Reflections

"Tell, me, what is it you plan to do
       with your one wild and precious life ?"
- Mary Oliver

Recently, after a very busy week, I was reflecting on the importance of being present. I realised how distracted I had been due to the busy-ness of the days. The following is what I realised I need to remember at times like these.

Mental presence results in focusing on one thing at a time and being committed to listening to others, and to my Self.
Physical presence results in a slower, calmer, quieter way of Being.
Emotional presence results in the respect and awareness of others, and of myself.
Spiritual presence results in the time to ground, re-collect and manifest all of the above.

Publications

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Metaphors for Life: A Fence, Chant and Art 
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, Insights, Winter edition, 2021

Aging and Integrity
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, BlogSpot, November, 2018

Dementia and History of Trauma
Comment: Canadian Medical Association Journal, July 2013

Witnessing as Short Term Trauma Support
Insights into Clinical Counselling, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, December 2013

Making Connections: The relationship between trauma and Alzheimer's disease.
Master's Project University of Victoria 2002; PDF Version.
  
Cultural Considerations in Establishing Ethically Sound Relationships©
Online Publication, University of Victoria 2001; PDF Version. 




Selected Work Experience

* Board member, VIDEA-Victoria International Development and Education Association, 2015-2021 http://videa.ca
* Contract counsellor, Bridges for Women, 2014-16 www.bridgesforwomen.ca/
* Continuing Studies instructor, Guest Presenter: University of Victoria, 2008-2013 http://www.uvic.ca
* Volunteer health care worker, Lesotho, Rwanda, Kenya - Africa, 2007-2011
* Workshop presenter: Citizens Counselling Center, 2009/10 http://www.citizenscounselling.com/
* Consultation and workshop presentation: The Cridge Center for the Family, 2006-2010 http://cridge.org/
* Instructor, Counselling Skills for the Clinician, Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 2007
* Counselling services: First Nations Health Authority, 2005-2015
* Disaster relief work, TOP: Trauma Outreach Project, New Orleans LA, 2005/06

Quilt Descriptions

Rest Me in Moss Velvet Earth"
 
April 1996 42"x51" Cottons,
machine  pieced, appliqued and quilted.

The title of this quilt comes from a line of poetry by Lois Wickenhauser. I wanted to capture the richness of colour and texture in nature. This quilt is dedicated to the memory of my friend and mentor Jean.

"You Can't Go Back"
 
November 2000. 44"x45" Retail cottons, hand
painted cottons, machine pieced and quilted.

The centre panel of this quilt began as a form of painted journalling chronicalling my first days as a student returning to graduate school. It illustrates the personal shift in my work artistically as well as in my life's transition.