LoiS(abbatical)"
Sometimes life takes some twists and turns. This summer promises to be one of those times. I've already three projects in the making.
- One is continuing my posting Detroit newspaper articles about Michigan's "Fighting 5th" Civil War Infantry at the same pace as relatives saw them 150 years ago when searching for news of their family in the "Fighting Fifth." I became particularly interested in this regiment through my reenactment of Liberetta Lerich Green, who had 2 brothers in the 5th Infantry. For more information about LoiS as the very real person, Liberetta, go to http://www.lois-sez.com/Historical.html. The 5th were part of the Army of the Potomac and this summer marks the anniversary of their involvement in the battle of Gettysburg. As might be expected, the Detroit newspaper correspondents had plenty to cover the summer of 1863. I look forward to sharing their story and other views of the Civil War from the homefront at Historic Fort Wayne's Civil War Days on their new dates of September 14 and 15. Just remember this historic fort, where the 5th and many other regiments were mustered, is in Detroit. I love the way Tom Berlucchi, chairman of the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition, when talking about the fort, always ends with "Fort Wayne's in Detroit!"
- Most of my work includes research, which is why this blog is titled Storytelling + Research = LoiS. (Didn't realize, when choosing my title, the "+" and "=" signs would not show up in the address!) I have begun work on a project continuing through this summer which does not lend itself to posting on these pages. I will be working with some very special people in Alzheimer's and Dementia groups. Patient confidentiality prevents my telling the results of this work. Last summer at the National Storytelling Network conference, I assisted, Liz Nichols in her presentation of the TimeSlips program. There is a great deal of information about this exciting and fun way to invoke communication and creativity among this very special population without relying on memory. For yet another view of its use, you might go to Mary Clark's article for NSN's special interest group, the Healing Story Alliance. Perhaps you will catch some of the excitement I feel in working on this project!
- While the closest I generally come to telling personal stories might be considered Tall Tales (mosquitoes, the weather, things always up for a bit of "stretching" here in Michigan), sometimes life gives those twists and turns I mentioned in the opening of this article. For now I have a very important personal project in my life accompanying the others mentioned here. I hope to post more about it later at its successful conclusion. (How's that for a storyteller leaving you in suspense?...well I am in suspense, too.)
- The projects mentioned above take me out of my usual work of sharing stories with an audience. My own library of folklore includes so many books within the Public Domain I decided to share stories from them. I was going to try for a story a day, but quickly realized it might prove difficult for me to maintain. Instead I've chosen bi-weekly posting. Normally I try for monthly posting of a research project here so I don't overwhelm readers. In this case that would clearly be too few. Starting tomorrow I will post stories twice a week here under the category, "Keeping the Public in Public Domain." The idea behind Public Domain was to preserve our cultural heritage after the authors and their immediate heirs were compensated. I feel strongly current copyright law delays this intent on works of the 20th century. I hope you enjoy discovering new stories.
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