Writing is like praying,
because you stop all other activities,
descend into silence,
and listen patiently to the depths of your soul,
waiting for true words to come.
When they do,
you thank God because you know the words are a gift,
and you write them down as honestly and cleanly as you can.
― Helen Prejean
Advanced Notice: Zoom Workshop The Art of Writing Memoir
Monday, September 21 & 28, 1:00-3:00p
Facilitator: Ellen Ryan
Memoir Writing
Writing is a different way of accessing memory. Once we begin writing, more memories come to us. Writing down life stories is especially poignant for people with dementia, for whom time is running out. Writing connects individuals with who they have been and who they are now. Writing connects us all because we are all, in a way, a picture faiding, people whose time is running out.
xxx
Ryan and Bannister, Writing to Reclaim Identity in Dementia
Ryan and Schindel-Martin, Using Narrative Arts to Foster Personhood in Dementia
Writing can be enhanced with artwork, photography, videos, and music. Presentation can happen in a number of formats – creativity can go in many directions.
More Writing
My Pilgrim Shadow
My brief article is published this month – on taking my camera on walks to capture my shadow along the way.
See pp 27-29 in this issue of Sage-ing: Creative Spirit, Grace and Gratitude
With this shadow photo,
I bid you adieu,
Ellen