Seanchai ("Storyteller" in Irish) Library celebrates the Celtic tradition of stories told around the hearth or in the pub to friends, family, and welcomed strangers. Seanchai Libraries bring stories of all kinds to life, in Second Life.
Caledonia is back with more stories from different times and different places of the girl who just CAN NOT keep her shoe on!
China, Romania, Russia, China, India, and YES even Ireland all have their traditions of this fabled girl and her impossible romance with a prince. A treatise on the power of the possible? A dated ideal of a girl's worth in society? Come and enjoy more of these stories and see how they are similar and how they differ. Take time to analyze their relevance in the post-feminist world later.
Join Storytellers Marian Dragovar and Derry McMahon at the Fruit Islands for Animal Tales. Come as an animal ava, wear your skins but whatever you do, shake, slither, or gallop for a wild time!
Here comes March! Will it be a Lion or a Lamb? Regardless, there will be a lion's share of great stories this week to welcome March 2010 . . .
All Stories read live in voice. All times are SLT.
Monday, March 1 at 7:00pm: Part I: The Irish Dresser with Caledonia Skytower
Tuesday, March 2 at 6:00pm: Slavic Tales with Shandon Loring at 7:00pm: Whiskey: The Water of Life new exhibit dedication and virtual whiskey tasting with Aoife Lorefield
Wednesday, March 3 at 7:00pm: Irish Girls - Stories by Marian Keyes with Derry McMahon
Thursday, March 4 at 7:00pm: Australian Legendary Tales with Seanchai Shandon Loring
And here are some other WOI Storytelling events taking place across the Grid to benefitProject Children:
Sunday, February 28 at 6:00pm: EVEN More Cinderella Storieswith Caledonia Skytower in Magicland Park
Tuesday, March 2 at 5:00pm: Southern Taleswith Derry McMahon at Bayou Noir
Stories all read Live in VOICE. IM the Storytellers for Landmarks to readings not taking place at the WOI Library, OR at the Library click on the Celtic Cross Window Ornament or the Large Green Leather Book by the Librarian's desk for a notecard with this schedule and embedded landmarks.
In Magicland Park: Sunday February 21 at 6pm . . .
In Western Culture, we think of the "Cinderella" or "Cendrillion" story as the creation of Charles Perrault or the Bros. Grimm. However, the Cinderella story has many iterations in many cultures, some predating Perrault and Grimm. Caledonia will share a sampling of them.
IF YOU MISS THIS . . . Come by the WOI Library on Monday, February 22 at 7:00pm for more Cinderella Stories.
Read Live in Voice Chat to benefit Project Children.
Don't forget to SAVE THE DATE: March 21st at 2pm for the WOI Library's Second Birthday Celebration and the Dedication of our new library wing . . .
All Stories read live in voice. All times are SLT.
Monday, February 22 at 7:00pm: More Cinderella Stories with Caledonia Skytower
Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00pm: More 100 Word Stories with the irrepressible and irreverent Crap Mariner.
Thursday, February 25 at 7:00pm: Celtic Myths and Legends with Seanchai Shandon Loring
And here are some other WOI Storytelling events taking place across the Grid to benefitProject Children:
Wednesday, February 24 at 6:00pm: Tales of Love (Other kinds)with Marian Dragovar at SL New England
Sunday, February 28 at 6:00pm: EVEN More Cinderella Storieswith Caledonia Skytower in Magicland Park
Stories all read Live in VOICE. IM the Storytellers for Landmarks to readings not taking place at the WOI Library, OR at the Library click on the Celtic Cross Window Ornament or the Large Green Leather Book by the Librarian's desk for a notecard with this schedule and embedded landmarks.
Join us to meet the author of this wonderful book! She will read excerpts, and chat about her writing. The Fox is a story of a first century Druid, his family, and the modern Archaeologist who finds them.
The Fox, contains adventure, ancient Celtic beliefs, sacrifice, love of family, ancient and modern culture, and divorce. Jahna and Lovern’s clan lay in the Romans’ path of destruction. The death of their people is a certainty, unless a bargain is made with the Gods, even if it means a human sacrifice. Will the trade the Druid Lovern and his visionary wife, Jahna make with the Gods, save their family? Will there be future generations to sing the songs of their dead?
Two centuries later, Aine MacRae is on their trail. She’s a struggling archaeologist, on the verge of uncovering the village were Jahna and Lovern lived. She’s found the farm where her site is located is for sale! But for a ghostly, visit greed almost triumphs leaving the truth and ancient stories buried forever.
Imarad Breen, a frequent visitor to the West of Ireland Library, will read some of her book, and share her thoughts on writing with us.
You can find a link to the download of her podiocast of the book there and listen for free! You can also purchase a print copy, or download to a number of different formats.
No! No! Not from all the goodies at the back of the room during story sessions! (Cyber calories DO NOT go to your hips!) You may have noticed the construction cones up around the library parcel and some terrain disruption. Well, we have plans and they are underway. See this excerpt from the Press Release to learn more:
West of Ireland Library and Cultural Center Grows Into Its Name
West of Ireland, Second Life – As the second anniversary of the dedication of the West of Ireland (WOI) Library and Cultural Center approaches, the Library announces that it has “broken prim” on a building project that will continue its signature architecture while expanding the space available for library services and programs almost three fold.
“This is an exciting time for us,” said WOI Librarian Derry McMahon, “Our story program has grown tremendously since we began in the spring of 2008.” The West of Ireland Library offers live presentations of literary works, engaging residents directly in literature from a variety of eras and spanning a wide diversity of genres and styles. A recent poll showed that nearly 100% of guests attending the library’s six to eight weekly events pursued some kind of secondary activity as a result, whether buying a book, exploring related titles, or further investigating a topic of interest. “Stories of all kinds are the firm core of our program – we bring great literature to life in Second Life,” continued McMahon. Audiences have grown steadily over the past year with a current average that is twice what it was for the same period a year previous.
Inspired by this success, the Library has been exploring ways to create immediate connections for library guests through in-world links to supportive resources. The Library is additionally seizing the opportunity to connect more effectively with landmarks within the WOI estate which contains many virtual creations of real-life Irish cultural sites. “This is a great opportunity to grow more fully into our name.” said WOI Storyteller Aoife Lorefield, emphasizing the cultural aspect of what the Library supports. The new area of the Library will include linked workstations to internet resources, expanded exhibit areas, and additional features which will promote Ireland’s rich history and heritage.
“We want to provide varied opportunities for our guests to explore literature, Irish culture, and to enjoy our diverse programs in a variety of settings.” added McMahon. Growing library programs such as the open mic sessions hosted by Lorefield, and sessions featuring published authors discussing their work will be able to choose from a number of casual settings in within the library to utilize different open environments. The new addition also holds the potential to be used as a comfortable workshop setting.
“The real miracle,” continued McMahon,” is that we will accomplish this expansion without significantly changing the ground level profile of the original library build.” The Library Staff has created a subterranean expansion that is remarkably full of light, space, interacts with the natural terrain around it, and connects seamlessly with Cunningham Docherty's original 2008 design.
“I love it!” said West of Ireland’s CEO Sioban McMahon, "It's bright, organic, and draws inspiration from Celtic cultural linkages to both stone and water. The direction the staff is taking the features they provide is an excellent compliment with where we are trying to take the entire estate: appealing activities for folks that are fun and interesting, balanced with cultural relevance. SL is such a great tool for engaging folks in culture and literature in ways they might not be able to in the real world. This is really exciting.”
The WOI Library Staff invite interested residents and library fans to join them in dedicating the new area on Sunday, March 21st during the final day of the WOI Estate’s annual Festival of Saint Patrick. March 21 is also the second anniversary of the original library’s dedication. Festivities will begin at 2pm SLT with a program celebrating the power of stories and storytelling. At 4pm SLT, following the program’s conclusion, guests will be invited to dance throughout the library to music provided by one of West of Ireland’s popular DJs.
Join us for the poems of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, read by the lovely Elegia Underwood.
“If you would be a poet, create works capable of answering the challenge ofapocalyptic times, even if this meaning sounds apocalyptic. You are Whitman, you are Poe, you are Mark Twain, you are Emily Dickinson and Edna St. Vincent Millay, you are Neruda and Mayakovsky and Pasolini, you are an American or a non-American, you can conquer the conquerors with words...."
—Lawrence Ferlinghetti. From Poetry as Insurgent Art [I am signaling you through the flames].
Though imbued with the commonplace, Ferlinghetti’s poetry is grounded in lyric and narrative traditions. Among his themes are the beauty of natural world, the tragicomic life of the common man, the plight of the individual in mass society, and the dream and betrayal of democracy. One of his poems, 'Two Scavengers in a Truck, Two Beautiful People in a Mercedes', is now a poem studied at GCSE level in England, as part of the collection of poems in the AQA Anthology.
Join us for a 'meet the author' session with Rhonda R. Carpenter (Insight Zadark in SL)
Bio: Rhonda R. Carpenter is an award winning Clinical Hypnotherapist specializing in Past Life Regression. Her first fiction fantasy novel was released in December 2008. She lives and works in the mountains of Southern California. For more information here are her websites where she blogs about life, writing, podcasting and publishing http://www.themarkofadruid.comwww.lifefirst.com/; http://www.rhondacarpenter.com/. Book Info: Here is where it is available in all the formats. http://www.themarkofadruid.com/novel/buy-now/
Back cover Blurb: When twenty-six-year-old Eve McCormick awakes, the images from her nightmare are indelible. The dream feels so real she must force herself to get a grip. This experience is just the beginning for Eve, a Los Angeles clinical hypnotherapist and researcher investigating whether reincarnation is fact or fiction.
Unstoppable visions of an ancient lifetime steal days from her. The danger escalates when she wakes up physically injured and marked with a strange symbol. While Eve battles the past to maintain her sanity and safety, her project is jeopardized as another researcher's attempts to take over. One partner dies and another is accused of inappropriate conduct. Eve and her friend, Dr. Andrea McMurray, don't believe in coincidence and probe their shared visions for answers. On the other side of the Atlantic, Welshman Ryerson Sanders is haunted by his dreams and believes Eve's research project can help him. For both of them, an ancient Celtic prophecy and long-sought revenge entangles the past with the present. A druidess and a shape-shifter must join to save the druid way of life, while a queen conspires to kill Erin's only high king. Will the oaths and agendas of the past reach across the centuries to strengthen or to destroy?
Join us to hear excerpts and chat with the author!
Nobody does it better! My Valentine's week reading tonight will be Celtic poetry of love and longing ... poems of the beauty of the beloved, heart's ease, heart's pain, and everything in between. Come hear live reading in voice of bards ancient and modern speaking the words of love.
Join the WOI Storytellers at Bayou Noir for stories of Mardi Gras, New Orleans, and the foods that create such vivid memories of both! We will be auditioning Gina Pralou as a storyteller, so join the fun!!
Caledonia shares stories of adventures in Mardi Gras by Alice Couvillon & Elizabeth Moore . . . adventures which share the inside view of the celebrations traditions and history of "Fat Tuesday" both in New Orleans and in the rural Cajun Parishes of Louisiana.
Mardi Gras, Irish Love, and more from Elegia Underwood this week . . .
All Stories read live in voice. All times are SLT.
Monday, February 15 at 7:00pm: "Mardi Gras Stories" with Caledonia Skytower
Tuesday, February 16 at 7:00pm: Love and Longing from Ireland with Aoife Lorefield
Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00pm: Author Rhonda Carpenter shares her novel "The Mark of the Druid"
Thursday, February 18 at 7:00pm: MORE Tales with the fabulous Elegia Underwood, Steelhead's Eccentric Dragoness.
And here are some other WOI Storytelling events taking place across the Grid to benefitProject Children:
Tuesday, February 16 at 5:00pm: Sweet Southern Stories at Bayou Noir (Mardi Gras this week We think!)with Derry McMahon.
Sunday, February 21 at 6:00pm: Part I: Cinderella Storieswith Caledonia Skytower in Magicland Park
Stories all read Live in VOICE. IM the Storytellers for Landmarks to readings not taking place at the WOI Library, OR at the Library click on the Celtic Cross Window Ornament or the Large Green Leather Book by the Librarian's desk for a notecard with this schedule and embedded landmarks.
Have you had your fill of sappy romance stories? Tired of the relentless Hallmark 'red heart holiday'? Join us for some of O.Henry's finest cynical, satirical, humorous stories of misguided, misplaced, misunderstood love and romance. Elder Priestman, Derry McMahon, and guests Crap Mariner and ChivalryBean Ragu will bring these stories to soothe you, and give you a good giggle.
Onyx Plutonian wraps up the adventures of Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout tonight. We'll find out what other hazards assail them on their mission to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. They still need to pass through/above North America and get back to England...that is a long leg of the trip. Will they finish in time? Join us to find out!
Join Marian Dragovar and Derry McMahon in SL New England for romance stories! Time to get revved up for Valentine's Day!! Guys and Gals, Gals and Gals, Love among the Fae, all sorts of love stories. LMs for the Nantucket Theatre in New England will be sent before the stories.
Charles de Lint is one of the best known writers of contemporary fantasy, bringing us worlds of magic and mystery, sorrow and joy, song and story that are *not* in galaxies far, far away or in other, distant worlds ... but right around the corner, down that dark alley, under the foggy streetlight, or slipping out of our computers.
His stories draw on traditional fairy tales, myths and legends from many cultures, folkways, and his own wonderful imagination. Tonight I'll be reading selections from his works ... rather than offering short stories, I'll be dipping into his novels to find examples of his magic and entice you to further forays.
Join me for live reading in voice ... chat in voice or text ... all welcome!
Jules Verne, A.A. Milne, Charles DeLint, and an antidote if sappy romance has got your emotional blood- sugar soaring, all this week . . .
All Stories read live in voice. All times are SLT.
Monday, February 8 at 7:00pm: "Adventures with Pooh Bear" with Caledonia Skytower
Tuesday, February 9 at 7:00pm: An Evening of Charles DeLint with Aoife Lorefield
Wednesday, February 10 at 7:00pm: Part III: Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Vernewith Onyx Plutonian
Thursday, February 11 at 7:00pm: Tales with the DE-lightful and FAB-ulous Elegia Underwood, Steelhead's Eccentric Dragoness.
Sunday, February 14 at 3:00pm: Anti-Valentine's Day Storieswith Derry McMahon & Friends
And here are some other WOI Storytelling events taking place across the Grid to benefitProject Children:
Sunday, February 7 at 3:00pm: 20,000 Leagues Under the Seawith Derry McMahon & Onyx Plutonian at the Jules Verne Undersea Library in The Fruit Islands
Wednesday, February 10 at 6:00pm: The WOI Storytellers Return to SL New Englandwith Marian Dragovar and Friends.
Stories all read Live in VOICE. IM the Storytellers for Landmarks to readings not taking place at the WOI Library, OR at the Library click on the Celtic Cross Window Ornament or the Large Green Leather Book by the Librarian's desk for a notecard with this schedule and embedded landmarks.
Join Onyx for the continuing adventures of Phileas Fogg, and his French valet Passepartout as they attempt to circle the globe in 80 days. Mr. Fogg is a rather persnickety lad, with peculiar habits, making the journey all the more fun for those of us who do not have to be travelling with him.
The plan is: London to Egypt (by train and boat), Egypt to Bombay (by boat), Bombay to Calcutta (by train), Calcutta to Hong Kong (by boat), Hong Kong to Yokohama (by boat), Yokohama to San Francisco (by boat), San Francisco to NY (by train), and NY to London (by boat and train). All of this has a substantial monetary bet riding on it...will they win??
Come ready for adventure, story read live in a rumbly tigery voice!
Imbolc is one of the four fire festivals of ancient times, a cross-quarter day, and the turning of the Celtic calendar from the dark months back toward the light.
In Ireland, this is the time of lambing, snowdrops, and the first signs of spring. The Cailleach, the Winter Hag, makes way for the beautiful maiden Bride, the Goddess and Saint Brigid who was so close to the hearts of Celtic people.
Tonight, I'll share some of the traditions of Imbolc ... what we know of ancient traditions, and what is practiced today. Join me for a live reading in voice, chat in voice or text ... All are welcome!
With the fire in the newstand, things just don't look good for the Belinis, and Chester the Cricket's luckiness is definitely in question. But fate is not linear, and destinies come to pass in unexpected ways. A miracle is about to happen, right there in the Times Square Subway Station, and Chester will be right at the center of it.
Come find out what happens as The Cricket in Times Square concludes.
Another Month, another day, another week full of great stories . . .
All Stories read live in voice. All times are SLT.
Monday, February 1 at 7:00pm: The Conclusion of "The Cricket in Times Square" with Caledonia Skytower
Tuesday, February 2 at 7:00pm: Celebrating Imbolc and Candlemas with Aoife Lorefield
Wednesday, February 3 at 7:00pm: Part II: Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Vernewith Onyx Plutonian
Thursday, February 4 at 7:00pm: Algonquin Tales of New Englandwith WOI Seanchai, Shandon Loring
And here are some other WOI Storytelling events taking place across the Grid to benefitProject Children:
Tuesday, February 2 at 5:00pm: Smooth Southern Taleswith Derry McMahon at Bayou Noir
Sunday, February 7 at 3:00pm: 20,000 Leagues Under the Seawith Derry McMahon & Onyx Plutonian at the Jules Verne Undersea Library in The Fruit Islands
Stories all read Live in VOICE. IM the Storytellers for Landmarks to readings not taking place at the WOI Library, OR at the Library click on the Celtic Cross Window Ornament or the Large Green Leather Book by the Librarian's desk for a notecard with this schedule and embedded landmarks.
Caledonia is back with more stories from different times and different places of the girl who just CAN NOT keep her shoe on!
