Storyteller Maureen Barry

2010-02-21 Hope Town and Bahamas 2010

2010-06-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

The cruise to Florida

2010-01-17T10:29:00.000-08:00

After departing St Marys , Ga on January 2nd, we headed further south to Floria and warmer wether. Just kidding.... We ended traveling in brutally cold bitter weather. It was freezing and we had to use the heaters whenever we could and it required us to go into slips each night. It has been cold.
But this week we went to Stuart,Florida and the weathehas changed to Florida weather. It is now warm with a breeze. The palm tress are looking like island time and we are feeling better. Even the dog, toots , thought the trip was a bit much.
Well we are heADING TO SHORE FOR FOOTBALL.

Sailing to St Marys and other interesting sights

2009-11-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

Well we sailed to St Marys, Ga and we have not only had fun but we have also met some new friends. We are not just making acquaintenances but we have spent time to get to know the people. I like the people part of sailing along with all the beautiful anchorages and sights.
I have done a number of performances particularly in Brunswick where the art council hired me to go into three schools. The students were adorable. I performed as a pirate and at one school a child actually asked me if I wasa pirate . I said agh! and the child ran away.
I love the sunsets This one was at a marina in NC . Toots is her usual self and she goes along with everything. The birds continue to delightme and Julia gave me a bird sound device to help me call them. I love the owl sounds and try to make the sounds to attract them No luch yet!

Dismal swamp 2

2009-11-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

The dismal swamp is one of our favorite cruising spots and this is our last ear to travel it. The turtles are always sunning on the logs and rocks.
Life is great on the boat!

Fall 2009 Cruise Dismal Swamp

2009-11-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

Well we are back on the boat and Michael is taking me to St Marys, Ga where I will act in the city's ghost haunt. I will play the bar dog ghost, Beggar, that lived at the Riverview Inn. I wrote some of the tales for the event for the National Park Service and the rangers will be acting in some of those parts.

The ride down had some beautiful moment and some trying times. We decided to travel the Dismal Swamp. It is one of the most beautiful places to travel by boat. Between the birds and the pristine beauty of the swamp one just gets lost in its beauty. I love the dismal swamp. Michael knows how much I enjoy it, but he always frets about the canal having enough water.
But we headed into the swamp.
As we traveled it this year sadly we hit at least 100 objects, damaged the prop and will not be returning to it again.
It cost us a lot of money for the repair to the prop. We had it fixed by Sailcraft in Oriental, NC. We highly recommend them for any repairs because they are reasonable with the cost, they are efficient and the staff is wonderful!

April 2009/Cumberland Island, Ga

2009-05-05T22:57:00.000-07:00

Well Michael and I decided to travel to Cumberland Island where we volunteered. I volunteered my storytelling skills. I researched the people that lived on the island. My most memorable people were Caty Littlefield-Greene-Miller, Robert Stafford, Susannah Stafford-Hawkins, Zabette, the Tamucuan indians and maybe a few pirates.
The island is enchanting as it envelopes you by its large live oaks.As I wondered down the roads, I was lost in the symphony of bird sounds and the armadillos rustling through the bushes. The beach is endless and it exists on a curve formed by the earth. Its white sand 's beauty is speckled by items from the sea. Shells are endless. Wild horses roam freely and have a right a way as they make their presence known in a silent but forceful way. You do not want to be near a stallion on the move!
I was lost in finding tales to tell about the armadillo. They made me laugh how they scurried about , not noticing anything around them. They would jump if you startled them. My tales ended not only entertaining the audience but also informing them about the armadillo's characteristics, I am still working on a tale about the loggerhead turtle that is now making their way to the island to lay their eggs. In July new sea turtles will hatch and make their way to the sea. The raccoon was the most aggressive animal as they invaded the campsites and tried to take the camper's food. Some campers reported that the raccoons were trying to get into their tents. Some looked out to find the raccoon hanging off the trash attached to the tree. The raccoons would climb on each other to get to the trash. They are very creative animals and very determined. I am also working on a tale about the walking shell that deals with the hermit crab and how it always travels with its house.
I am still revising my historical tales and working on the ghost haunt. I miss being on the island because it was so comfortable and I was getting adjusted to it. I liked the isolation.

Now I am in New York performing for my great niece's second birthday. New York has so many people and there is so much noise. Something about it is very exciting and I like the streets. I like the activity. It seems to be alive; it has a heart beat.
Next I will go to the boat and make it comfy so we set sail for another adventure. Retirement is certainly a dream come true.

Italian adventure/ December 2008

2009-01-06T21:23:00.000-08:00

Well Michael and I headed to Milan for our daughter's graduation from Bocconi University. Audrey now has her MBA. Not only her degree but a job, too!
Milan is a beautiful city that was decorated for all the festivities of the holiday season. The lights lined the main shopping areas and it was fun walking around the streets. The only drawback was the rain that came and went. But , it didn't bother me. I was happy to be in the city and I thoroughly enjoyed the italian cuisine. The pasta dishes are tasty with the spices and the just cooked right pasta.
After the graduation we had a lovely dinner at a restaurant with Stepfan's family. We celebrated their accomplishments and had a wonderful time.

Then Audrey, Michael and I flew south to Calabria. We went to the city of Cosenza and then drove to the village of San Georgia Albanese where Audrey's great grandfather lived as a child. It was just as he described surrounded by olive groves and some orange and lemon groves. I loved walking the streets where I know he walked at one time.
At the municipal building we met some people who were very friendly and began immediately bringing information on the family. Luckily I had a picture of the sisters of Great Grandpop so they had something for reference. Rosario took it on as his personal mission to make the village connections. He took out information and said he would meet us the next day at 1PM.
The next day arrived and Rosario was there waiting to take us around. We went to different houses and met these peopel that were connecte to the people in the pictures. They were warm and friendly and opened their homes to us. We didn't understand all of what they were saying , but Audrey did. We have lots of pictures and the memories are priceless.
I took lots of pictures of the streets and especially the different doors. I want to write an article about the area because it is one that is not visited enough. It is especially a good spot in the summer.
The church in the village was beautiful and quaint.
After spending the day, we left and traveled to the different villages in the area. We also traveled along the beach area. Each town had something to offer, but it wasn't crowded at this time. Each place was ready for the holiday, but the crowds weren't like they would be in the summers.

Writing workshop at Linwood Elementary , dec 5th

2008-12-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

I am off to Linwwood in the morning and looking forward to another exciting day with the children. Fun and writing! The children always have some great ideas and are always open to new ideas. We shall see. it's my birthday, too. Another year and more adventure!

Writer's Day at Manoa Elementary School

2008-11-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

Well life has certainly been exciting for me. I recently was invited to join the young writer's organization. What a wonderful group of people. A a member of the group I was sent to Manoa Elementary School where I visited two second grade classes and one fourth grade class. I shared my books with the students and told them abut the writing process. At the end of the workshop, I presented the students with ideas for development and I was delighted with their creative ideas.
The classroom never stops amazing me. It offers so many ideas for adventure.
It was another exciting day for me.

Chester County Stories Make A Difference

2008-11-06T11:09:00.001-08:00

On November 6 I had a very special visit to The Concept School. The Concept School offers children a unique learning community of small classes and individual approaches to learning. So storytelling was well received by these children. Many of them had their own stories to tell.
I told the children in the lower grades tales of Chester County.I began in the 1700s with tales of the Lenni Lenape Indian Tribe. It began with how the Native Americans lived in the area. It focused on The Walking Purchase and how the Native Americans were forced off their land. It explained how the Native Americans were tricked. After learning about their culture, I ended with the story of Indian Hannah. She was the last surviving Lenni Lenape Indian in Chester County. Since they didn't know about her, they were fascinated with her story. They learned how the Quakers in Chester County respected her and in the end took care of her in the Chester County Poor House.
Next I took them into the 1800s and told them about the Underground Railroad. Here they learned about the harsh life of the slave. Then I told them how Harriet Tubman rose to be a leader of freedom. Not only did she escape to the North, but she also returned to the South to bring many slaves North to their freedom.The learned about the Quakers and the good they did for the slaves. By creating a network of houses that traveled to the North, they were responsible for the creation of the Underground Railroad. If it wasn't for them, the slaves would not have been able to escape.
Once again storytelling made a connection and the children gained from the learning experience. When a student says "thank you for teaching us something" it makes you feel you made a difference. Making a difference is what storytelling does and what education always wants to do.

Storytelling and Teachers Make An Inservice Day Fun

2008-11-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

November 4th wasn't just a day to vote. For some Delaware County teachers it was a full day of in-service training. My in-service class was Storytelling Across The Curriculum. My class had teachers ranging from 2nd grade to high school. Each teacher had a specific need and they left with ideas and lessons to apply. One teacher developed ideas on digital storytelling. She planned to use storytelling to inspire her students. She had them research careers and how a career could relate to their world. Another teacher used storytelling to create musical plays. Her students developed into characters, like a wolf. One second grade teacher developed tales to improve his own presentations. One teacher taught speech and planned to use storytelling to improve her student's speech.
One summarizing idea at the end of the day was storytelling links to all levels in education. Even though these teachers taught different grade levels, they could share with each other. They could offer creative ways for each teacher to develop their lesson.Storytelling is an effective teaching tool. Storytelling makes a difference in the classroom.
They all went home with ideas for their classroom and with a better understanding of storytelling.

Storytelling on the Home Front

2008-11-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

I am spending some time home in Malvern this Fall. It has given me some time to write new tales and to also perform some of my tales in the local schools.On October 31St I traveled to Southeast Delco Kindergarten Center where I brought them the tale of Clickety Clack. They saw how unique Clickety Clack is and they also met her other hen friends. They also had the opportunity to make their favorite chicken sounds as well as do their favorite chicken moves. The children delighted in the chicken characters and laughed their way through the afternoon. They truly enjoyed the storytelling event.
The day was also a special Phillies Celebration. At the end of the day the children paraded through the halls and around the school. They wanted the Phillies to know they were special to them, too.
Thank you Southeast Delco for making my performance such a special time.

Traveling the ICW from Va to NC/ October,2007

2007-12-14T18:12:00.001-08:00

We began our trip South on October 16 and headed to Deep Creek where we entered the entrance to the Dismal swamp. Traveling the Dismal Swamp is relaxing as we travel through this waterway covered with green trees on both sides. The waterway is very narrow and there is talk about closing it because of a lack of water. In fact after we passed through it, it did close.
But, we traveled through it observing the birds along the way. During the summer , Michael and I went biking on one of the trails and saw a black bear. The swamp has lots of turtles, blue heron, egrets and black bears. I also can't help but think about the many slaves who dug this swamp. It must have been torture for them. It is a beautiful part of nature today and we can thank the slaves for making it possible.
As we take Drama Queen through we have to be careful not to hit the trees above. As we travel the waterway right next to us is Highway 17 so there are cars passing us. It is a funny feeling. We finally arrived at the North Carolina Visitor's Center. I went in to buy some post cards and noticed that they were selling some children's items so I showed the manager my book, Freddie Frog's Adventure and she bought 12 copies for the center. She also asked me to consider writing some books on the black bear, the turtle and the blue heron that all live in the swamp. So that just might be another book adventure.
At the visitor's center there were a number of boats tied up to each other. We arranged a get together and Bruce from Jet Stream played his guitar. It was a fun night.
We finally left the Dismal Swamp and went to Elizabeth City. Elizabeth City is famous for the rosebud welcoming group, but on this visit there was some sadness because the man who started the welcoming group passed away. he was in his nineties, but the boaters will miss him. The welcoming group always gives the lady on the boat a rose for the garden and then there is a social gathering on the waterfront. There is speculation whether the tradition will continue.
Next, Drama Queen went to the Pungo River where we anchored and saw a beautiful sunset. From the Pungo River we headed to Oriental, NC where we took a slip for the night. Oriental is a great town and offers restaurants and a great coffee shop. The weather was rainy and cold.
On October 24th we left the slip at Oriental and headed to New Bern, NC where we were planning to attend the Southbound Cruiser's Weekend. It is an opportunity to meet other cruisers and to attend workshops/ lectures. I attended a lecture by a veterinarian so I could learn about necessities for Toots, my cairn terrier. The Vet was very informative and I learned about some safety measures for Toots' care. We also listened to various cruisers about their sailing adventures and advice. There were plenty of opportunities to socialize with other boaters and we stayed at the Galley. At the Galley the lady there was very informative about what to do in the town.I loved New Bern and participated in the ghost walk. It lasted two nights, both Friday and Saturday for the price of one ticket. There were so many houses and stories that it took two nights to get around. I enjoyed it because storytelling is one of my passions. And Michael even enjoyed it, too. We liked the town that we decide to stay after the weekend. Our insurance requires us to stay above Hatteras until Nov 1st. We went to the Palace for a tour and lunch. The Town also offer a number of restaurants for dining. New Bern is a definite place to stop by boat.

Travels in Fall 2007

2007-11-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

So far this year we have been traveling a little faster than last year. We seem to know the routine a little better and we know what places we like.
This summer we enjoyed our stays in
Edenton, NC. I loved the cultural activities that the town had to offer. Michael and I did the town tour and learned about all the history and the significant houses. I was amazed to learn that some of the old houses actually had ballrooms on the upper floor for their social events. We learned about the slaves that lived during the time period. We went out to Somerset Plantation. I was amazed at how hard the slaves worked. Their lives were so hard and I am surprised at how they survived.If it wasn't for the slaves , there would not have been the prosperity. In considering the Dismal Swamp I cannot imagine what it was like for the slaves digging the waterway. between the mosquitoes and the snakes , it must have been unbearable for them.It is wasn't for the slaves, we would not have the Dismal Swamp today.
Next we went to Deltaville, Va. and stayed at Deltaville marina. The town was relaxing and there isn't much to do, but we always make our own fun. We both would agree that the heat did get to us and sent us heading home for some R and R. The marina did have a pool and we were able to cool off when we needed to.
After I performed at Deltaville's maritime Museums event and sold my books, we headed South. we went to the Dismal swamp. I had to go home to attend a funeral and I must make a special note so people will know about Virginia's speeding laws.
After attending the funeral, I was driving back to Elizabeth City, NC where michael was waiting for me to return. When I was on the tunnel bridge, I was stopped for speeding. I do not make a habit of speeding and I must state that not one car was traveling at 55 miles. however , it was my turn to get caught. He clocked me traveling at 81 miles so I was considered driving recklessly. After I got the ticket I learned how the system worked. First, I could return to defend myself on Dec. 11th or I could hire a lawyer to represent me. The cop tells you this when he gives you the tickets and asks you if you are okay.
first I wrote and requested an extension until june. then I realized that it was a no-win situation and I should just put it behind me. so i called one lawyer who charges $250 to go to court for me. another lawyer wanted $400. now I am only hoping that he might be able to reduce the miles to just speeding and not reckless. I will get points but they won't transfer to Pa. At this time I am not concerned because I am not even driving a car these days. I am on a boat. The lawyer I hired seems to understand the system and I trust he will do the best for me. The system is overwhelming because you don't stand a chance. The entire bill will probably be close to $500. Now comes the funny npart. I talke dwith a boater who lives in Virginia and he agreed about the system, but he said that i should be glad that I was not a resident of Va because , if I were, then I would also be taxed a penalty for speeding. He said that the law was passed by six men without allowing the residents to vote on it.
So this is my drama so far.

we left Elizabeth City and headed further South. we have returned to beaufort , NC and Beaufort, SC. Both towns are great stops. Beaufort, SC has a beautiful riverfront where you can relax on the town swings. We love walking around the town and seeing the charming houses. We always watch The Big Chill to reminisce and reflect on the locations of the movie..

Holden Beach, NC
We had a delightful visit at the Salyer's new beach home. We saw their renovations and had a nice visit with them. Marilyn made a delicious dinner for everyone. We were also able to meet marilyn's sister. One oof the funniest things that she said was her response to tony when he said that she had to get a computer. She quickly responded " I have a memory". Everyone laughed because it was so true.
Then the next day we headed out and gave them a call when we were passing by their house. they came out to see us pass through the bridge area.

Savannah Children's Book Festival, Nov 17, 2007

2007-11-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Savannah on the 15Th and docked at the city dock. Savannah is one of the prettiest cities that I have visited. The different squares add green parks where one can sit and relax. Michael and I always enjoy walking around the city.
The book festival kicked off with a low country shrimp boil on Friday night. Michael and I enjoyed the food and meeting the different people. I was able to meet some new authors and was able to share our stories.
On Saturday I arrived at Forsyth park and set up my table. The day was full with many activities. there were a number of published authors who were performing and doing book signing. There were 40 self-published authors set up around the main fountain. The day was sunny and many parents and children attended the event. I sold 30 books and networked with some new authors.
On Friday afternoon I was also able to perform for Haven Elementary School. The children were very receptive. They eagerly participated and enjoyed Miss Fairfield's Beauty Pageant. The next day many of the children came to see me to buy a book.
The day ended at 4PM and I left with the invitation to return in 2008.

Upcoming Performances

2007-08-16T08:12:00.001-07:00

I will be performing my Clickety Clack show and doing a book signing on the following dates:

September 8th at the Phoenixville Library at 2PM

September 14th at the Paoli Library: Call for times.

September 15 @ the Pocopson Township Founders Day from noon to 4PM. The event will take place at Pocopson Park on Locust Grove Road.

I am also planning to be at the Chester County Book Company and will post the date next week.

Stay tune and I hope to see you at the performances.

Here I am as the Cat in the Hat!

2007-08-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

Clickety Clack's Slide Show

2007-06-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

The book is POSTED!

2007-06-03T09:12:00.001-07:00

Click on the link to go read the book!

The Fairfield Farm Beauty Pageant

Hello!

2007-06-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

I am working very hard with one of my former students to put together this blog. In a few short days I will have my book posted so everyone can read it online! Stay tuned, MUCH MUCH more to come.

Have a wonderful day!