Many things have changed for me since my days as a street performer, but I’ve kept Brother Blue in the back of my mind since then. I still remember the things he used to say, and I’ve tried to channel his spirit in my work as an English teacher. And I will never forget that first day when he danced for me and the streets of Cambridge, MA. Long Live Brother Blue. Long Live Love. Long Live Life.

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The following is his full obituary:
Brother Blue, aka Hugh Morgan Hill, died peacefully at home on November 3, 2009 at the age of 88. An internationally renowned storyteller, mentor to hundreds, inspiration to thousands and beloved husband of Ruth Edmonds Hill, Brother Blue’s life exemplified his passionate belief that telling and listening to stories changes the world. His stories have changed the worlds of everyone who heard him.

Brother Blue was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 12, 1921. An exceptional student, he served in the US Military from 1943-1946 in both theaters during World War Two; he was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. He obtained an AB from Harvard College, an MFA from Yale School of Drama and his PhD from Union Graduate School.

By the late-1960s Brother Blue, always accompanied by his wife Ruth, was telling stories on the streets, in prisons, in classrooms and more. His stories always allowed the listener to imagine bigger worlds, see themselves in the heart of the tale and believe that they, too, were storytellers. Brother Blue said that he told stories, “from the middle of the middle of me to the middle of the middle of you,” and that if you heard another person’s story you could never harm them, so stories could save the world. He never stopped telling stories. Brother Blue ran a storytelling series in Cambridge for over 20 years, where many storytellers found their own voices. Brother Blue and his wife Ruth always listened with uncritical and loving ears, encouraging everyone. He received multiple international awards for his art and was the official storyteller of both Cambridge and Boston.

Brother Blue is survived by his wife Ruth Edmonds Hill, his sister Beatrice Hill, his niece Lynda Hill, his nephew Thomas Hill and hundreds of storytellers, poets, musicians, street performers, beatniks, and loveniks. Visiting hours are on Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Keefe Funeral Home, 2175 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA. The internment will be on Monday, November 9, 2009 at 1pm at the Pittsfield Cemetery, Pittsfield MA.

To my former students and graduates: I’ll be sending positive thoughts in your direction as you take the next step in your Journey.   This is your time to shine, so Seize the Day!

And to my new students: I am preparing a place for you, and I look forward to meeting you soon.  Bring your A-game!

Peace,

Mr. Critelli

The Sun Grows In Your Smile

by Linda Rodriguez

<!– (from Hearts Migration) –>

I want to leave you with a few quotes from Illusions by Richard Bach, one of my favorite novellas. 

What a caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly.

Learning is finding out what you already know.  Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you. You are all learners, doers, and teachers.

You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however.

Don’t be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.  And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.

Farewell, Friends!  I look forward to meeting you again somewhere on down the line. 

Love,

Mr. Critelli

The day before, Noah Fresh & Co. (75% of this band are MHS students) played a very cool set of original music on the Bandshell Stage.  They have a brand new record out too – google ‘em!

It was great to see so many students outside enjoying the day and each other.  I had a wonderful weekend, and I hope you did too!  Thanks for a good time!

It’ll be May by the end of this week, and next weekend is the Junior Prom.  Can you believe how time flies!?  

Thought for today:   Beauty is Truth.  Truth is Beauty.   -  Keats 

Be Truthful, stay Beautiful, and have a smooth week!

I identify with John Muir on many levels.  He said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”  I’ve found this to be the truth.  Spending time in nature helps me to re-establish my own pace in a world that constantly pushes harder and faster.  Now that Spring is here, there are more opportunities than ever to explore the natural beauty of Meriden.  Looky Looky: Hanging Hills, the Linear Trail, and forget Hubbard Park – it’s Daffodil Festival Weekend on April 25 and 26. 

You can read more quotes from John Muir here.  Have a great day, and Keep it Natural!

Phase Two of the spring fresh-up around here has begun.  I actually washed the boards this morning.  I feel good about this because they haven’t been washed since last fall.  I’m planning to wash the desks next, but the allure of literature has temporarily pulled my attention away from spring-cleaning… 

As it turns out, it was on this day in 1939 that John Steinbeck‘s novel The Grapes of Wrath  was published.  He wrote the novel in five months, writing about 2,000 words a day. He warned his publisher that it wouldn’t be very popular; however, it became an immediate sensation.  It was the best-selling book of 1939. The next year, it won the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature.  I guess a lot of people identified with the protagonist’s search for dignity.  It was also publically discussed, debated, banned, and burned…perhaps for some, it contained a Truth too difficult to swallow.  It was Steinbeck’s novel, Travels With Charley, that inspired me to drive across country in the summer of 1992 – you probably read Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck last year. 

Today is also the birthday (1866) of fellow New-Englander Anne Sullivan, a great teacher and a true inspiration.

…And if that wasn’t enough, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on this day in 1865, and the Titanic sunk on this day in 1912!  Holy Moly…there is so much to know and think about!

Don’t forget:  Thursday, April 16 at 6pm in the LMS auditorium, there is a public hearing on the city budget.  Go there and tell them what you need.  Also on Thursday (same time, oddly enough) , there will be a reception at the Sandman Gallery downtown to honor two of my students – they have been awarded First and Second Prize in the City of Meriden Photo Contest! 

Well, I’d better get back to straightening up around here.   If you don’t see me walking around Guiffrida Park this week, I’ll see you at school soon! 

I hope your days are relaxing and free.   Be cool, Man!

Also this weekend, I witnessed (and was inspired by) a loving act of selflessness.  I learned that Love has less to do my feelings, and more to do with making others feel.  I learned about empathy, expecting nothing in return for Love, and the full realization that Love can be lost.

I’m pretty sure that these two experiences are connected somehow, and I have a feeling I will be considering these ideas for some time to come.  I hope you had an inspiring and lesson-filled weekend as well.  I’d enjoy reading your thoughts on these topics if you have any.

This week has just begun, but we’ll be on vacation by the end of it.  Hang in there, and I hope your day is Smooth and Sweet!