March 2, 2008
Dear Friends,
It’s Sunday morning and it was only a week ago that we were sitting together at Wallowa Lake Lodge, listening to each other read, getting last thoughts and questions in, having Debra sign books, volunteering to work at Sisters, and promising to see Kimberly act in Michael’s play, “Throwing Bones.” It was a grand weekend, and I thank you all for making it so.
When Fishtrap works, when the magic of presenters and participants, most of whom have not met each other previously, happens, it is palpable from the Fishtrap “pulpit.” And it comes back from you in written comments, phone calls, and conversations. It’s traditional for us to summarize some of these thoughts and give them back to you—kind of like Michael’s technique of interviewing and feeding back monologues and dialogs. Maybe I should have given your comments to him!
SO THIS FROM YOU IN SUMMARY:
Many of you said that it was the best Winter Fishtrap ever (I loved it but will not choose a child). You loved the bus from Portland, the setting, writing on the bus and early Saturday morning, the presenters, program, open mikes, and each other. The bus was a “deal clincher” for a few, felt “green,” gave us bus driver Dale, and was an opportunity for folks to get acquainted. We will plan on it in the future, and work on more interesting lunch and cultural stops along the road.
Food at the Lodge got good marks, best ever, though portions were still a bit big for some and vegetarians wanted vegetarian protein! There were several comments about the quality of the place and the helpfulness of staff. It is indeed a grand place.
I’ll start at the end, with the open mikes that are, as one of you said, a “Fishtrap signature.” Open mikes are a challenge for some, an opportunity for many, and a revelation of the strength, depth, and talent that participants bring to Fishtrap. Don’t worry about them going away! And yes, we will try to fit in more “writes.” Robyn and Shannon got great marks for the write on the bus and for the early morning write. Many of you would have gotten up early on Sunday for another one. There were also several comments about the importance of the music—on the bus, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening. Many of you wanted more. It will be up to Rick, staff, and board to see if there is a way to make music a bigger part of Winter Fishtrap. I’m with you!
Program. It was interesting to me that you broke out evenly on which presenters were favorite or most important or meaningful to you—the important thing is that there was not one negative about faculty, and that many commented on how well they fit the theme and fit together. You also broke evenly on staying in large discussion groups, or movg to smaller breakout groups as we have done in the past. The “longhouse” or “alley” seating did seem to help.
We did best with “empathy.” It popped up frequently in evaluations, and, in my own mind, seemed the central concept and lesson of the weekend. Writing fiction is about empathizing with others’ lives; Patrick allowed us to empathize with the homeless; and Michael showed the power of drama in empathizing with others’ lives and points of view. Monica started a discussion of the concept of “charity” which we did not examine in detail, though comments make me think that our mutual understanding of the term allows for the dignity and respect that are so important in Sisters’ philosophy. If “responsibility” was not addressed directly in presentations, it comes through strong in what you say you took away from Fishtrap last Sunday. What I hope we all took away was phrased this way by one: “mindfulness of noticing right living in the large picture as well as my little wold.”
This is my last go-round as director at Winter Fishtrap, so I will end again with thanks, not only for this year, but for all the years, all the friendships, the support, the magic that you have shared with me. I’ll be with you on the other side of the pulpit next year!
And now some of your direct comments, especially those about what you learned and are taking away to use in your own lives. I’ll also add a list of suggestions for future themes. And promise to post a longer version of your comments on the web site:
PROGRAM COMMENTS:
Perfect kickoff: Debra is a beautiful writer, speaker, person
The philosophy and understanding of the Sisters of the Road is so necessary – my life is better for having met and listened to them
Sisters – powerful and inclusive. Allowed people to really know the life of someone who had experienced homelessness. Thank you Patrick
I was reminded again of the importance of listening deeply…learned a lot about my own fears and misunderstandings about the individual’s role in relieving the isolation of homelessness
Sojourn so wonderful. Michael is a gifted teacher as well a artist… good to see how the arts can be a powerful instrument of change without beating people in the head
Sojourn is not just a project. It is a way of listening and experiencing your community and communities very different from your own
[Saturday] evening program was a great way to close an intensely rich day. I wish for more music – maybe in the mornings too.
Centering to come back after dinner to Debra’s reading Monica and Patrick’s readings. Great wisdom.. of course loved the music
Powerful reading by Debra. Heidi’s’s songs are healing.. Steve and Kate are family
Perfect end of the day!
Lodge the perfect space. For me the best part was being able to hear voices through the walls: each night when I went to bed I was reminded of the parties my parents had when I was small, and that feeling of drifting off to sleep on top of all that conviviality..
Fabulous weekend – my first time here and couldn’t have been more delighted. Fine topic—gave me just what I needed.
Inspired but depressed – what could I write say do when it was being done so excellently by others. I felt old by-passed surpassed outdated [but] won’t stop trying to make a difference
Something hands on and/or physical for group to do. Collaborative writing. Short singing bouncing a ball from one to another...
FUTURE THEMES/PRESENTERS:
Small is beautiful... Urban/rural dynamics... Myths, fantasies, realities... Processes for reconciliation... Simplicity/ richness... Issues re children... Religious doctrine vs non-discrimination (gender, race, sexual orientation)... Immigration... Non-violence... Interweaving cultures... William Sullivan hiking Oregon – themes: hiking, forays into the forest... Community celebrations – Fremont arts council Seattle... Generations or ancestry – genetic memory... Preserving the planet... One world how what happens one place affects other places, global warming, world peace, etc. Robert Thurman.