The Writing Life
Odyssey Storytelling- October 5- YIKES!
This month’s theme! – Yikes!! Sure to be a winner! Local storytellers share true stories that evoke YIKES!
Doors open at 6:30 PM Roscoe Mutz curator, kicks off the show at 7:00 PM.
How much: Admission is $15.00* Tickets: Eventbrite or at the door.
Where: The Screening Room, 127 E Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701
The Eastside Writing Room
The Eastside Writing Room
For Writers Who May be Busy, Over-scheduled, and/or Distracted
Every Tuesday- every week, every month 11:30 AM-12:10 PM Mt time
Now in our 10th year!
Zoom in for a half-hour to state your writing intentions, share ideas, challenges, successes.
We have committed to show up each Tuesday to verbally share what we will be writing that day or week. Making that commitment has always worked for me as I sometimes ‘blow off’ my self-commitment but rarely a commitment to others. It works! See Perks of a Writing Group.
We have a solid base group. Published or not, beginner or seasoned writer. Check in each week or when you can. Never a fee, always supportive, respectful, interesting and interested in your writing. RSVP required to know the expected number.
Once a month we’re hybrid – Zoom and in-person in Tucson AZ. In-person meetings: Coffee, tea, and juice offered at the host’s location. No fee. Bring a bag lunch if you wish.
Contact Ethel if you are interested. I’ll send you the Zoom link each week.
Ethel Lee-Miller blogs regularly about people, the power of words, and her writing life. She retired after 30 years of teaching, semi-retired from coaching, editing, and gathering writers to publicly share their work. She is the author of Thinking of Miller Place, and Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. These days, in Tucson Arizona, she writes to inspire, to connect with folks, teaching about the power of words, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Ethel enjoys sharing stories at Odyssey Storytelling, Artists Standing Strong Together, and anywhere there’s a mic or a Zoom room.
Perks of a Writing Group
Perks of a Writing Group
It’s happening again. I’ve got to tell you about the perks of being part of a writing group. In person or on Zoom, the Eastside Writing Room works!!
I’ve written before how a writing group can reduce procrastination and replace it with action. It’s inspiring when you think, “That is so cool. I’d like to find out more about blogging.” And motivating to the point where you do a BIC (butt in chair) and actually begin to write your blog, song, poem, letter to the editor, magnum opus. A group also helps normalize the “stuck” times.
Way back in 1999 I had used up the litany of not-writing-yet phrases:
“I can’t find the time to write.”
“Too many interruptions.”
“I get distracted.”
“I’m too busy.”
When I said that last one, a tough love colleague barked, (well he didn’t really bark, but it seemed like it) “Come on – Either you want to write this book or you don’t.” A lighter version of “Either #%*@ or get off the pot.” And so I began to change my writing habits and attitude.
Writing groups in New Jersey opened my mind to a wider possibility for my writing from “oh, it’s just for me and my second grade class”… to “for my family’ … to and for a wider circle – publish! Thank you to the writers at The Montclair Write Group and my Scriveners group.
Since 1999 I’ve been a member of one writing group or another that meets for the sole purpose of writing. I know this weekly commitment added to the successful publishing of my memoir, Thinking of Miller Place. (2008) and (2016). When I moved to Arizona in 2009 I knew a group that actually writes worked for me.
The Eastside Writing Room
A few fledgling groups led to the formation of the Eastside Writing Room in 2013. Our group helps with accepting the inevitable rejections. And we celebrate the final product with colleagues/friends who have been along on the writing journey. Sure enough, my second book came together, got revised, edited, and published ––Seedlings, Stories of Relationships (2014.) Ten years later the benefits still roll in.The Eastside Writing Room continued meeting via zoom during the pandemic and decided to go hybrid after the pandemic ebbed.
More Than “Just” Writing
Since mid-June this year I saw a parallel trend emerging at EWR along with the creative works in progress. The parallel road is the business of writing for publishing, and work which calls for more factual skills, rewrite, edits, revisions, research for a final product. It can be a daunting experience finding an editor, publisher, social media expert, presenting workshops, filming, public speaking or marketing planner. Some of us have navigated successfully down those roads and we share our experiences.
2023 Milestones, aka Brags
Bee Bloeser: Just finished her 51st presentation for historical memoir, Vaccines & Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War. October events: Life Long Learning – Green Valley, AZ; Senior Academy – Vail, AZ; Dusenberry-River Library – Tucson AZ; featured speaker – Westmont College Faculty Forum – CA.
Ethel Lee-Miller: Storyteller at Tucson’s Odyssey Storytelling June DNA and September Arms and Legs shows. Completed a spiritual autobiography for interfaith course, Tacheria. https://etheleemiller.com/
Jennifer Beauchamp: Finishing touches inserting photos for families in book series, Roots Tied Down. Book #1 Gordon Ancestry. Book #2 Hess Ancestry. Jenn is the writer, ancestry researcher, interviewer, formatter, for this saga of the four families in her ancestry. www.jenniferbeauchamp.com
Linda Moran: The Perks of Hospice: Stories of Love, Life, and Loss (Amazon). Regular contributor to Thoughts and Ideas, a publication at Medium.com.
Pam Alexander: Published Black Bear Killer, the fifth novel in a mystery series (pen name Pam Fox). Completed poetry manuscript under own name. Poetry review in The Sharpener, Sean Singer Substack blog (9/16/23). Three poems accepted by Ocean State Review (print), and one by Amsterdam Review (online). https://www.pamelaalexanderwriter.info/
Pamela Asbury-Smith: Now working with an editor for WIP, Death in Waikiki.
Paul Zohav: “Marriage and Communication: Recipes for Life. Manuscript to the publisher – end of September, 2023.
Paula Brown: “Missing Beth Who Was Always Here,” in Letters I’ll Never Send: An Anthology, by Jackie Bluu. Release Nov. 2023 (Amazon). “Because Heaven,” essay in Dec. Persimmon Tree (online journal).
Penelope Starr: Desert Haven, a novel in linked stories – coming Spring 2024, Rattling Good Yarns Press. Presented 2 four-week workshops – “Dear Diary: Establishing Your Journal Practice” and “Writing Fun and Games,” both sponsored by S. AZ Senior Pride. www.penelopestarr.com
Rhema Sayers: “Into the Fog” in Blood and Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine, anthology. New articles in The Desert Leaf: “Memorial Day.” Also coming up in 2023, “The Great Molasses Flood in Boston 1919.“
Sally Lanyon: Moving into new writing territory – young adult historical fiction. Road Scholar trip to the novel’s locations to experience characters’ settings/world view. Highlights for Children course -“Shaping Your YA Novel.” Works in progress: memoir pieces on Spirituality.
Susan Smith: Soon to be published My Heart Attack Saved My Life, But For What? One woman’s path to discover how change can bring you freedom. Diving into Tucson Festival of Books– submitting book for author panel, and three stories to TFOB Literary Awards. susansmithheart.com
All of us in The Eastside Writing Room have watched, cheered, and been part of this process. Kudos to our fellow writers!
What’s next? Anything is possible.
Are you in a writing group? What kind? How’s it working for you?
You are welcome to give the Eastside Writing Room a try. Contact Ethel.
Ethel Lee-Miller blogs regularly about people, the power of words, and her writing life. She retired after 28 years of teaching, semi-retired from coaching, editing, and gathering writers to publicly share their work. She is the author of Thinking of Miller Place, and Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. These days, in Tucson Arizona, she writes to inspire, to connect with folks, teaching about the power of words, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Ethel enjoys sharing stories at Odyssey Storytelling, Artists Standing Strong Together, and anywhere there’s a mic or a Zoom room.
Happy Fall Equinox
An Autumn View From Sanctuary Cove
Yes, we have fall!
Clues that it’s fall here in Tucson
- The cold water faucet has cool, not hot water.
- We can “open up” rather than live with A/C all day.
- Folks venture outside later than 10:00 in the morning!!
- The phrase “it felt cool this morning” is both a wish and a reality.
- Dog walkers discard hot weather dog booties.
- Dogs retire the four-legged locked position which means “No way am I walking out there today.”
- Flip-flops are still a staple for footwear; this is Tucson, after all.
- Clothing choices are fall-ish, a short-sleeved top as opposed to the thinnest sleeveless one you can find.
- “I hot-footed it to get to the store before it closed” is a figure of speech, not a painful expedition.
- We live near Sabino High School so the sounds of football cheers and band practice drift our way.
- I watch with envy as girls and boys walk, jog, and run along the roads for cross country practice.
- On cooler evenings some fashionistas break out shawls, scarves, and long pants (albeit made of materials labeled thin, lightweight, breathable) that would induce heat exhaustion in the extreme heat of this summer.
- The sun rises a little bit to the left of our bedroom window as the earth begins that tilt. And it sets just as brilliantly a few minutes earlier each night.
Welcome, Autumn!
Ethel Lee-Miller blogs regularly about people, the power of words, and her writing life. She retired after 30 years of teaching, coaching, editing, and gathering writers to publicly share their work. She is the author of Thinking of Miller Place, and Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. These days, in Tucson Arizona, she writes to inspire, to connect with folks, teaching about writing and the power of words, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Ethel enjoys sharing stories at Odyssey Storytelling, Artists Standing Strong Together, and anywhere there’s a mic or a Zoom room.
The Not-so-terrible Twos
👀 👂🏽Seen and Heard at Safeway
The other day I was at Safeway, one of my favorite people watching places, and overheard a conversation between a parent and what was probably a tired two-year-old child. Trailing the duo I witnessed this:
The child was standing up in the shopping cart, holding on tight to the rim with one pudgy little hand. Her other hand was reaching out to every package that Mama passed. “Oh, me want. We get. Please, please. Pleeeze!” You know that voice.
Little Child look tired. Those small lines were creasing under her eyes, indicating it was past nap time. Her face was a bit red. Her cheeks were flushed.
When I looked at Mama, she had a similar flushed look. Her eyes were kind of squinty. She’d been responding to the requests with the stock answers.
“Not now, maybe later.” “No, I’m sorry.” “We have some at home.”
Curiosity Personified
The Child, adorable little thing that she was, asked, “But why?”
This “why” was repeated perhaps seven or eight times and Mama was getting a bit more than frazzled. She pulled the boss card. “Because I said so.” That’s supposed to be the conversation ender but not with a two-year-old.
I caught Mama’s eye. “She’s two?”
Mama: ”She’s good at it. “
The Terrible Twos
This made me think of that phrase “the terrible twos.” I don’t think the terrible twos are so terrible. For several reasons:
1. Rebelling, saying no, and asking why are a young child’s way of trying to find out “What’s going on here? Where do I fit in this place?” and being two, “I should be the center of this place.”
2. Curiosity is one of the reasons I loved teaching children. I really liked those kids who asked why because then I could get excited myself and say, “Oh, let me show you.” I knew it would leave them curious for more.
I found when curiosity is acknowledged it allows children to find out for themselves. At the tender age of two or three or four, or even nine or ten, before the age of reason kicks in, they’ll be curious about everything if we let them. At 13, 14, and 15, when the age of reason should’ve set in, but the corpus callosum hasn’t been complete, the pathways of finding out why are often impulsive, which teens discover will not lead to solutions, and have sometimes downright dangerous and risky consequences.
Still I wouldn’t ever want to stop that questioning of why. Why? Because I do believe that when verbal and higher level thinking skills have been encouraged along with curiosity, safer choices are discovered by the questioners, whether you’re two or twenty-two or seventy-two.
Why Does “Why” Sometimes Seem Negative?
“Why” has often become associated with a demanding, incredulous “What the heck made you do that?” tone. “Why on earth did you cut your brother’s hair- but only on one side?” It certainly became almost hardwired in me. Self-questioning after the fact, became pretty self-judgmental. What the heck was I thinking? Well most likely, I wasn’t. Until I let my curiosity come out and play.
Reading The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz gave me a clear perspective that erased “why” as a negative thing. Paraphrasing his advice: When we realize even dimly that we are controlled by Victim thinking or take the role of Judge scrutinizing every less than superb outcome as a failure, we must do as young children do as the not-so-terrible twos. Rebel. Say no!
I remember those days of wanting to say no or ask why. Now I know it was because there was something I believed was causing a problem. What was going on?
Ask Why in a Different Way- with an example of an innocent asker
Asking why in a curious kind of way allows the responder, young or older, to give a rationed explanation, not a defense.
I had a young student who was oblivious to vocal tones.
“So, what were you thinking when you threw your friend’s backpack out the second-floor window? I’m wondering why you did that?”
“I wanted to see how fast it would go down. I wanted to see if because his was heavier than mine it would go faster and hit the playground first.”
Brilliant. Curiosity was intact. He had procedural steps. There was no intent to harm. But not so safe.
We recreated the toss with “spotters,” two cohorts down at the perimeter of the expected landing.
“Clear!” shouted a spotter.
“Dropping now,” the tosser shouted. A stopwatch became involved. I think there was a future NASA engineer in the making.
Getting Personal
👧🏼My conclusion? Those terrible twos are not really so terrible. It’s prep for asking why and confidently saying no later in life to the bigger stuff. And being curious, staying curious through the years, learning to make mindful choices. And sometimes you have to say no to get to yes.
Next up: My Own Not-so-terrible Twos
Ethel Lee-Miller blogs regularly about people, the power of words, and her writing life. She’s retired from professional writing gigs after 30 years of teaching, coaching, editing, and gathering writers to publicly share their work. She is the author of Thinking of Miller Place, and Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. These days, in Tucson Arizona, she writes to inspire, to connect with folks, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Ethel enjoys sharing stories at Odyssey Storytelling, Artists Standing Strong Together, and anywhere there’s a mic or a Zoom room.
My Own Terrible, But Not-so-terrible Twos
My Own Not so-terrible Twos
My own not so-terrible two’s date was August 25, 2023. That day I said a resounding “yes” to celebrating the anniversary of my “mild” stroke two years, or 24 months, over 700 days, and many many hours of asking myself why.
Today I wonder why, on August 25, 2021, I had a stroke. Not in an accusatory tone, but curious. Curious as to what made this happen. My neurologist and lots of reading answered that. What can I do to prevent it from happening again? Again medical help, stroke survivors’ support meetings, physical and speech therapy tips, reading, and journaling my own recovery gradually produced answers. If I don’t know any kind of basis for why, I won’t really have a starting place for what. What happened to me?
Two Years Post-Stroke. Now What?
What will I do next?
I celebrate my whys. Why is it that I am I standing straight, walking, talking, seemingly, as my friend says, “Oh, you’d never know you had a stroke.” Why me, when other people are extremely changed and disabled both physically and mentally and emotionally? That one I don’t know the answer to. I’m learning to accept it’s still a mystery. Frequently I find my eyes fill with tears; I get a lump in my throat. I am suffused with gratitude. The gratitude transforms to empathy towards anyone who suffers the after effects of physical harm- from stroke, brain trauma, accident, abuse. Our beautiful bodies and minds are still and always will be beautiful.
Just Say NO … and Then YES
I will continue to say no to the prediction that brain recovery will stop after 2, 3, 4, or 5 years. I say yes to neuroplasticity.
I say “hmm” to “A stroke… and you’re 76 now? You should cut back.” Ok, but I will define cut back- i.e. perhaps no bungee jumping in my future.
What I will do next is continue to be curious. Wonder not only why things happened with me, but what about the things that happen with you, things that happen in the world? Why people like certain ways of talking, eating, dressing? What influenced them? I find it’s usually it’s not just a spur of the moment decision. There’s a whole bunch of thoughts and past experiences that guided me to acting on decisions. I’m pretty sure that’s true for most folks. Is it beliefs behind actions? Is it cultural influence? Is it an addiction that has taken away all choice? It’s all interesting.
So I’ll keep on with my not-so-terrible twos curiosity. Want to talk? Come “sit” by me.
Thank you to folks who have been with me a little, and a lot, these past two years offering understanding, compassion, kindness, and love. And answering my questions about what influences your decisions and actions. I love reading your words. Words continue to be a super-delicious energy drink boosting positive thoughts, polishing up my perspective about my recovery (I’m not alone), and my world view (there are so many good and caring people in my world) And I’m sure there are caring people I haven’t met yet.
Life is Good.
Ethel Lee-Miller blogs regularly about people, the power of words, and her writing life. She retired after 30 years of teaching, coaching, editing, and gathering writers to publicly share their work. She is the author of Thinking of Miller Place, and Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. These days, in Tucson Arizona, she writes to inspire, to connect with folks, teaching about writing and the power of words, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Ethel enjoys sharing stories at Odyssey Storytelling, Artists Standing Strong Together, and anywhere there’s a mic or a Zoom room.
Odyssey Storytelling- Arms and Legs
ODYSSEY STORYTELLING
What you need to know about being a storyteller
Thursday Sept 7, 2023
Theme: Arms & Legs with Mary Jo Pollack, curator
Building community one story at a time!
Local Tucsonans each tell a true 10-12 minute story relating to the theme. “Arms and Legs” certainly can have some interesting perspectives. No notes, no fiction. Just telling your story. It’s fun, interesting, serious, thought-provoking.
I’ll be a teller at this one. Maybe you’ll be a teller too!
Send a pitch to Mary Jo. emmer425@yahoo.com
What you need to know about listening
Not telling? Come and listen!
The Screening Room: 127 E Congress St. 85701. Doors open 6:30pm, stories begin at 7pm. Click the event link at bottom for all details.
*Downtown parking **Safety: Vaccination not required. Masks encouraged.
HOW MUCH: $15.00. Patreon members- Your current membership gets you in free; please make sure to notify us if you are attending. Of course, donations are accepted.
Ethel Lee-Miller blogs regularly about people, the power of words, and her writing life. She’s retired from professional writing gigs after 30 years of teaching, coaching, editing, and gathering writers to publicly share their work. She is the author of Thinking of Miller Place, and Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. These days, in Tucson Arizona, she writes to inspire, to connect with folks, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Ethel enjoys sharing stories at Odyssey Storytelling, Artists Standing Strong Together, and anywhere there’s a mic or a Zoom room.
The Odyssey Storytelling DNA Podcast is Up!!
ODYSSEY STORYTELLING PODCAST- DNA
It’s up! The June 1 Odyssey Storytelling podcast of DNA is here! This was my first return to live on-stage storytelling since 2021.
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
What’s in your DNA? Ancestral traits of heroism, artistry, and brilliance … or ancient tales of intrigue and skullduggery? What do you know about the secrets encoded in your chromosomes? On June 1, 2023, five storytellers told true tales about the embedded human software that can enhance or disrupt your sense of who you are and where you’re headed.
The storytellers include:
Ethel Lee-Miller
Dr. Rosalyn Dischiavo
Tim Bentley
Belle Fitz-Simmons
Tez Haag
Curated by Jan Stapleman
Ethel Lee-Miller blogs regularly about people, the power of words, and her writing life. She’s retired from professional writing gigs after 30 years of teaching, coaching, editing, and gathering writers to publicly share their work. She is the author of Thinking of Miller Place, and Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. These days, in Tucson Arizona, she writes to inspire, to connect with folks, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Ethel enjoys sharing stories at Odyssey Storytelling, Artists Standing Strong Together, and anywhere there’s a mic or a Zoom room.
Odyssey Storytelling- a June success and July invite
June Post Script
If you like storytelling: Odyssey Storytelling Presents: DNA. Curated and Produced by: Jan Stapleman and Martin Dooley
Associate Producer: Roscoe Mutz and Ana Montanez
Location: The Screening Room, 127 E Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701
Admission is $15.00. (Read on for July info)
Not sure if I was ready, but when Jan Stapleman contacted me with the hook of “You just might have a DNA story,” I knew I WAS ready. My goal had been to be back onstage live by the two-year recovery date (August 25) from my stroke (August 25, 2021). I did it! Jan created posters for each of the storytellers for the show. She is a super organizer and emcee- making us all feel like stars!
AND THE JULY INVITE
Odyssey is on stage live every first Thursday at The Screening Room. 7 PM. Doors open 6:30 PM. $15.00. July 6 is a spontaneous storytelling event. Names in a hat, tellers chosen to tell a true story abut FREEDOM! Come to the Screening Room. See you there!
Ethel Lee-Miller blogs regularly about people, the power of words, and her writing life. She’s retired from professional writing gigs after 30 years of teaching, coaching, editing, and gathering writers to publicly share their work. She is the author of Thinking of Miller Place, and Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. These days, in Tucson Arizona, she writes to inspire, to connect with folks, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Ethel enjoys sharing stories at Odyssey Storytelling, Artists Standing Strong Together, and anywhere there’s a mic or a Zoom room.
All Because of Summer
Summer Then
How is it that in my 76th year, I continue to look forward to the first day of summer just as I did when I was a child? Back then, I couldn’t contain the anticipated happiness and feeling of freedom that came in the package that was summer.
School was out! My family made our annual summer trip to the North Shore of Long Island, New York and our summer-long vacation in a country town called Miller Place. Such wonderful memories – days at the beach, swimming, exploring, climbing trees, picking raspberries.
A Book From Summer Memories
When I was teaching, I often told some of these memories as stories to my second graders and eventually wrote my first book, Thinking of Miller Place: A Memoir of Summer Comfort.
Summer Now
I now live in Tucson Arizona where conversations about heat hold increasingly more importance as summer arrives.
“Our thermometer read 101° yesterday.”
“My phone app says get ready for 103° high tomorrow.”
It’s a weird Can you top this? kind of vibe. Today on June 27 our high will be 105° by 2:00 PM. Too hot to go out. Walkers get up and out earlier and earlier to “beat the heat.” Dogs do that stiff-legged stance and rebel when the front door is opened for a walk and heat swoops in. Outside or A/C inside? It’s a no-brainer.
Sharing Memories Builds Connections
I believe that sharing good memories makes them stronger. Storytelling events are on the rise along with the temps. I’m sure my happy endorphins are boosted with each telling of a sweet memory. And so, some time between May 21 and the first day of summer I take my book off the shelf, curl up on the comfy chair, reread Thinking of Miller Place, and want to share it again.
A Happy Surprise
I recently got a happy surprise from a woman on the East Coast – 2500 miles away. I knew her over 50 years ago. Not as a childhood schoolmate or college friend. She was one of my first students when I taught kindergarten at Washington School in West Caldwell, New Jersey. Now our similar memories connect us again.
I am so pleased to share some excerpts she wrote:
I thoroughly enjoyed your memoir of Miller Place! … You helped conjured up memories of family camping trips and time spent at our summer homes on Martha’s Vineyard. We had so much fun making new friends, and being left to our own devices.
Your description of the car ride to Miller Place was so similar to our treks to The Vineyard. Our station wagon was filled to the gills with luggage, household items, a half dozen children and a pair of Airedale Terriers.
I particularly enjoyed reading about your interpersonal relationships with family (especially your Finn), friends and the community. It’s interesting the way we perceive ourselves and others, and how our perceptions continually evolve through education and life experiences.
Thank you again! I and so many others are fortunate to have had you as our first school teacher!
Carol Ann Cielecki
“This reminds me of…” is one of the most valued compliments I can receive about my writing. Storytelling IS a wonderful connector. Thank you, Carol Ann, for this connection and your permission to share some excerpts. I can’t deny how pleased I am that our first personal connection is now strengthened by this one.
Do you have a childhood “Miller Place”? Tell me about it.
Ethel Lee-Miller blogs regularly about people, the power of words, and her writing life. She’s retired from professional writing gigs after 30 years of teaching, coaching, editing, and gathering writers to publicly share their work. She is the author of Thinking of Miller Place, and Seedlings, Stories of Relationships. These days, in Tucson Arizona, she writes to inspire, to connect with folks, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Ethel enjoys sharing stories at Odyssey Storytelling, Artists Standing Strong Together, and anywhere there’s a mic or a Zoom room.
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