What is JacketFlap

  • JacketFlap connects you to the work of more than 200,000 authors, illustrators, publishers and other creators of books for Children and Young Adults. The site is updated daily with information about every book, author, illustrator, and publisher in the children's / young adult book industry. Members include published authors and illustrators, librarians, agents, editors, publicists, booksellers, publishers and fans.
    Join now (it's free).

Sort Blog Posts

Sort Posts by:

  • in
    from   

Suggest a Blog

Enter a Blog's Feed URL below and click Submit:

Most Commented Posts

In the past 7 days

Recent Posts

(tagged with 'friend')

Recent Comments

Recently Viewed

JacketFlap Sponsors

Spread the word about books.
Put this Widget on your blog!
  • Powered by JacketFlap.com

Are you a book Publisher?
Learn about Widgets now!

Advertise on JacketFlap

MyJacketFlap Blogs

  • Login or Register for free to create your own customized page of blog posts from your favorite blogs. You can also add blogs by clicking the "Add to MyJacketFlap" links next to the blog name in each post.

Blog Posts by Tag

In the past 7 days

Blog Posts by Date

Click days in this calendar to see posts by day or month
new posts in all blogs
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: friend, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 12 of 12
1. Childhood






0 Comments on Childhood as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
2. Makana

Today’s painting is a little different from the usual. It’s not for building up my portfolio, or for a promo piece. It’s not to practice improving my craft, to try some new technique, or to impress anyone. It is to remember and honor a friend in the only way that I know how.

(click for larger version)

Dear Makana,

Just over a year ago, you went hiking on a Colorado mountain and never came home. Last weekend, a group of us made the climb in your honor. We had a small memorial service, and while we were spreading some of your ashes there was a little Gray Jay hanging out nearby, who just never left us. You know, you always reminded me of a bird–light and carefree, flitting from place to place. A jay is perfect; they’re silly and always causing trouble, kind of like you.

Maybe that little jay was with you, Makana, when I couldn’t be. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you. I miss you. I’m glad you spent your last day in such a beautiful place.

Thank you for being my friend.

Add a Comment
3. Math

Love math 1

Image via Wikipedia

When was the last time math was your friend?


2 Comments on Math, last added: 2/4/2011
Display Comments Add a Comment
4. Batman, Star Wars and catching frogs

We believe that a lot of movies - particularly the more violent ones - are not for little kids. Just a personal feeling that they are not really appropriate - ie. the ratings. Today, Mo came home talking about how he was playing at recess with the boys and they were playing Batman and Star Wars and he had no idea what they were. He played along for awhile, but the jig was soon up. Then, once again - he played by himself. Let me preface this and say - he JUST turned five.

Are we hampering his social development by making him the 'different' kid on the playground? Is his childhood going to be like mine? Amazing at home and terrible in the school yard? What are we to do? We read Roahl Dahl books (dark indeed), do not filter information about death and sickness, but explain it when asked. He watches the news with us, and we tell him the truth. He knows where his food comes from and where babies come from... and yet I feel like maybe, maybe we SHOULD let him watch these movies.

Then, this past weekend, we were at a beautiful wedding at Camp Wanakita. My Tent Sisters were there - fellow wild women of the woods (one was getting married), and my friends little guy - well - he is JUST LIKE mine. They played non-stop, in the sand, in the creek, in the trees. Not one mention of movies or superheroes, they talked bird calls and cool rocks. Too bad he lives all the way in Nelson, BC. They performed their made-up songs on the stage and ran themselves ragged at the party. SO neat to see, Mo has great friends - better than great friends, but this connection is was a rare jewel.



So, I guess, there has to be some sort of happy medium - but where is it exactly? In the meantime, well walk in the woods and enjoy some wholesome time - and let him just be a kid. Soon enough he will start arguing to watch things we don't agree with.

1 Comments on Batman, Star Wars and catching frogs, last added: 10/13/2010
Display Comments Add a Comment
5. Coming Soon "Barnyard Buddies: Perry Parrot Finds a Purpose"

This is the new book I've nearly finish with Daryl K. Cobb

Barnyard Buddies: Perry Parrot Finds a Purpose

Contact him if you wantInteractive Educational Assemblies
Music & Storytime Show
Summer camps, Libraries and Schools
Multi-Media Show
Interactive performances & readings
Perfect for children ages 2-8


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Booking 2010-11 Season Now!         
                                            Contact Me Today!

Each year I inspire thousands of students to read, write and be creative.  
I hope that you will join me this season and celebrate the adventure of creativity
.

Join the adventure and read!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Add a Comment
6. SNEAK PREVIEW!!

To offer you a quick look at the greeting card designs that were delivered just yesterday (woohoo!), I’m posting a few pages from my catalog, so you can see the kind of stuff I’ve been up to! I’m currently working on a new design for this site, complete with an online store, so soon you will be able to see all the designs in living color! Click the images below to see them larger. Note: the colors won’t be quite as neon in print. Enjoy!

Color visuals line - 1

Color visuals line - 1

Cartoons - 1

Cartoons - 1

Sprout line - 1

Sprout line - 1


© admin for It's a visual..., 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

0 Comments on SNEAK PREVIEW!! as of 10/17/2009 2:59:00 AM
Add a Comment
7. Dog Pond Dog


Dog gone that dog, that dog pond dog. Wondered off again on an adventure to see.

Dog goned dog pond dog , he didn’t take me !

Off he went on an adventure to roam, left me sitting here all alone at home.

I suppose it’s my own darn fault, his tail was wagging, while my lower lip was dragging.

I could have gone, he asked me to.

I fussed about having to put on a shoe.

Dog gone that dog pond dog, out on a run, but if I hurry I might still have some fun!

1 Comments on Dog Pond Dog, last added: 9/21/2009
Display Comments Add a Comment
8. Friday Five - My Heartfelt Sympathy To the Broken-Hearted


Marketing Tip: It's Time to Get Known!

Check out Lisa Nowak's blog where she reviewed a book I recommend released in November. Get Known before the Book Deal by Christina Katz (Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids). Becoming visible is more crucial to landing a book deal than ever, according to agents and editors in every facet of the publishing industry. From developing a readership, to increasing the odds of a book deal, to having a greater impact on book sales, this book is every aspiring writer's guide to success in the world of publishing.

My Heartfelt Sympathy
A lot of sadness has happened this week and I felt the need to publicize my condolences.

1) My old friend and boss, Scott Guilfoyle. Scott's 22 year old son, Jay, was murdered Sunday night by a friend he was fighting with. Scott - I am so sorry. My heart bleeds for you.

While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.


2) A fellow Mom and neighborhood friend. A few days after having a baby, my friend Carey Kauffman's lost her baby due to organ complications. Her pregnancy and screening tests were all normal and she was totally unaware of any issues.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.


3) John Travolta's son. John's 16 year old son died from a fatal seizure. Evidently, John Travolta tried to revive his son for 20 minutes until EMT arrived. His last words to his son are reported to being "I'm sorry." From one parent to another, I cannot imagine the loss.

In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.


4) Patrick Swaze battle - After watching him being interviewed by Barbara Walters, I was touched by his grace and courage in facing a disease and his imminent death. he hopes to live 5 years and statistics don't expect more than 2 and his doctors says only months. I was taken by how strong he seemed and was saddened to hear he was admitted to the hospital today for pneumonia.

People living deeply have no fear of death.


5) My in-laws - My mother-in-law is recovering from gallbladder surgery and is now scheduled for hip surgery. My father-in-law has been diagnosed with Prostrate cancer and failed a heart stress test. My thoughts and love go out to them.

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.


My thoughts and prayers go out to these families and those impacted by their loss or troubles.

There's no way to help those who are "Broken-Hearted"

1 Comments on Friday Five - My Heartfelt Sympathy To the Broken-Hearted, last added: 1/11/2009
Display Comments Add a Comment
9. Teatro Luna's GREAT News



CURRENTLY PLAYING:
MACHOS



After a sold out run at Chicago Dramatists, MACHOS is moving to the 16th Street Theater in Berwyn, IL, conveniently located near the Blue Line Austin stop. Tickets are already on sale, and I hope you will help me spread the word! We've never moved a show before, so this is a first for us. But we couldn't pass up the chance to keep the show going! We're all so in love with our guys! Here's the scoop:
MACHOS
At 16th Street Theater 4 weeks only! January 25 – February 17, 2008

Fridays at 7:30 PM Saturdays at 5:00 PM Saturdays at 8:00 PM Sundays at 6:00 PM BUY TICKETS ONLINE at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/25539

0 Comments on Teatro Luna's GREAT News as of 12/17/2007 1:54:00 PM
Add a Comment
10. A Note fromTeatro Luna

Teatro Luna is so excited to share with you the projects we have coming up! We hope you can come and share in the excitement with us! We are performing a new short play from Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director of Teatro Luna, Tanya Saracho, SURFACE DAY, commissioned by the Chicago Humanities Festival, in collaboration with Steppenwolf Theatre on Saturday October 27th.

We are also performing S-E-X-OH! at the University of Chicago on Friday October 26th at 6:00pm. MACHOS, our newest ensemble built show opens in just under weeks, with previews beginning 5 November 2007, and Opening Night taking place on Thursday 8 November 2007. Read on to see how you can get involved and support Teatro Luna on these and other artistic endeavors. Happy Halloween!

SURFACE DAY. A new short play by Tanya Saracho. Commissioned by the Chicago Humanities Festival. A collaboration between Steppenwolf Theatre and Teatro Luna Theatre Company Saturday, October 27th @ Steppenwolf Theatre. Saracho is the Co-Founder of Teatro Luna and a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She is the author of QUITA MITOS, OUR LADY OF THE UNDERPASS, and KITA Y FERNANDA. Performances will be followed by discussion among the playwrights, creative team members, and other special guests.

Teatro Luna...Anda performs S-E-X-OH! at the University of Chicago, Friday October 26th 2007!

MACHOS... Teatro Luna's newest ensemble built show opens in November @ Chicago Dramatists!

CONTINUING IN NOVEMBER: OYE-LISTEN and PROYECTO LATINA


Want to get involved? Here are some ways:

-Come to Proyecto Latina or OYE-LISTEN, two free events we offer every month/every other month.

-Are you proactive, enthusiastic, and love Teatro Luna? If yes, then talk to us about joining our Board! With your support we can continue to grow and produce new work.
-Join our Myspace and Facebook

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Six writers were commissioned by the Chicago Humanities Festival, in collaboration with Steppenwolf Theatre to write about climate change. SURFACE DAY is what Tanya Saracho A. came up with.The Lovely and Talented Coya Paz co-directs the piece.

Come and see Teatro Luna ensemble members Belinda Cervantes and Gina Cornejo, with new LUNA friend, Carlo Garcia, as they play post apocalyptic citizens of a new territory called AMEXICA...where "Caucos" (whites) are the minority, Spanglish is the national tongue and NOTHING grows.

Saturday, October 27 | 3pm and 7:30 pm
Upstairs Studio @ Steppenwolf Theatre Company
1650 N. Halsted St.
Tickets $5
.

AND

As part of our annual Caras de América—Latina/o Heritage Month Celebration, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is proud to present S-E-X-Oh!, a witty and provocative cabaret-style show performed by members of Teatro Luna, Chicago's first and only all-Latina Theater company. S-E-X-Oh! offers a bold new look at Latina sexuality from the point of view of six very different Latina women. Based on true life stories and a few strategic re-imaginings, it uses Teatro Luna's trademark ensemble-based aesthetic to enter into the taboo terrain of sex, gender, and sexuality. The themes are universal, crossing cultural barriers, and presented with humor and brutal honesty.


The play will begin promptly at

6pm
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Biological Sciences Learning Center
Room 109
924 East 57th St.
Room 109

Chicago IL 60637

Stay after the play for an exciting Q&A session and reception!

This show is co-sponsored by The Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) and Resources for Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP).

Lisa Alvarado

0 Comments on A Note fromTeatro Luna as of 10/25/2007 7:06:00 PM
Add a Comment
11. Teatro Luna --Bright, Bright Light



Teatro Luna was founded in June 2000 by Coya Paz and Tanya Saracho, with an original ensemble of ten women from diverse Latina/Hispana backgrounds. They came together because they realized that the stories and experiences of Latina/Hispana women were undervalued and underrepresented not only on the Chicago stage, but beyond. Many of them had similar experiences of being asked to perform stereotyped images of that were often one-dimensional and, at times, offensive: spicy sexpots, voiceless maids, pregnant gangbangers, timid "illegal" immigrants, etc. They were also concerned that the few parts written for Latina women often went to non-Latina actresses. They felt that they had to do something. Their answer was Teatro Luna, Chicago's first and only all-Latina theater.

En el Futuro, they plan to perform published pieces and original works by new and established Playwrights along with their own original works. Teatro Luna is constantly looking for new works written by Latinas/Hispanas or about Latina/Hispana women.

If you'd like to make a submission, send a copy of your script to Reading Series Director, Teatro Luna, 5215 N. Ravenswood, Suite #210, Chicago, IL 60640 or email her at [email protected].
They look forward to nurturing la voz de la mujer Latina inside their artistic home, to giving Latina/Hispanas of all backgrounds an opportunity to tell their story.

In the meantime, a large percentage of their energia is spent on creating original pieces, developed by the ensemble. This has prompted the creation of the "Teatro Luna Developement Process." Poco a poco, the ensemble developed its own vocabulary and artistic vision which improves with every project. The ever changing process is described below. Ensemble members share stories, memories, ideas and thoughts with each other in a brainstorming session.

1
Members then bring in written stories, monologues, or more specific research to propose specific ideas for pieces.

2
During workshop/rehearsal, members divide into smaller groups (2-4 people) and experiment with adding movement, chorus, additional characters and other stylistic devices to the stories. The responsibility of these smaller groups is to find two or more dramatically different approaches to present the idea/story.

3
Versions of the story are "presented" or "pitched" to the rest of the ensemble, who critique and comment on the proposal. Often, different actresses will "try on" the same role to further expand and explore the possibilities of the subject and style of the piece.

4
Once the ensemble has chosen a "format", the scene is improvised several times (with the game of "character musical chairs" described above). The women who are watching write down character traits, story concept and themes, and any dialogue that stands out (at times particularly lively workshops have been videotaped).

5 The scenes are then scripted by an ensemble member and presented to the group in an "official" version.

6 Creating doesn't stop there. The rehearsal process remains open. Although actors work from the script in a relatively traditional manner, the entire process involves on-going discussion and collaboration from the ensemble. A couple of times, a finished scene or two were not finalized until a few hours before opening.

7 This is the "official" teatro luna process when developing original works, but they continue to refine and expand it to fit their needs, practicing our techniques in on-going workshops that include both established Teatro Luna members and newer Artistic Associates and Friends.

TEATRO LUNA ENSEMBLE


COYA PAZ (co-founder/co-Artistic Director) was raised in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Columbia, and Brazil, and moved permanently to the United States in the late 1980's. She is a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Performance Studies at Northwestern University, where she also holds her MA. She has collaborated with Teatro Luna on all of our ensemble built projects (Generic Latina, Dejame Contarte/Let Me Tell You, The Maria Chronicles and S-E-X-Oh!) Additional Chicago acting credits include Impassioned Embraces, Etta Jenks, Death of a Salesman and Baby Boom En El Paraiso.

Directing credits include The Maria Chronicles and S-e-x-Oh! (with Tanya Saracho), The Drag King Rooftop Karaoke Hootchie Cootchie No Name Show and Musical Latin Extravaganza (with Michelle Campbell), Diane Herrera's The Dress and Marisabel Suarez's Three Days (part of Teatro Luna's Sólo Latinas Project). She has appeared in numerous independent film and performance projects, and enjoys singing in the shower. Coya is a contributor to the Oxford University Encyclopedia of Latino/as in the United States, and is committed to using performance as a strategy for social and individual change.
[email protected]

TANYA SARACHO (cofounder/co_Artistic Director) is a proud Co-Founder of TEATRO LUNA: Chicago's All-Latina Theater Ensemble and a Resident Playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She was born in Sinaloa, Mexico and moved to Texas in the late 80's. Saracho attended Boston University where three of her plays, Miss Norma and the Alligator, Maya Takes a Moonbath and La Dueña, received Premiers. Tanya has studied writing with Maria Irene Fornes (Latin Am. Writers Retreat), Derek Wolcott, Kate Snodgrass and Claudia Allen. In Chicago, La Dueña received a staged reading at the Tony-Award-winning, Victory Gardens Theatre. Also while in Chicago, her writing has been featured in all of Teatro Luna's ensemble-built works including Generic Latina, Dejame Contarte, The Maria Chronicles, SOLO Latinas and S-E-X-Oh! Saracho's play Kita y Fernanda received a full production at Luna in early 2003, along with a reading at Repertorio Español while a finalist for the 2003 Nuestras Voces playwrighting competition. Other Awards include: The Ofner Prize given by the Goodman Theatre and Christopher B. Wolk Award at Abingdon Theatre in NYC (finalist).

Directing (and co-directing) credits include: The remount of Generic Latina, Piece of Ass for Estrogenfest and The Maria Chronicles for both the Goodman's Latino Theater Festival and the critically acclaimed full-length run at Teatro Luna, S-e-x-Oh!, Que Bonita Bandera and Three Days for SÓLO Latinas, and the upcoming Knowhatimean written by Idris Goodwin and Kevin Coval.

Chicago acting credits include: Sandra in Living Out with American Theatre Co./Teatro Vista, Vecina in Electricidad at the Goodman Theatre, The Angel in Angels in America, and Martirio in La Casa De Bernarda Alba with Aguijon Theater. In the winter of 2005, Saracho premiered her solo play To Red Stick at Chicago Dramatists, in Teatro Luna's critically acclaimed evening of solo work, SÓLO Latinas, which was later remounted in the 2005 Theatre-On-The-Lake Season. Tanya's voice can be heard around the country in many radio and television commercials.
[email protected]

DANA CRUZ (artistic ensemble) loves the ladies de Teatro Luna and is excited to team up with them. Recent Chicago credits include the Let the Eagle Fly at the Goodman's Latino Theater Festival, Maria Chronicles, and S-E-X-Oh! with Teatro Luna and Generic Latina with the touring company Teatro Luna... Anda, CityGirl & Game/Place/Show with the Neofuturists and Acts of Mercy by John Michael Garces with Flushpuppy Productions to name a few. She has performed professionally with companies in Chicago, New York and Boston and is currently teaching theater at Our Lady of Tepeyac High School and working as a massage therapist in Evanston, IL. She is an Aries. She hates talking about herself in the third person and is oh so excited to be marrying the T-man on June 2005.
[email protected]

MIRANDA GONZALEZ (artistic ensemble/touring director) is an original founding member of Luna. Teatro Luna credits include the original production of Generic Latina, Probadita, Mas Probadita, both the New York and Chicago mountings of Dejame Contarte, SOLO Latinas and S-E-X-Oh! She has appeared in numerous industrials and commercials in the midwest, as well as the dearly departed Joan Cusack television series What About Joan? where she played a recurring role. Miranda is a loan officer and mother by day, and a Lunatica by night.
[email protected]

suzette MAYOBRE(artistic ensemble) comes to us from the sunny state of Florida, where after a life of sun and fun, she decided to move to the bitter cold of Chicago! Fortunately, she met the wonderful ladies of Teatro Luna, who have made the transition easier and have provided her with numerous opportunities to nurture her art. Her roots in entertainment were planted while at the University of Miami, where she co-hosted a live, weekly morning show, worked at the university radio station, and produced a feature-length documentary entitled Last Night In Cuba, which she holds very dear to her heart. After receiving her degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Miami, she decided that she wanted to pursue her acting. She has worked on several commercials, industrials, voice overs, independent films and television, most recently as a guest reporter for Control, a Univision Network program. Her theater credits includes work with Teatro Luna, Teatro Vista, Salsation! and Eclipse Theatre among others.
[email protected]

maritza Cervantes (artistic ensemble) is a Mexican-American actress/musician/artist born and raised in Chicago. Past credits include: Al son..que me toques Lorca La Molecula Artistica: Nido del Mar, La Casa De Bernarda Alba, Aguijon Theatre, Polaroid Stories, En Mortem Flush Puppy Productions, and S-E-X-Oh! with Teatro Luna. Maritza is Co-founder of the acoustic/hip-hop/soul influenced musical outfit the LUNA BLUES MACHINE.
[email protected]

yadira CORREA (artistic ensemble) Crazy curly haired Puertorican who's acting credits include: Vagina Monologues, For Colored Girls/Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough, María Chronicles, Sketchbook and S-E-X-Oh! [email protected]

CURRENTLY PLAYING:
MACHOS




November - December 2007 at the Chicago Dramatists Teatro Luna is doing WHAT???? This fall, presentamos A new play by Teatro Luna.

MACHOS: Be a Man?...
Men. Women. Women dressed as men. Teatro Luna, Chicago's All-Latina Theater Company, announces the world premiere of MACHOS, an interview based play about contemporary masculinities. In 2006, frustrated with boyfriends, brothers, and bosses, the company of Latina women set out to answer the question: what are men really thinking?

The result is MACHOS, a performance drawn from interviews with 50 men nationwide and performed by an all-Latina cast in drag. From a young man's relationship with his correctional officer father to man cheating on his wife with himself, to an epic confrontation between fraternity brothers, MACHOS presents a range of true-life stories with Teatro Luna's trademark humor and unique Latina point of view.

MACHOS follows the critically acclaimed shows S-E-X-OH and LUNATIC(A)S and moves beyond the everyday stereotypes of gender, offering a complex look at how 50 men (and eight Latina women) learned how to be men. As always, Teatro Luna is cheeky, straightforward, and willing to ask even the most hard hitting questions: exactly how did you learn to use a urinal? MACHOS is presented In English with a sprinkle of Spanish.

MACHOS
Developed and directed by Coya Paz . Created by El Teatro Luna. Coya Paz is the Co-Artistic Director of Teatro Luna, and was named one of UR Magazine's 30 Under 30 in 2005 and one of GO NYC! Magazine's 100 Women We Love in 2007. She was the 2006-2007 Artist-In-Residence at the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture. Previous collaborations with Teatro Luna include Generic Latina, Dejame Contarte, The Maria Chronicles, and S-e-x-Oh!

Chicago Dramatists 1105 W Chicago Ave Chicago, Il 60622 Previews: November 5, 6, 7 @ 7:00 pm Runs: November 8th 0 December 16th 2007 Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 7:30 pm & Sundays at 6:00 pm

For more information, please call 773-878-LUNA
or email us at: [email protected]


AND MORE GREAT NEWS




Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore
presents:
A SPECIAL AUTHOR READING & BOOK SIGNING with BETO GUTIERREZ

A Sentence with the District
A compelling collection of essays based on the actual experience of a former at-risk youth who became an inspired teacher at his alma mater high school in the San Fernando Valley. The stories reveal a moving glimpse into LAUSD, the nation's second largest school district, which repeatedly fails students of color and those on the front lines -- classroom teachers. The author sheds insight from a first person point of view that others, including administrators, dare not mention. In its frank and passionate tone, the book raises key issues that underscore a dire need for change.

SATURDAY Oct. 27th at 1p.m.
PICK UP YOUR COPY TODAY AT TIA CHUCHAS!
Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore
10258 Foothill Blvd.
Lake View Terrace, California 91342
(818)896-1479


Celebrate with Amigas Latinas!



SAVE THE DATE!!


November 3, Saturday


¡Siempre Latina!
Gala Dinner

Garden Manor

4722 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL
Tickets:
$60 advance
$70 at door

Available:

Mestiza
1010 W. 18 Street Chicago, IL
312 563 0132

Early to Bed
5232 N. Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL
773 271 1219

Lisa Alvarado

2 Comments on Teatro Luna --Bright, Bright Light, last added: 10/26/2007
Display Comments Add a Comment
12. Dancing in the Flames: The Dark Goddess


Marion Woodman is a Jungian analyst—and is one of the most inspiring voices in the global movement for peace. Here she joins forces with Elinor Dickson, Director of Psychological Services at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto to produce an informed and penetrating investigation of a source of spiritual and creative power, not popular in Western circles. In Dancing in the Flames, they point to a constellation of archetypal ideas which they hope will be a source to inspire and inform: the mythical complex of the Dark Goddess. Their book operates on two levels, as a guide for individual transformation and ultimately transforming society.

The core of the book is a cluster of chapters using psychoanalytic material that draws on the mythology of the Dark Goddess. Mind you, the frame of reference is European, but Woodman does attempt to bring in a non-Western perspective, honoring as best she can the thousand years of Hindi veneration to Kali, the root source for this archetype.

At a broad-brush level, this initially involved the matriarchal phase, a belief in a living world where everything in nature held spirit-life flowing from source, the Great Mother. This was followed by the emergence of a separate. individual 'self', then the formation patriarchal and hierarchical power structures.

Throughout the early part of this history, the archetype of this Goddess progressively is split off more and more from that of the Great Mother, emerging as a her polar opposite---killer, and scourge. In reality, it's the cleansing aspect of the Good/Bountiful/Great Mother. The split of the Great Mother vs. Dark Mother mirrors that schism between matriarchy and patriarchy, the body and the spirit.

The authors make the case that in the period that followed, both the Great Mother and the Goddess are repressed, and driven into the "murky depths of our unconscious." Yet the culture of the Goddess lives on, underground, in succeeding centuries. It eventually finds expression, despite repression, in the form of the Black Virgin from the twelfth century onwards. And I would argue, our own veneration of La Virgen, of Tonatzin, who survived colonization, a remains a vital life force in the Chicano/Mejicano soul and psyche.

The authors make an impassioned case that society as a whole must reclaim the Dark Goddess. To underscore, they turn to personal analytic material, allowing the reader to make their own contact with the goddess archetype. The mythological aspects of Virgin, Mother and Crone, making up the European triple goddess, are followed through their appearance in the therapies of both men and women, these images used as tools in the process of personal evolution. In my experience of Eurocentric, new-age feminism, its subtle racism links creativity/goodness with the idea of light and so I found it powerful and liberating to be reminded of the imagery of the holy darkness, its power to cleanse, nourish and renew.

This idea of darkness, again, is no stranger to indigenous ideas of the Mother--She Who Is. I have a personal source of connection to the Santeria/Yoruba deity of Oya Yansa. Oya is also also Dark Goddess, keeper of the whirlwind, sweeping clean all that is decayed, corrupt. It was important for me to reframe my own ideas of Mother, particularly in contrast to the long-suffering Virgin of my youth. This book was a thought-provoking resource, stirring up a fleshy, full-bodied, powerful female deity, one with deep hunger, deep ability to consume, transmute and transform.

The authors give a picture of integration inspired by the qualities of the Dark Goddess, a process in which fear of death, fear of nature, and fear of our own femininity (whether we are men or women) are reconciled in the dark. They stress the dangers of yearning for a world of "pure" spirit and "light," a state where in our yearning for perfection, we confuse a certain kind of "perfection" with wholeness.

I would further challenge the notion of light equaling perfection---light without the regenerative power of darkness is half of what is and only half. And under the harshness of unending, unshrinking light, all fades and withers away, spent beyond resources, starving for rest, for the dream world, for losing oneself and finding the body made anew.

One of the most interesting parts in the book subdivides the process according to the traditional chakra system, while still basing the account firmly on the actual material of analysis. From this viewpoint, integration is seen as a process of “building the subtle body,” of embodying spirit in a complete and integrated way.

The key step in this process, for the individual, involves the recognition of our own autonomy, the acceptance of ourselves, and the finding of our own voice. For this to happen, "it takes great resolve to enter the darkness of our own chaos, to give up the familiar path and begin to trust in our own experience. The recognition and unconditional love of oneself is never a selfish journey."

It's a journey of seeking awareness, increasing confluence between those things we normally separate as "physical" and "spiritual." At the end, the book returns to the societal level, where the authors’ believe the protests of the Sixties "were the seeds, at a culturally recognized level, of a movement based on hope for a more meaningful existence.... What began as a protest has become a challenge, a challenge that will involve not only technology, but a new understanding of human mythology."

Depending on how we choose to phrase it, either ideas of ' science' must be revamped to include experiencing this relatively unused 'female' approach, or needs to be blended into a larger view that gives equal status to this view. The authors’ account at the end gives us a start -- some tools that may enable us to do this. They give us immense hope, and also a profound challenge. This new vision is not one that we can dream up intellectually: it can be reached only by transformation, only if we "throw ourselves into the flames and dance in the refining fire..."

Our traditional ideas of 'science' stresses the intellect, the rational—in archetypal terms, a 'masculine' construct. It operates with ideas of impersonal, 'objective' discovery and 'absolute' truth. While it's an important way of knowing, it has limits as a basis for a new world view. There are deep questions that emerge. How do we construct gender and identity? How are those concepts linked to to behaviors like violence and passivity? How can we integrate complicated, contradictory ideas of male/female that include ‘dark’ and healing forces in both?

This book kept me up at night. It was another piece of encouragement to let go, to delve deep, and look at what's revealed without flinching. I'm always on the lookout for things that will strengthen me, as well as shake me up. The themes of violence, sexualized violence in particular, are shot through the fabric of this American life, and to ignore them is one darkness I find unacceptable. Dancing in the Flames provides a kind of comfort, as well as a challenge.

ISBN-10: 1570623139
ISBN-13: 978-1570623134


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx









Presented by

CHICAGO FOUNDATION

FOR WOMEN'S
Latina Leadership Council

An Evening with
"MACHOS"
BY TEATRO LUNA



6:30 p.m. wine and cheese reception
8-9:30 p.m. performance
Friday, Nov. 9
Chicago Dramatists
1105 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago


C
all (312) 577-2801 ext. 229. Tickets are $45.



Proceeds from this event benefit the Unidas Fund
of the Latina Leadership Council.
No refunds or exchanges.


A world premiere production, "MACHOS"
is an interview-based play about
contemporary masculinities.
As always, Teatro Luna asks
hard-hitting questions, such as:
Exactly how did you learn to use the urinal?


"MACHOS" presents a range of true-life stories
with Teatro Luna’s trademark humor and unique
Latina point-of-view. "MACHOS" follows
Teatro Luna's critically-acclaimed shows
"S-E-X-OH" and "LUNATIC(A)S."
It moves beyond the everyday stereotypes
of gender, offering a complex look at how 50 men
(and eight Latina women) learned how to be men.
Performances are drawn from interviews
with 50 men nationwideand performed
by an all-Latina cast in drag.
After the performancethere will
be a reception with director Coya Paz and the actors.


Featuring Belinda Cervantes,
Maritza Cervantes,
Yadira Correa,
Gina Cornejo,
Ilana Faust,
Stephanie Gentry-Fernandez
and Wendy Vargas.


Learn more about the Latina Leadership Council
of Chicago Foundation for Women.


Chicago Dramatists is wheelchair-accessible.
If you have other accesibility needs or questions,
please contact Marisol Ybarra by Nov. 6 at
(312) 577-2836 / TTY (312) 577-2803 or
[email protected].


AND

The 17th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks
Conference on Black Literature and Creative Writing


Fine Fury: Celebrating Gwendolyn Brooks at 90
October 17-20 2007 Chicago State University

As for that other kind of kindness,
if there is milk it must be mindful.
The milkofhumankindness must be mindful
as wily wines.
Must be fine fury.
Must be mega, must be main.

-- from Young Afrikans (of the furious)
by Gwendolyn Brook
s


Featuring:
Sonia Sanchez
Martin Espada
Ed Roberson
Tayari Jones
Donda West
Cheryl Clarke
Julius E. Thompson
Haki R. Madhubuti
Sterling Plumpp
Angela Jackson
Sandra Jackson-Opoku
Margo Crawford
Camille Dungy
Jacqueline Jones LaMon
Evie Shockley
Adrian Matejka
Gregory Pardlo
Randall Horton
Kelly Norman Ellis
Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu
Bayo Ojikutu
Kalisha Buchanon

Workshops by Martin Espada and others.
For registration information visit
www.csu.edu/gwendolynbrooks or call 773-995-3750
.


Lisa Alvarado

0 Comments on Dancing in the Flames: The Dark Goddess as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment