"Your children won't know it, the way I did,
up the river road, where I used to live."
From "Good Summer Rain"
Over a decade ago, we released my CD "Good Summer Rain."
The title song is dedicated to all the people who "provide alternatives to selling off the family farm." It's a story song, not a preachy song. It's crafted so the listener draws their own conclusions about the changes or losses they see in the world.
When I sang that song, people would come up after a concert to tell me stories. Stories about places where they grew up, or the places they'd seen change. A few people said this song was their story. Several others told me the song helped them change their mind about selling and developing their family farm.
We owe so much to everyone who has taken action on behalf of the future of places, so that we can continue to gain the benefits from experiencing places that nourish us, inspire us, or make us think.
Programs to Celebrate the Kestrel Land Trust 50th Anniversary
In 2010, I gave a concert to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Kestrel Land Trust (a land conservation organization based in Western, MA). Next month is their 50th anniversary! To help them celebrate, my November 29th campfire will have all donations go to them, and we're partnering together to offer a special virtual retreat next month.
Skill-Building Retreat for Interpreters and Educators
My work with land trusts led me to the work I do with parks, museums and historic sites. It's what led me to the National Association for Interpretation where I offered a session last week for almost 200 participants. This month in their professional journal, Legacy, you'll find my article called "Place as Medicine." And I will be partnering with NAI in December to offer an interpretive skill-building retreat!
2020 Online Classes and Events
November 21st: Sense of Place Creative Writing Virtual Retreat Register Now. (Limited to 12 participants. (You can still join us! 3 spots left)
Reconnect with your creative side. Generate writings to explore who you are, or to hone and polish a current project. Experience a powerful writing journey and the nourishing support of others. For all levels of experience, from published authors to the perpetually curious.
“This is a wonderful place to explore oneself through writing. It’s moved me in directions that I might not have thought of before. And I have now come to understand how a sense of place can be physical, internal, historical, sensory, past, and present. Place is very personal.” Participant Feedback
Sunday, November 29th: Soulful Campfire Gathering Register Now. FREE but donations accepted to benefit the Kestrel Land Trust
Gather to share stories about moments we've felt deep connections to places. Travel through story sharing. I'll offer a song and a poem for inspiration. I'll give you a guided story prompt to try, or you can just sit back and enjoy each other's company. Nourish yourself with this uplifting gathering. Drop-by. Linger. Laugh.
December 6th-27th Alumni Sense of Place Writing Group Register Now.
December 10th: Grounded in Place Pro: A Restorative Professional Development Retreat for Interpreters. In partnership with the National Association for Interpretation
Get on Notification List (Limited to 20 participants)
December 12th: Sense of Place Creative Writing Virtual Retreat. Celebrating 50th Anniversary of the Kestrel Land Trust. Register Now (Limited to 20 participants)