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HAPPY 2013 from Seanchai Library!

The words 'Auld Lang Syne' literally translates from old Scottish dialect meaning 'Old Long Ago' and is about love and friendship in times past. The lyrics in the song Auld Lang Syne referring to 'We'll take a Cup of Kindness yet' relate to a drink shared by men and women to symbolise friendship. Happy New Year!

 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne. 

And surely you'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne! 

*Chorus*

We twa hae ran about the braes,
And pu'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit
Sin' auld lang syne. 

*Chorus*

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun til dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne. 

*Chorus*

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o' thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught
For auld lang syne!

*Chorus*

Meaning of unusual words:
Auld lang syne = Former days and friends
jo = dear
stowp = tankard
gowans = daisies
braid = broad
Guid-willie waught = friendly draught 

Written by Robert Burns, 1788



SUNDAY, December 30th @ 6PM ~ Magicland Storytime

Caledonia brings more Tales from the Arabian Nights to the Golden Horseshoe in Magicland Park.

In The Sleeper Awakes, a man who has learned hard lessons about frugality and the transitory "friendships" that wealth can bring has a life altering encounter with a stranger.  Unwittingly revealing his desires to the stranger, he awakens to find that they have magically come true! What will he do, now that the power of retribution is in his hands?  Will wisdom or abuse be the order of that day?

Presented live in voice and benefiting War Child North America.

THIS WEEK at the Seanchai Library: Dec 29 - Jan 5

WELCOME TO THE SEANCHAI LIBRARY ON IMAGINATION ISLAND!
"We bring stories of all kinds to life, in Second Life."



Events in the Seanchai Library this week - all stories told in open voice, all times SLT: Monday and Tuesday - The Library will be dark in celebration of New Year's Celebrations.  Raise a glass and celebrate the coming of 2013, and all the hope and opportunity that a New year brings!

Wednesday, January 2 at 7 p.m. - Original Irish Tales with Caledonia Skytower

Thursday, January 3 at 7 p.m. - Clairvoyant Strangers with Shandon Loring

And join us for these off-campus events:

Sunday, December 29 at 6 p.m. - Tales from the Arabian Nights with Caledonia Skytower at Magicland Park

All stories in voice and take place at Seanchai Libray on Imagination Island, unless otherwise noted. In November and December we'll be asking for donations toward the real world charity Witness! (See website at Witness.org) Have questions? IM or notecard Caledonia Skytower.

Feel free to join the Seanchai or Stories Unlimited! subscribers. They are located in the library, just run in and touch them; or join our group, the Seanchai Library.

THURSDAY, December 27th: PAJAMA PARTY!!!

It's a Pajama Party!  We end the year with one of our favorite, fun Seanchai Traditions. Cale is ordering the pizza, Derry, Kayden, and Faerie are brushing off the blankies and bears, and we are pulling out our Favorite Bedtime Stories (of all kinds, though still region appropriate!) to share as the year comes to its close. Get your fuzzy slippers and your robe on and come along!

Presented live in Voice.

WEDNESDAY, December 26th:Happy Boxing Day!

Boxing Day is celebrated in The United Kingdom, and Australia going back to the days when the upper class were the prioritized celebrants on Christmas Day.  Boxing Day, traditionally the day following Christmas Day, was the day when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts from their superiors. While the class system of that former time has changed radically since World War I, Boxing Day is still observed by many.

In a nod to our friends, with whom we share a common language, Caledonia celebrates today with one last glance at the man in red suit, courtesy of Author L.Frank Baum: Many centuries ago, long before toys had even been invented, a baby abandoned at the edge of an enchanted forest was adopted and raised by a beautiful wood nymph, thus beginning the life story of Santa Claus. From his first truly magical childhood through the discovery of his life's work of making children happy, discover the origin of every tradition surrounding Santa Claus, from toys, stockings and lighted trees to reindeer and sleigh.

Presented Live in Voice.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all our Friends and Family!

Seanchai Library isn't just one thing It is not just good books, worthy causes, committed readers, engaged guests, great stories, fun fellowship.  Seanchai Library is all those things.

When Derry McMahon founded the library (first as the West of Ireland Library and Cultural Center) in 2008 she founded it on the simple idea that "avatars don't read books" but that the people behind them love good stories.  From that simple beginning flourished something that grew beyond the essential origin.  Thank you Derry, for having the conviction and the commitment to create something unique and dynamic that has lasted in the virtual world nearly five years ("forever" in the virtual world!).  Thank you to all our friends and family, because all that also happened because of YOU ~ your delight and passion for good stories.

Thank you for sharing the stories with us, and making our unique little library a happy, joyous home where stories come to life in Second Life.  Happy Holidays, whichever you celebrate, and a 2013 filled with bright possibilities.

~ Your Friends at Seanchai Library


THIS WEEK at the Seanchai Library: Dec 22 - 29

WELCOME TO THE SEANCHAI LIBRARY ON IMAGINATION ISLAND!
"We bring stories of all kinds to life, in Second Life."



Events in the Seanchai Library this week - all stories told in open voice, all times SLT:

Monday and Tuesday - The Library will be dark in celebration of the Christmas Holidays.  Re
member to share some stories of the season with your nearest and dearest!

Wednesday, December 26 at 7 p.m. - The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (selections) by L. Frank Baum with Caledonia Skytower

Thursday, December 27 at 7 p.m. - Pajama Party!: Favorite Bedtime Stories with Derry McMahon, Kayden Oconnell, Faerie Maven-Pralou, and Caledonia Skytower..

And join us for this off-campus event too!
Saturday, December 22 at 1 p.m. – A Christmas Carol for the Tinies of Raglan Shire with Bear and Derry (biggies welcome too!)

All stories in voice and take place at Seanchai Libray on Imagination Island, unless otherwise noted. In November and December we'll be asking for donations toward the real world charity Witness! (See website at Witness.org) Have questions? IM or notecard Caledonia Skytower.

Feel free to join the Seanchai or Stories Unlimited! subscribos. They are located in the library, just run in and touch them; or join our group, the Seanchai Library.

THURSDAY, Dec 20th @ 7:00pm: TURKEY & THE HOLIDAYS TAKE 2!


Let's have turkey stories for Christmas!

Dave is back at it again. Overcome by guilt and enthusiasm — a dangerous combination for anyone — Dave offers to help his wife Morley make Christmas this year, unwisely volunteering to cook the turkey.  Ever since the year Dave first cooked the turkey, back in 1996, the story has become an annual tradition on the CBC’s The Vinyl Cafe with Stuart McLean. This one will be read by Bear.

Derry offers M.F.K. Fisher's story of a Christmas turkey that wasn't quite the gourmet treat she had hoped.  Presented Live in Voice.

WEDNESDAY, Dec 19th @ 7:00PM: A CHRISTMAS STORY A YEAR

Author Charles Dickens had to write "A Christmas Carol" for quick financial gain

When Dickens’ publishers required him to pay back advances due to the poor sales of "Martin Chuzzlewit", he knew he needed some other means of income. At that point in his career, 1843, Dickens was doing well, but had not reached a level of financial security that would allow him to go for a stretch of time without income. So Dickens “decided to throw off" a complete Christmas book in the intervals of writing the monthly serial parts of Chuzzlewit. In an era when an author’s manuscript was published and available to the public in much shorter times than the 21st Century, A Christmas Carol went on sale in December and was a tremendous success.

Dickens Made Christmas Stories an Annual Tradition.  Caledonia shares some of them tonight in Voice.

THERE MIGHT BE A SURPRISE VISIT BY THE GRINCH! Another annual tradition!

Tuesday 18 Dec at 7pm: A Sprinkling of Christmas Classic Stories


Join Aoife Lorefield, Bear Silvershade and Derry McMahon for some of the classic tales of Christmas from England, Wales and America. Aoife will lead off with Dylan Thomas's "A Child's Christmas in Wales". Bear will read sections of "A Christmas Carol" by Dickens. Derry will offer "The Animal's Christmas Tree".   All stories in voice.

MONDAY, Dec 17th at 7:00pm: THE CAT WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS



Join Kayden Oconnell for selection from Cleveland Armory's endearing book. It is fitting that the founder and head of the Fund for Animals personally rescues and takes in strays, and one incident proved to have a profound effect on him. On a snowy Christmas Eve, Amory helped capture a scrawny cat and took it to his apartment. How does a new cat-keeper train a creature accustomed to fending for itself in Manhattan's alleys? Slowly, with patience and respect.   

Presented Live in Voice.

This week at Seanchai Library: Dec. 16 to 22


WELCOME TO THE SEANCHAI LIBRARY ON IMAGINATION ISLAND!
"We bring stories of all kinds to life, in Second Life."



Events in the Seanchai Library this week - all stories told in open voice, all times SLT:

Monday, December 17 at 7 p.m. - The Cat Who Came for Christmas with Kayden Oconnell

Tuesday, December 18 at 7 p.m. - A Sprinkling of Christmas Classics with Bear Silvershade, Derry McMahon & Aoife Lorefield

Wednesday, December 19 at 7 p.m. - A Christmas Story a Year with Dickens and Caledonia Skytower

Thursday, December 20 at 7 p.m. - Dave Cooks the Turkey (and more) and more with Bear Silvershade and Derry McMahon.

And join us for this off-campus event too!

Sunday, December 16 at 6 p.m. – The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus at Magicland with Caledonia

Saturday, December 22 at 1 p.m. – A Christmas Carol for the Tinies of Raglan Shire with Bear and Derry (biggies welcome too!)


All stories in voice and take place at Seanchai Libray on Imagination Island, unless otherwise noted. In November and December we'll be asking for donations toward the real world charity Witness! (See website at Witness.org) Have questions? IM or notecard Derry McMahon, Librarian.

Feel free to join the Seanchai or Stories Unlimited! subscribos. They are located in the library, just run in and touch them; or join our group, the Seanchai Library.

Be sure and check out our Flickr group for great images of past story sessions.

Sunday, December 16 at 6:00pm - THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS (Selections) by L. Frank Baum

Many centuries ago, long before toys had even been invented, a baby abandoned at the edge of an enchanted forest was adopted and raised by a beautiful wood nymph, thus beginning the life story of Santa Claus. From his first truly magical childhood through the discovery of his life's work of making children happy, discover the origin of every tradition surrounding Santa Claus, from toys, stockings and lighted trees to reindeer and sleigh.

Magicland Storytime @ Magicland Park, with Caledonia Skytower Presented Live in Voice.

THE DICKENS PROJECT Opens Today!

While not a Seanchai Library Project, strictly speaking, there will be lots of familiar faces from Seanchai to be found at The Dickens Project, opening today and free to SL Residents to explore through December 27th with a full schedule of live voice presentations.

The Dickens Project is a benefit for Seanchai's home estate, The Community Virtual Library.  Managed by StoryFest Events (StoryFest, Bard on the Virtual Beach, BOOFest) and features a two level street environment chocked full of "clickables", photo ops (not to mention the Gracee Andel Memorial "I can spit on you from here" walkways) and links to online information about the works of beloved Nineteenth Century author Charles Dickens, the anniversary of whose birth has been celebrated around the world this year.

DON'T STOP coming to the Stories at Seanchai, but like everything else for the holidays, The Dickens Project is a little something extra. Check out the StoryFest Blog for information on the upcoming schedule.

Also check out these great posts from Inara Pey, and the SL Enquirer.



THURSDAY, Dec 13th @ 7:00pm: THE NUTCRACKER

Young Maria is dazzled by the combined magic of a snowy Christmas Eve, The merry Holiday Party downstairs, the magnificent gifts from her Uncle Drosselmeyer.  It leads her on a journey with the Nutcracker Prince whom she saves from the King of the Mice, and to a fantastic adventure in the Land of Sweets. Is it all real?

Translated from the original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, Caledonia dances into the Library with this holiday classic. Eggnog and cookies provided.  Bring your own velvet slipper to to beat off any attacking mice.

Presented Live in Voice.

WEDNESDAY, Dec 12th at 7:00pm: Hannukah Tales!

Twinkle, twinkle, candle bright, burning on this special night.
Add another, tall and straight, every night 'til there are eight.
Twinkle, twinkle, candles eight, Hanukkah we Celebrate!



The Caledonia and Faerie Maven join together to celebrate the festival of lights with their own festival of stories that embrace the ancient celebration of a miracle of light.   

Presented Live in Voice.
 

Dave Cooks The Turkey

180˚ C, 40 minutes per kilo, baste every 20 minutes or so…. sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?


Dave is back at it again. Overcome by guilt and enthusiasm — a dangerous combination for anyone — Dave offers to help his wife Morley make Christmas this year, unwisely volunteering to cook the turkey this year. 
Dave owns the world’s smallest record store, where the motto is “We may not be big but we're small.” Dave is frequently neurotic and prone to small accidents and mishaps … oh, let’s face it, some earthshakingly big mishaps too.

Ever since the year Dave first cooked the turkey, back in 1996, the story has become an annual tradition on the CBC’s The Vinyl Cafe with Stuart McLean.

Story in voice, authored by Stuart McLean, presented by Bear Silvershade.

MONDAY, Dec 10th at 7:00pm: "Miracle on 34th Street" ~ Concludes



"Faith is believing, even when common sense says it can't be so."

Kris Kringle's presence in Macy's has had a profound effect on those around him, as well as people throughout New York.  The word is spreading! Now he is on trial for for his sanity, and the idea of Santa Claus is being debated as the larger issue.  If there really is a Santa Claus, then can Kris be committed as a lunatic?  Will his efforts to promote the true spirit of Christmas be in vain?

Since the beloved 1947 classic film was made based on Valentine Davies story, MIRACLE ON 34th STREET has been made a treasured part of holiday traditions by generations of believers in hope and goodwill. Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the Motion Picture’s release, and presented Live in Voice by Caledonia Skytower.

Dec. 10 to Dec. 16 at Seanchai Libray

WELCOME TO THE SEANCHAI LIBRARY ON IMAGINATION ISLAND!
"We bring stories of all kinds to life, in Second Life."


Events in the Seanchai Library this week - all stories told in open voice, all times SLT:

Monday, December 10 at 7 p.m. - Miracle on 34th Street (conclusion) with Caledonia Skytower

Tuesday, December 11 at 7 p.m. - Dave cooks the Turkey with Bear Silvershade

Wednesday, December 12 at 7 p.m. - Hanukkah Tales with Faerie Maven and Caledonia Skytower

Thursday, December 13 at 7 p.m. - Holiday Stories with Shandon Loring
And join us for this off-campus event too!

Saturday, December 8 at 6 p.m. – Christmas Classics with Derry and Bear at the Christmas Expo

Sunday, December 9 at 10 a.m. – Christmas Classics with Derry and Bear at Fruit Islands' Winterland

Sunday, December 16 at 6 p.m. – The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus at Magicland with Caledonia


All stories in voice and take place at Seanchai Libray on Imagination Island, unless otherwise noted. In November and December we'll be asking for donations toward the real world charity Witness! (See website at Witness.org) Have questions? IM or notecard Derry McMahon, Librarian.

Feel free to join the Seanchai or Stories Unlimited! subscribos. They are located in the library, just run in and touch them; or join our group, the Seanchai Library.

Be sure and check out our Flickr group for great images of past story sessions.

THURSDAY, December 6th at 7pm: "THE SANTA CLAUSE"

Divorcee Scott Calvin is disgusted to learn that his ex and her husband have tried - and failed - to break it easy to their 6-year-old son Charlie that Santa isn't real. On Christmas Eve, Scott reads The Night Before Christmas... then receives an unexpected visitor on his roof. When he's startled by Scott's calling out and falls, the Santa impersonator disappears, leaving only an 8-reindeer sleigh and a suit with instructions to put it on if he's involved in an accident. Scott does, and is transported around the town dropping gifts through chimneys until he's taken to the North Pole and informed by a group who claim they're elves that he is now Santa. Charlie is proud of his dad's new job, though Scott's convinced it's a dream. Until his hair turns white, his beard refuses to stay shaved, he gains weight inexplicably, even for his sudden love of junk food... Now he's accepted it, there's just one problem: how to keep it secret from his disbelieving family? 

WEDNESDAY, Dec 5 @ 7PM: "Miracle on 34th Street" ~ Part 1



"Can't you let yourself believe in Fun and Joy and Love, and all the other intangibles?"
"You can't pay the rent with intangibles," she replied.
"And you can't live a life without them..."

Since the beloved 1947 classic film was made based on Valentine Davies story, MIRACLE ON 34th STREET has been made a treasured part of holiday traditions by generations of believers in hope and goodwill.  

“Valentine Davies weaves such an impressive story that it will make the most skeptical child believe and it will make us that no longer can- wish we could. ” Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the Motion Picture’s release, and presented Live in Voice by Caledonia Skytower in two parts.

Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe

Bear takes a trip to visit Dave and Morley, and share two Christmas stories…

Dave owns the world’s smallest record store, where the motto is “We may not be big but we're small.” Dave is frequently neurotic and prone to small accidents and mishaps -- but he’s not the only one in his family, or his neighbourhood.

The Great Gift Giving: all it takes is one pebble to start an avalanche

Morley’s Christmas Pageant: Dave’s wife, the long-suffering Morley, tries her hand at running a children’s Christmas concert

Story in voice, author
ed by Stuart McLean, presented by Bear Silvershade.

MONDAY, December 3rd at 7:00pm: "All Seated On The Ground" ~ Concludes

Meg and Calvin have a theory, but will they crack the code in time before Meg's fellow commission members warp the presence and activity (or lack) of the Altairi to their own ends.  Will anyone listen?  Will they Listen in time?  Will the spirit of the holiday's build a bridge between humankind and their silent visitors? 

Award-winning Science Fiction author Connie Willis displays her soft spot for the holidays.

Presented Live in Voice with Caledonia Skytower - "Thanks Arletta!"

SUNDAY, December 2 at 6:00pm - MAGICLAND STORYTIME


PETER PAN Concludes (a repeat by request of Magicland fans who were not able to make it to the Library Wednesday)

Peter is triumphant over Hook, but will he triumph over The Darling's desires to go home?  Will Wendy, John and Michael ever go home?  Will their parents remember them if they do?  And what happens to the Lost Boys?

Join Caledonia for the final installment from J. M. Barrie's most famous work, the adventure to The Neverland and the story of the Boy Who Never Grows Up!  Get out your pixie dust and think of a wonderful thought and join Caledonia!

Presented Live in Voice.

WELCOME TO THE SEANCHAI LIBRARY ON IMAGINATION ISLAND!
"We bring stories of all kinds to life, in Second Life."



Events in the Seanchai Library this week - all stories told in open voice, all times SLT:

Monday, December 3 at 7 p.m. - All Seated on the Ground (part 2) with Caledonia Skytower

Tuesday, December 4 at 7 p.m. - Christmas at The Vinyl Cafe with Bear Silvershade

Wednesday, December 5 at 7 p.m. - Miracle on 34th Street (part 1) with Caledonia Skytower

Thursday, December 6 at 7 p.m. -The Santa Clause (part 2) with Shandon Loring
And join us for this off-campus event too!

Sunday, December 2 at 11 a.m. – Animal Christmas Stories at Raglan Shire with Bear and Derry (LM to be sent that day)

Sunday, December 2 at 6 p.m. – Peter Pan, (conclusion) at Magicland with Caledonia

Saturday, December 8 at 6 p.m. – Christmas Classics with Derry and Bear at the Holiday sim. (LM to be sent that day) (LM to be sent that day)

Sunday, December 9 at 10 a.m. – Christmas Classics with Derry and Bear at Fruit Islands' Winterland (LM to be sent that day)



All stories in voice and take place at Seanchai Libray on Imagination Island, unless otherwise noted. In November and December we'll be asking for donations toward the real world charity Witness! (See website at Witness.org) Have questions? IM or notecard Derry McMahon, Librarian.

Feel free to join the Seanchai or Stories Unlimited! subscribos. They are located in the library, just run in and touch them; or join our group, the Seanchai Library.

Be sure and check out our Flickr group for great images of past story sessions.