Careful What You Wish For….

I didn’t tell anyone what I did last fall. I just quietly filled out the application and took it by a mailbox. My stomach was queasy. I shut my eyes and took a deep breath. Put it in the mail slot.

Ka-thunk. It’s done.

Didn’t mention it to my husband or anyone else. Why? Because I am not stupid. If you’re an author and a playwright, 9 times out 10… make that 999 times out of a thousand, you are going to send your sweet little puppy off and never see it again.

Click here to read more.

Challenges To Marketing the Arts

It is an undeniable trend: arts attendees are aging and growing smaller. According to the NEA, around 78 million people — 35 percent — attended a museum or performance in 2009, but that’s down from 40 percent in 2002. In response to this trend, new approaches to marketing will be required in order to promote a vibrant American arts culture and that audience diversity and breadth will be required in order to survive, but the entrenchment of current market practices may make change difficult.Click here to read more.

Shear Madness

Who doesn’t enjoy seeing the mechanisms of a watch — those miniature wheels creasing through one other in the intricate dance of a perfect tick-tock-tick? Taking in a professional production of Shear Madness — like the one that’s been playing at the Kennedy Center’s Theater Lab for over 20 years — is to see inside a magnificent timepiece, one whose intricate dance of wheels and gears march together in perfect synchronicity. The timing: impeccable, the comedy: over-the-top ridiculous, the jokes: as pertinent as today’s headlines, and the acting: superb! Click here for more.

Since We’re All Here: Short, Painless Family Traditions

November 21, 2009

Holidays tend to come and go in a whirlwind. As they fly by at 80 mph, we hear phrases such as “Don’t forget the meaning of the—,” “Make special family time for—,” “Holiday traditions can—.” And most of us contemplate these phrases and give serious time to consider their full meaning and import… right around the time we’re wrapping up leftovers.

But holidays are a rare window of opportunity: holiday feasts are the one time we can usually count on most of the family in one place and in a festive mood. This is our chance! I have some great traditions you might want to add to the table. I promise they don’t take much time and the benefits could last for years.

BEFORE THE MEAL: Go around the table and asking everyone what they’re thankful for. In a rough economy, it’s never a bad thing to remind ourselves of how much we’ve been blessed, and psychologists tell us the exercise is very, very good for us (check out this article from Psychology Today).

Prepare yourself: someone at the table will answer seriously, another will toss off a joke. Who cares? There are no right answers here.

AFTER THE MEAL: Play a parlor game. What… you don’t think your great-grandparents knew how to have fun?

Try one of these on – one size fits all ages!

a. The Neighbor’s Cat – Go around the table and have each person describe the cat with an adverb from each letter of the alphabet, i.e., Aunt Edna starts with “The minister’s cat is an ANGRY cat,” and Jimmy, Jr. says, “the Minister’s cat is a BALD cat.” Now, if the crowd doesn’t like Neighbor’s Cat, try Neighbor’s Dog or Horse, and if someone states a word that does not begin with the correct letter or claims they’re stumped, they have to pay a forfeit.

FORFEIT: This is the fun part. A forfeit is any completely foolish task — like having to sing Happy Birthday to yourself with your nose pinched shut, or having to ask three people a question to which you can only answer “yes” or “no,” but you have to give the answer before they ask the question. Sky’s the limit here.

b. “If You Love Me, Honey, Smile” — Someone at the table is designated “It.” They have to ask anyone at the table “If you love me Honey, smile.” The person must reply, “I love you honey, but I just can’t smile” – but the rule is they can’t smile as they answer. “It” goes around until someone at the table cracks a smile. When they crack, they have to pay a forfeit.

c. 21 Questions — “It” thinks of a famous person or character. The players have 21 questions in which to find out who they are. “Are you alive?” “Are you female?” etc. If no one guesses, “It” gets to choose a forfeit and make the whole table pay it or the victim of their choice.

d. Endless Story – A “Master Time-keeper” is designated to hold a bell. Someone begins a story — any story with any characters — and they tell the tale for one minute, after which the Master Time-keeper rings the bell. The next person in the circle must immediately continue the story, even if it stopped in the middle of a sentence. Game continues until they come full circle. The person who began the tale will now have exactly one minute to come up with a successful ending which includes all the pieces of the story that have been described by all the various players. If he/she cannot wrap things up in one minute (or if the Master Time-keeper decides the summary was inadequate), they pay a forfeit to be determined by The Master Time-keeper.

So, how easy are these, right?

They’re all simple to incorporate and always worth the trouble. For more parlor games and forfeits, visit “Inquire Within” a webpage I created to produce Victorian Balls for living history programs. Every game in there has been tried and loved, believe me.

So give these (and others) a try. At the very most, you’ll wind up with some great new traditions. At the very least, you’ll have some great memories to laugh over as you wrap up those leftovers.

A Scientist, a Whale and a Tourist Walk into a Bar…

If you could place Australia’s Great Barrier Reef along the east coast of America, the thing would stretch from Maine to Florida. At twelve hundred miles long, the Great Barrier Reef (or GBR) is indeed great, the largest coral marine system on the planet and the only living entity able to be seen from space.

But you just can’t settle for satellite photos, because the mind-boggling, life-altering effect of the Reef can only be had up close, when you find yourself staring at a fish ten inches away with a shape and color combination so surreal you doubt your eyes. The fish who finds you equally intriguing will stare back at you in the quiet of the ocean, and then, in a flash, he’ll be gone – the flicker of a tail disappearing neatly into a hole in the coral.

If you are like me, you will then float there for a few seconds — blinking into your goggles, listening to the Darth Vader-like sound of your breath through a snorkel tube — and try to wrap your head around what you just saw… and what you felt when you saw it. Next up, you will have the brilliant realization you have only been in the water two minutes and that there is an entire world waiting for you in the waters up ahead. And you’ll kick up your flippers and go.

Hours later you will find yourself with cohorts, trying to describe fuzzy neon lips on gargantuan clam shells, the hypnotic power of a cuttlefish, the colors of impossibly-colored fish, and words will fail. Why? Because what you’re really trying to impart is this sense of extraordinary wonder, the intimate sanctity of the experience, the pleasure and the pride of it, and it can’t be done because everyone has to experience this for themselves: eye to eye with a fish… a turtle… a whale.

A day after my experience on the Great Barrier Reef (or “the GBR,” as Australians call it), I had the great good fortune to meet John Rumney of Eye to Eye Marine Encounters. When I heard the company name “Eye to Eye,” I laughed in recognition: this man understands. Scientists have determined the cradle of the origin of species lies within the triangle of Indonesia, the Philippines and the northeast corner of Australia (where the GBR begins) which explains the enormous bio-diversity of the reef. But meeting that bio-diversity face to face has to be experienced to be understood and fully appreciated, and John Rumney has built a business on that fact.

According to the material, Eye to Eye “creates the ultimate learning experience, where adventure and education combine to produce one of the best ecotourism operations in the world.” Meeting the founder in person, one is struck by John’s intelligence, enthusiasm, creativity and — perhaps most necessary in his line of work — utter pragmatism. This is a man who has had to spend 30 years watching the slow death of 70% of the fringing reef that lies directly off the Australian coastline, where there is agricultural run off (if the GBR stood just off shore and not an hour away by boat, there would already be nothing left to see and meet face to face). Yet he seems optimistic, cheerful in the face of a down economy, content with his work, despite the uphill struggle. Who wouldn’t be when you could visit the Reef any time you like?

Headquartered in Port Douglas in the northeast corner of Australia, particpants in John and Linda Rumney’s Eye to Eye experiences can explore the Great Barrier Reef, or at certain times of the year, get to know Minke whales. Billed as Eco-Tourism at its best, John’s business motto is “Always Exceed Expectation.” Eye to Eye practices conservationist-informed sustainability methods, and visitors are educated and trained on how to approach the reef and interact with its sea life and coral (see Eye to Eye’s Travel Ethics: http://www.marineencounters.com.au/practices.htm). And while it is Eco-tourism, John says a better name would be “Marine Research Tourism.”

The Research Tourism concept grew from John’s hope that Eye to Eye could be the source of scientific studies to inform the Australian government and thereby effect change. Since the early 1980′s, John’s dream was to combine “adventure diving with research” and in 1995 his dream became a reality with the financial support of Rino and Diana Grollo. In late 1995, the Grollos purchased the vessel, Undersea Explorer, allowing John to begin his new style of tourism. John wanted scientists involved in the program as soon as possible, because he knew their field information was out of date (too many hours grant writing and not enough time locking eyes with sea life, as he put it), and marine scientists would have to be at the table if there was any hope of changing the government’s environmental policies.

When the research vessel was finally secured, and John gave free space to both expand access and reduce the cost of research, the scientists began to join the Reef excursions and would literally find a new species every time they went out. Trained and educated by participating Scientists and staff, a portion of each visitor’s daily experience involves working through a check list of what they saw that day – how many of this variety of shark, how many of that fish, the temperature, the state of the coral; and, with the tourists’ cameras set to capture time and date, travel pics suddenly became part of a body of important research. As a result, Eye to Eye has now amassed fourteen years of detailed, irreplaceable information about changes in area sea life. Research gold.

The Production Possibilities Curve of basic economic theory tells you a company that plows a portion of profits back into research and development will eventually outpace its competitors, and the PPV is in effect right now for businesses which choose to Go Green. In Australia in particular, “Go Green” is not a marketing tool – rather, not just a marketing tool – but a lifestyle, particularly in those regions which rely heavily on tourism, and a profitable lifestyle at that. According to Maria Taylor, Education Officer for Water and Waste in Cairns, Australia, a conscious choice by consumers to support organizations that have gone green has created a boon for forward-thinking businesses. With consumers desperate to save money and the effects of climate change upon us, people are growing hungrier for information on how to lower costs and do some good for the world at the same time. Those that make some sacrifices to Go Green now are going to win in the long run, just as John has.

A few years ago, John gathered some of his research, called on some some well-chosen friends in the conservation movement, and went to the government of Australia to make a sustained effort to show tourism (and, by extrapolation, conservation of the environment upon which tourism relies) had a much higher positive impact on the economy than the commercial fishing industry (fishing had a devastating impact on the Reef population and the boats damaged the coral reefs and the water quality). Once the government saw the numbers, they created policies to limit fishing, as well as agricultural run off (the main killer of the reefs standing directly off shore). Australia now spends 180 million a year to protect the Great Barrier Reef — not because it’s the right thing to, but because of a bottom line return on investment. So, with Eye to Eye, John has proven two things: going Green is not only wise but profitable, and it is possible to form a business model that can change the world.

By now you might be thinking about flying to Australia yourself, and if you’re thinking Green, you’re going to ask how it’s possible to feel good about international travel given the carbon footprint. You have a good point, and your point is being argued around the world. Some argue getting on an international flight is better than a domestic flight, because the fuel use is that much less per person on a long trip. Airlines such as Quantas and Virgin Blue take your question seriously and offer carbon offset programs: www.quantas.com/au/info/flying/flycarbonneutral/index and www.virginblue.com.au/carbonoffset. As for Eye to Eye, they are world leaders in the “Swim with Whales” program and approved by conservationists (www.minkewhaleproject.com). Why? For one, Eye to Eye trains visitors in underwater etiquette. If a whale is seen, guides instruct the tourists to swim back to the boat and grab a rope alongside. Whales have curiosity as strong as humans, but they’re not stupid. If a diver aggressively swims toward them, they’ll retreat, so training tourists to stay on the rope no matter what causes the whales to learn that the odd looking fish on a string are safe to approach. And so the whales usually do – sometimes to within a foot.

The other day I was telling a friend, Ed Cutshall of Hillsboro’s Hunt Country Jewelers, about Eye to Eye and my wonderful snorkeling experience on the Great Barrier Reef. He laughed and recalled the story of a woman he knew who used to be a cruise ship cook. Sometimes as she was preparing meals, she had the odd sensation she was being watched. One day the feeling became overwhelming, and she turned about to find a huge black whale eye staring in through the portal window.

Eye to eye indeed.

MEREDITH BEAN McMATH welcomes comment and can be reached at Meredith@storyroot.com or via www.storyroot.com. Opinions expressed in STORYROOT are the sole responsibility of the author. Meredith Bean McMath is a published author, freelance writer, award-winning historian and prize-winning playwright. FormerArtistic Director of Aurora Studio Theatre, Inc. and former Program Director of Round Hill Arts Center, Meredith is the Marketing Director of Cranial Tap, Inc. (www.Cranialtap.com) and an MS candidate in Arts Administration at Shenandoah University. She and her family live in Birkett’s Tavern, Hillsboro, Virginia.

Fairs to Remember

When I was a little girl growing up in suburban Arlington, I read about country fairs in books. They always sounded richly mysterious — wonderful playgrounds where amazing things could happen at any moment. At a fair, a girl might turn a corner to find a pony ride, an enormous pig, a pie-eating contest, crafts, crumpets, or a carousel ride. I was convinced anything could happen at a Fair, and I couldn’t wait to get to one!

Now, as a grown woman, I treasure a thousand memories from the many fairs I’ve attended in Loudoun and beyond. And I can honestly say my childhood expectations have never been disappointed.

A few snapshots from my Fair memories:

The Angel Rabbit

It was an ice-cream-melting sort of a day at the Loudoun County Fair. Getting away from the heat, I headed indoors to the 4-H Exhibition. I especially wanted to see the rabbits, as I have an inordinate love of Lop-eared bunnies. Rabbits are highly sensitive to heat, so the planners had taken caution to set up huge fans in the rabbit room. I walked in to the room to see the Lop Rabbits, but I stayed for the rabbit with angel wings. Apparently there is a type of rabbit called an Angora. As you might guess, they grow long, angora-like hair. But this, as I said, was an ice-cream-melting hot day, so the blessed owner of this one Angora rabbit had done the decent thing and shaved the rabbit all over… except for her ears. As the fans in the room blew mightily upon her, this beautiful white Angora rabbit sat proudly in her spacious cage, as the hair on her ears flowed out from behind her like angel wings. That was the most charming rabbit I have ever seen, and the image still makes me laugh and smile.

Fairs are a place of wonder.

The English Fair

While in England on a college study program many moons ago, I stumbled upon a country fair replete with sheep herding, jarred jam contests, and a log roll. The log roll looked so easy. A horizontal, six-foot long smooth log on a pole set between two braces, so it could freely roll. I thought folks were going to climb on it and try to stand erect ala Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, but, no, the object was to climb aboard and sit astride the log, then scoot yourself along until you reached the other side. Only no one ever, ever, ever reached the other side — which is why there was a nice deep mattress lying underneath the log.

Fairs are a place to act foolish.

The Romantic Fair

Ah, the Fredericksburg, Virginia Fair of 1979. Don’t ask me about the animals, the pie contest, the rides or the crafts. I can only remember the guy I was with: Chuck McMath. Oh, and I remember the photograph for which we sat: me in an oversize rattan chair and him beside me, looking ever so much like a couple on our honeymoon. And I have this look on my face? It’s the happy, goofy look of someone who realizes they’re falling in love.

Fairs are a place for romance.

The Cow of Many Colors

My husband, Chuck, has a cousin, Debbie Hardesty of Hardesty Farm in Berryville, and the Hardestys are always at the Clark County Fair. They are well known for a particular cow they bring with them every year: this Holstein is blessed with fewer black spots than his brothers which enables the Hardestys to spray this beloved bovine with non-toxic spray paint. Over the years, he has been presented as Ninja Cow, Chocolate Cow, Strawberry Cow, Rainbow Cow, and a host of others. Maybe it’s just me, but the Cow of Many Colors always seems irritated. But I imagine having hundreds of children yelling and screaming with delight at the sight of you every day for an entire fair week could become a tad annoying. I heard from a friend the cow was there again last year. He would be very, very old, so I hope by now that he is deaf.

Fairs may not be great for irritable cattle, but they are always a great place for children.

Holiday Fairs

Every year Hillsboro puts on an Independence Day celebration up at the Old Stone School (FYI: no matter where you are, the Old Stone School is always located “up”). I’m on the board of the Hillsboro Community Association, and I can tell you that the people who’ve been managing this business the last couple years – Amy and Mark Ware – are saints. Hundreds of hours of volunteer work is involved in this old-fashion celebration, and the results are fabulous: a neighbor built the children’s games, there’s home-made baked goods and door prizes, fabulous folk and celtic music provided by The Community, the Ruritans offer melt-in-your-mouth barbecued chicken, kind neighbors and local business donate free ice cream (that’s right – free!), and at dusk the fireworks begin. An increase in regulation has meant a decrease in fire power over the years, but the Hillsboro Community Association is committed to keeping the Celebration down home and wonderful. I have a hundred wonderful memories from twenty years of Hillsboro Fourth of July celebrations, but my favorite is a photograph as well: the moment our one-year old son took his very first steps.

Fairs are a place for Family.

Target Practice

My son was around six-years old when we attended a Loudoun County Fair at the old 4-H Fairgrounds. We stepped up to a target shooting game, and he gave it a go. His aim was none too good, and he was getting disappointed when a thought occurred to me: “Hey, Palmer? Try with your left hand.” The kid hit the Bull’s eye four shots out of five times. So that was the day we found out our son was left-handed, just like his father.

Fairs are a place for discoveries.

The Scottish Fair

Our cousins, the Blairs, participate in the Scottish Games at Richmond, Virginia every year. They bring the Blair tent, in fact, so our family tends to enjoy that fair a little more than others as it enables us front row seats for the music of the pipes and drums. I have fond memories of my husband and son in the axe-throwing contest, but my favorite thing to watch is the Caber Toss, wherein grown men stagger around with an upright telephone pole in their cupped hands, find the right moment, and toss the thing end over end. These are the truly brave – those who can laugh at hernia belts and litigation.

Fairs are a place to show off.

Historical Fair

Did you know The Waterford Fair is Virginia’s oldest juried crafts fair? This year’s Waterford Fair, to be held October 2-4, marks the 66th year! I have a lot of lovely memories from Waterford Fairs, and a lot of treasures purchased from excellent craftspeople over the years. But I especially enjoy the Colonial and Civil War living history camps. Actually, my favorite memory from the Waterford Fair isn’t truly mine: about ten years ago, I lent historical costuming to a friend who was to portray a Waterford Quaker during the Civil War: frock coat, brogan boots, Quaker hat – the works. My friend was so accurate in this portrayal, the Waterford Foundation received a complaint about a Quaker on the street proselytizing his religion (guess the bit about the evils of slavery and the Confederate Cause went a little over the visitor’s head).

But Fairs are a place for history.

Looking back at my Fair memories, it’s no wonder I love them. Street fairs, County Fairs, crafts, music and art fairs – there’s always something for everyone at a fair. A little mystery, a little wonder, and a few life-changing moments, as well. Who doesn’t love a good Fair?

Go to VisitLoudoun.org to find out about upcoming fairs (like this weekend’s Oktoberfest in Lovettsville!), and if you have a favorite Fair memory, I’d love to hear it.

MEREDITH BEAN McMATH welcomes comment and can be reached at Meredith@storyroot.com or via www.storyroot.com. Opinions expressed in STORYROOT are the sole responsibility of the author. Meredith Bean McMath is a published author, freelance writer, award-winning historian and prize-winning playwright. FormerArtistic Director of Aurora Studio Theatre, Inc. and former Program Director of Round Hill Arts Center, Meredith is the Marketing Director of Cranial Tap, Inc. (www.Cranialtap.com) and an MS candidate in Arts Administration at Shenandoah University. She and her family live in Birkett’s Tavern, Hillsboro, Virginia.