Creative Writing – 2018 “Collective Union of One for All Poem!…” Poem by Karen Robinson

Posted on January 4, 2019 by idoartkarenrobinson

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No. 29 of 29 Painting No. 64 Titled ‘For One’s Well-being’ Painting Practice by Abstract Painter Karen Robinson Feb 2016 NB All images are protected by copyright laws

“The above painting, one I painted back in 2016, I have chosen to accompany the below poem. It reflects an image of myself in the foreground, with my support networks in the background. They come from all walks of life; they are family, friends, work mates and community group members whom have been an integral part of my life over recent years, and all have contributed to my ability to reach a healthy mindset. Hence varying colours of difference; and colours with commonality. I couldn’t have got to this place where I am now without their support and this painting is a tribute to them all.”

POEM INSPIRATION

Last year 2018 – I received an email from the Overland with a request for poems. The 2018 Poem theme was to be based around: ‘new collective, old struggles’; up to 88 lines; and entry to the Fair Australia Prize was free. The poem was to be about: “What does unionism mean to people today? What should be its objectives? How can we come together to make real change, now and into the future? (Overland 2018)”. I struggled a little with this theme. Sadly it was not a successful entry but does not matter, it still serves as a way to be creative…

Collective Union of One for All!

Show us a place where – we can be more than an isolated one
Show us a place where – we can be part of a greater us
Show us a place where – imaginings become real possibilities
Show us a place where – our future is stable kind and meaningful
Show us a place where – we can find a collective union of one for all…

Bring us to there – so we can fight our struggles not alone but united
Bring us to there – so we can realize our life in full
Bring us to there – so we are both humble and strong
Bring us to there – so we are valued for our human worth
Bring us to there – so we can find a collective union of one for all…

Let us – shed old selfish ways of thinking
Let us – give up on wealth for needless material accumulation
Let us – share our advantages of experience
Let us – have grandiose ideas about equality for everyone
Let us – be a collective union of one for all…

Now we are – believing what seemed illusive
Now we are – capable of enriching the lives of those united
Now we are – seeing real justice with an intent to nurture
Now we are – being what we dreamed in the dead of night
Now we are – a collective union of one for all…

Our future is – rich with expectations of a life that generations will treasure
Our future is – a union of people who care about what truly matters
Our future is – an investment in humankind
Our future is – a collective union of one for all-and-all for one!

Poem © Karen Robinson – August 2018

CONCLUSION

These days I only write poems when I feel a great need to! Photography has filled the gap in my heart – thus ticking the happy box whenever possible.

Please click here to visit my ‘Poetry and Prose – About’ page where you will be able to find blog links to other creative writing pieces

POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: Improving one’s sense of wellbeing using art, creative writing, photography, blogging and motivational speaking – my journey written by ©Karen Robinson. Please click here for my latest blog news!

Creative Writing – 2018 “Ageing Old Is!…” Poem by Karen Robinson

Posted on October 10, 2018 by idoartkarenrobinson

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3 of 4 Ben James Robinson - Memorial Site December 2015 on Huntly-Forresterville Road, Just outside of Bendigo - Copyright Protected

3 of 4 Ben James Robinson – Memorial Site December 2015 on Huntly-Fosterville Road, Just outside of Bendigo – Copyright Protected

POEM INSPIRATION

Each year, I receive an email that reminds me to think about writing a poem and entering it into the University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor’s International Poetry Prize. So I gave it a go, once more, for this year 2018, with the hope that one day I might be lucky enough to be a finalist. Well not this year for me! But on saying this, it really isn’t about writing for a poetry prize but about getting me to sit down and think about putting together a group of words to express a feeling, thought, a moment! Here below is this year’s effort and it’s about ageing! It’s about the process of losing one’s youth, about the acceptance of growing old, and about reaching the end of one’s life with the hope that its been a worthy one…

Title: “Ageing Old Is!” Poem

ageing old is…

bones creaking with osteoarthritis – as their new best friend

aged exhausted muscles constantly reminding the body – not to over stretch

unsightly mottled skin – mirroring years of weather abuse

weakened eyesight tightening focus – while grasping visions with expiry dates

failing dulled memory – showing signs of future incompetence…

ageing old is…

menacing hearing loss – nursing awkward miscommunications

hunched aching back – engaging in old people appearances

arthritic disabling hands – struggling with finite activity

grey loose hair gathering up – in sadden hair brushes

smelly wee collections – in places once pure clean and sweet…

ageing old is…

crusty masses of harden skin – mounting under feet once nimble

bulging belly fat – lazily lounging around body central

facial life lines time-sharing with emotions – of laughter and sullenness

overburdened knees locking – halfway down and halfway up in indecision

flabby weaken arms – gratefully receiving hugs of love and attention…

ageing old is…

brittle coffee stained teeth – sharing smiles of endearment

a stumpy wrinkled ring finger – wearing sacred tarnished wedding band

black annoying hairs on long gone youthful slender legs – now meandering on old

once expensive manicured nails – now surrendering to lack of significant care

blood pumping at high rates of pressure – finding solitude in cholesterol tablets…

ageing old is…

under-active misbehaving thyroid – causing socially unacceptable obesity

vitamin D lacking skin – demanding a daily show-down with the holy sun

unsaddled mammary glands hanging – as a constant reminder of motherhood long past

periodic kind verbal reminders to loved ones – that this time span is limited

a tiredness not of lack of sleep – but from nearing the end of one’s existence…

ageing old is…

a knowing

that this old human ruin – now approaching depletion – has endured a life well spent…

Poem © Karen Robinson – August 2018

CONCLUSION

It’s another day now and the sun has come out and dried up all the rain … time to go out and play, rejoice and enjoy the one and only life we get to live…

Terranora, Queensland – Australia ‘Sitting in the Garden of my husband’s brother’s home’ Photograph from Karen Robinson February 2016. Comments: My hubby, daughter and her now husband took this time to visit my husband’s brother. This photograph while not the best, was one taken while I was sitting in the home’s beautiful tropical garden which overlooked the Terranora region.

Please click here to visit my ‘Poetry and Prose – About’ page where you will be able to find blog links to other creative writing pieces

Creative Writing Group Session – 2 of 5 September 2016 by Karen Robinson

Posted on October 1, 2016 by idoartkarenrobinson

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1 of 3 Creative Writing September 2016 Session Two - I'm ready to start with my creative writing session with Mind Australia and facilitated by Judy Bird. Photographed by Karen Robinson

1 of 3 Creative Writing September 2016 Session Two – I’m ready to start the creative writing session made available by Mind Australia, facilitated by Judy Bird. Photographed by Karen Robinson

INTRODUCTION

This was our second September Creative Writing Group Session – made available by Mind Australia, and facilitated by Judy Bird, for carers of loved ones experiencing mental health issues. It was evident from the group’s noisy, happy chatter that all participants were keen to be there!

CREATIVE WRITING PIECE NO. 1

During this week’s creative writing session we were asked if we would like to share our homework from the previous week. We had each been given a postcard which featured an oil pastel painting by Tyler Arnold of High Street, Northcote – March 2016, and an image of the postcard is featured below. The instruction from the facilitator was to write for 5 minutes about the postcard picture which is exactly what I did. A number of participants read out their stories and it was amazing to hear the different takes on what they had gained from viewing the postcard itself. Most of the participants had turned the postcard over prior to writing, which showed details of the painting’s location – I had not done this! At the end of my story you will note I say that “maybe one day I will visit this destination” only to realise, in this session, I have already been there!

Title: Postcard Story

When I look at my postcard, I cannot help but think of some exciting, historical travel destination to come – where the unknown is to be found and enjoyed. Where new sights and sounds can be gobbled up into one’s memory banks and accessed in times when life appears dreary and dull. I also like the wonderful, chunky, oil painting technique shown, reminding me of Old Masters and their amazing abilities in time long gone, leaving me to wonder “what was it like, then”. I also like the period-style homes that are featured in the postcard, double storey, squished side by side and with doorways positioned right on the street pathway. Cars are tightly parked along the gutter, barely allowing a breath of space between each of them. There’s a pizza sign on one of these buildings giving the locals a place to get a quick and easy meal perhaps to be consumed after a busy day at work. A sign indicates it’s a 40-kilometre speed zone within this street, slow enough for pedestrians to dash across the road and cars to slow down to avoid mishaps. Each side of the image are lush trees showing off full green foliage, hinting that it must be full summer. The windows of the buildings peer directly over the busy suburban street, allowing their residents to see all the action happening in the outside world as they tend to their homely activities. As I stated before – perhaps one day I will visit a destination like the one on my postcard and stop to gobble up all the sights and sounds to recall on my dreary and dull days.

© Karen Robinson – September 2016

4 of 4 Post Card of 'High Street, Northcote in March 2016' Oil Pastels by Artist Tyler Arnold' used as a source of creative writing inspiration during Creative Writing Session One

4 of 4 Post Card of ‘High Street, Northcote in March 2016′ Oil Pastels by Artist Tyler Arnold’ used as a source of inspiration for our Creative Writing homework giving at session one – September 2016.

CREATIVE WRITING PIECE NO. 2

Another creative writing task we were given was to find something that we thought no one else had noticed. One morning before this session I was sitting quietly, working at my computer, when I decided to write for the task, as I had found quiet and peace whilst no one was noticing, just before dawn.

Home

♥


It is quiet and peaceful
at this very moment.
There are no ‘world worries’ in my space.


I hear birds awakening
 to the beginning
 of a new and promising day.


Inside here in my home
it is safe and warm,
and outside, surrounding my home,
is a garden paradise
grown and crafted
by the loving hands of a man
I cherish.


Here, I know, is a place
 for me
to run and hide -
to shelter from the outside world’s daily challenges;


a place where I can be myself –
unafraid, comforted.

The family dog sits beside me,
endearingly,
as always.


Together we wait for the morning-sun
to show its friendly face


and when my husband arises,
from his night’s sleep,
it is then we will take coffee
 and talk
in the security of each other’s company.


It is quiet and peaceful here –
this blessed place
I call home.


– Ο –

Prose Poem © Karen Robinson - September 2016

5 of 5 Creative Writing September 2016 Session Two – Home Garden used as a source of creative writing inspiration. Photographed by Karen Robinson

CREATIVE WRITING PIECE NO. 3

At the commencement of this creative writing session Judy placed a box in the centre of the table – please find below a photo of the box. We were then instructed to write about “what would be in the box if it was for us”. It was an interesting request; there was no peering inside it to see if there was anything to be revealed. We just had to imagine what was inside, and this is what I wrote:

Box!

♥




I’m thinking all good
 has to be inside this box 
meant for me!  

There are stars floating across its surface 
and colours of the rainbow are fully displayed 
against a deep black background.

In my box --

perhaps hope, 
happiness, 
and joy
 will disperse 
as the lid is lifted;  

perhaps wonderful memories
 of the past
 will float out into my presence
 to be shared and enjoyed;  

perhaps promises of good times ahead
 will ascend
 into my hands
 as promissory notes
 that can be taken up at times
 when I am feeling sad;  

perhaps the sweet scent of Spring
 will drift into my soul
 and I will find myself
 taking a deep breath of rejuvenation;  

perhaps loud trumpets
 will bugle a merry tune
 and put me in fine spirits;  

perhaps fairy floss
 will spring from its centre, 
pink, sweet, 
and sticky to the fingers;  

perhaps a flutter of chirping noisy miners
 will escape, 
heading towards the highest trees
 in the garden outside;  

or perhaps
 there is just a whole lot of nothing!


 So, for me,
 I will not be taking the lid off this box
 as I already know 
what it is full of, 
and that is
 my imagination.


– ο –

 Prose Poem © Karen Robinson - September 2016

2 of 4 Creative Writing September 2016 Session Two – Mystery Box placed onto table and to be used as a source of creative writing inspiration. Photographed by Karen Robinson

CONCLUSION

It is always a pleasure to be participating in these Creative Writing Group Sessions. Catching up with participants that have become friends is wonderful, and meeting new like-minded people a real privilege! A big thank you to our Creative Writing Facilitator, Judy Bird, for making these sessions such an enjoyable time. So good for one’s well-being…

POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: Using Art & Creative Writing as Therapy – My Journey by Karen Robinson. Please click here for my latest blog news!

Creative Writing Group Session – 1 of 5 September 2016 by Karen Robinson

Posted on September 26, 2016 by idoartkarenrobinson

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1 of 3 Creative Writing September 2016 Session One - Photograph by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws

1 of 3 Creative Writing September 2016 Session One – I’m ready to start with my creative writing session with Mind Australia and facilitated by Judy Bird. Photographed by Karen Robinson. NB All images are protected by copyright laws

INTRODUCTION

Once again Creative Writing Group Sessions for carers of loved ones experiencing mental health issues has been made available by Mind Australia and facilitated by Judy Bird. Participants consisted of some familiar faces of people whom I had got to know during previous sessions, and others who were new to the group. During this creative writing session, our facilitator gave us a number of creative writing tasks to carry out. They were mainly designed to get us all re-acquainted, and to assist us in getting our creative writing brains into action! Below I have included here, two of my writing pieces I under took during this first session.

CREATIVE WRITING PIECE NO. 1

We were asked to find something in the garden that no one else had noticed, and then write a piece about it. I found a wonderfully coloured umbrella! In the photo image below of the umbrella you will notice that the sun is shining on its surface, but at the time of originally finding it, the sky was overcast, hence no sun on its surface at the time of writing this piece below!

Title: Rainbow Umbrella

It’s waiting in the garden bed, waiting for its friends, the wind, rain and sun, to arrive. It’s patient and mindful of its importance but does not demand attention from all who pass by. Today it’s open and full of all the colours of a rainbow! It’s waiting, waiting for you to pick it up and use it for protection from its friends, the wind, the rain and the sun. Its name is ‘umbrella’ but its friends call it rainbow and its users call it a necessity. Today umbrella is feeling a little neglected as there is no wind, rain or sun, and so there is no need for it. So umbrella will just stay in the garden, resting and looking gorgeous, hoping that its friends will arrive so that it will be taken up and enjoyed!

© Karen Robinson – September 2016

3 of 3 Creative Writing September 2016 Session One – Rainbow Umbrella Story Photograph by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws

CREATIVE WRITING PIECE NO. 2

We were asked to choose a card from a selection of cards on the creative writing-table, and then write about ‘what it brought to mind’. The card I chose (as shown below) featured icing flowers and satin ribbons on top of a wedding cake. It immediately reminded me of my days as a Bridal Designer – Haute Couturier and therefore became my source of inspiration for my creative writing piece ‘The Wedding Event’ found here below.

Title: The Wedding Event

Over many years in my earlier life, I have been directly and indirectly involved in other people’s wedding day plans. My part was in the making of their very special bridal gowns and sometimes the bridesmaids’ and mother of the brides’ outfits as well. It was my job to design and make a bridal gown that a bride imagined would turn her from an ordinary everyday person into a princess for at least one day. From my experience this is a flawed thought. When I would first meet with a bride-to-be they were just like you and me, but over the course of time, in the planning of their wedding, something would change! Invariably it was more like the bride-to-be became a she-devil, possessed by rage and self-interest that came dressed in white, and not the princess of fairy tales at all. What happened to that lovely girl I met months ago, I would find myself asking? Many times I have mopped tears away from the faces of distressed brides-to-be on their wedding day where professionally applied makeup was in danger of being ruined. Many times I have tried to stop bridesmaids from planning the murder (not literally) of the bride-be-to! Many times I have had to take out bridesmaids’ dresses and take in brides’ gowns, even after bridesmaids and brides-to-be have sworn they will not be losing or putting on weight. There have also been the saddest of times, when tears have been shed due to unforeseen deaths in families but the wedding had to go on; and other times when just after the wedding day itself, the bride and groom have decided that their short-lived marriage is not working. It is then that there is the realisation that all of the effort put towards bringing together families, the prince and princess, has dissolved into a bad experience, needing to be forgotten. So unfortunately I have become very cynical about weddings and cannot help but feel that they should be the simplest celebration possible where the emphasis is on the union of two people who love each other and want to share this with family and friends. Forget the rest – this is all that matters – and hopefully they will then share a lifetime of memories made of all that’s good that life has to offer.

© Karen Robinson – September 2016

2 of 3 Creative Writing September 2016 Session One - The Wedding Event -Photograph by Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws

2 of 3 Creative Writing September 2016 Session One – Card used as source of inspiration for the creative writing piece titled: ‘The Wedding Event’. Written and photographed by Karen Robinson. NB All images are protected by copyright laws

CONCLUSION

It was a pleasure to be back within this Creative Writing Group. Catching up with participants that had become friends was wonderful, and meeting new like-minded people a real privilege! And a big thank you to our Creative Writing Facilitator, Judy Bird, for making the session such an enjoyable time. So good for one’s well-being…

POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: Using Art & Creative Writing as Therapy – My Journey by Karen Robinson. Please click here for my latest blog news!

Creative Writing – June 2016 “I Am Listening…” Poem by Karen Robinson

Posted on June 19, 2016 by idoartkarenrobinson

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Volunteer Speaking at a Road Trauma Awareness Seminar Melbourne Australia with RTSSV - Karen Robinson June 2016

Karen Robinson (me) Volunteer Speaking at a Road Trauma Awareness Seminar Melbourne Australia with Road Trauma Support Services Victoria – Karen Robinson June 2016

INTRODUCTION

Last night – Tuesday 14th June, 2016 at RTSSV’s – Road Trauma Awareness Seminar (RTAS) in Werribee as a RTAS Volunteer Speaker, I told my family’s, being husband’s and my daughter’s road trauma story about my son Ben – killed in a single vehicle car crash on the 5th November, 2009. Like many other RTAS volunteer speakers each month across the state of Victoria – Australia for Road Trauma Support Services Victoria (RTSSV), we share with repeat road traffic offenders our road trauma stories, in the hope that repeat road traffic offenders gain a greater understanding about how risky driver behaviour is deadly. That it only takes one careless action as a driver to cause death and serious injury which in turn can leave behind, a devastating ripple effect.

Talking to and with these RTAS participants about their risky driver behaviour, once again reaffirmed the importance of the volunteer work that we do. Sure, it’s not easy and sure why do it all – might be your question. But when I hear, like many other volunteers hear, what participants say at the end of the Road Trauma Awareness Seminars: about what they have learned in regard to road safety and road trauma; about what they had never understood beforehand about the ripple effect impact of road trauma on family, friends, workmates and the wider community; and about how hearing our personal road trauma stories, has got them re-thinking about their own risky driver behaviour – it becomes apparent that it is a very worthwhile task and for me is the hardest thing I do.

POEM INSPIRATION

I found myself wanting to write, needing to write and I wrote this short poem about my feelings relating to this week’s Road Trauma Awareness Seminar Volunteer speaking experience. This is what I wrote…

Title: “I Am Listening…” Prose Poem



Here I am, again, listening to their reasons why

and as I hear, I cannot help but sigh!

 


They talk about the daily risks they take

and my calm facial expression is all a fake

 


for I know if they continue on in this vein,

their lives will not be blessed by the ordained.

 


Their loved ones will end up mourning their loss

for their risk-taking comes at a massive cost.

 


The tears, heartache and emptiness of soul

will leave their loved ones with this only role.

 


And as for me, I am already there -

left without my son and left with great despair.



Prose Poem ©Karen Robinson, June 2016

CONCLUSION

Writing this poem helped me process my feelings and thoughts about what I heard, saw and experienced during my RTAS volunteer speaking this week. At this particular RTA Seminar there was another whom had experienced the loss of a loved one through road trauma and he hadn’t spoken about his loss for over 20 years… It was very sad and demonstrated just how important it is to reach out and share our feelings, thoughts and emotions in order to maintain a healthy sense of well-being. My creative writing and art practice gives me a way to maintain my well-being and has become an important way for me to continue on moving forward with my post-traumatic growth journey.

Written by © Karen Robinson – June 2016

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! Post-traumatic Growth – My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

2016 Abstract Paintings/Stories

Posted on February 28, 2016 by idoartkarenrobinson

Source: 2016 Abstract Paintings/Stories

Please click on the link above to read about this painting titled ‘For One’s Well-being’ which was inspired by groups of people I have brought into my life through activities such as Art Therapy and Creative Writing provided by Mind Australia; and also via my volunteering and paid work that I do with Road Trauma Support Services Victoria.

Written by Karen Robinson Feb 2016

Creative Writing/Photo-Taking – December 2015 “Santa’s Pooped!” Short Poem by Karen Robinson

Posted on December 31, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

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1 of 3 Photo-taking & Story-telling, Creative Writing by Karen Robinson Titled ‘Santa’s Pooped!’ Just south of Bendigo Dec 2015 NB All images are protected by copyright laws.jpg

INTRODUCTION

Photo-taking and story-telling/creative writing has been what I have done most of my life. It has given me an opportunity to examine, mull over, study and/or appreciate special moments and sometimes the bazaar things that I have found visually interesting. On my return car journey home from just outside of Bendigo back to Melbourne with my husband, I spotted a Santa in the middle of ‘no where’! It had been stuffed with hay and placed on a golden coloured bale of stacked hay. I had my husband stop the car and I took photos of Santa and wrote the following words and a very short poem.

POEM INSPIRATION

Santa’s Pooped!
I found Santa! He’s resting on a slumped hay bale in the middle of a grass paddock, just off a straight stretch of road leading away from Bendigo and back towards Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Don’t think he’s getting much shade under these ghostly gums. So stop looking… Santa will return next year busting with Christmas cheer but for now he’s snoozing under the scorching hot Australian summer sun.

Karen Robinson © December 2015

3 of 3 Photo-taking & Story-telling, Creative Writing by Karen Robinson Titled ‘Santa’s Pooped!’ Just south of Bendigo Dec 2015 NB All images are protected by copyright laws.jpg

Title: “Santa’s Pooped!” Poem



Santa, all dressed in red

and a little under fed,

looking very much like he is dead,

but no -- he's just resting his weary head.

‘Peace, at last,’ he said!

 

Poem ©Karen Robinson - December 2015

2 of 3 Photo-taking & Story-telling, Creative Writing by Karen Robinson Titled ‘Santa’s Pooped!’ Just south of Bendigo Dec 2015 NB All images are protected by copyright laws.jpg

CONCLUSION

Happy New Year…

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing – December 2015 “Merry Christmas it well be!” by Karen Robinson

Posted on December 20, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

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No. 1 of 5 ‘Merry Christmas it well be…’ by Karen Robinson Artwork inspired by Creative Writing Piece – Schmincke Ink on A3 100% Cotton Movlin Paper Dec 2015 NB All images are protected by copyright – Copy.JPG

INTRODUCTION

Creative writing and simple ink drawings have become a part of my art for therapy process. I have found that these activities, practiced regularly, help to ensure I maintain a good sense of wellbeing.

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

Being near Christmas Day, a day where through my entire life has been marked as a special day, I decided to write a piece for said. As a child, there were many years where we had little to no money to spare but there was always something special for each of us in the way of a gift on Christmas day. My creative writing piece below is a summing up of what Christmas has become for me now that I am in my early 60’s.

: No. 6 of 5 ‘Merry Christmas it well be…’ by Karen Robinson Artwork inspired by Creative Writing Piece – Schmincke Ink on A3 100% Cotton Movlin Paper Dec 2015 NB All images are protected by copyright.JPG

Title: ‘Merry Christmas it well be!’

“I cannot help but become a little sentimental around Christmas time. It’s a time I think about my family, about how it was when I was a child, how it was when my son was alive and how it is now. I went shopping the other day with my dear, sweet daughter where we purchased Christmas gifts for her father, her husband, for me and I for her. It didn’t seem necessary to think of purchasing gifts for any others, other than a gift I had already purchased for her elderly grandmother. Kris Kringle is a ‘no goer’ this year, just because it seemed unimportant to buy small, inexpensive gifts that wouldn’t be best suited for the receiver and therefore put aside and never used. I guess we are lucky; no… I know we are fortunate, compared to many others, out in the wider world, who barely can feed themselves, or put a roof over their heads, or have any decent clothes to wear, let alone be able to educate themselves, or their children, or even be able to gain good health-assistance, or find gainful, meaningful employment. So it doesn’t seem right to do anything else other than count our blessings. So Christmas time for me is a time to share with loved ones, and to come together for just a short while and reconnect as families. To remember those who are no longer with us, in a way that respects our memory of them. To be grateful for being able to just do that – in a safe and secure environment, where Christmas lunch is plentiful and where within our homes, our country, there resides a degree of certainty about tomorrow.

To all….a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and sincerely wishing you all the very best…wherever you are!”

Karen Robinson © October 2015

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

These particular paintings/art works are produced in a quick and spontaneous manner and is unlike my other painting method – which is planned and takes many, many hours to complete. I enjoy both methods!

No. 2 of 5 ‘Merry Christmas it well be…’ by Karen Robinson Artwork inspired by Creative Writing Piece – Schmincke Ink on A3 100% Cotton Movlin Paper Dec 2015 NB All images are protected by copyright.JPG

No. 3 of 5 ‘Merry Christmas it well be…’ by Karen Robinson Artwork inspired by Creative Writing Piece – Schmincke Ink on A3 100% Cotton Movlin Paper Dec 2015 NB All images are protected by copyright.JPG

No. 4 of 5 ‘Merry Christmas it well be…’ by Karen Robinson Artwork inspired by Creative Writing Piece – Schmincke Ink on A3 100% Cotton Movlin Paper Dec 2015 NB All images are protected by copyright.JPG

No. 5 of 5 ‘Merry Christmas it well be…’ by Karen Robinson Artwork inspired by Creative Writing Piece – Schmincke Ink on A3 100% Cotton Movlin Paper Dec 2015 NB All images are protected by copyright.JPG

CONCLUSION

Once again to all….a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and sincerely wishing you all the very best…wherever you are!”

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing – October 2015 “Crying Roses…” Poem by Karen Robinson

Posted on November 8, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

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No. 5 of 5 Creative Writing - Poem Titled 'Crying Roses' written and photographed by Karen Robinson 5th November 2015.JPG

No. 5 of 5 Creative Writing – Photo taken by Karen Robinson at Fawkner Memorial Park, Melbourne, Australia on the 5th November 2015. The rain drenched roses featured in the photo were used as a source of inspiration for a Poem Titled ‘Crying Roses…’ written by Karen Robinson to mark the 6th anniversary of her son’s death who was killed in a single vehicle car crash on the 5th November 2009.JPG

INTRODUCTION

It’s that time of the year again, a time that marks another year where my husband and I especially on this day, the 5th November 2015, take a drive to Fawkner Memorial Park to pay our respects to the memory of our son. Over the last five years, each of these days have been strangely beautiful amongst the extraordinary array of fully bloomed roses. Each year signifies, that our choice of Memorial Park to place our son’s ashes was the right choice, as it serves as our quiet place to think of Ben and how much we miss him so. To ponder about, what it would have been like, if he was still here with us today!

NoNo. 1 of 5 Creative Writing - Mark & Karen's son's plaque which sits proudly over the cavity that holds his ashes at Fawkner Memorial Park, Melbourne, Australia on 5th November 2015 used as inspiration to write a Poem Titled 'Crying Roses' to mark the 6th anniversay of his death. Photographed by Karen Robinson - Ben's mum 5.11.15.JPG

No. 1 of 5 Creative Writing – Mark & Karen’s son’s plaque which sits proudly over the cavity that holds his ashes at Fawkner Memorial Park, Melbourne, Australia on 5th November 2015 used as inspiration to write a Poem Titled ‘Crying Roses’ to mark the 6th anniversary of his death. Photographed by Karen Robinson – Ben’s mum 5.11.15.JPG

POEM INSPIRATION

Upon our arrival at Fawkner Memorial Park, and as I was alighting from the car and walking across towards Ben’s Plaque and then through the wonderful array of fully bloomed roses, I was taken aback by the rain drenched roses. I had never seen roses so full of water and one rose in particular looked like there were tears falling from its heart! The rain drops appeared to me like it was crying…

No. 2 of 5 Creative Writing – Poem Titled ‘Crying Roses’ written and photographed by Karen Robinson 5th November 2015.JPG

I found myself saying out loud to my husband “Look, the roses look like they are crying…”. It felt profound to make such a statement and perhaps it was just a reflection of how I felt in my own heart right at that particular moment. On my return, I wrote the below poem to mark the 6th anniversary of my boy’s death.

Title: “Crying Roses…” Poem


It’s raining and the roses look like they are crying.

Perhaps they know we are here amongst the ones

who were once dying.

 


Both my husband and I stop and sit in silence,

thinking about our loss and leaning on one another

with great reliance.

 


It’s been 6 years now since the passing of our son.

We often think why -- why did he have to be the one.

 

It’s now time to stand
and walk a little amongst the rain drenched roses,

and I seek my dear husband’s guidance to do some poses

 

for each year we make this pilgrimage to remember

and always on the 5th of November.

 

A coffee and cake we share

where conversation is mostly spare



then it’s back home and a chat with our daughter,

the one we now look towards, in our family, to be the mortar.

 

How precious she is to both of us

and our endless love for her will always be a must.

 

Poem © Karen Robinson - November 2015

PHOTO-TAKING IMPORTANT

Photo-taking has been what I have done most of my life, the recording of special family moments! And I have always taken photos on these days. I learned that taking photos is just so important, they serve the memory well when loved ones have passed, when the memory begins to fail and for further generations to ponder over and wonder…

No. 3 of 5 Creative Writing – Poem Titled ‘Crying Roses’ written and photographed by Karen Robinson 5th November 2015.JPG

No. 5 of 5 Creative Writing – Poem Titled ‘Crying Roses’ written and photographed by Karen Robinson 5th November 2015.JPG

No. 4 of 5 Creative Writing – Poem Titled ‘Crying Roses’ written and photographed by Karen Robinson 5th November 2015.JPG

No. 2 of 5 Creative Writing – Poem Titled ‘Crying Roses’ written and photographed by Karen Robinson 5th November 2015.JPG

No. 1 of 5 Creative Writing – Poem Titled ‘Crying Roses’ written and photographed by Karen Robinson 5th November 2015.JPG

CONCLUSION

It’s another day now and the sun has come out and dried up all the rain … time to go out and play, rejoice and enjoy the one and only life we get to live…

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing Group Session – October 2015 “Beautiful Other…” by Karen Robinson

Posted on November 3, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

No. 2 of 2 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Beautiful Other’ Feather resting on – Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are copyright protected Oct 2015.JPG

INTRODUCTION

My Creative Writing Group Sessions always leave me feeling like I have taken a little journey, into a new world of endless possibilities, a world where it can be of utter truths or pure fantasies. At other times these sessions take me back in time challenging forgotten memories. These creative writing sessions not only give me an opportunity to engage in creative writing exercises, they also give me the opportunity – to listen to others whilst they share their precious words.

CREATIVE WRITING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

No. 1 of 2 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Beautiful Other’ Feather resting on – Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are copyright protected Oct 2015.JPG

During this creative writing session, the creative writing facilitator asked us to choose from a bag of an assortment of bird feathers – just one single feather that resonated with ourselves. I chose the feather featured in the photograph above. We were then asked to write a short story about our feather, anything that came to mind. The below is what a wrote and I titled it ‘Beautiful Other’.

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

— Beautiful Other —

♥

You are long and sleek and there’s a fine vane running through your centre, holding together a delicate array of very fine feathers. You stare back at me, in a sophisticated way, dressed in blacks, dark midnight navies and soft, sky blue colours. At your very tip there is a white colour which looks like you have stopped short of being finished. I imagine you, in the wing, in flight, soaring up into fluffy, white clouds and then gliding down, down, down towards an open field looking for prey.

I now imagine you heading back towards your shelter, as dark, thunderous clouds trample across the sky ready to open up and let free winter rains from pregnant clouds.

It’s now midnight, and I know the darkness has caused you to rest in one of your caves of choice, where you are safe and secure, where you rest your tired and weary wings and dream of the next day’s flying adventures.

Night has past and the sun is now rising. There is a column of sunlight reaching into your cave and alerting you that it’s time to wake. You open and stretch out your wings with a vigour that signals that you are strong and ready for what is ahead in your day. A gentle breeze enters the cave, and you take flight and glide towards the cave opening and out into a chilly but beautiful dawn.

In your sight there comes another, just like you, and you head towards this beautiful other with a sense of anticipation, a sense that this is the one. With little acknowledgment, you fly off together out into the breathtakingly blue skies and up, up, up towards the heavens…

Prose © Karen Robinson - October 2015

I found it hard at first to get into writing about my feather story but all of a sudden my story took shape in my imagination, took flight you could say! It was a very enjoyable task and I loved being able to just write what ever came to mind, to write about something joyful and beautiful. Left me feeling good…

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

After each creative writing session, I personally like to use my creative writing stories to inspire an art work. These artworks are not ‘masterpieces’ but are an important part of a therapeutic process that I enjoy; and helps complete my art for therapy journey after each creative writing group session. These particular paintings/art works are produced in a quick and spontaneous manner and is unlike my other painting method – which is planned and takes many, many hours to complete. I enjoy both methods!

No. 2 of 9 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Beautiful Other’ Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are copyright protected Oct 2015.JPG

No. 8 of 9 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Beautiful Other’ Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are copyright protected Oct 2015.JPG

No. 9 of 9 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Beautiful Other’ Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are copyright protected Oct 2015.JPG

No. 5 of 9 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Beautiful Other’ Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are copyright protected Oct 2015.JPG

No. 4 of 9 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Beautiful Other’ Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are copyright protected Oct 2015.JPG

CONCLUSION

Writing and sharing our stories within these creative writing sessions – gives us all an opportunity to reveal to ourselves and to others – if we wish, matters that may be unresolved, things we seek to bring into our lives and/or just the pure joy of being able to articulate words without judgement. And/or perhaps just for our own personal need to say out loud in a safe and secure environment amongst like-minded people. Creative writing therapy at its best I feel…

NB: For the purposes of this weblog series “Creative Writing Group”, I will not be mentioning any names or personal details of participants or even the name of the organisation that runs the sessions. Individuals have the right to privacy, so it will only be about my own experience – and broad statements about each particular session. I hope you will understand.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing Group Session – October 2015 “Support Me!” by Karen Robinson

Posted on October 24, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

No. 4-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Support Me’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

INTRODUCTION

My Creative Writing Group Sessions always leave me feeling like I have taken a little journey into a new world of endless possibilities, a world where it can be of utter truths or pure fantasies. At other times these sessions take me back in time challenging forgotten memories. These creative writing sessions not only give us an opportunity to engage in creative writing exercises, they also give us the opportunity – to listen to others whilst they share their precious words.

CREATIVE WRITING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

During this creative writing session, our usual creative writing facilitator was unwell and we had the organisation’s facilitator as a stand in for our usual facilitator on this day. We were asked to write a number of pieces and there were two that stood out for me. This following is my second writing piece. We were asked to pick a number between one and twenty, I chose number one. The facilitator then gave me the corresponding word for number one. This process followed through with each participant with us all having a different single word. Our instructions was to write a very quick paragraph about the word we had each been given. My word was ‘Support’ and my creative writing piece is here below:-

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

Title: “Support” Prose Poem



Support me please!  

I need your support.

Don’t turn away 

and leave me standing here, alone 

and destitute.

I need you…

 

I know, I know, I am a pain

and I know

I ask for too much

but don’t leave me. 

 

I will not make it without you --

come back, 

don’t go…

 

It’s OK.

I can be strong.

I will be strong.

I will support me.

I can do it!

 

Yes - I have done it.

Thank self...




Prose Poem © Karen Robinson - October 2015

No. 2-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Support Me’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

I don’t know where these words of mine came from, I just wrote what came into my head and allowed for the words to fall upon the page. We all had a chance to read out our paragraph and during the reading of my own – I was shocked at hearing my own voice reading my words. After thinking about it, I realized that it reflected my art for therapy and creative writing journey, that I had reached a place where I was truly OK.

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

No. 1-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Support Me’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

No. 3-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Support Me’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

No. 4-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Support Me’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

No. 5-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Support Me’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

CONCLUSION

NB: For the purposes of this weblog series “Creative Writing Group”, I will not be mentioning any names or personal details of participants or even the name of the organisation that runs the sessions. Individuals have the right to privacy, so it will only be about my own experience – and broad statements about each particular session. I hope you will understand.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing Group Session – October 2015 “What Makes A Good Life?” by Karen Robinson

Posted on October 24, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

Karen Robinson at Creative Writing Therapy with Mind Australia - Northcote Townhall October 2015 NB: All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

Karen Robinson at Creative Writing Therapy Session with Mind Australia – Northcote Town Hall October 2015 NB: All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

During this creative writing session, our usual creative writing facilitator was unwell and we had the organisation’s facilitator as a stand in for our usual facilitator on this day. We were asked to write a number of pieces and there were two that stood out for me. The first I am writing about here in this blog. We were instructed by the facilitator to choose from a set of cards that had been layed out for us to view, just one single card each that especially resonated with us as an individual. Then using the card’s written quote as a source of inspiration we were required to write a quick, short statement about our thoughts in relation to our chosen card’s quote. My card’s statement was ‘What makes a good life?’ and my creative writing piece is here below:-

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

Title: “What Makes A Good Life?”

“Waking up every day is a good start to a good life! Having a roof over one’s head, food in one’s belly and clothes on one’s back – helps a lot! So when all this has been achieved – the next on the list has to be – being able to love and to be lovable – is important. The rest is just icing on the cake for me…”

Karen Robinson © October 2015

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

No. 1-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘What Makes A Good Life’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

No. 2-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘What Makes A Good Life’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

No. 4-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘What Makes A Good Life’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

No. 5-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘What Makes A Good Life’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

No. 3-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘What Makes A Good Life’ Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson Oct 2015 NB All Images copyright protected.JPG

CONCLUSION

NB: For the purposes of this weblog series “Creative Writing Group”, I will not be mentioning any names or personal details of participants or even the name of the organisation that runs the sessions. Individuals have the right to privacy, so it will only be about my own experience – and broad statements about each particular session. I hope you will understand.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing Group Session – October 2015 “How Precious Time Is…” by Karen Robinson

Posted on October 11, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist, Story-Teller, Photo-Taker and Blogger at a Group Therapy Session Writing about her art work October 2015.JPG

INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

During this creative writing session, our facilitator gave us an instruction to think of a single moment as a carer of another that has been a moment that has stayed with us. It was within a short period of time that I was able to recall such a moment. It was a time when I was caring for my husband and where I found myself having to find enough strength for the both of us – in order that we could get through what was ahead of us in the months to come.

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

Title: “How Precious Time Is…”

“I said to my husband “I have to get your prescription filled before we leave the hospital”. In my own mind – I knew this was going to take some time to process the script and that leaving my husband standing, waiting for me wasn’t going to work as he was very frail. He had just finished receiving another dose of chemotherapy and once again he was very pale, withdrawn, sickly and weak, he looked like death. I hadn’t seen death before like this but he looked like he was near death – I was fearful. I said to him “Just sit here whilst I walk across here to get your script”. He dutifully sat – looking like a shell of the person he used to be, more fear filled me – I was afraid he would not live through these terrible chemotherapy treatments. I feared I was losing the man I used to know. I feared leaving him to just walk a number of steps away from him that he would fall over and hurt himself, I feared leaving him for just a few moments.

This image, this feeling of what I was thinking, at this particular time in my life, has not left me and my now well husband has no memory of these moments. I am so grateful that we are at the other side of this time in our lives, and this experience has left me understanding, just how precious our time together has been and still is…even today!”

© Karen Robinson, October 2015

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

After each creative writing session, I personally like to use my creative writing stories to inspire an art work. These artworks are not ‘masterpieces’ but are an important part of a therapeutic process that I enjoy; and helps complete my art for therapy journey after each creative writing group session. These particular paintings/art works are produced in a quick and spontaneous manner and are unlike my other painting method – which is planned and takes many, many hours to complete. I enjoy both methods!

No. 1-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘How Precious Time Is…’Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 11.10.15 All images-stories are copyright protected.JPG

No. 2-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘How Precious Time Is…’Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 11.10.15 All images-stories are copyright protected.JPG

No. 4-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘How Precious Time Is…’Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 11.10.15 All images-stories are copyright protected.JPG

No. 3-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘How Precious Time Is…’Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 11.10.15 All images-stories are copyright protected.JPG

No. 5-5 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘How Precious Time Is…’Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 11.10.15 All images-stories are copyright protected.JPG

CONCLUSION

What I find most extraordinary is how by being given a word, a sentence to write about can take the writer back to a point in time. Our minds are like a huge vault that contain life’s many memories which have been tucked away for safe keeping. I was amazed how I was able to recall this particular story about my husband in such detail.

Writing and sharing our stories within these creative writing sessions – gives us all an opportunity to reveal to ourselves and to others – if we wish, matters that may be unresolved, things we seek to bring into our lives and/or just the pure joy of being able to articulate words without judgement. And perhaps just for our own personal need to say out loud in a safe and secure environment amongst like-minded people. Creative writing therapy at its best I feel…

NB: For the purposes of this weblog series “Creative Writing Group”, I will not be mentioning any names or personal details of participants or even the name of the organisation that runs the sessions. Individuals have the right to privacy, so it will only be about my own experience – and broad statements about each particular session. I hope you will understand.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing Group Session – October 2015 “Not A Game – But A Real Necessity” by Karen Robinson

Posted on October 11, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist, Story-Teller, Photo-Taker and Blogger at a Group Therapy Session Writing about her art work October 2015.JPG

INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

During this creative writing session, our facilitator gave us just one word and that word was ‘Solitaire‘. With this one word we were asked to go about writing a short piece, there were no restrictions – just what thoughts came to each of us and write about it was the instruction. What came to me firstly – was that it could be a card game, but a card game you played on your own – solo without others and this was the source of my inspiration for my writing piece.

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

Title: “Not A Game – But A Real Necessity”


Solitaire –
 it’s a card game
 you play alone.

It’s when you have decided to be alone --
 the, sometimes, most enjoyable times
 when being alone can be just blissful

when there is no need
 to satisfy someone else’s needs
 or wants

when there is a silence
 that brings a sense of peacefulness within
 and the chatter in the brain winds down to a quiet hum.

It can be a time to recharge the inner child
 so that the adult can function properly
 instead of being an out of control beast.

Yes, Solitaire…
 not a game
 but a real necessity.

And when this Solitaire,
 this game of being alone
 comes to an end
 it presents a time to reunite with daily life
 refreshed
 and renewed

enabling oneself to throw one’s arms
 around life once again,
 with gusto!


Prose Poem ©Karen Robinson - October 2015

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

After each creative writing session, I personally like to use my creative writing stories to inspire an art work. These artworks are not ‘masterpieces’ but are an important part of a therapeutic process that I enjoy; and helps complete my art for therapy journey after each creative writing group session. These particular paintings/art works are produced in a quick and spontaneous manner and are unlike my other painting method – which is planned and takes many, many hours to complete. I enjoy both methods!

No. 1-4 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Not A Game – But A Real Necessity’Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 11.10.15 All images-stories are copyright protected.JPG

No. 4-4 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Not A Game – But A Real Necessity’Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 11.10.15 All images-stories are copyright protected.JPG

No. 2-4 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Not A Game – But A Real Necessity’Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 11.10.15 All images-stories are copyright protected.JPG

No. 3-4 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Not A Game – But A Real Necessity’Schmincke Ink-A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 11.10.15 All images-stories are copyright protected.JPG

CONCLUSION

Writing and sharing our stories within these creative writing sessions – gives us all an opportunity to reveal to ourselves and to others – if we wish, matters that may be unresolved, things we seek to bring into our lives and/or just the pure joy of being able to articulate words without judgement. And perhaps just for our own personal need to say out loud in a safe and secure environment amongst like-minded people. Creative writing therapy at its best I feel…

NB: For the purposes of this weblog series “Creative Writing Group”, I will not be mentioning any names or personal details of participants or even the name of the organisation that runs the sessions. Individuals have the right to privacy, so it will only be about my own experience – and broad statements about each particular session. I hope you will understand.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing Group Session – September 2015 “I am packed to go!” by Karen Robinson

Posted on September 11, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

2 of 2 Creative Writing Session Sept 2015 ‘I am packed to go!’ Ink on Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

INTRODUCTION

My Creative Writing Group Sessions always leave me feeling like I have taken a little journey into a new world of endless possibilities, a world where it can be of utter truths or pure fantasies. At other times these sessions take me back in time challenging forgotten memories. Our sessions not only give us an opportunity to engage in creative writing exercises, they also give us the opportunity to listen to others whilst they share their precious words.

CREATIVE WRITING HOMEWORK – SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this particular creative writing session. The Creative Writing Facilitator had set some creative writing homework which I was able to complete. We were given an image of post card, featuring a traveller’s suit case that was covered in travel stickers. Using this as a source of inspiration we were tasked with writing a piece 500 words or more, about what the image resonated for each of us when we looked at the image itself.

1 of 2 Creative Writing Session Sept 2015 – Postcard image of a travellers Suit Case given to participants to use as a source of inspiration for a writing exercise 500 words or more.JPG

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

Once I sat down at the computer and started writing, I found myself not being able to stop. The 1,700 words just seemed to pour onto the page before me. After I had exhausted my thoughts and reached a satisfactory end, I stopped and read over what I had written. My travel adventure which I had titled ‘I am packed to go’ had truly covered nicely what had occurred on that particular night and I had found that inclusive within my story was a sharing about how I suffered largely from anxiety and panic attacks. I wasn’t sure whether I should have included this in my story but without it would have robbed my story of a significant insight into my experience. After reading out loud to my creative writing session group this week, I felt more confident in sharing to the wider world. I also said to myself that more people need to be open and forthright about such things in order that there is a greater understanding of these conditions. To also show that anyone can be a victim of anxiety and panic attacks. So here’s my story, my personal story about one particular travel adventure I had some years ago.

Title: “I am packed to go!”

“It was approximately midnight and I had just arrived at one of the largest International Airports in the world – Guangzhou, China. I had been there before, on a number of occasions in my role as a ‘Product and Business Development Manager’ for one of the largest formal wear companies in the southern hemisphere! Well this is what the company commonly touted and it was reasonable to believe after being with the company then for a number of years. Tripping here to Guangzhou was not too daunting, as I normally arrived during the daytime and was usually greeted by a driver whom had been sent out by the company I was visiting, to pick me up and take me directly to the them and then onto my hotel. This always made me feel safe and secure and I have to confess impressed me to have such treatment even though for some business travellers it was the norm, for me it was a real novelty which I came to really appreciate and enjoy. Being a woman on my own, in a strange country and not being able to speak the language, meant this kind of service ensured that I was able to get on with what I had to do business wise and for me personally ensured that my anxieties didn’t escalate out of control. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sense of adventure travelling to a country I have not been to before; and a country that was so vastly different from my own country of Australia, but travelling did at times make me feel very anxious.

What was different about this particular trip was that I was not visiting the same company again – I was to attend a world-wide trade fair. This meant that I would have to make my own way from the airport to my hotel room and then back and forth to the fair. This may not seem such a difficult task to seasoned travellers and to those that live in the said country, but to me this seemed daunting. During my travelling with this company, I always felt like I was a fraud! A fraud – meaning that I had something to hide or you could interpret it as something that I hadn’t revealed. On the outside of my person, I portrayed a confident and knowledgeable professional which I was, but on the inside, there was this other me! I suffered all my life from depression at times, anxiety seemed to be a daily battle which would often lead into panic attacks, sometimes they could be minor and at other times major. But at all times I tried my best to manage my condition in a way that did not allow others to know or see my inner turmoil. An inner turmoil that had manifested during my childhood where child abuse, family violent and the wrath of an alcoholic father had to be endured. I never shared these feelings with others at my work, and nor did I really ever shared them with loved ones either; and in actual fact I really didn’t know myself – just how much personal trouble I was in until many years later when I under took counselling for severe depression and anxiety after the diagnose of my husband’s lymphoma and the sudden death of my 25-year-old son. So, this particular travel experience was leading me into feeling vulnerable and hence I was feeling anxious and in a state of panic. But I also need to say here, that I always seemed to find the funny side of life … and this travel adventure story does have a funny side.

As I went through the usual security airport departure checks during this particular trip, I thought to myself ‘it’s OK…just get a taxi and show them the address of the hotel and you will be alright’. What I didn’t know at this particular time, was that there were many illegal taxis’ where taxi drivers would target incoming travellers to get into their illegal taxis’. I found myself being hastily approached by a young Chinese man who asked me if I needed a taxis and I replied “yes”. He tried to take my baggage from my hand which surprised me and I held onto it with a strong grip and said “no”. He try again and for some ungodly reason I relented and allowed him to carry it. He then proceeded to move quickly up ahead of me and at first I thought “O my god…there goes my luggage!”. He looked back around and waved at me, indicating to follow him up ahead which I did thinking – “follow the luggage!”. We finally, at what had been a long distant hastily pace reached what I thought was a taxi. Something in me stopped me thinking for a second, but before I could blink, the man had thrown my luggage into the taxi’s trunk, opened the passenger side door indicating for me to get in, which I did, in a stunned state. Before I knew it, the door was closed and to my surprise the man jumped into the passenger front seat and not the driver’s seat. I was shocked, and then when I looked over at the driver’s seat there was already a man sitting in it. All of a sudden I felt trapped…the man in the passenger’s seat turned around quickly and asked me for the address I was going to, which I dutifully handed across a piece of paper with the said address, trying to look like there was nothing usual about this situation.

At this point in time, there was inside of me, a raging panic attack screaming to get out! The taxis torn off in a bust of energy and then I started to image all sorts of horrors, “I am being kidnapped for ransom”, “I am going to be murdered” or “I am going to be sold on the white slave trade market in Europe!”. I was in an even bigger panic by now, and tried to seem as calm as I possibly could; as there was no way of getting out of the taxi – it was travelling at great speed on a freeway to what I hopefully wanted to believe was my hotel. At this point I was looking for some form of taxi identification and/or a driver’s ID – there was none in sight so this compounded my thoughts that I was going to end up dead somewhere and nobody would know where to find me. So I decided the only thing I could do was to ring my husband, yes that’s right, my husband way back in Australia. Yes, wake him up in is safe and sound bed and tell him that I am in a taxi off to being possibly killed. So I rang my dear husband whom answered the phone with a groggy voice and where upon I said – “it’s me – Karen, I am on my way to my hotel”! He said “good and how was your flight”? Now you have to remember I didn’t want the taxis driver or the passenger to think I was thinking I was in danger, I just thought if I show any form of panic that it might make the whole situation worst. This was very easy for me to do, as I was an expert at not showing panic on the outside! Somehow I had communicated with my husband that I was in a taxi and asked if we could talk until I got to my hotel destination…he realised something was up and understood that was all I could say. So we talked about my flight over, talked about the weather, talked about home, talk about what I was going to be seeing at the trade fair because – it was almost a 45 minute drive and this mobile phone call ended up being the most expensive call I have ever made in my life. Halfway through this, what I can now call an adventure, all of a sudden the taxis stopped at a crossroads, the passenger’s door flew open and the passenger ran off into the night. Most peculiar I felt, but at least now there was just one possible kidnapper/murder I thought with husband still on the mobile at my ear. The taxi driver started driving down lanes and then back onto main streets, then back into lanes which seemed like forever before we came to a sudden stop…well it felt like a sudden stop. With my mobile phone to me ear and my eyes directed out of the window of the taxis towards some signage on what seemed like a hotel, I saw the hotel name that was a match for the name on my paperwork from my work – “thank you god” I said to myself. Suddenly a sense of great relief came over my body and my mind. I paid the taxis driver and jumped out of the taxis, grabbed my luggage from the trunk of the taxis and headed up the stairs of the hotel with my dear husband still hanging on the mobile in his comfy bed back in Australia. In tears and in laughter and all at the same time, I then told my husband all was good, I am safe and sound at my hotel and in one piece, I explained to him in full what had happened and that I couldn’t think of anything else to do – I said to him, with some humour “at least with the mobile GPS you would have been able to find my body”.

On recalling this travelling adventure or misadventure when I got back home to Australia, I did have a very big laugh at myself … all the fears I had and how they had my imagination running wild. I discovered later, that it was an illegal taxi and found out that these drivers target passengers coming out of airports – luring them to taxis’ parked away from the designated taxi ramps. So this image of a suitcase that has lots of travel stickers on it reminds me of the many travel adventures I have had, travelling alone for business, with my anxiety and panic attacks in co….”

© Karen Robinson, September 2015

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

After each creative writing session, I personally like to use my creative writing stories to inspire an art work. These artworks are not ‘masterpieces’ but are an important part of a therapeutic process that I enjoy; and helps complete my art for therapy journey after each creative writing group session. These particular paintings/art works are produced in a quick and spontaneous manner and are unlike my other painting method which is planned and takes many, many hours to complete. I enjoy both methods!

2 of 2 Creative Writing Session Sept 2015 ‘I am packed to go!’ Ink on Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

CONCLUSION

I hope by sharing this very personal story, a part of me that talks about being a person who experiences anxiety and panic attacks opening, will help others know and understand that there is nothing to be ashamed about such human conditions. That we all at times in our lives find ourselves being inhibited by such human experiences, some of us more than others.

NB: For the purposes of this weblog series “Creative Writing Group”, I will not be mentioning any names or personal details of participants or even the name of the organisation that runs the sessions. Individuals have the right to privacy, so it will only be about my own experience – and broad statements about each particular session. I hope you will understand.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing Group Session – August 2015 “My Bed! and Laughing at Mother!” by Karen Robinson

Posted on August 14, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

No. 2 of 6 Creative Writing ‘My Bed’ Ink on A4 Paper – August 2015 by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

INTRODUCTION

My Creative Writing Group Sessions always leave me feeling like I have taken a little journey into a new world of endless possibilities, a world where it can be of utter truths or pure fantasies. Our sessions not only give us an opportunity to engage in creative writing exercises, but also give us the opportunity to listen to others whilst they share their precious words.

THIS CREATIVE WRITING SESSION’S TASKS

We engaged in a series of creative writing tasks during this session but I have chosen just the two to share within this weblog and are here below:-

MY CREATIVE WRITING No. 1 – The Creative Writing Facilitator asked us to write a piece within a five-minute sprint. It was to help push the editor brain into the background, in other words to write without the self editor getting in the way of the writing. I did this below but afterwards, I couldn’t help myself going over my writing piece and just add one or two words and fix some wording that didn’t sound right once I read it out aloud to myself. Very little was changed! I have to confess that I didn’t stop at five minutes as I felt the need to continue to the point where my writing piece felt finished, that it had come to a natural end for me. The choices of subject matter were (1) beds or (2) a favourite movie and I chose beds.

Title: “My Bed”

“My bed is my haven and a place where I can rest my now aching body and rejuvenate my sole! My husband and I just recently purchased two new beds. Mine is soft and roomy and makes me feel safe and at ease with the world. I feel so fortunate that I can go to bed knowing that I am safe, and that in the morning after lying in my bed, will be the birth of a new day. A new day that presents new challenges, new experiences and a day closer to my eventual end, the end of my natural life. In knowing this, I say to myself I’d better make sure, I make the best of each and every day!
From my bed I can see out my window, out into the outside world where trees rustle in the breeze, where the local native birds hop from branch to branch and drink at the newly placed bird bath. I see them having a wash, fluffing out their feathers to dry and then flying off into the bush searching for food and shelter. I sometimes hear the neighbour start-up his Ute very early in the morning and head off to work. He appears to be a good man, a good provider for his family and a neighbour that causes no issues.
Other times I just lay in bed with the radio on and with my eyes closed, just listening to the BBC news of the world in the wee hours of the morning and around 6am the ABC news of the day. Sometimes the news is dark and leaves me thinking that the world is not a very nice place to live in – as there seems to be so much evil in the world and at other times, I hear programs that lift my spirits and gives me hope for future generations.
When the morning sun rises, it tells me it’s time for me to rise as well. I turn out of my soft bed, fold the top sheet with its accompanying comfy wool blanket up to the top of the bed, and then pull the Doona up over all of this, to complete the make. This act is like a closure of the night, and the signal that the day is now ahead. It feels like a subliminal message being whispered to me saying – “it’s a new day Karen…now go do your best!”

© Karen Robinson, 1st August 2015

No. 5 of 6 Creative Writing ‘My Bed’ Ink on A4 Paper – August 2015 by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

No. 3 of 6 Creative Writing ‘My Bed’ Ink on A4 Paper – August 2015 by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

No. 2 of 6 Creative Writing ‘My Bed’ Ink on A4 Paper – August 2015 by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

No. 4 of 6 Creative Writing ‘My Bed’ Ink on A4 Paper – August 2015 by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

No. 1 of 6 Creative Writing ‘My Bed’ Ink on A4 Paper – August 2015 by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

MY CREATIVE WRITING No. 2 – The Creative Writing Facilitator asked us to create a cluster of words around the given word ‘humour’. We were told that by creating a cluster of words it can help generate ideas and insights quickly and easily, break through internal barriers, help get our writing thoughts unstuck, and can assist in communicating and understanding others. Upon the sheet of A4 paper given to each of us to use, we went about brain storming for other words that came to mind when we thought about ‘humour’. Once we had completed our individual mind maps, we were asked to share it with the person sitting next to us and then to write a story about just one of the words on our mind map and I chose ‘false teeth’. It was one of the words that had conjured up in my mind, a very funny incident with my mother when I was just a teenager. I should say it seemed at the time very funny to me as a teenager but perhaps it was not so funny for my poor mother!

Title: “Laughing at Mother”

“I remember a particular time as a teenager when my mother was having a very serious argument with me. We were screaming at each other, it was full on verbal abuse towards one another at its worst. I cannot remember the details of this tirade of back and forth abusive communicate we were engaging in, but I can remember what brought it to an end! My mother was screaming furiously when all of a sudden her top false teeth came flying out of her mouth! At first we were both astonished and wondered what had just happened. Then when I realised that my mother’s false teeth had flown out of her mouth whilst she had been berating me – I just burst out laughing as it was the funniest thing I had ever seen. As a teenager this was a wonderful end to what had been a very serious encounter with my mother. My mother did not see the funny side of this event and collected her false teeth where they had landed but for me, as a teenager, this too just seemed to be even funnier. It was one of the very rare times where my mother seemed defeated and in some way sorrowful but my teenage humour just enjoyed the event too much. One for daughter and nil for mother – a teenager’s view of humour!”

© Karen Robinson, 1st August 2015

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

After each creative writing session, I personally like to use my creative writing stories to inspire an art work. These artworks are not ‘masterpieces’ but are an important part of a therapeutic process that I enjoy; and helps complete my art for therapy journey after each creative writing group session. These particular paintings/art works are produced in a quick and spontaneous manner and are unlike my other painting method which is planned and takes many, many hours to complete. I enjoy both methods!

No. 6 of 6 Creative Writing ‘My Bed’ Ink on A4 Paper – August 2015 by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

CONCLUSION

Once again, after our creative writing session, we headed off to the local restaurant to share a meal together and engage in good conversation – such a wonderful privilege. Thank you for joining me on this Creative Writing Group Session Journey! Please click here to view previous Creative Writing Group Sessions.

NB: For the purposes of this weblog series “Creative Writing Group”, I will not be mentioning any names or personal details of participants or even the name of the organisation that runs the sessions. Individuals have the right to privacy, so it will only be about my own experience – and broad statements about each particular session. I hope you will understand.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing Group Session – July 2015 “Betty Boots and Where there is a will there is a solution…” by Karen Robinson

Posted on August 7, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

No. 1 of 6 Creative Writing Group Session 'Where there is a will...there is a solution!' by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

No. 1 of 6 Creative Writing Group Session ‘Where there is a will…there is a solution!’ Ink on Paper by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

INTRODUCTION

My Creative Writing Group Sessions always leave me, feeling like I have taken a little journey into a new world of endless possibilities, a world where it can be of utter truths or pure fantasies. Our sessions not only give us an opportunity to engage in creative writing exercises, but also give us the opportunity to listen to others whilst they share their precious words.

THIS CREATIVE WRITING SESSION’S TASKS

We engaged in a series of creative writing tasks during this session but I have chosen just the two to share within this weblog and are here below:-

MY CREATIVE WRITING – The Creative Writing Facilitator asked us to finish this statement “Where there is a will ….” and write about it!

Title: “Where there is a will…there is a solution!”

“One of the things I have learned in my life, now being a stretch of 60 years, is that having determination, a desire to resolve, to look for a solution – requires ‘will’. I have lived through many experiences where, all I had in my ‘tool box of life skills’ was ‘will’! When one has ‘will’ – it gives us the driving force to maintain the power to keep forging forward, even when things seem almost impossible.

As a teenager, I joined the workforce with little to no education, just a strong desire to somehow succeed in life. With my ‘will’ to succeed at life, I ventured into tackling numerous and varying jobs with the hope that I would gain some form of expertise, that could lead to bigger and better opportunities. I managed to extract skills from each undertaking that allowed me to find solutions to firstly fulfil my basic needs such as: a roof over my head, cloths on my back and food in my belly. And secondly, to help me fulfil my creative needs which have led me to be able to maintain a good sense of wellbeing.

So, for me, this statement ‘where there is a will … there are solutions‘ rings true!

© Karen Robinson, 1st August 2015

No. 4 of 6 Creative Writing Group Session ‘Where there is a will…there is a solution!’ by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright law.JPG

No. 5 of 6 Creative Writing Group Session ‘Where there is a will…there is a solution!’ by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright law.JPG

No. 3 of 6 Creative Writing Group Session ‘Where there is a will…there is a solution!’ by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright law.JPG

No. 2 of 6 Creative Writing Group Session ‘Where there is a will…there is a solution!’ by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright law.JPG

No. 6 of 6 Creative Writing Group Session ‘Where there is a will…there is a solution!’ by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright law.JPG

MY CREATIVE WRITING – The Creative Writing Facilitator asked us to write a paragraph with at least 10 words that began with the letter ‘B’!

No. 1 of 4 Creative Writing Group Session ‘Betty Boots’ Ink on Paper by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright laws .JPG

Title: “Betty Boots”

“Betty Boots lived just down the road from my home. She always wore something blue and walked her brown bulldog called Buffy nearly every day. Betty had a bright smile and a big hello when she greeted you on the street, so the week I didn’t see her was strange. I decided to knock on Betty’s front door, just to make sure Betty was alright. Answering the door was this big broad shoulder young man with a mighty large broad brim hat. For just a moment I was taken aback by his burly appearance but then I found my voice and asked him if Betty was at home. He said his name was Benny and that he was Betty’s brother and was staying at his sister’s home, looking after her dog Buffy until she returned home from Boston where their parents lived. By then Buffy was at the door, wagging his tail and seeking a pat! Benny said that she was expected back tomorrow and said I should come and join them for brunch on her return as she would have lots of news to share. I accepted this warm invitation, patted Buffy and left no longer concerned. I said to myself on my way back home that tomorrow morning I must go and buy from the local bakery, a big boson bun for the brunch with Betty and her brother Benny, and a doggy biscuit for Buffy…”

© Karen Robinson, 1st August 2015

No. 4 of 4 Creative Writing Group Session ‘Betty Boots’ Ink on Paper by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright laws .JPG

No. 3 of 4 Creative Writing Group Session ‘Betty Boots’ Ink on Paper by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright laws .JPG

No. 2 of 4 Creative Writing Group Session ‘Betty Boots’ Ink on Paper by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 1.8.15 NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

After each creative writing session, I personally wanted to use my creative writing stories to inspire an art work. These artworks are not ‘masterpieces’ but are an important part of a therapeutic process that I enjoy; and helps complete my art for therapy journey after each creative writing group session. These particular paintings/art works are produced in a quick and spontaneous manner and are unlike my other painting method which is planned and takes many, many hours to complete. I enjoy both methods!

CONCLUSION

NB: For the purposes of this weblog series “Creative Writing Group”, I will not be mentioning any names or personal details of participants or even the name of the organisation that runs the sessions. Individuals have the right to privacy, so it will only be about my own experience – and broad statements about each particular session. I hope you will understand.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing Group Session – July 2015 “Things I dislike…” by Karen Robinson

Posted on July 29, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

No. 3 of 4 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Things I Dislike’ Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are copyright protected 29.07.2015 .JPG

INTRODUCTION

My Creative Writing Group Sessions always leave me feeling like I have taken a little journey into a new world of endless possibilities, a world where it can be of utter truths or pure fantasies. Our sessions not only give us an opportunity to engage in creative writing exercises, but also give us the opportunity to listen to others whilst they share their precious words.

THIS CREATIVE WRITING SESSION’S TASK

We engaged in a series of creative writing tasks during this session but I have chosen just the one to share here. The creative writing facilitator asked us to write about “what are some of the things we really dislike in life“. It was to be in the form of a rant! A rant being a tirade writing piece that is like a ‘shout at length’ in an angry, impassioned way. This rant needed to be completed within a 5 minute period of time, without hesitancy, with energy and without holding back. At the completion of the time frame we were encouraged to count the number of words written and compare this number with the number of words written in a previous rant we wrote earlier in the session. It was interesting to note that most of us had increased our word count as we progressed from one rant to the next. It was as though we were loosening up our creative brains, telling our creative brain not to hold back and to not senor ourselves, in other words, give ourselves permission to write freely.

MY CREATIVE WRITING RANT!

Title: “…Things I dislike…”

“I dislike being called ‘love’ or ‘sweetie’ or ‘dearie’ or ‘darling’! I find these titles, these pet names, these excuses for not remembering a person’s name demeaning, annoying. I feel like saying to the person “don’t you remember my name or if you don’t remember my name, I would rather be called nothing at all instead of ‘love’ or ‘sweetie’ or ‘dearie’ or ‘darling'”.

It’s difficult to know where this dislike comes from within me? Perhaps it is because as I was growing up and as a young woman, my name represented my entire identity and sometimes it was all I owned.

I know when a relative of mine calls me darling, I feel myself wincing. I get this almost impulsive feeling of wanting to snap back with a very sarcastic ‘darrrlllliiiinnnggg how are you!!!”. But instead what I do in reality is just continue on with polite conversation, ignoring the fact that this relative for over 30 years now has called me ‘darling’ despite the fact that I call them by their given name and not ‘love’ or ‘sweetie’ or ‘dearie’ or ‘darling’!

Word Count 184

© Karen Robinson, 29th July 2015

RANT WRITING REFLECTION!

The creative writing facilitator asked us to then consider how we felt after writing our rant. I felt better – it actually rationalised my thoughts in regards to this thing I dislike. That there was not much logic in having those feelings towards the thing I disliked, that really I could just ignore the dislike and put in a box called ‘not worth worrying about’!

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

No. 1 of 1 Creative Writing Group - Artwork Titled 'Things I Dislike' Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson - Abstract Artist 29.07.2015 NB All images and stories are copyright protected .JPG

No. 1 of 4 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Things I Dislike’ Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 29.07.2015 NB All images and stories are copyright protected .JPG

Art Work Story – She is saying “Darrrlllliiiinnnggg how are you!!!”

No. 4 of 4 Creative Writing Group – Artwork Titled ‘Things I Dislike’ Schmincke Ink on A4 Paper by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are copyright protected 29.07.2015.JPG

CONCLUSION

NB: For the purposes of this weblog series “Creative Writing Group”, I will not be mentioning any names or personal details of participants or even the name of the organisation that runs the sessions. Individuals have the right to privacy, so it will only be about my own experience – and broad statements about each particular session. I hope you will understand.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Creative Writing Group Session – June 2015 “I am womankind…” by Karen Robinson

Posted on June 6, 2015 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

1 of 8 Art Work inspired by Creative Writing Titled 'I am womankind' by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

1 of 8 Art Work inspired by Creative Writing Titled ‘I am womankind’ by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson June 2015 – Acrylic Paint on Canvas NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

INTRODUCTION

My attendance at this year’s 2015 Creative Writing Group Sessions has been a little spasmodic. There have been other responsibilities fighting for my attention, hence blogs for said have been – here and there. But I have found when I do attend, it is a very enjoyable experience and has been helping me engage my creative writing persona.

IMAGE EXPLORATIONS EXERCISE – Used for Creative Writing

During this particular creative writing session June, 2015 we participated in a creating a writing piece, that was generated by a string of words, offered by the creative writing facilitator, which were drip feed to us, during the writing of the piece. During that period of time, we were to write about our thoughts; build a story about the string of words; and allow our imagination explore the images generated by the words spoken. The subject matter for this ‘image exploration creative writing’ piece was about a cave. We were to imagine this cave; imagine suddenly hearing a sound within the cave; imagine something else was there, in the cave and from these prompts develop a creative writing piece. My cave became a safe place during my image exploration creative writing exercise and can be found below.

6 of 8 Art Work inspired by Creative Writing Titled 'I am womankind' by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

6 of 8 Art Work inspired by Creative Writing Titled ‘I am womankind’ by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson June 2015 – Acrylic Paint on Canvas NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

IMAGE EXPLORATION CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

Title: “I am womankind…”

“I am ‘womankind’ at its beginning. My cave is my home, my shelter. Just at this moment, it is night, and we have a roaring fire ablaze which is giving off a gentle heat. Over the fire, is today’s catch of mammoth, sizzling away and smelling almost ready to eat! Suddenly, there is a sound coming from the entrance to our cave. We all become alert! The children head towards the back of the cave and the men move forward towards the sound, with their clubs in hand. Slowly, a figure moves closer towards us, in a way that makes us feel un-threatened by its presence. As our eyes focus on the dark image, we realise it is just the camp’s dog, returning from its nights wondering.

The group reassemble around the fire and take part in the eating of today’s catch. All is safe again – it is only us within the cave, our safe place with family – no need to be afraid. Sleep begins to ascend upon the younger children, whilst the adults talk about their hunting and gathering of food adventures.

I pick up a piece of warm charcoal and begin to etch on the cave wall, figures of past families, as I feel their spiritual presence amongst us in our night. In my ‘cave woman’ mind, I am thinking about future generations of my people, coming back to our cave, and remembering our group, seeing our charcoal drawings of our lives, knowing that we existed, knowing that we are part of them and they are part of us…..”

Written by Karen Robinson – 6/6/15 ‘Copyright’ Protected

After we had completed this creative writing piece, we were asked to form groups of 2 or 3 and share our creative writing piece. It was interesting listening to each other’s work and hearing how others had interpreted the image exploration exercise. Some creative writing pieces were profound and deeply personal, with others being adventurous, intriguing, insightful and revealing.

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

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CONCLUSION

NB: For the purposes of this weblog series “Creative Writing Group”, I will not be mentioning any names or personal details of participants or even the name of the organisation that runs the sessions. Individuals have the right to privacy, so it will only be about my own experience – and broad statements about each particular session. I hope you will understand.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

POEM INSPIRATION

Collective Union of One for All!

CONCLUSION

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POEM INSPIRATION

Title: “Ageing Old Is!” Poem

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING PIECE NO. 1

CREATIVE WRITING PIECE NO. 2

CREATIVE WRITING PIECE NO. 3

CONCLUSION

POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: Using Art & Creative Writing as Therapy – My Journey by Karen Robinson. Please click here for my latest blog news!

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INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING PIECE NO. 1

CREATIVE WRITING PIECE NO. 2

CONCLUSION

POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: Using Art & Creative Writing as Therapy – My Journey by Karen Robinson. Please click here for my latest blog news!

Please share this with family, friends, workmates and interested community groups - thank you:

INTRODUCTION

POEM INSPIRATION

Title: “I Am Listening…” Prose Poem

CONCLUSION

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Please share this with family, friends, workmates and interested community groups - thank you:

INTRODUCTION

POEM INSPIRATION

Title: “Santa’s Pooped!” Poem

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

POEM INSPIRATION

Title: “Crying Roses…” Poem

PHOTO-TAKING IMPORTANT

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

— Beautiful Other —

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

CREATIVE WRITING INSPIRING ART!

CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

CREATIVE WRITING HOMEWORK – SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

MY CREATIVE WRITING PIECE

Please share this with family, friends, workmates and interested community groups - thank you:

Please share this with family, friends, workmates and interested community groups - thank you:

Please share this with family, friends, workmates and interested community groups - thank you: