IWSG October 2013

Quote of the Day:  What type of writing do you most want to be known for? Question posed to me by Lu at a recent women's retreat.

Hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Here we are at the first Wednesday of another month, and it's time for another posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Click on his name to join in or read more posts from insecure writers and artists.

When Lu asked me the question, above, I did not hesitate when I answered, "A playwright." That said, my huge insecurity is that I need to get busy. I have started my next play (pat on the back), and think about it every day, but need to make the time to write it. In addition, I'm getting some pressure from my fans (those who saw Coffee Shop Confessions here in the Brainerd area) who are asking, ''So when's the next play?" (Will this new one be as well received? Will people want to take the time to have a part in it?)

The other part of that insecurity are those words from "the committee" who say, "Who am I to be known as a playwright?" especially when so many women have been working really hard to make a name for themselves as playwrights, to get their plays produced, and prosper. The battle rages on for equality in theatre. Even some of my closest friends believe that more playwrights are men. The truth is, more plays that get produced are written by men. 

I don't want this to be a post about gender equality. No matter what the roadblocks appear to be, you (I'm also talking to myself here) have the power to leap over them, to push them aside, even ignore them, and carry on. 

So, after publishing this post, and doing some edits on an article (for which I get paid), I'll be writing the next scene in Grace Notes: Piano Bench Confessions. Are you ready for another original play by the not-yet-famous Mary Aalgaard? 

Group handshake before each performance of my play "Coffee Shop Confessions."

One huge motivator for me is in sharing the story. The table reading is like a big party where I invite safe, theatre-minded folks to my home (this time the Art Spa house), to read my play and offer feedback. Then, there's the HUGE celebration of performing it for an audience, seeing people getting together and experiencing the story is thrilling, to say the least.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What type of writing (or art) do you most want to be known for?

L is for Local

The Quote of the Day that inspired my A to Z Challenge theme -
A Word for the Day that takes on many meanings.

 Quote of the Day: A writer lives in awe of words for they can be cruel or kind, and they can change their meanings right in front of you. They pick up flavors and odors like butter in a refrigerator. John Steinbeck

Word of the Day: Local

adj

1. characteristic of or associated with a particular locality or area

2. of, concerned with, or relating to a particular place or point in space

3. (Medicine) Med of, affecting, or confined to a limited area or part Compare general [10] systemic [2]

4. (of a train, bus, etc.) stopping at all stations or stops

n

1. a train, bus, etc., that stops at all stations or stops

2. an inhabitant of a specified locality

3. Brit informal a pub close to one's home or place of work

4. (Medicine) Med short for local anaesthetic

5. (Communication Arts / Journalism & Publishing) US and Canadian an item of local interest in a newspaper

6. US and Canadian a local or regional branch of an association

7. (Electronics & Computer Science / Telecommunications) Canadian a telephone extension

Most of the time we use the term local to refer to the people and places where we live. It can be funny. If you're with people who have lived in the place all their lives, and you moved here from some other place, they are the locals, and you are the transplants, as they say. But, if you are out in the lakes area, like I am, and talk with the visitors and tourists, you are a local resident. When I was in Germany, we went down to der Local fur ein Bier. (I don't think I need to translate that one.) I didn't know the Canadian usage as a telephone extension.

I moved to the Brainerd lakes area about eight years ago. I stopped in at The Barn for lunch last week with my publicist Krista and her twin daughters. It's a famous local establishment, delicious burgers with fries or onion rings, and pie. Here are a few photos for my Favorite Photos Friday post:

We promise. We won't whine.

As long as we get some pie and ice cream.

Good marketing, having it sit right out there to tempt us all.

Dutch apple with raspberries ala mode.

Good coffee, too.

My favorite shot of the day.

You just know that all the local politics, problems, and people are discussed here.

I popped in local artist Seth Doud's CD while writing this post. I think I'll head on down to the Turn next time he's there (just found out via facebook that will be Saturday the 14th right after our show). The folks here are filling up all our performances of Coffee Shop Confessions. We're sold out for this weekend's performances at The Coco Moon. They are gracious and responsive audiences. Thanks, folks! As Lolly says in our play, "We gave them a time to come together, to laugh, to cry, to feel." To be part of a community. Do you think I'm officially a local girl, now? I hope so.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Do you feel like a local in your current community? What's your favorite local establishment, entertainment, or artist?

Insecure Writer's Group in March

Quote of the Day:  Confession, alas, is the new handshake. Richard Rosen

Today is the first Wednesday of the month where we join other voices in sharing our insecurities. Click on the badge on the side for a list of more bloggers who have joined the Insecure Writer's Support Group started by blogger/author Alex J. Cavanaugh.

It was a huge success for me to produce my first original full-length play Coffee Shop Confessions this past weekend. I have written two novels that are in the proverbial drawer. I had rejections and set-backs, angst like the sun-dried dessert, and real fears of exposing my art. I was afraid of both the possible failure and success. It's like I'd be standing in front of the crowd completely naked, and I knew I couldn't do it alone. So, I shared my dream with my friend JeMA. I shared my work with a few trusted friends. I wrote on despite the negative voices in my head. I set a date for a read-through. I set a date for performance. I asked people to join my creative team, and this is what I got - a sell-out audience, applause, and request for more performances, not to mention a sense that I helped build community. Something has cracked in the universe.

Before our performances, we gathered in a circle to wish each other well and invite the creative spirit to enter and go out into the world.

We gather in a huddle

Our hands come together

like the spokes of a wheel

We close our fingers

over the hand of the other.

We are one,

A spiral of creative energy

as we shout:

Go. Create. Inspire!

My message to you on this March edition of the Insecure Writer's Support Group is to invite trusted friends into your circle. They will help you succeed.

Journaling Prompt:  Whom will you invite into your circle?

Building Community

Quote of the Day:  What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured. ~ Kurt Vonnegut 
The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers & cities; but to know someone who thinks & feels with us, & who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
quotes found at Goodreads quotes. They had many great ones on community.

Here's how some of the creative folks are working together to build community here in the Brainerd lakes area of Minnesota. Matt Taylor (in the white) and Phil Holbrook (not pictured) opened The Sunshine Kitchen & Moonshine Lounge. (love the name)

Seth Doud, local singer-songwriter performed last weekend. He invited his friend, Suzy Cavalier, to open for him.

The bonus was that it was her birthday, so we all got to celebrate.

She did not share her cake with us. But, she did give us the gift of her music, and it was wonderful. I mentioned these two on my blogspot on The Brainerd Dispatch. I also alerted readers to all the wonderful entertainment offerings in the area in the coming month and mentioned that my friend Jim Olsen and his band, the Stardust Trio, would be at the Moonshine Lounge this weekend. Jim wrote on his facebook status:  It's been a GREAT NIGHT! The Stardust Trio had it's first gig at Sunshine Kitchen / Moonshine Lounge, and, if I must say so myself, it went very well. My friend, Dick, is, without a doubt, the best guitarist I've ever had the honor to share a stage with. He was more than outstanding tonite!....and I was very pleased the crowd, which was a younger audience, really appreciated his playing.

This is just one of many ways that I've seen artists in the area singing each other's praises. If we all go out and support each other, what a fine creative community we will enjoy.

The Sunshine Kitchen & Moonshine Lounge tells us to:

And, as I always say: Go. Create. Inspire!

And, support your local artists!

Journaling Prompt:  What are some of your favorite local hangouts? What local groups or artists do you like to see and hear in your area?

James Keelaghan

Quote of the Day:  I have a dream, and I gave it a name, and the name that I gave it was your name. - James Keelaghan, lyrics from the song he used for the audience participation part of his concert. It set me to dreaming.

James Keelaghan is a singer/songwriter from Winnipeg, Canada, with roots in Calgary.  His folk songs are often historical ballads, rich in story, soothing in tone. His guitar is part of him, which he plays masterfully and musically. I'm pulled into the song with the first chord. He kept tweaking and tuning it throughout the concert and explained that with his extensive travel, his guitar was suffering from "tune-lag."

In fact, Keelaghan sprinkled humor throughout the show, which is good because many of the subjects of his songs are dark - death, tragedy, loss.  He shared stories of people and places he's been.  And, that's what I love - the stories.  He has a story about where he got his inpiration for a song. The song itself is a story, and how the song goes out into the world and takes on a life of its own, is a story.  Hillcrest Mine is a tribute to 189 men and boys who died in a mining accident near his hometown, long before he was born. (I don't remember what year he said it happened.) One of his most famous songs, Kiri's Piano, is about the Japanese internment camps in Canada during WWII. (I thought it was just us paranoid Americans who did that. But, our neighbors to the North were just as afraid.) This song then became part of a family's story and they shared it with him - about a young man, a miniature guitar, Pearl Harbor, 1941, a sunken ship, a dead serviceman, and a gift.  You'll need to attend one of Keelaghan's concert to get the full details. I wouldn't be able to do the story justice from a one time hearing.

Which brings me to the main reason I was at this concert in the first place. It took place in a new kind of church building called Live Well, also a Nightclub and Coffee Bar. My friend and I were up for some local entertainment. We'd walked into a bar that smelled like beer and popcorn with way too many guys oogling us. So, we went to the town's best pizza place then headed over to the concert. We left our dollar in the basket and helped ourselves to a sparkling water, lime flavored, and settled into the rocking chairs.  Yep, this church has a variety of seating, including loveseats, couches, and soft chairs. I sat down, kicked off my clogs, put my feet up on the automan and commensed to giggling. What a hoot! I've never been so relaxed at a concert.

I'd spent the previous day baking a variety of goodies to bring to a funeral, which I'd worked at all morning. It was good fellowship, a celebration of the life of a wonderful woman who was dearly loved by her family and communities where she lived, taught, and worked to make this a better world. Evelyn was 93.

So, when I got to the concert, I was tired. I felt relaxed in my rocking chair and soothed by the music.

Thanks, James Keelaghan, for coming to little Nisswa, MN for their Grassroots concert series. Thanks for your gift of music, writing, and storytelling. As he said, "That's why I write. Because we need to share our stories." I gave an "Amen." He certainly made a connection with me.

Mary relaxing at a folk concert

Photo by Joey Halvorson who didn't have her nice camera with her, but happened to be sitting behind me at the concert. (I thought I felt a nudge from back there.)

So, she took the pic from Wadeen's phone, who sent it to Joey, who emailed it to me, where I saved it to my computer, and pasted it onto my blog, so that you could see what a wonderful and relaxing time I had on Friday night.

I think this shot captures the mystical feel of the evening.

Go. Create. Inspire! And, attend live shows. They are so worth it!!

For more shows at the Grassroots Concert series in Nisswa, MN, click here.

Next stop for James Keelaghan, the United Kingdom. Perhaps, he's bringing a bit of our Minnesota spirit with him. Seems like his guitar is handling the "tune-lag" just fine.

Journaling Prompt:  What is the story behind a song, or group, that you like?

Generations of New Faces

Quote of the Day:  Meeting someone for the first time is like going on a treasure hunt  What wonderful worlds we can find in others! - Edward E. Ford

As I entered the Kiwanis Park for the Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday morning, I was struck immediately by the mix of generations that gathered.  From newborn babies to great-grandparents, we all came together.  This disease affects all generations.  We had various mobility aids from strollers to walkers to wheelchairs to helping hands. 

Photo by Joey Halvorson

Some people might have been meeting for the first time. While others have known each other for years.  You never know when a new friend might be waiting on the other side of a "Hello."

As we journey through life, we might be side by side, in tandem, or walking parallel paths that maybe someday will cross.  At some point, we'll need a little push.  At another, we'll be the one who lends a hand.

May the hills and valleys of life lead you to new adventures, deeper relationships, and inspirational moments.

Journaling Prompt:  Describe how you met one of your best friends.

Clandestine Collecting

Quote of the Day:  I woke up this morning with this song running through my mind.  Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood? Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood? The people that you meet each day. from Sesame Street

I was in on a great conversation last Saturday at that wedding reception. (No eavesdropping needed, I was legitimately there.) A woman was talking about her mother-in-law (MIL), how well they get along, actually, yet, she has some quirky habits. As they were planning her wedding, the MIL suggested they have fresh-cut flowers, from the garden.
DIL:  But, we don't have much for flowers in our garden this year.
MIL: Oh, that doesn't matter.  We'll just go night picking around the neighborhood.

(eyesbrows up - laughter all around)

You never know where you'll gather up good dialogue, hear a great story, collect bits of humor that you can later use in your written work. As you go about your daily life, doing mundane things like buying meat, you might strike up a conversation with the butcher and discover new ingredients to add to your lasagna. Now, I've gotta be a little careful here. If you're a mystery writer, you might already have some dark thoughts on that statement.  To clarify, I was buying both ground beef and chicken & swiss brats (they really are great), and he suggested I put some of the brat meat in the lasagna. So, I'm going to try it on my guests for Thursday night. (Stop thinking like Agatha Christie!)

Go. Create. Inspire! (and do a bit of clandestine collecting, you might gather a bouquet of ideas)

Journaling Prompt:  Write about a time/place/person who gave you great ideas for your project.

MOMS for MAMS

Quote of the Day:  When we walk together, no one has to walk alone.

I'm in a community group called the Mothers of Multiples (MOMS).  One of our own developed breast cancer last fall.  Colleen, pictured above, is 41, has a 13-year-old daughter and triplets who just turned eight.  Hers is inflammatory breast cancer, which is not a lump, but first appears as a rash or bumpy skin. At first, she was treated for rash, given anti-biotics, and topical creams, but they did nothing.  As her condition worsened, she got more assertive, and was diagnosed early in December.

You need to be diligent.  Anything that seems unusual or painful needs to be taken care of.  Listen to your intuition.  Early detection saves lives.

This was my first time walking in the Komen Brainerd lakes Race for the Cure, and I was team captain of MOMS for MAMS in support of Colleen.  I also volunteered to help with registration.  Might as well jump right in!  I liked this gal's hat.

The Race has turned into a huge community event.  Over 2000 people walked or ran, and many more volunteered, or just came to support someone they love.

Colleen is in the bright pink survivor t-shirt, surrounded by her family, and several of the MOMS behind her.  I misted up more than once as I witnessed people getting out and giving their support financially, physcially, and emotionally to people affected by breast cancer.

These folks were walking for their dad/husband.  Don't forget that men can get breast cancer, too.

There's always someone with a sense of humor!

Colleen said that much of the money we raise for this walk stays in the community and that she's already felt the benefits.  We have a Pink Ribbon Cupboard that provides things like gas cards, money to pay bills, insurance, and other support.

MOMS for MAMS

Collen with her triplets who are tired after their long walk, her mom on the end, her husband, nephew, and sister-in-law.

Colleen is celebrating her last round of chemo next Tuesday. It's been a rough road, but we're praying that all the efforts, sickness, surgeries, and treatment will pay off and that she'll have many happy, healthy years watching her kids grow.  Here's Colleen's blog, News from Up North, if you'd like to send her some good wishes.

Journaling Prompt:  Have you ever participated in a cause walk? Do you know someone with breast cancer, or are you a survivor?  How have you, or your community, shown support?

Community

Quote of the Day:  We are marching in the light of God music and text from a South African hymn.  As the text indicates, this is a march tempo.  The words repeat.  We can set our books down and march together.  Additional action words: dancing, singing, praying, walking.

When we walk together, we don't have to walk alone.  This is the first year that I'm walking in the Race for the Cure Walk for Breast Cancer, and I'm a team captain!  I'm in a group called Mothers of Multiples (MOMs).  One of our members is battling inflammatory breast cancer.  If you want to walk with us, be a spirit walker, or donate, you can go here.  Our team name is MOMS for MAMS.  Kinda fun.

I'm writing a story for our local women's magazine on The Buddy Walk, which is a walk for families and people who have Down syndrome.  I've talked to three local families, and they all have a unique story.  What is common is the desire to build community, to walk together.

Here I am walking, (well, drinking coffee and talking after a long day with middle schoolers), with two of my favorite writers from this region.  We were all presenters at the Young Authors Conference (YAC) in Nothern Minnesota.  If you'll remember Friday's post, I was nervous about going, questioning if I belong, and despite that crazy talk, found success.  In fact, we had a great time.  Some of the highlights include: reciting poetry at the dinner table on Tues. night, singing random songs, discussing religion, and serenading the full moon and a couple birthday girls with Amazing Grace.

Roxane (Bob Marley in the above photo) has more details of the fun at YAC on her blog, Peacegarden Mama.

Journaling Prompt:  Have you walked for any causes?  Do you know someone with Down syndrome?  How do you experience community?

Meat Rewards

Quote of the Day:  In every task that must be done there is an element of fun.  You find the fun, and snap, the job's a game. One of my favorite lines in "A Spoonful of Sugar" from Mary Poppins.

Blogpost Subtitle:  2011 Spring Break Stay-cation, Many nights of Oscar films, and Boy v. Nature:

Between the time change and Spring Break, I had a hard time knowing what time it was, what day it was, and what to do with all these boys besides run back to the store for more milk.  I brought two of mine, plus a neighbor boy, to the Y with me for workouts at noon Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  I thought they could use the pool while I went to my Group Power class.  That worked fine on Monday and Wednesday, but on Tuesday, we were all a little confused.  It was not a Group Power day, even though I asked for a GP card, and the pool wasn't open for free swim.  So, I did yoga (Tuesday is yoga day), and they played in the gym and gave me a bad time for not checking the pool schedule.  I did check the schedule, I just didn't know what day it was. 

On Thursday, I brought one of my piano students and her mom with me to a local assisted living center where we played piano.  It lifted me spirits, and I hope it gave them some joy as well.  A few of the residents napped through the concert.  Maybe we gave them some sweet dreams.  Up until that day, I'd been feeling gloomy about all the worlds' crises, and wondering what's the point.  Doing something for others puts life into perspective.  God wants us to live in community and live the best life we can, all the way into our sleepy years.

Afterwards, I brought three of my boys and three of their friends to a hotel water park.  That was our main excitement on this Stay-cation Spring Break.  They had fun running off steam.  I soaked it up.  My hair was poofy and curly after four hours, and I got a good chunk read of The Book Thief, very good.

Friday, was orthodontic appointments for all.  They weren't as excited about that!  In the afternoon, I got to hold the brand new baby next door.  She was born on March 15.  The neighbors had a really exciting Spring Break.  New Baby even got a helicopter ride to the children's hospital in Minneapolis.  That might have been too much excitement, but Mom and Baby Girl are home and happy and healthy, and oh, so cute.  Her big brothers, my boys' friends, are feeling all proud and wanted to show her off.

Then, we borrowed their ice chisel.  They're too busy holding Cute Baby Girl to chisel their driveway, so we (the Mom) decided to rediscover ours.

Layers of Winter were making life treacherous.  "Come on, boys!  You can't just sit there and watch it melt."

"Hey, Eric, go tell your big brothers how much fun we're having!"

Look! It's a family effort.  (Ok, I had to bribe them with meat.)

Just a few more shoves in the right direction and we'll have a path!

We Won!!!

And, yes, I did go to the meat store for two steaks, five brats, a pound of hamburger, buns, and more milk (of course).  We grilled up all the meat.  I thought I'd have a bunch of leftovers.  I was wrong.  You'd think a mother of four boys would know by now that the meat is the most important part of the meal/day. 

I helped with the ice attack.  I'm sore.  I'm tired.  I'm ready to get back to a "normal" week, but I did have fun with my boys, and all the movies we watched were great.  I'll share my reviews in a later post.  I've kept you here long enough.

Thanks for visiting.  Don't slip on the ice! And, Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Write about a time when you conquered Nature.  What rewards are the best to you?

Justice Journey

Quote of the Day:  Psalm 40, verses 4-6, from The Message Bible
4-5 Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God,

turn your backs on the world's "sure thing,"
ignore what the world worships;
The world's a huge stockpile
of God-wonders and God-thoughts.
Nothing and no one
comes close to you!
I start talking about you, telling what I know,
and quickly run out of words.
Neither numbers nor words account for you.
6 Doing something for you, bringing something to you—
that's not what you're after.
Being religious, acting pious—
that's not what you're asking for.
You've opened my ears
so I can listen.

A listening ear and an open heart are the offerings you seek.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be homeless?  Last Wednesday, my son Zach and I, along with Pastor Erika and 17 seventh graders and another mom went on a Justice Journey in our community.  We walked the path that a family might take if they found themselves in a tough situation, probably due to lost jobs, loss of a home, and not having the resources or family to survive on their own. 

Our first stop was Bridges of Hope, an organization that links people to the services that they need in this community. Jana asked the kids what they might be feeling if they found themselves without work and no home or family to turn to?  What if you had kids to take care of?

Hands went up, "Desperate," someone said. "Sad, scared, lonely, hopeless," the kids understood.  They'd need to go some place that offered hope.  Jana said they are here to help people, to build a bridge between needs and services, a place where local church leaders can send the people who walk through their doors.  Someone is there to listen to their stories.

A social worker friend of mine said, "It's in telling our stories and sharing them with each other that we develop relationships."

Jana said "We're about spreading God's love."

We heard and felt that message again when we stopped at the Salvation Army to see their food shelf.

The need is great.

Our community has an Interfaith Hospitality Network.  Families stay overnight in one of the local churches.  Pastor Mark said those wonderful words again, "It's about showing God's love."  Area church members of many different faiths work together to provide a place for families to stay when they're homeless.  The temperature in Minnesota will be - O degrees Fahrenheit tonight. There are kids who have used these services who go to school with kids from this youth group, but they might never know it.  They also learned that our community has an organization that specifically helps teens who are homeless, usually from running away from a home where they don't feel safe.

My son woke up that morning and said, "So we're going to different places around town that help people, and we'll be helping people, too."  We did, by finding out what services are out there, becoming aware of the need for them, and doing a bit of work at one of them, like cleaning, sorting, moving things. It all makes a difference.

I've often marveled at people who can go off to another country to help people.  They need time, money, resources, immunizations, and connections.  What does it take to help the people on the streets of your own home town?

Our verse for the day:  Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with our Lord.  from Micah 6:8

Journaling Prompt:   What services do you have in your community that help those in need?  What have you done, or would like to do to help?  Were you ever in need?

Cucumbers, Books, and a Sense of Community

Quote of the Day:  Let mutual love continue.  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.  - Hebrews 13:1-3

Do you have a sense of belonging in your community? While you're taking a walk, do you stop and notice your neighbor's garden?  Do you have someone nearby who makes you feel like family?  I felt all those things this weekend, from teaching piano to kids in the area to attending a church service in the Pastor's backyard.

I drove up to a Book Arts Festival in Hackensack, MN with my friend's daughter, 13, who is an aspiring writer.  She seems like a niece to me because her mom and I are so close.  We talked with authors, bought some of their books, looked at the arts and crafts, tried on hand-made jewelry and ate kettle corn and ice cream. 

For our Sunday morning service, our little congregation, called Rejoice, met in the Pastor's backyard.  Carol, his wife, played the keyboard, with a little help, and hindrance, from the wind.  During the sermon, the piano book hit a note on the keyboard.  The Pastor paused, looked back at the phantom player and said, "That must have been a good point."

It was so relaxing to sit outside and sing together, listen the the message, and watch the runners go by.  Yes, today was a local triathlon and the route was along the street in front of the pastor's house.  You know, you can't just stare at the Pastor during the whole sermon.  Plus, the runners were interesting.

After the service, we pulled our lawn chairs over to the tables set up outside and enjoyed Carol's home-made cinnamon rolls, coffee, and great conversation.

In keeping with God's request that we share our bounty, one of the members brought in extra cucumbers to share with anyone who wants them.  Here they are, along with the books I bought at the book fair.

And, this evening.  My nearest friend and neighbor, Lisa, called to ask if I had any lime juice.  I did, dated July 2007.  She said she'd take it (how bad could it be?), and invited me to join them for dinner.  After that, a walk, time with my boys, and a recap for you readers.

Journaling Prompt: What did you enjoy about your community this weekend/summer?  Did you plant a garden and share your harvest or enjoy the bounty of another's garden?