Mind Your ABC’s—The New Writer’s Mind Sharing Tree Jan Feb 2014.pdf · Page 3 MANITOBA SCHIZOPHRENIA SOCIETY ACTIVITIES Talent Day was one of the highlights of the Fall programs

Issue 17, January & February 2014 Editor: Jo-Ann Paley

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This Newsletter is available on the MSS Website at: www.mss.mb.ca

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INSIDE “Mind Your ABC’s”........cont’. page 2 MSS Group Activities ......…...Page 3 Poem “Love” & Recipe ..…….Page 3 MSS H.O.P.E.S. Group .…....Page 4 “Name That Feeling” Support group for children …. ..……………...Page 4 Family Support Group .……...Page 4 Partners in Awareness…..…..Page 4 MS S Pee r Suppo r t Group Schedule.………..……………Page 5 MSS Women’s Group Schedule………….………….Page 6

______________________

If you would like to send something in for this

newsletter please email your submission to:

[email protected]

or send it to

The Manitoba

Schizophrenia Society, 100 — 4 Fort Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba

R3C 1C4

Mind Your ABC’s—The New Writer’s Mind

Message from the Editor We reserve the right to change the formatting of work received but we will not change the meaning of any work submitted.

Melissa Steele, pictured above, was our guest

speaker at a Writers’ workshop for the MSS

Women’s group.

What can I say, as a fellow writer?...It

was a very productive workshop.

Melissa Steele, a Creative Writing In-

structor from the U. Of Manitoba came

to MSS on Thursday Nov. 14, 2013, to

give the women from the Manitoba

Schizophrenia Society Women’s Peer

Support Group a writing lesson. The

teaching was, in my humble opinion,

what could be a stepping stone to a be-

ginning or an improvement of our writ-

ing skills. The skilled thinking was to

start by doing a colorful drawing to initi-

ate previous early childhood thoughts.

We had a large group and it is won-

derful to see that so many women in

this gathering are more than ama-

teur writers. To me, that was the

best part of the afternoon, listening

to the budding writers speak from

the heart, and help us all in our re-

covery as we grow in self-esteem,

gaining new perspectives, and ap-

preciating and admiring our own

words as well. Enjoying the lesson

and the writings that were praised

highly by Melissa, kept most on the

path to wanting and needing to try

harder.

To jumpstart our creativity, Melissa

asked us to draw a colored picture

of a kitchen scene from our child-

hood. A mother’s, or a grand-

mother’s, or whichever one that has

a special meaning to us.

This helped us to blossom, each into

our own point of view, as this is a

very individual picture. If you

thought this would be a very diffi-

cult thing to do, generally you were

happily surprised. It was easier to

do than we thought.

From those who spoke of what they

wrote, it may as well have been like

flying to the moon on a skateboard!

“Mind Your ABC’s cont. on p. 2.

Page 2

person involved, there is always more than

one perspective. I love that a great story

can encapsulate many peoples’ points of

view without having to pick a winner.”

“As for my writing style, I write mainly

short stories, though I have also written

essays, reviews and magazine articles. I

tend to write realist fiction, but lately I am

experimenting more with what I would

call fantastic fiction (not that mine is nec-

essarily that great) but that it has an ele-

ment of magic or surrealism in it. I try to

find my magic in the everyday world

rather than in some invented science fic-

tional or futuristic world. I am also ex-

perimenting with what are called postcard

stories. That just means very short stories,

usually under 500 words.

I am interested in the counselling profes-

sion and am exploring a career in that

field. I would not give up my writing, but

would try to use what I have learned from

writing (i.e how to pay attention to other

people and how to use imagination in

healing ways) to help me in that field.

Thus I thought a workshop with your or-

ganization would be a good way for me to

share and encourage creativity and hope-

fully help people to feel good about them-

selves.

I found our workshop both inspiring and

fun. I was thrilled by the turn out and I

loved the warm and accepting atmosphere.

I was thrilled when writers shared their

work to see how each one had her own

voice, her own passions and so many sto-

ries to tell. I was pleased that the group

was so engaged and so willing to partici-

pate. Thank you everyone for sharing and

for making me feel so welcome.”

The memories were blissful and so

real as if it happened last week and

we never ran out of energy yet.

Foods like bread, fruit preserves,

pies, and pickles, all homemade and

absolutely delicious, reminded us that

if we still try to cook and bake from

scratch today, we are some of the

lucky few who still can do that. Per-

haps we should make an extra effort

to teach our children, grandchildren,

nieces and nephews these tricks that

must be passed down to future gen-

erations.

We were then asked to add some-

thing sad or happy to the picture, that

was an association with the kitchen: a

pet, some food, a person or whatever.

It is interesting that we can shape our

own point of view, enough as a nov-

ice writer, into something so different

from each other’s that we can say

“Hey, I’m a writer too and I can write

fiction, or non-fiction.” In our own

words, using objects in a kitchen and

colors that remind us of something

specific that is so unique and differ-

ent, makes it ours only. This teaches

us that writing what only we know

about and want to write about is “our

own story!” This is a keepsake in

our journal, a jewel in our future

book! Someone asked Melissa what

type of writing do you like and she

said she likes fiction because you can

write about your own point of view.

Quotes from Melissa Steele: “I

strive in my own fiction to capture

emotional truths and to honour the

fact that where there is more than one

“Mind Your ABC’s cont. from p. 1

MSS Women’s Group members (pictured above) learn writing techniques from Melissa Steele.

Sharing our writing with other

writers, and thinking about a

childhood memory in a very sa-

cred place - a kitchen with deli-

cious smells, tastes, sights and

friendships, then writing about

this experience can mean that you

are a writer. “Continue to finish

it.” Melissa said. “Write more

about your thoughts from a long

time ago.”

We leave you with the quote

below. Jo-Ann Paley

“For the unlearned, old

age is winter. For the

learned, old age is the

time of harvest.”

Anonymous

Comments by MSS

Women’s Group Writers’

Workshop

Participants and Peer Sup-

port group participants at

Talent Day

“The idea of doing a picture of

growing up in our mother’s

kitchen was good. Expanding on

the picture into the writing to

think about the kitchen as well as

the people and the food was

good because it brought back

memories of family and people in

the past.”

“Talent Day was lots of fun. We

should do it again.”

Page 3

MANITOBA SCHIZOPHREN IA SOCIETY ACTIVITIES

Talent Day was one of the highlights of the Fall programs for the MSS Peer Support Group.

Pictured below are the performers and a few of the audience members.

Jo-Ann (pictured

to the left) dem-

onstrates how to

juggle.

Andrea (left)

playing the

flute and

Jacob (right)

singing and

playing the

guitar.

Love

Here’s a poem of love.

For God and Jesus too!

And for beauty all around,

Dear ones near and far

Comfort amid the trials of life.

Love can come for many a person,

For parents and siblings too,

Aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents,

And other people all around.

Think of pets and animals all around.

Beauty in nature and building too,

In the Women’s Group we love each other,

Help to lift each other up,

Send love and hugs around. By Ruth McLean, February 2013

Sweet Potato Soup

Ingredients:

2 sweet potatoes

1 tablespoon (15 mL) vegetable oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon (15 mL) minced gingerroot, (or 1 tsp/5 mL ground ginger)

2 teaspoons (10 mL) mild curry paste ( This may be reduced to taste).

4 cups (1 L) vegetable stock or chicken stock

Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch (1 cm) cubes; set aside.

In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion, garlic, gingerroot

and curry paste, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until softened. Add

sweet potatoes; stir for 1 minute or until coated.

Add stock and bring to boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes or

until potatoes are tender. In blender, puree soup; reheat if necessary. Serves 4

Shekinah

(pictured

to the

right) sings

and plays

the key-

board.

Pictured to the

left are three

performers

and audience

members.

Page 4

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP

For families and friends of those experiencing schizophrenia,

schizoaffective disorder, and psychosis.

Fourth Tuesday of every month Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Multipurpose Room

2014 Schedule

For more information contact 204-786-1616

or [email protected]

for young people living with psychosis and schizophrenia

If you are a person between 15 and 30 and are living with psychosis and schizophrenia, or schizo-affective disorder, H.O.P.E.S. or Hope and Opportunity through Peers, Empowerment and Support might be a place for you!

4 Fort Street, Winnipeg

First Tuesday of the Month 4:30 pm—5:30 pm

Contact: the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society at 204-786-1616

Partners in Awareness

A peer support group made up of interesting dynamic

professionals with schizophrenia. Are you a working professional looking for a safe

inviting environment to share ideas for living a better live with schizophrenia? Come join

us! Meet new people and share your experiences.

Receive support from those who understand!

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone!

Next Meeting: Tuesday

January 21, 2014

7:00 P.M.

4 Fort Street,

Winnipeg

Contact: 204-786-1616

Sponsored by:

Jan 28 Jul 22

Feb 25 Aug 26

Mar 25 Sept 23

Apr 22 Oct 28

May 27 Nov 25

Jun 24 Dec 23

NAME THAT FEELING

A support group for children who have a family member with a mental illness.

NEXT SEVEN WEEK SESSION: Thursday, January 23rd — Thursday, February 27, 2014

5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For Registration Information call: Manitoba Schizophrenia Society

Tel: 1-204-786-1616 www.mss.mb.ca Email: [email protected]

Manitoba Schizophrenia Society 4 Fort Street

Winnipeg, MB

Phone: 204-786-1616

Peer Support Group Schedule

JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2014

Meeting Time: Wednesday, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

(Occasionally group start time may vary according to the program of the day.)

“Need to talk to someone about your life with schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder?”

Then consider attending the

MSS PEER SUPPORT GROUP

Date Activity

JANUARY

8 Nutrition, Vitamins and Medication

15 Movie Day at FACES

22 Meditation Techniques

29 Planning & Journal Writing

FEBRUARY

5 River Walk—Walking or Skating (optional)

SNOW PLAN—Discussion at FACES

12 Valentine’s Day Celebration—Music, Games

19 Spirituality and Healing

26 Information on Resources for people living with a mental illness

Page 5

Women’s Program Schedule

January/February 2014

Meetings are held on Thursday afternoon from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at 4 Fort Street (FACES) although

sometimes we go on outings. Any women living with a mental illness are welcome to attend. Occasionally we

are out of the office for an activity so please call to confirm your attendance at 204-786-1616.

January

9 Writer’s Group—This is your opportunity to share your

writing with others and get positive feedback. We also do

short and fun writing exercises

16 Movie Day at FACES—Group starts at 1:00 p.m. in order to

watch the whole movie by 3:00 p.m.

23 Planning & Sharing

30 Bowling at Dakota Lanes—1085 St. Mary’s Road

Happy Valentine’s Day

February

6 Writers’ Group

13 Valentine’s Day Celebration with Arts & Crafts

20 Games Day—Board games, card games, bingo

27 Yoga at FACES

Funded by:

Page 6