Now and then a great horse comes along and is remembered and celebrated for who he was to a breed or sport and its people. UC Ringmaster was just such a horse. The UC is for the University of Connecticut where he was born. I just had the pleasure of recalling those days as I read three excellent books by local author Helen Scanlon. If you read aloud to your children or grandchildren, have a classroom, daycare or library do consider these books. The trilogy covers his birth in book one. His show career and his rise to fame in book two and his legacy and prodigy in book three.

These books are written with a light, artistic pen that plays with the words and sounds. The author is also the illustrator of the trilogy. Her pen and brush take similar strokes to paint a picture of this legendary horse. The wash of watercolor over the page is soft and enticing as she depicts the first steps, a mother’s love, and a championship in the show ring.

I have great memories of watching UC Ringmaster in the show ring. I remember him in the barn at UCONN as a youngster and later when he returned to fulfill his destiny and carry on the great Morgan horse breeding legacy that was part of the founding of the university. Later we were fortunate to have one of his sons in our barn. UC Daybreak was like his father in so many ways. These books hit such a sentimental chord as it was a remembrance of both of these horses. UC Daybreak made his own brand of fame and often in his escapades mention was made of the resemblance to his father in spirit and attitude as well as looks.

I highly recommend this wonderful trilogy for your equine book collection or introduction; you can’t go wrong!

Order Helen Scanlon’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/Helen-Scanlon/e/B00DVWLTVS%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

UC Daybreak son of UC Ringmaster

Read more about UC Daybreak, the son of UC Ringmaster

https://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/dedication-one-step-from-insane/  a four-part series on the escapades of UC Daybreak

The post Review The Great Red Horse Trilogy by Helen Scanlon appeared first on Carolyn Stearns Storyteller.

I think kids would have fun finding ways to make a movie of a definition, I sure am!

Sheepishly; This flock at The University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture is sure acting sheepishly! They tuck their head down low and behind another hoping not to be noticed.

Have a word with an agricultural root you would like me to  post?  Just leave a comment at the bottom. If it isn’t on my list already I will add it.

Last week’s word: Ruminate;
 https://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/wed-word-wisdom-ruminate/

The post Wed. Word Wisdom – Sheepishly appeared first on Carolyn Stearns Storyteller.

                                                                            
 May 18, 2011 The Jorgensen Center for Performing Arts on the campus if the University of Connecticut presented the first night of … 
The Aluminum  Show, an electric performance of music, and dance. The interactive performance was a feast for the eyes and the ears. http://www.jorgensen.uconn.edu/ ( for ticket info and other shows) The vibrant intensity of the show was magical.  I saw the same look of delight on children and adults. There was a palpable  tension as the  show crept off the stage and invaded the audience which responded with laughter. One of the most stunning moments was the realization that an aluminum tube could evoke feelings and emotions.

               
 This talented troupe of dancers, actors, puppet masters and robotics engineers together told a story with no language, charged it with sound ,color, light and music, and acted out with the use of large pieces of recycled construction Aluminum. From the moment the stage curtain was gobbled up until the last piece of shiny confetti landed on the floor I was entranced!

At one point the little “slinky” character was lost in the audience. A boy lifted him to a troupe member with ” I believe this is yours”, his smile said it all, he was loving it!  Another audience member played a roll when the flashlight beam fell on him, he was chosen and  soon was encased in foil and worshipped like a false idol, and then…. no I won’t tell that part. You will have to go see that for yourself.

                                       Slinky meets a young audience member after the show!

The show grew with more fantastic stunts and gymnastic type dance movements as the performance reached its crescendo.  Larger than life Aluminum characters played their role. to make the whole experience feel huge!  Several times the stage reached a climax and I thought it was over only to have the music and lights flash and we were swept into a new scene.

There was so much creativity in the design, choreography, lighting, sound and humor of the script to make this a pure pleasure!  I urge you to see the Aluminum Show! Brilliantly Done!

You can find the Aluminum Show on Face Book stop by and see where they go next.

You can book The Aluminum Show by contacting:
Columbia Artists Management,LLC
1790 Broadway
NY, NY 10019 http://www.cami.com/
                                                   

The post Jorgensen Presents The Aluminum Show : A Review appeared first on Carolyn Stearns Storyteller.