Cap’s Off to You! – Michael Parent (Posthumously) and Celebrating Story

Featuring: Michael Parent

Quick-Witted Storyteller, Mesmerizing Musician, Juggler of Life

Knowing a little French is helpful when enjoying Michael Parent’s performances. Yes, he would translate and give hints. He told people that his grandparents only spoke French so that the way to show respect was to speak to them only in French. I find myself refreshing on my 5+ years of French in middle school and high school as a small way to honor Michael and his heritage.

He grew up in Lewiston, Maine. The French-Canadian upbringing infused all that he did with performance. And for this, it could be no surprise that he was heavily involved in hockey. He did wish to “invent a career.” Back in 1977, there were not a lot of professional storytellers. He was inspired by Brother Blue and realized that all of his stories and songs and juggling could turn into something more.

Many people have shared that it took a little time to understand or know Michael. He had a way of saying things that jolted you. Yet, a few moments later, understanding came. Love grew. And the audiences? They couldn’t get enough of this wonderful man.

Then, one day, Michael got Parkinson’s disease. Storytellers and community members scrambled to raise funds to provide a way to bring comfort as a way to say thank you to him.

Despite all his accomplishments, which are many and include the ORACLE – Circle of Excellence through the National Storytelling Network, he did ask for these lines to be shared (and were specifically shared in his obituary): He did the best he could. He loved people and enjoyed being alive.

The big question. What do those requested lines mean to you? Have you pondered it?

Although he passed away on May 5, 2023, his memorial will actually not happen until September 2023. We have time to ponder those words and see how, if at all, these words connect to us.

If you have links to add – video, audio, articles – please share by emailing info@storycrossroads.org or commenting on this blog post.

You can see more details on Michael Parent with the Story Artists Memorial.

The videos below involving Michael Parent are a mix of performance and interview. There are really parts 1 and 2. The year it first premiered is unknown though it has been a while back.

Do you know a Story Artist who has passed on and want others to remember them? Memories? Pictures? You can submit names and memories of Story Artists who have passed on through our online form. 

I appreciate Michael Parent for the way he shared his French-Canadian upbringings as if we were in on a great secret that was never meant to be a secret. His tapping and music could already be enough to entrance. Then, he added his voice. I look forward to seeing him perform again when reunited on the other side.

Michael still has a story. You have a story. We all have stories.

Z is for Zennor’s Cherry vs. Curiosity

We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Finding Resilience & Strength through Traditional Tales.

Zennor’s Cherry vs. Curiosity –

From Cornwall (Celtic)

Saying something is “Celtic” can be troublesome. Many countries are typically linked with Celtic culture. Many languages are within this world, not just one. Yet, here are some basics:

  • Common countries are Ireland, Wales, Scotland as well as Isle of Man, Cornwall (southwest of England), Brittany (northwest of France), Galtcia, and Asturias
  • Languages are distinct per country/area and, at one time, there were 16. However, only 6 Celtic languages are spoken now: Irish, Manx, Scottish Gaelic, Breton, Cornish, and Welsh.
  • Timeframe of Celtic Culture would be about the Late Bronze Age through the Iron Age (700 BC to 400 BC…but some also say 1000 BC).

As for Zennor itself, this is part of Cornwall. Today, this area has about 196 in population. It’s about 6 miles north of Penzance (yes, the same for Pirates of Penzance musical).

50-word-or-less summary

Cherry from Zennor sought fortune. Give up? Man invited Cherry to care for Son. Took Son to spring, milked cow, placed ointment on Son’s eyes. Given tour of home. Frightening. Man gave drink so Cherry forgets. Loveliness. Cherry tried ointment. Saw little people including Man. Banished kindly. Cherry cherished story.

Finding the Story: 

Book Celtic Fairytales: Sixteen mystical myths and legends from the Celtic landshere

Book Cherry of Zennor: A Cornish Folk-lore Poem by the late A. Trevosso Hockinghere

Book The Adventure of Cherry of Zennorhere

The Strange Story of Cherry Honey – here

Finding Resilience & Strength:

Cherry was part of a big family. She had 9 siblings plus her parents. It was a little crowded in that 2-room hut. That takes strength, resilience…and patience and teamwork.

She decides it’s time to seek her fortune. Usually, in these folk or fairy tales, we don’t see the struggle. Someone goes on a journey and then comes upon the adventures. What about those who want to quit and turn around. Cherry was about to turn around. Then, the opportunity came. Instead of choosing to continue her plan to quit, she took a chance.

She was introduced to a magical home. It was strange enough to excite her curiosity. Of course, when someone says to not put the ointment on your own eyes will the main character eventually place it on their eyes. We cannot blame Cherry’s curiosity.

What I like is that she is then able to return to her home yet still take walks near the area and reflect on the strange yet wonderful experience. There is some sadness but also some happiness for having the experience in the first place.

And to think…she almost would not have that story at all if she had turned around.

Here is an article from TalkSpace called “How to Escape an ‘I Give Up’ Mindset” to explore mental health strategies. And hey, there can always be that “I Give Up” when doing this A to Z Challenge. But…we did it! Hurrah!

Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See quick list of programs here.

As for our past A to Z Challenges…

While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been resilient and strong during these past years and looks forward to the next hybrid summit & festival on May 8-11, 2023. We would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival

Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Ashton Family Foundation

Y is for Yarn vs. Scissors

We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Finding Resilience & Strength through Traditional Tales.

Yarn –

From Holland

While Holland is known for tulips, you may also think of wooden shoes, canals, cheese markets, and lots of bike-riding. And the Delft Blue earthenware? Absolutely beautiful.

In this story, we also discover a widow whose husband used to weave. Some traditional looms used in Holland are so big that they are outdoor looms. They are in the rigid-heddle style that are often used to weave scarves. Considering how many times the woman measures and sets aside cloth, I think of scarves though of course many possibilities can be created from fabrics. 

We meet two kinds of people – one that is kind and thinks of others and one that is greedy and cannot think past themselves. St. Peter comes down to test people much like how Zeus and Hermes or many other gods and goddesses do. As for St. Peter, he likes to comes down and test close to holidays like in this story on Christmas Eve.

50-word-or-less summary

St. Peter in disguise. Slam! Next. Kindness. Wish. Woman looks at late-husband’s loom and wishes work to continue all day. Cloth! Rich. Woman (who slammed) jealous. St. Peter returns. Now kind. Peter says whatever done first tomorrow will last. Count money! After midnight, cuts fabric for coin bags. Cuts everything!

Finding the Story: 

Book Legends & Folk Tales of Hollandhere

An Italian story that also features St. Peter – here

A German story that also features St. Peter – here

Finding Resilience & Strength:

St. Peter must have strength and resilience because he knows that he will not always be treated the best.

Of course, the one woman is kind though even more kind than necessary. St. Peter hardly knocked on the door and the woman was noticing all the needs he may have and anticipating even a rest in her son’s bed (who happened to be out…though still). She did not have much yet had the strength every day – with or without a visit from St. Peter – to be the best human she could be, flaws and all.

Here is an article from Hope Rehab Center (Thailand) called “How Selfishness Ruins Everything but Kindness Heals” to explore mental health strategies.

Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See quick list of programs here.

As for our past A to Z Challenges…

While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been resilient and strong during these past years and looks forward to the next hybrid summit & festival on May 8-11, 2023. We would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival

Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Ashton Family Foundation