Elementary School in April When I am Nine
the daffodils stand like 1950s girls against a green
wall at a dance, arms swaying, hair coiffed, lips puckered
in wait. they are everywhere. in front gardens i walk past
on the six blocks to school, lunch bucket gripped in my cold
hand. backpack heavy with anxiety and books. my knees
numb because I’m wearing a skirt, determined to dress
for weather that has yet to arrive. i feel alive and able.
nervous yet nascent. there is much to fear: tests, war, fire
sister, mother, step-father, recess. my teacher is mean.
she makes me stand in the corner. but the library
is heaven and I go there to read, to wait for the
librarian and have sinful thoughts about the cleft
in his chin. the orange-brown shag carpet is electric.
when I touch the metal bookshelf, I get a shock that
makes the muscles in my forearm ache.
Feeling much better today. Had a long, deep sleep last night. No dizziness. Thank the goddess! I’m soo glad the sun is shining today. Even though it’s still balls cold, the sun is saving me!
3RD ANNUAL MIND BODY REBOOT
I’ll be leading the third workshop. Here’s a description of what I’ll be talking about:
Graceful Creativity – Recognizing and Revitalizing Our Creative SelvesOur relationship with creativity – that is, our ability to be creative in everyday life – shifts drastically when we are in peri-menopause. Whether it’s choosing an outfit, planning a meal, or scheduling a date with girlfriends, (much less writing a novel or painting a water colour!), our sense of ‘self’ is so deeply in flux, seemingly simple choices become bogged down with brain fog, fatigue, rage, and irrational fears. How do we continue to feel joy through creativity (reading, writing, visual art, music, dancing and more!) when our identity – encompassing our body, our mind, and our spirit – is in constant revision? In this two-hour creativity-engaging workshop, I will offer tools for gracefully supporting the shift in our creative selves as we embrace the wisdom of this unique feminine experience.
Registration is open!
VANESSA SHIELDS 