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- How I Learned To Tell Time
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- KUFM - Montana Public Radio
How I Learned To Tell Time is all about the adventures of a six-year-old boy trying hard to discover what comes so easily to his classmates. To gain enlightenment in the 1960s, Jay must do battle with Clock Man, evade the jaws of a red devil, and escape from a teacher who imprisons him behind a piano and traps his head in her armpit. Luckily, Jay’s best friend and mentor, George Georgie, is there to help. Together they navigate the strange landscape that is eastern Montana — where playgrounds are the size of small towns and first-graders fly like birds, at least in their own minds. Sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s guiding this odd odyssey — the 49-year-old narrator or his six-year-old self. But that only adds to the fascinating mystery of the phenomenon we call Time.
Recorded by Beth Anne Austein in the studios of Montana Public Radio.
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Piece Description
How I Learned To Tell Time is all about the adventures of a six-year-old boy trying hard to discover what comes so easily to his classmates. To gain enlightenment in the 1960s, Jay must do battle with Clock Man, evade the jaws of a red devil, and escape from a teacher who imprisons him behind a piano and traps his head in her armpit. Luckily, Jay’s best friend and mentor, George Georgie, is there to help. Together they navigate the strange landscape that is eastern Montana — where playgrounds are the size of small towns and first-graders fly like birds, at least in their own minds. Sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s guiding this odd odyssey — the 49-year-old narrator or his six-year-old self. But that only adds to the fascinating mystery of the phenomenon we call Time.
Recorded by Beth Anne Austein in the studios of Montana Public Radio.
15 Comments
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Brian McKennaWhat a fantastic piece this was! It took me back to my own childhood, made me laugh, and even choked me up a bit. Everything came together perfectly, from the fine performances to the music, to the exceptionally well-written script. I look forward to hearing more of Mr. Kettering's work, and hope I won't have to wait too long. Outstanding! |
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TimeThe vererable Mr Kettering has taken the thread of time and stirred my childhood memories. I had a wonderful time with the piece. Time after time I found myself in the character relating to the story. At times, I thought I was the character being the youngest of 4 brothers, AND my Dad was a highschool coach. Good times! Time will tell where this piece will take Mr Kettering, for me it was time well spent. |
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Jay Peterson
Posted on March 06, 2011 at 01:37 PM | Permalink
From One Jay Bird to Another
Jay, I have listened to this story twice now. Please write another. Take me back again to the Huntley Project. The things we share - the playground with the majestic swings, the Red Devil (gone with the recent fire), Dinty's Bar and Cafe, and the voice of your father - you bring them to life again. Jay Peterson, Huntley Project High School Class of 1970