The Woodchuck as Warrior

Life is full of wonders, questions, tragedies, and miracles. Every life is different, and every story is different too, but we can always find a way to relate to the good ones. We hope that the stories today spark memories and stories of your own that go on to be shared with loved ones. We have tales about things ranging from groundhogs to art in ancient catacombs from tellers Doug Elliott, Norman Walker, Ed Stivender, and more. On today’s episode, enjoy the following: “The Woodchuck as Warrior: of Whistlepigs and World Politics” by Doug Elliott from Groundhogology and Marmotabilia: Of Whistlepigs and World Politics (10:03) This story comes from a man who knows all about nature and an album that is all about groundhogs. It is entitled Groundhogology and Marmotabilia: Of Whistlepigs and World Politics. Doug Elliott is not only a storyteller, but also a naturalist and herbalist. He has traveled all over the Americas to investigate plant and animal life and learn about people’s connection to the natural world. As he explains in this story, people actually have quite a big connection to animals. We can learn a lot about ourselves from watching those groundhogs. “Ballad of Ross and Anna” by Norman Walker from Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts (5:39) Norman Walker is not just a storyteller. He is a self proclaimed story singer. He has also been called a contemporary folk singer. This song, entitled “Ballad of Ross and Anna” is about a couple who falls in love and builds a cabin on a mountainside. Unfortunately, the granite slab they built it on was not as good of an idea as they originally thought. In the winter it seemed fine, but it was actually a home to rattlesnakes. “Sody Salaraitis” by Ed Stivender from Silly Jack: Stories and Songs for Children (5:54) Ed Stivender became a full time storyteller in 1977 after leaving his job as a high school teacher. Ever since he has been involved in storytelling across the country. This story comes from an appalachian tale reminiscent of a reverse little red riding hood. Instead of to grandmother's house, it's from grandmother's house, to pick up some needed backing supplies for grandma. One by one, each person sent to get some sody salaraitus doesn't come back until the only person left is the squirrel. “Animal Tales” by Laura Simms from Four Legged Tales: Animal Tales from Here and Away (7:17) Have you ever wondered how animals got their tails? They didn’t used to all have them. If you pay attention, you’ll see that some animals have long tails, and others have short ones. Some are fluffy and others are sleek. Laura Simms has the explanation. In addition to being a storyteller, she is the artistic director of the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center in New York, a humanitarian, writer, and educator. “A Little Princess” by Catherine Taylor (10:22) This story is from Catherine Taylor. She has a PhD in the History of Art from the University of Manchester, and her studies center on images of women in early Christian contexts. Here she talks about what led her to such a discipline and the meaning she derives from the art of those women. It all started when she was a young girl who loved to daydream. Those dreams let her participate in new worlds. Now she explores the worlds of other’s creations.