Issue 17, January & February 2014 Editor: Jo-Ann Paley
Special Points of Interest: Briefly highlight your point of interest here.
Briefly highlight your point of interest here.
Briefly highlight your point of interest here.
Briefly highlight your point of interest here.
Business Name
This Newsletter is available on the MSS Website at: www.mss.mb.ca
Just follow the link to Newsletters.
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:
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
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