Readings, Risk and Rewards!

Readings! Readings! Readings!

Whew!

It's been an exciting time getting out there and sharing my stories through the AWCS open mic series!

My acting chops are getting honed again and I am LOVING IT!

Cheers to the good folks at the Found Bookstore in Cochrane where I sat spellbound by cowboy poets that filled the night with their authenticity while veteran spoken word artists bookended the evening in profound word speak and generosity. What an honour to be part of this great event! I returned home inspired.

(playwright and memoir author of "Stone Cold Tea" Winn Bray Rathbun)

My story soothsayer, SallyV was on hand to delight us all with the amazing Weyman Chan (in the background) weaving the evening with his magic.

The next day I was off to Edmonton's open mic at Paper Birch Bookstore, hosted by the warm and welcoming Lavinia Leon. Diverse voices flowed through the space with room for all to share their artistry. Worthy rants and rumbles unveiled injustice as slice of life levity lightened our load. Oh the new friends I am making. Such a rich and worthy experience!

As soon as I got back from Edmonton I led a professional development workshop on healing stories with committed, creative and courageous staff from Nellie Mc Clung School. Risk and reward was ever present as the staff delved into the process with confidence and curiosity! Beyond honoured, folks.

Storytelling boxes, duotangs, objects, small photos replicating the Ukrainian immigrant story and tactile rice for calming were included for each teacher to keep.

We used emotional mapping to build our collective story and had an excellent discussion on how to develop dialogue.

Such professionals!

Finding the landscape in our hands using Gordon Lightfoot's lyrics to his "Railroad Trilogy" was poetic.

Collective caring without the grandstanding gave permission for pure creative moments and nurturing.

Finding the calm in the many storms that surrounded us, we let our hands rest and then wander.

"When the green dark forest was too silent to be real." ("Railroad Trilogy" Gordon Lightfoot)

Recently I've traveled to Red Deer to find a venue for a third book launch. As mentioned in my previous post, I have one in Calgary and in Edmonton but would really like to travel the province to promote my work. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

More readings coming in the next few weeks and the unveiling of my book design!

It pays to risk. What's the reward?

Sweet satisfaction and believing that your voice counts.