A long time ago, in another town, another province, I attended a United Church regularly, on a Sunday morning. One of the banners I would see hanging near the altar was hand-stitched, perhaps by the United Church Women, and read: BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED.
I didn’t really like the phrase as I thought we should choose our place on the earth rather than be planted somewhere. In fact, in later years, I realized there are particular places on the earth that remember us, where we feel at home, and come alive.
At the time though, having been moved by grandparents, mother, husband, it was pretty good advice: making the best of a not completely desirable situation.
I started writing for the local newspaper and became interested in the history of the Bowmanville, Ontario area. The Toronto Star published my regular column called Durham’s Yesterdays (the name of the region.)
That was in the early seventies and now, in 2013, I’m blooming on Vancouver Island, specifically Nanaimo, B.C., where my partner, Sarah and I, live. It was her brilliant idea to leave Ontario and move west. As I had loved my previous experience in B.C., I said let’s do it.
That was eight years ago following the reading of Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s book The Dance: Moving to the Rhythms of Your True Self (HarperCollins, 2001) which I had given Sarah to read.
In her chapter, “Dancing on the Earth,” Oriah writes: “Home is, of course, not simply a physical place. It is a sense of belonging, of remembering and being remembered, put back together again when our journeys into the world have fractured and fragmented our sense of self. . . . I do not know why, but I do believe that for each of us there is at least one place on the earth where our hearts and our bodies are mended and renewed. We need to find and go to these places if we are to learn how to dance.”
Since moving to Nanaimo I continued to work on a writing program I created called Writing Home: A Whole Life Practice. I have also continued my poetry practice and have published three chapbooks since moving here. My first full-length book of poetry, Fishing for Mermaids, will be published by Leaf Press in April 2014. (Mermaids have a special significance for me as I named the women’s writing circles I started in Toronto: Flying Mermaids. Now those mermaids have flown west. After all, mermaids can’t be landlocked.)
I plan to share to share poems with you in this blog as well. Inspiration comes from this particular place as well as memories, all of which make up who I am here.
I also intend to let you know of literary events in Nanaimo and area including the women’s writing circles I offer and the poetry circles that will take place monthly. I am grateful for the inspiration and support of an amazing community of poets and writers and I look forward to telling you about those I meet along the way.
As I learn about Nanaimo, its history, its favourite writing haunts, its writers, past and present, I’ll share that too. I’m looking forward to sharing my jottings with a wider community.
Now, I name the trees:
Arbutus, Constant,
Stillness, Serendipity,
elders to apprenticeship
at this table full of familiar goddesses
and things to write me home –
All I am is here . . .
– from “Arriving”
Of all the people I have known in my life, you are a delightful and shining example of Blooming where you are planted. Since arriving on Vancouver Island you have blossomed in so many amazing ways and that blossoming continues to benefit everyone who meets you! Congratulations on the beautiful new site!!
Thank you! Sometimes we bloom because of the extraordinary creative bloomers, make that blossoms, beside us. xxoo
Congratulations Mary Ann, on your new website.
Your website is lovely, Mary Ann. Congratulations on the about-to-be-birthed poetry book. All the best to you.
Thanks for dropping by Linda. Big hugs to you.
Oriah’s words, and your topic struck home with me: it was on Vancouver Island, where I lived for a scant year and where you, through your writing circles, made an impact on me that I believe will last the rest of my life. Your Writing Home practice sped up my process of self-discovery and the Island welcomed me and I felt at home. How I miss you, Sarah, the writing circles and the Island’s magic.
I am excited about reading your blog! It will feel a bit like enjoying a cup of tea together. I look forward to reading your thoughts and musings.
Congratulations on your new website, and especially on publishing your first book of poetry. Such joy!
Thank you Stephanie. I’ve enjoyed your blogs and do look forward to sharing mine.
Lovely new site, Mary Ann. Congratulations on its launch and on the upcoming book of poetry — so looking forward to both your blogs and your book! Only … how can it possibly be eight years since you and Sarah made the move west?!! Seems more like a couple of heartbeats ago. Love to you both!
Love your new website, Mary Ann! Well done! 🙂
You are one of the most creative people I know, and honoured to call my friend. Beautiful and inspiring website. Uplifting and tender poems. All the best.
Congratulations on your new website, Mary Ann. It was nice to see the names of some friends …. it brought back happy memories of Remembering the Earth, Remembering Myself. I look forward to keeping in touch.
Hi Mary Ann…..what a beautiful place to visit. Another stunning collaboration between creative women. So looking forward to keeping in touch with your writerly personage through this lovely venue.
Lovely, engaging, colourful website. Congratulations MaryAnn!