I continue to facilitate Writing As Healing workshop at UC Davis Cancer Center based on the AWA method (see below). It will meet in 2010 for sessions of six consecutive Tuesdays with two week breaks between sessions. It is open to adult patients, caregivers, staff, and anyone directly affected by cancer. Group size is limited so if you are able to come, register now! Writing as a Healing ArtI wrote the lower piece to the right exactly one week after my husband of 11 years died. My wonderful friend, Jan, had been inviting me for years to participate in writing groups through Sutterwriters. Mike died on a Tuesday, which was usually his regular clinic day, and when I had the opportunity to write with this amazing group on the following Tuesday, I took it. I am so glad I did because the writers, the method, and the pen-n-paper have been such a powerful healing presence in my life for over a year now.
I still write regularly in (and out of) weekly groups and help facilitate when needed for Sutterwriters as well as for Writing as Healing classes instructed by Jan through Sacramento City College. My hope is to introduce others, especially young adults affected by a cancer diagnosis, to this method of writing developed by Pat Schneider and the Amherst Writers & Artists.
Other works I'm contributing photos and written content for the upcoming Planet Cancer book, gathering ideas for the possibility of my own publication regarding issues surrounding being a surviving spouse, and am planning involvement with The Waiting Room magazine. | Written PiecesHope is marvelous, miraculous. At times when needed most, it may be elusive or non-existent. Then, suddenly, when you think hope is gone, it peeks around the corner, giving a coy wink, daring chase. The hide and seek continues, not a game but real life and real death when the difference of outcome may be influenced by relentlessly searching for hope, grabbing hold of it and not letting go. Sarah Wenstrand 5 November 2008 Written during one of Sharon Bray's monthly Writing Through Cancer sessions at Stanford. She also hosts an amazing online forum with weekly prompts if you are interested in writing but don't live nearby. I am from a past, a place with a pause on present and future. This past I am from included you. Those other times -- other times I can't even fathom to think of now, yet catch myself yearning for -- a time unpaused. Those other times, they will be without you, or at least without your body. It's been a week on pause. A week today. And the only future I can picture right now is tonight when I attempt to find a place to set your ashes. |