Welcome to “Stickworld”. As Elizabeth Zephyrine McDonough teaches us in this informative short film, in Stickworld, sticks are everywhere. But how did she come to this revelation? And how can we, as viewers, continue to learn more about sticks? We spoke with McDonough to find out.
For those watching this video and wanting to make their own trip to Stickworld, would you be able to provide directions or coordinates?
We all find our own way to Stickworld, but my main advice would be to follow the sticks. People already use this technique to find water in some dry areas of the world, and our ancestors followed sticks in relation to the sun to find the time of day. You can also use sticks to find other sticks. Just point the stick and follow. Like a moth to a flame, it will bring you home.
When did you first become aware of the existence of sticks?
I grew up pointing things, but my finger only went so far, and I always felt I could use something longer and more direct. That’s where poles came in. Once I started using them, I realized the possibilities were endless. Most people don’t notice they’re using poles all day. Morning routine: brush with a dental stick. Want something to stir your coffee? Insert a utensil rod. Need to clear the roads to get to work? You will use shovel sticks. Heaven is said to be a place on Earth, and when you start seeing the world through stick glasses – devices which, I’ll point out, also use two sticks to stay on your head – you’ll find that Stickworld is also a placer on Earth.
How did you develop and hone your batting expertise?
Some people don’t realize it, but sticks come from trees. Trees grow organically from the ground, and developing your own appreciation of sticks and expertise in their many uses is as natural a process as the sticks themselves. Just grow, grow, grow, until a storm knocks you down or someone cuts you down for firewood.
Did you attend a stick college? What, exactly, are your references?
To my knowledge, there is no official stick university, although I must point out that every existing university uses millions of sticks to make its buildings, not to mention the countless writing sticks (pencils) which are essential to the learning process itself. You could say that every university is basically a stick university. I guess along those lines, I went to Harvard.
What are your ten favorite stick types?
Floating stick, stick with flowers, incredibly long stick carried by a dog, stick with a heart and initials engraved on it, pointing stick, stick for writing on the sand, stick for pretending a sword, stick for poking coarse things , large sitting stick, organic stick (health nuts love this one).
What are your ten least favorite stick types?
N / A.
I notice that you dress a bit like a stick (in brown, etc.). Is it intentional? Is it appropriate?
I can’t help it if my area of expertise starts merging with my personal life – it’s part of the price of having a passion. And if someone accidentally mistook me for a stick, would I be flattered? Of course, I’m only human. But any visual similarity is strictly coincidental.
Did Big Stick pay you to produce this video?
I can’t speak for Big Stick, but if they wanted to continue funding my productions, I’d be more than happy to discuss a partnership, as long as we also make room for Mom’s Little Sticks and of pop to pursue their dreams.
Is Fart Lady proud of you?
I can’t speak for Fart Lady, but I hope she will. And, if the volume of his output is any indication, I’d say that’s a resounding yes.
