just got home from the library where David Gonzalez did his second performance in Perry. (The first one I went to.) It was great fun. Daniel played excellent music at the beginning, then David told us an excellent story about how turtles get cracked shells. Then he told us another story that goes like this: Once there was a boy and a girl. Then they lived happily ever after. The End
He has funny expressions for how the characters would feel, and excellent voices. He made the little kids laugh, and even most of the adults laughed.
Hi! I'm Bailey, and I'm the SPOT reporter for Perry. I just got home from the library where David Gonzalez did his second performance in Perry. (The first one I went to.) It was great fun. Daniel played excellent music at the beginning, then David told us an excellent story about how turtles get cracked shells. Then he told us another story that goes like this: Once there was a boy and a girl. Then they lived happily ever after. The End
He has funny expressions for how the characters would feel, and excellent voices. He made the little kids laugh, and even most of the adults laughed.
April 22, 2007
From the Road/Perry Sunday
Be sure to read Bailey's reports below this one. She is Perry's very own Spot Reporter and she is off to a GREAT start. When I saw what she had written I thought my job was done. She did a great job reporting before the events today. And I know we will have more from her.
Well, it is always amazing when a year long process actually results in something happening. And something did happen in Perry today (Sunday). We got to Perry and David Gonzalez and Daniel Kelly were already here after having flown to Des Moines from Lawrence, Kansas where they were performing. Lin had picked them up and whisked them home to Perry.
David and Daniel began their amazing story/music sharing at St. Pat's church after services, for all the kids and families that stayed. There were a bunch. And I noticed not all were kids and parents. There seemed to be a healthy representation of all generations there. What a beautiful church, too.
After lunch at Highland Elk we all walked over to the library. The day was an odd one with quite stormy rain followed by sunshine. We walked in sunshine. The library welcomed all and had the great refreshments we have come to count on. Daniel played the piano while folks arrived. It seemed to me that he saw the piano and it called out to him like he really NEEDED to play. He played for a long time and it was gorgeous improv.
It was fun to see the kids there in their orange Spot t-shirts, to meet old friends from previous Spot visits and see new folks. The room was full and David told great stories. It seems like using the word "told" stories isn't right. He IS the story as he is telling it and you can see how he captures us all in the telling.
The day ended with D&D meeting with some high school kids for jamming and talking and reading and...well, we kind of stayed out of the way for that one but we heard great reports that the kids were all really involved, interesting, and interested.
So now the quiet, as only an Iowa night can be, surrounds me as I write this out here at Nadine's. When we got here this afternoon, I looked out the window and saw Daniel laying flat out on his back on the ground on the lawn. Well it was Earth Day today and he was maybe getting a feel of the earth. But for me it was kind of a symbol of what getting away and into the country does for me. It grounds me, makes me really love being in Iowa, being in a natural setting. At one point we were sitting around in Nadine's living room. It was pouring and pounding rain outside. I saw a flash of lightening hit the ground just across the road and it actually threw sparks all around as it hit the ground. Amazing. All the Iowa storms I have been in and I had never seen that.
Happy Earth Day.
Ron
Well, it is always amazing when a year long process actually results in something happening. And something did happen in Perry today (Sunday). We got to Perry and David Gonzalez and Daniel Kelly were already here after having flown to Des Moines from Lawrence, Kansas where they were performing. Lin had picked them up and whisked them home to Perry.
David and Daniel began their amazing story/music sharing at St. Pat's church after services, for all the kids and families that stayed. There were a bunch. And I noticed not all were kids and parents. There seemed to be a healthy representation of all generations there. What a beautiful church, too.
After lunch at Highland Elk we all walked over to the library. The day was an odd one with quite stormy rain followed by sunshine. We walked in sunshine. The library welcomed all and had the great refreshments we have come to count on. Daniel played the piano while folks arrived. It seemed to me that he saw the piano and it called out to him like he really NEEDED to play. He played for a long time and it was gorgeous improv.
It was fun to see the kids there in their orange Spot t-shirts, to meet old friends from previous Spot visits and see new folks. The room was full and David told great stories. It seems like using the word "told" stories isn't right. He IS the story as he is telling it and you can see how he captures us all in the telling.
The day ended with D&D meeting with some high school kids for jamming and talking and reading and...well, we kind of stayed out of the way for that one but we heard great reports that the kids were all really involved, interesting, and interested.
So now the quiet, as only an Iowa night can be, surrounds me as I write this out here at Nadine's. When we got here this afternoon, I looked out the window and saw Daniel laying flat out on his back on the ground on the lawn. Well it was Earth Day today and he was maybe getting a feel of the earth. But for me it was kind of a symbol of what getting away and into the country does for me. It grounds me, makes me really love being in Iowa, being in a natural setting. At one point we were sitting around in Nadine's living room. It was pouring and pounding rain outside. I saw a flash of lightening hit the ground just across the road and it actually threw sparks all around as it hit the ground. Amazing. All the Iowa storms I have been in and I had never seen that.
Happy Earth Day.
Ron
Bailey Report 2
I'm Bailey, the SPOT reporter for Perry. On April 9 I went to a SPOT planning meeting. Here are my notes:
They are discussing David Gonzalez's visit. He's coming at 10:55 on Sunday, April 21 and at 3:30 he will be at the Perry Public Library. On Monday I will go to the elementary school for a special performance for the third graders. At 5:00, he will be at PACES. He will also be a Casa de Oro at 7:00. What a busy day!
On Tuesday, there is going to be a big performance. It sounds like he is going to have a great time!
They are discussing David Gonzalez's visit. He's coming at 10:55 on Sunday, April 21 and at 3:30 he will be at the Perry Public Library. On Monday I will go to the elementary school for a special performance for the third graders. At 5:00, he will be at PACES. He will also be a Casa de Oro at 7:00. What a busy day!
On Tuesday, there is going to be a big performance. It sounds like he is going to have a great time!
Spot Reporter Bailey in Perry
Hi, this is Bailey, the SPOT reporter for Perry. Tomorrow I meet David Gonzalez. He will be at the Perry Public Library, and I get to ask him questions there. It's like I get my own personal interview. I'm very nervous. My mom says with my t-shirt and press pass, I'll look official. I hope she's right!
April 18, 2007
Song title list "great
We only had one week but we came up with a long list of 29 song titles for the Bobs. I sent them on to the Bobs and Brynne Bob said: "Holy cow, these are great!" So here is the list of great song titles. If the Bobs can get it done, we will have a song just for the Iowa tour!
No Raindrops in the Bucket During an Ice Storm
Party at the Library!
"I Owe A"- lot to IOWA
Me and my cat Chanel reading stories
Me and mom are watching the birds fly across the sky
Living With Big Foot
I got a bellyache on Christmas Day
Octopus Pie
battle my sandwich
My new neighbors
Snowball Fights in the Middle of.... April
The Bagels are small in Iowa
cats are cute
My Bilingual Dog
Iowa is More than Corn and Pigs
The Little State of Ioway
I want to vist the moon
Lonely mustard no more ( a reference to finally adding Ketchup to the long tradition of mustard-only at the original Maid-Rite in Marshalltown... a decision made by public vote!)
The Night of the Coyotes
The Wild, Wild Rose (Iowa's State Flower!)
My Bird of Many Sounds
Twenty-nine Multi-colored Monkeys Swingin' From a Cactus (Iowa is the 29th State!)
The Hillbilly stomp
How I love Perry
Popcorn Hits the Spot
Fun in the Mud
Spencer/Iowa RAGBRAI Mania (aka "I've Got a Sore Tushie but I Feel Fine!"
Iowa Summer -or- (Sum,Sum) Summertime in Iowa -or- Let the Tall Corn Grow!
Popcorn!
No Raindrops in the Bucket During an Ice Storm
Party at the Library!
"I Owe A"- lot to IOWA
Me and my cat Chanel reading stories
Me and mom are watching the birds fly across the sky
Living With Big Foot
I got a bellyache on Christmas Day
Octopus Pie
battle my sandwich
My new neighbors
Snowball Fights in the Middle of.... April
The Bagels are small in Iowa
cats are cute
My Bilingual Dog
Iowa is More than Corn and Pigs
The Little State of Ioway
I want to vist the moon
Lonely mustard no more ( a reference to finally adding Ketchup to the long tradition of mustard-only at the original Maid-Rite in Marshalltown... a decision made by public vote!)
The Night of the Coyotes
The Wild, Wild Rose (Iowa's State Flower!)
My Bird of Many Sounds
Twenty-nine Multi-colored Monkeys Swingin' From a Cactus (Iowa is the 29th State!)
The Hillbilly stomp
How I love Perry
Popcorn Hits the Spot
Fun in the Mud
Spencer/Iowa RAGBRAI Mania (aka "I've Got a Sore Tushie but I Feel Fine!"
Iowa Summer -or- (Sum,Sum) Summertime in Iowa -or- Let the Tall Corn Grow!
Popcorn!
April 13, 2007
next story addition 7
Anything Is Possible (7)
by Spot Kids
Gertie couldn't believe her luck. She had just left Josh's house with her dog Thurber. They lived across the alley from each other and had been friends since she moved there in 2001 when she was five and Josh was six. She decided to take the sidewalk around to her street so she didn't have to go past the old shed. The old shed had long ago lost its paint. It's windows were all painted over. And although there was no reason to be afraid, it gave her the creeps.
She turned the corner and there it was on the sidewalk. Had someone lost it? It was a shiny green $100 bill. Where did it come from? Just then the wind came up and it started to blow it away.
Gertie couldn't believe it. She wasn't even sure it was real money. It was kind of folded up and and looked too new. Thurber saw the bill start to blow away and lurched forward pulling Gertie along. She ran and stomped on it right before it started to blow again into the street. She stood on Thurber's leash with one foot and carefully reached for the money under her other foot. The bill was carefully folded and very new looking.
As she unfolded it, there was another piece of cardboard inside the folded bill. It was a basketball ticket. Who had dropped it there and how could she give it back? And why was it wrapped inside money?
Gertie ran home with the money and ticket in her fist, Thurber excited at the prospect of getting to run. To his disappointment, Gertie ran up to the house, inside, slammed the door, and let go of his leash. Then she ran to her room and flipped on the desk light. She wanted to get a better look at the money and ticket. She opened her desk drawer and found the magnifying glass that she used when she and her dad worked on her stamp collection.
Yup, the money did seem a little too shiny and crisp. She knew why the ticket was inside the bill. It was wrapped up in the money because come to find out the $100 bill was fake. Even though she had never seen a $100 bill, she could tell this wasn't real. But what about the ticket?
She stared at the ticket all night. The next morning she brought the ticket to Josh’s house
and told him about the fake money too.
Josh suggested that it was time to tell someone about the find. Gertie called the police and they set her up to meet Mr. Cruise, the detective. He suggested that they do a finger print test on the bill and ticket.
Gertie and her dad went in the next day to meet with Detective Cruise. He took Gertie and her dad down the hall, down a flight of stairs, and through a door marked “Crime Lab.” After they tested it, Detective Cruise said, they found out it belonged to a Mr. Wilbert Kay.
Detective Cruise scheduled Gertie to meet him Tuesday. Gertie was nervous. Why did this guy drop his ticket and why was it wrapped in a dollar bill?
They met in Detective Cruise’s office on Tuesday. Mr. Kay didn’t look at all like what Gertie thought he would. She gave him the bill and ticket. Then she asked him why he had dropped it and if he knew he had dropped it. She also wanted to know if it was real or not.
------Email your addition to the story to spot@spotkids.com------
Deadline for song titles
The song title suggestions for the Bobs song for their Iowa tour have been rolling in this week. You have until Monday, April 16 to get your in.
So go to http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/spot07/songtitle and fill a couple of blanks, click on one button, then hit submit.
So go to http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/spot07/songtitle and fill a couple of blanks, click on one button, then hit submit.
April 10, 2007
SONG TITLE CONTEST!
We have a chance to have the Bobs create a song just for us. And it will be written after they get the title!
We will send them all the title entries we get and they will pick the one they want to write a song for and will perform it when they come for the Iowa tour.
SO, get busy. We have to have all the entries in by next Monday--April 16--so there's not much time. Keep it short, fun, and something you want to hear a song about! Here are some suggestions I came up with:
"The World's Greatest Fair"
"Hey, Mr. Carnegie, Look at Your Library Now"
"My Dog Thurber Sittin' on the Courthouse Lawn"
I know you can do MUCH better. It is easy. We made a form online. So go to http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/spot07/songtitle and fill a couple of blanks, click on one button, then hit submit.
We will keep you posted and list ALL the entries.
SO HURRY!
We will send them all the title entries we get and they will pick the one they want to write a song for and will perform it when they come for the Iowa tour.
SO, get busy. We have to have all the entries in by next Monday--April 16--so there's not much time. Keep it short, fun, and something you want to hear a song about! Here are some suggestions I came up with:
"The World's Greatest Fair"
"Hey, Mr. Carnegie, Look at Your Library Now"
"My Dog Thurber Sittin' on the Courthouse Lawn"
I know you can do MUCH better. It is easy. We made a form online. So go to http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/spot07/songtitle and fill a couple of blanks, click on one button, then hit submit.
We will keep you posted and list ALL the entries.
SO HURRY!
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