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Verna Gates
Author, Freelance Writer, Speaker, Storyteller, Educator
Speeches available for 20 minutes to a series:
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100 Things to do in Birmingham Before You Die
A history of Birmingham and some surprising things to do in the Magic City!
Did you know we have a museum dedicated to Japanese tourism? Have you
heard about our famous madam who saved the city? The elephant who
gave rides to children while demanding gallons of beer in return? There
are plenty of quirky people and events that made Birmingham a fascinating
place to explore!
Wildflower Folklore
What flowers warn the fairies when strangers come? What bird cut out a
piece of the sky to make a flower? What plant resulted from one of Hercules' labors? What flower did Adam forget in the Garden of Eden? Do you know
about the Doctrine of Signatures? Find out in this entertaining journey into wildflower folklore.
Wicked Plants
A Halloween favorite! Want the power of love? Pick violets during the last
quarter of the moon. Cast a spell? You'll need the devilish mandrake.
See lost souls? Turn invisible? Cause mayhem? There is a plant for that.
History of the World through Flowers
Napoleon promised to return with the blooming of the violets. Jefferson was accused of treason for ordering chicory seeds from the British. How did the flour de lis and thistle come to represent countries?
The Bible through Flowers
In the Song of Solomon, God was called The Lily of Valley and the Rose of Sharon. This scripture uses symbolism to define God as pure (Lily) love
(Rose). The Bible is filled with flowers and plants, all rich in symbolism.
Increase your Biblical knowledge with an understanding of their meanings.
Also, native plants associated with Biblical events.
Gardener's Latin
Venus the Goddess of Love, rode a wave onto the island of Cyprus, leaving her tiny shoe. She also left a name on the lady's slipper, Cypripedium. Learn Latin names the easy way with the stories that inspired the naming of the plants. Many Latin names relate back to Greek and Roman mythology - the stories these ancient botanists used to teach themselves plant identification.
Southern Humor
From lies (Yankees call them "tall tales") to good clean humor, Stories true, mostly true, and not true at all are told just for fun. From squirrels with pierced tales and tattoos to a grandpa with aids, one in each ear, we will share some laughs.
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