Ms. Bunny and her 'Tails'

So, today (April 7, 2012) I had the opportunity to present my Story Time Adventures program at the National Steinbeck Museum in Salinas, California. For locals, and those who aren't so close, this is a beautiful monument to author John Steinbeck. The main gallery is quite spectacular with photos and images of Steinbeck, and tributes to his life in Salinas, Monterey County, and his works.

About a month ago I participated in the celebration of Steinbeck's 110th birthday celebration. I'd been 'knocking' on the Center's door for quite some time, expressing my interest in doing my program there, and finally, it clicked! there weren't a lot of children present, but some did come into the hall where I was placed and we had a good time. I then suggested to the personnel that I come back to do a Spring/Easter program, and they were intrigued by the idea. We set it up, were able to get donations of prizes, and away we went.

I arrived at the Center about 30 minutes before the program was set to start. I always get butterflies before I do a program--especially if I'm not sure if anyone will show up. I paced nervously in front of the main entrance, but my nerves calmed as families began to show up. There were about 30 children in attendance, ranging in age from babies up to about 11 years old. I read for 30 minutes, then the kids were let loose to hunt for eggs in the gallery. Afterwards, they were able to turn in their eggs for a prize. We had great prizes, such as tickets to amusement parks and tickets to a local fair. I was thrilled!

I am hoping that I can continue my relationship with the Center and continue to do more programs. I will celebrate my second anniversary of Story Time Adventures this summer, and I am more than delighted that little by little my program is still being recognized as a quality program for schools, scouts, libraries--you name it!

If you'd like to learn more, please visit my site, www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com.

Happy Reading!
Julie

The Season is Coming to a Close...

Story Time Adventures during the holiday season has been a great deal of fun. I really can't put it any other way. It does sound simplistic, but that's the way I feel about my venture. It's been a great creative outlet for me, allowing me to tap into my inner child, but to also share the importance of reading to children.

I'm also thrilled (ego check, here!) with the interest from certain people about my business. Articles have appeared on AOL, in the Pinnacle Newspaper (Hollister, Ca), on OCFamily.com, and I was interviewed for an article for Bay Area Parent that will run in February, and I'll be interviewed by CMAP, a local cable access channel for Gavilan College in Gilroy, California.

My blog may not be fancy, but at least it gives me a chance to talk about what I'm doing and what I love. If it brings in more business, that's an added bonus. If not, then that's okay, too!

I'm still available for calls from Mrs. Claus and visits, too! Jengelha@aol.com.

Story Time Adventures Continues

I am ashamed to say it's been too long since I've posted! I need to rectify that asap.

I did my first paid assembly yesterday at Ladd Lane Elementary School in Hollister, California. I did three different programs, one for Kindergarten, one for 1st grade, and one for 2nd grade. It was interesting, because I learned that I need to find books that are a bit more advanced for the 2nd graders. As I was reading what I have, which are all adorable books, I started to lose my 2nd grade audience. Back to the drawing board, as they say.

I had a great time interacting with the children, and I'm looking forward to doing more story time presentations.

This weekend, October 16 and 17, and next weekend, October 23 and 24, I will be appearing as Sadie the Scarecrow at Uesgui Farms Pumpkin Patch in Morgan Hill, CA. Sadie appeared at the San Benito County Fair a couple of weeks ago, and it was a great experience.

I finally received my Mrs. Claus outfit (so cute!) so I'm gearing up to have her do story time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, and at local schools and events. If you, or somone you know, is interested in hiring Mrs. Claus, call me at 831 245 8462!

Julie

Julie Engelhardt--story time

Ah.. it's been quite some time since I've posted to my blog. Things have been a bit slow regarding writing, but I'm not giving up! I have a new project in the works.

I've always been intrigued by reading to children, it's something I love to do. So, on Wednesday, July 14, from 11 am to noon, I'm going to be offering a free story time at Mars Hill Coffeehouse http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hollister-CA/Mars-Hill-Coffeehouse/79929789196 in Hollister, CA. It's going to be a pirate theme.. Buccaneer Bay. I've found some really cute books that I'm going to read, such as "That's Not My Pirate," by Fiona Watts, http://www.amazon.com/Thats-Pirate-Usborne-Touchy-Feely/dp/0794517021/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278280502&sr=8-1, and "Bubble Bath Pirates," by Jarrett J. Krosoczka http://www.amazon.com/Bubble-Bath-Pirates-Jarrett-Krosoczka/dp/0670035998/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278280540&sr=8-1, and others. This is absolutely free for everyone.

My intent is two-fold. First, I really want to offer something to the families in Hollister. It's a lovely little town, but it is so devoid of anything that is family friendly. Sure, we have our regular fast food restaurants with their play structures, but that tends to get tiresome, especially when your kids get too old to climb through the structures, and when the smell of burgers and french fries get to be too much. We had two great places in town: Jump-2-It and The Players Edge, but they closed down, so we really have nothing for the kids to do. There are seasonal sports, but the summer tends to drag on. Plus, some of these activities are pricey! So, that's why this is free.

Second, I want to share my love for books, especially children's books. I came up with this idea a few weeks ago, and I was really quite surprised that Mars Hill gave me the green light. I even have sponsors for this.. Hollister Center for Cosmetic Dentistry--Dr. Mark Darnell; http://www.cartoonthunder.com/; and http://www.safehouseweb.com/. Yay! Their sponsorships are helping me to aquire items I can give to the kids, like coloring sheets and other goodies.

I am also planning on dressing, as best as possible, as a pirate for the day, and telling pirate jokes and songs. For example, how much does it cost a pirate to buy earrings? Answer: 'A buccaneer!" Get it.. a buck an ear! And what is a pirate's favorite kind of food? Barrr-b-que! Okay.. goofy at best, but I'm hoping the kids will enjoy it.

I'd also like to take this and expand, and hopefully perform at elementary schools and other venues in central coastal California.

So, swing by and see us at Mars Hill Coffeehouse on Wednesday, July 14, at 11 am. It starts then! No stragglers, or ye'll be walkin' the plank, matey! Arghhhh. The coffee house is at 610 San Benito Street. For info call 831 245 8462.

Please feel free to post this and pass this along. Pirates, pirates, pirates!