Claire - Story

The sixth story in The Book of Bartholomew is Claire.  This story introduces Claire, who is going through some tough times; she can't find a job and she is still living at home with her parents.  She decides to consult with Henrietta, one of the chickens in her parent's back yard.  The story begins with Claire sitting in the coop with Henrietta.

“I just can’t imagine what I want to be doing in three to five years!” she said as Henrietta scratched at some scratch.

I guess I should have said I wanted to still be working for his company in three to five years.”

“Doesn’t matter, cluck,” said Henrietta.

Claire, normally a pleasant person, was in a foul mood. She petted Henrietta. Henrietta stooped her body to flatten her soft feathery back. It felt better that way when someone petted her.

“What a jerk. As if I would want to be scoring psychological profiles for the next five years. Myers-Briggs my ass,” said Claire.

She picked up some scratch and let Henrietta eat out of her hand. Claire dug her toes into the straw, dirt, wood shavings and chicken shit that covered the floor of the coop. She kicked it about here and there, drawing shapes unconsciously. Henrietta finished the scratch in Claire’s hand and moved to the corner of the coop to scratch and peck a little more.

“Are you moving, (peck) out here (peck) with me?” asked Henrietta.

“Henrietta, you have such a nice house. You got a bed, food, a ladder and most important of all, it isn’t my parents’ house.”

“Yes, (peck) but I don’t think (peck) that you would want (peck) to go to the bathroom (peck) on your floor (peck). Besides (peck) it is in (scratch) your parent’s (peck) backyard.”

Claire is one of my favorite characters to write about because she has a way with chickens and birds.  There is also palpable energy to what she does.  She is not shy or a wall flower.  Sometimes she is a little abrupt, argumentative and snippy, but you always know where you stand with her.

The story of Claire will be published on November 9, 2012 at bookofbartholomew.blogspot.com.

Bartholomew and Geraldine - PUBLISHED TODAY

The fifth story in The Book of Bartholomew, Bartholomew and Geraldine is now available at bookofbartholomew.blogspot.com.

This is a riotous story about Bartholomew's first dinner date at home with Geraldine.  Oliver, Bartholomew's cat, is not sure about Bartholomew's new girlfriend.  All Bartholomew wants to do is have a nice evening with Geraldine eating the food he loves.  But in true Bartholomew fashion, chaos gets in between him and his food.  

I must mention that the sound effects in this story were provided by the participants in a couple of week long workshops at Mallard Island. Thank you one and all for a riotous time making funny noises!

I hope you enjoy this story that is wonderfully illustrated by Mary Esch.  Fine art prints of the illustrations from The Book of Bartholomew are now available.  Check out The Last Chapter, the place to purchase The Book of Bartholomew items.

Bartholomew and Geraldine - Music: Brian Laidlaw and the Family Trade

Two songs accompanying Bartholomew and Geraldine are by Brian Laidlaw and the Family Trade.

Brian Laidlaw is a poet and songwriter from San Francisco. He studied Creative Writing as an undergraduate at Stanford, at which point he began setting his own poems to music; after graduating in 2005 he toured and rambled throughout the country for several years as a solo folksinger.

In 2008, Brian moved to Minneapolis to earn an M.F.A. in poetry at the University of Minnesota. In the last year he has received awards and honors from the Loft Literary Center, the Weisman Art Museum, and the Jerome Foundation. His lyrics have been featured in American Songwriter Magazine and his poems have appeared or are forthcoming in New American Writing, FIELD, VOLT, Quarter After Eight, The Iowa Review, and elsewhere.

Brian has released numerous full-length projects, most recently the CD No Horse Town and the hybrid book/album Wolf Wolf Wolf. A dedicated wordsmith and instrumentalist, he collaborates and co-writes with ensembles from coast to coast, and continues to perform regularly in the Twin Cities and greater Midwest. He also teaches songwriting at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, and poetics at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis.

Brian and The Family Trade are members of the Yes!Let's Collective, a cohort of Twin Cities musicians, artists and organizers. With an ethos of unwavering enthusiasm, they seek to unite ‘performer’ and ‘audience’ through events based on community building and collaborative art-making.

The words to so many of the songs by Brian Laidlaw remind me of my musings while writing Bartholomew stories.  I try to think of large world experiences and universal feelings that can be encapsulated in a moment or in a snapshot of a person.  Brian does this often in his work.  As my old art history teacher might say, "his phrases are pregnant with meaning."  An odd phrase, but it fits.

And here is a great article about the band in Paper Darts.  If you don't know Paper Darts, you should.  It's a great online magazine.  One of the founders, Meghan Murphy, is an illustrator for The Book of Bartholomew.  Unfortunately, her story won't be out until next spring.  

I have to especially thank Ashley Hanson for introducing me to this band and getting the songs for me.

Bartholomew and Geraldine is published tomorrow at The Book of Bartholomew.

Bartholomew and Geraldine - Art by Mary Esch

The story Bartholomew and Geraldine will be published on Friday, November 2, 2012.  This story is illustrated by Mary Esch.

Mary Esch is a two-time winner of the Minnesota State Arts Board Fellowship, a Jerome Fellow, and a Bush Fellow. She is known for her incisive drawing style, large-scale limited edition wallpaper installations, and portraiture.

Ms. Esch cut her teeth in the Twin Cities at Speedboat Gallery and Gallery Rebollosso in the early 90’s, had a blast showing at the Walker Art Center and New York City in the late 90’s, and has enjoyed the use of one of her paintings as an experimental jumping off point for three plays that premiered in 2001 in New York City. That was a perfect flip of experience because she often uses literature as inspiration for her own work.

For The Book of Bartholomew, Mary has created a wonderful interpretation of a very chaotic moment in the story Bartholomew and Geraldine.   The aggressive pose of Geraldine and the passive pose of Bartholomew captures the energy of the relationship.  All the while, Oliver the cat, is pouncing from on high.  The pandemonium is high.  The figures capture the moment, but Mary's technique of vertical lines contrasted with the roiling smoke-lines also captures the chaos that is ensuing.  The "hot"colors also pull in this sensibility. The roiliing lines of smoke are used throughout the pages of the story as borders. Overall, it is a wonderful illustration.

Currently, Mary is working on miniature portraits in watercolor of her favorite authors, painters, and spiritual leaders. She teaches, "Wake up Your Right Brain!", an observational drawing class and "Botanical Drawing" to teens and adults.

To read stories from The Book of Bartholomew, click here

Bartholomew and Geraldine - Story

The next story to be published from The Book of Bartholomew on November 2, 2012 is Bartholomew and Geraldine. This is a classic love story - not. 

“Oh, Oliver, why do I feel like something bad is about to happen, like I am going to do something wrong – screw everything up? I wish this feeling would go away.”

“Maybe it is because you are trying to cook—not one of your more successful skills,” answered Oliver with a purr.

“I wish I knew better how to cook. Well, I can’t burn beet and bean sprout sandwiches and salad. And I just have to warm up the organic roasted parsnip soup. As long as I watch that closely I should be okay,” said Bartholomew.

Oliver purred, “Well, it is not the most difficult, or the tastiest, but it should be sufficient.”

Bartholomew put the soup on the stove over a low flame and set the table. He walked into the living room, grabbed newspapers, magazines and some books that were lying on the furniture. He picked up some socks from the floor and threw everything in the closet. He turned on some Dionne Warwick music. Oliver followed Bartholomew around the house.

“Oh, Oliver, I haven’t told you, but I have been seeing someone for the last two weeks. Her name is Geraldine. She is a very nice woman who really likes me. She will be here for dinner in about ten minutes.”

Oliver froze mid-step. Bartholomew sat down on the sofa.

“Come here, Oliver,” Bartholomew said as he patted the sofa cushion. Oliver jumped up on the back of the sofa and buried his head against Bartholomew’s.

“How come you didn’t tell me earlier? You know I like to know what is going on with you. You know I am responsible for you – purrrrrrrrr.”

“I wish my parents were here,” said Bartholomew. He sank further back into the sofa.

Oliver said nothing and climbed down into Bartholomew’s lap. He let Bartholomew rub his back, which made them both feel better. Oliver was settling in for a long back rub when suddenly all of his senses went on alert. He stood up in Bartholomew’s lap, his back arched. He looked at the door and let out a low growl and a hiss.

Oliver, Bartholomew's cat, cannot understand why Bartholomew would fall in love with Geraldine and invite her over to the house for dinner.  He considers her a monster.  And thus begins an evening of romance(?) for Bartholomew and Geraldine.

To read the story of Bartholomew meeting Geraldine: https://bookofbartholomew.blogspot.com/2016/01/3-geraldine.html

Visit The Book of Bartholomew at bookofbartholomew.blogspot.com

Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist - PUBLISHED TODAY

The fourth story in The Book of Bartholomew is published today.  The story Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist recounts a story Bartholomew once heard about his uncle.  When Uncle Jeffrey was young, he was a very good violin player under the tutelage of Master Czoza.  Master Czoza was a stearn instructor who would push Uncle Jeffrey to play his best.  One day, Master Czoza gave Uncle Jeffrey the challenge of his life -- to play a simple sonatina well enough to make Master Czoza cry.  Can Uncle Jeffrey pull it off?  Does he have what it takes to move Master Czoza's heart?

At it's heart, the story Uncle Jeffrey and the Violin is a story about being an artist, about the role a father can play in a child's life and it is about grief.  Artists are given a task in society to make people feel, to ground them in their emotions, to shed a light upon this life that reveals something more.  A father can push a child through a life-task.  He can be the force behind coming-of-age, when a child is revealed as something more than a child.  And grief... for some men there is a great grief in the loss of childhood.  We get to experience it so briefly in its truest form.  There is grief when the time comes when we know our fathers will no longer take care of us, look out for us and guide us.  Either it is because our father is not there in some manner or because we are no longer a "follower." We become the ones that must lead and care for others.  Along with that responsibility can come great sadness.

These are the thoughts and feelings I have put into this story.  It is one of two "ghost" stories I have written for The Book of Bartholomew.  The other "ghost" story is, fittingly, Aunt Josephine and Her Long Ride.  This is one of my favorite serious stories so far from the book.  I hope you enjoy it.  

Written by Mark Granlund, Illustrated by Martha Iserman and music by Emily Samsel.

Read: Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist

Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist - The Music

The music for this story was a special treat.  My next door neighbor happens to be a violinist.  We started talking about The Book of Bartholomew, and in particular this story about a violinist.  I know nothing about classical music.  Any references in the story that make it seem like I know anything about classical music were hurriedly researched or made up.  But Emily was wonderful at helping with the music, which is integral to the story.

A sonatina, a short sonata, is a major character in the story.  As far as I know, I had never heard a sonatina before.  Emily did some research and found two wonderful short sonatas for violin that would fit the story.  I narrowed it down to the one featured here.  She also found the other song that Uncle Jeffrey plays for Master Czoza half way through the story.  I originally had this as a Mozart composition.  But with Emily's help, it became a Brahm's piece which is a happy contrast to the sonatina and fits the mood of the scene.

Emily plays classical music for weddings and plays with orchestras and in bands. She is often accompanied in these activities by her husband.  They are quite talented and ever so nice people and neighbors.

I am pleased to have songs especially recorded for The Book of Bartholomew and I think you will like these songs very much, also.  Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist, with Emily's songs, will be published on October 26 at The Book of Bartholomew.

Here is Emily, who is part of this week's Bartholomew Asks... video, talking briefly about her natural talent.  Do you think it will be:
- Music (like Uncle Jeffrey)
- Making Friends (like Topping)
- Cooking (like Charlotte, NOT!)
- Being Snooty (like Oliver)

Watch and find out.

Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist - Art

The fourth story in The Book of Bartholomew is Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist.  This story is illustrated by the amazingly talented artist and illustrator Martha Iserman.   I met Martha when I was teaching a botanical art class at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.  She was a student and we became friends.  Martha has created a series of work of monsters from the deep, as she has a great fear of water.  I should probably say "fear of bodies of water", because I don't think she minds taking showers, drinking water or watering her garden (if she had one).  She recently graduated from a very competitive scientific illustration certification program at California State University, Monteray Bay and has been doing amazing work. To see more of Martha's artwork go to: www.bigredsharks.com.

Here is a brief interview with Martha about her work for Uncle Jeffrey and what she is up to now.




To see Martha's work incorporated into the story Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist stay tuned to The Book of Bartholomew (bookofbartholomew.blogspot.com) for an October 26 publishing date.

And checkout previews to the next story at The Book of Bartholomew Facebook Page.

Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist - Story

As the years went by Uncle Jeffrey became a young impresario giving concerts at more and more impressive venues. Yet, Master Czoza was never satisfied with Uncle Jeffrey’s playing. One day, Master Czoza addressed Uncle Jeffrey.

“Uncle Jeffrey, you have been studying violin with me for twelve years now. Have I taught you to love your violin?”

“Yes,” Uncle Jeffrey answered.

“No, you cannot love your violin. It is your tool; it is your slave. It is there for you to shape into beauty, for you to mold it into an expression of love. Do not love your violin. Make your violin into something you love.”

Uncle Jeffrey stared at him.

“Do you understand?”

“No,” said Uncle Jeffrey.

“My son, you are a great talent. You can play a violin like few your age. You are even better than I was at your age,” Master Czoza said looking into Uncle Jeffrey’s eyes. He then turned away and said, “Your future could be unlimited if you begin to play from deep within yourself. Technically, you can master anything-- given enough time.”

Master Czoza turned back toward Uncle Jeffrey.

“Are you ready for the challenge of your life?” he asked in his calm but strong voice.

The story of Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist is the story of all artists.  We have a challenge set before us.  It can seem easy -- we get to play around with clay, paint, music and words.  We get to do something we love.  We get to share our creations with others.  But to do it well, to go beyond ourselves, to be able to reach inside of others to share more than thoughts, to share more than feelings, to give others an experience that in some small way changes their life for the better, is the hardest challenge of all.  Is Uncle Jeffrey up to this challenge?  Are any of us?  Or do we do our best and let the chips fall where they may?  Sometimes they fall into ecstasy.  Sometimes they fall into the toilet.  Most of the times they fall somewhere in between.

While writing this story I cried quite a bit.  I hadn't realized how much I had been struggling over the years to reach -- something -- to reach a point with my art where it flows, where people appreciate it, where it actually begins to express what I want it to.  There is a point in any artist's life when a watershed appears.  Is the enjoyment and satisfaction of making art pleasing enough to continue?  Or are the struggles too much?  With all of life's struggles, many talented people decide "no, I cannot continue."

Uncle Jeffrey is an amazing talent and he has gotten to his position through grief and sadness.  Can one continue playing year after year if one's motivation is founded in sadness, in the need to overcome a hurt or flaw or obstacle?  Does one need a sense of enjoyment and lightness to carry a tune throughout one's life?  These are hard questions that cannot be answered quickly, but once an artist knows the answer, there is no changing their course.  They will continue or they will stop.  They may not even speak it out loud.

For myself, I am desperate.  I have enjoyed almost every minute of this whole project.  I have enjoyed making art, learning web-design techniques, meeting talented compatriots and have especially enjoyed the writing of the stories.  But I want to get to a place in my life where it all flows.  Lately, I have been discovering that many non-art related situations in my life are creating barriers to achieving a "flow."  I am not set-up to continue into the next phase of my making.  I have a fear that I will not get there, I will not be able to make the changes necessary.  This next year of Bartholomew will be a launching pad, or possibly a last gasp.  When it is time for me to stand and play at my master's funeral, I wonder what will come out.   

Come and read Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist at The Book of Bartholomew.   
Uncle Jeffrey the Violinist will be published next week Friday, October 26.
In the meantime, enjoy the other stories in The Book of Bartholomew, then come back here and comment.

Geraldine - The Music by Barbara McAfee

This week, the two songs that accompany the story Geraldine, are by Barbara McAfee.  Barbara is an amazing person who I met briefly several years ago and then spent much more time with recently. In the intervening years, it seemed like we were two sumo wrestlers circling around the ring, not engaging but preparing.  Sizing each other up.  Stomping here, crouching there. Waiting.  Waiting.  Waiting.  And then BLAM! - we talked alot.

Barbara is a singer, musician, inspirational speaker, organizational consultant and voice coach.  She recently published a book titled Full Voice: the art and practice of vocal presence.  She has also recorded 5 cd's of her own.  Two songs off of Barbara's most recent cd, Yes!, appear here at The Book of Bartholomew. 

Barbara has a great ability to see value in people.  We went for a walk along the Mississippi River the other day.  It was a beautiful evening.  The sun was setting and as we walked she shared stories about all these crazy-amazing people in her life; people she had worked with, played with, coached, and lived with.  If she had a negative thought or concern about any of these people, it wasn't expressed.  All I heard was admiration and fascinating descriptions of people who were considered valuable and loved.  That is what I also admire about Barbara's music and the songs that I chose for this story.

Geraldine is not a lovely person.  But Bartholomew sees value in her.  I think Barbara would see value in Geraldine, too, if she wasn't fictional.  Geraldine that is.  Barbara is non-fictional.  I think of Barbara's song Such as These, when I think of Geraldine in these early stories.   Your average person really is doing the best they can just to live.  Sometimes we all need encouragement to remember how good we are in the midst of this crazy life. 

One of my favorite quotes from Barbara's book, Full Voice, is:
"When did we start to believe that becoming less of ourselves would keep us safe?"

That is a powerful line in which I am still immersed.  I might be there for quite sometime before being able to get some distance and "know" it.  Geraldine doesn't understand the concept of safety.  She is fierce in presenting herself to others.  Some might say she is unaware.  But that is two sides of the same coin.  I think Bartholomew likes Geraldine's lack of concern for safety.  He has been protecting himself for so long that Geraldine is a breath of fresh air, a different perspective, a different model of being.  He knows he needs to change in order to have the life he wants, and Geraldine just might be his catalyst.  Although no one else will see her as valuable and worthy of their attention, affection, and time, by the end of this story Bartholomew is taken - hook, line and sinker.

Thank you Barbara for such wonderful heart-felt songs. 

Bartholomew Asks... What Do You Look for in a Partner?

Geraldine - Art Work

  

The next story in The Book of Bartholomew, to be published on October 19, is Geraldine. This is the cover image for the short story, painted by myself, Mark Granlund. Yes, this is a painting of a frog being boiled in water. There is an old idea that a frog, because it is cold-blooded and its body temperature is dependent on the temperature around them, could slowly be brought to a boil and cooked without recognizing it.  That is what this painting represents - something terrible happening to someone without their knowledge.

I have painted and drawn frogs over the years so it was fun to revisit this motif.  The boiling water was different.  I have never depicted boiling water and set to watching a pot of water boil.  Funny, time seemed to move slowly, as if it  would never get there.

Here is a drawing of a leopard frog that is included inside the story.  In the cover illustration, the frog represents an unaware character.  This drawing represents a hideous character.  In the printed version, the reverse image is also included.

I hope you enjoy this next story, the music and the illustration.