ink & peat

Poet Caroline Holm, shares in ink & peat episode 30 the sources of inspiration for her newly published book Woodland. A resident of Salem, Oregon, Caroline’s poetry, prose, and illustrations celebrate nature, miracles of being a mother, the dance between joy and suffering, and the richness of being in the present. Caroline offers glimpses into how, through embracing stillness, one is better able to observe and to receive the subtle gifts of creativity awaiting our discovery.

After a summer hiatus, we are pleased to start a new season of ink & peat with a lively conversation featuring author/teacher/ and podcast host Conor Bredin, whose enthusiasm for writing, reading, storytelling, and teaching runs deep. Conor shares writing tips, and talks about how a 'kick in the arse' from his beloved was the motivation he needed to come to terms with writing as more than wishful thinking. His supernatural thriller ~ The Longest Night ~ is available on Amazon and through his website, where you can access his podcast Story of a Storyteller and catch a glimpse of his latest projects.

Fond memories of growing up in her family’s three-story home at 11B Lamlash Street in southeast London, provided the inspiration for Jill Phillips’ first memoir. In her book, she recalls the incidents surrounding a pivotal time in her beloved neighborhood when everything changed. Lamlash Street, a pocket within the cockney Elephant and Castle district, was home to Jill’s large and extended family. She recounts in ink and peat episode 27 the many ways it was an ideal community to grow up in during the early ’60s, how her life was influenced by her parents and relatives, a budding romance, and by a life-altering decision beyond her control that changed forever the complexion of Lamlash St.

In his memoir, Leonard Paris recounts the struggles of growing up a black male in rural Nova Scotia, Canada during the 1950’s and 60’s. Leonard began writing Jim Crow Also Lived Here in response to lying awake nights, replaying childhood memories ~ both good and bad ~ and reflecting on how racism and generational poverty had impacted his life. He felt called to turn his memories into a book in order to share his story with younger generations of black people, as well as to shed light on the lasting effects of structural racism and generational poverty within his country.  

Rachel Nolan knew as a young girl that being outside is where she feels most free. This has translated for her into a lifetime of adventure ~ cycling, kayaking, climbing, running, and team endurance challenges ~ around the world. She created Rachel’s Irish Adventures in her hometown of Ballina, County Mayo, to share her love of being outside in the wild West of Ireland. Rachel talks with us in ink and peat episode 25 about becoming the first woman to win the Transatlantic Way cycling race, maintaining a positive attitude, and what distinguishes Irish Whiskey from all the rest.

www.rachelsirishadventures.com

[email protected]

Facebook: @RachelsIrishAdventures

Instagram: @rachelsirishadventures

Twitter: @RachelsIrishAdv

George Plawski has lived a life brimming with adventure -- in the sky, before the stage, and with his beloved wife, Rita. His memoir Never a Dull Moment; Memoirs of Canadian Naval Aviation, Firebombing and Theatre, captures on the page a collection of stories, and lively anecdotes. In ink & peat episode 24, George recounts the choices he’s made, his writing process, the role of luck, and finding the ultimate joy where ~ and when ~ he least expected it. 

Liamy Mac Nally talks with us in ink and peat episode 23 about the Irish “sense of place”. A native of Westport, County Mayo, Liamy’s rich sense of place is built upon tradition, local stories, the Irish language, and walking the familiar landscape of his childhood. He was a featured BBC Three Counties Radio and Mayo West radio personality, is a regular columnist with the Mayo News, co-founded a book publishing company, and is a driving force in the Mayo folk music scene. Liamy is a Bob Dylan fan, and in the episode talks about compiling a book of tributes from Irish musicians, artists, and poets to commemorate Dylan’s upcoming 80th birthday.

Carmen Kissel-Verrier grew up on a ranch in Alberta, tagged by her schoolmates the Butcher Shop Girl. In her striking memoir, Carmen talks about ranch life, working in her mom’s slaughterhouse, and striking out on her own to follow the allure of big money -- first in the oil fields and then as an exotic entertainer. In ink and peat episode 22, Carmen shares how writing her memoir helped her heal and work through secrets she’s kept for decades. She offers her life story as an example of possibility to those who struggle with fitting in or who could use encouragement in embracing their maverick selves.

Mike Arseneault believes beauty is all around us and has stories to tell -- if we choose to see it. Mike uses his gift for bringing stories to life through marketing, musical theater, photography, foodie groups, and community organizing -- wherever he lands. From working successfully as a major creative in global sportswear giant Nike, to building community through food celebrations and restoring historic landmarks on the Oregon Coast, Mike dedicates himself to uncovering and bringing to life stories of beauty and possibility.

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/recreatenow
https://www.facebook.com/groups/storytellingbyrecreatenow

Website:
www.recreatenow.com

The path to becoming co-founder and CEO of FoodCorps led Curt Ellis through his father’s tomato patch, the streets of Brooklyn with a pickup bed full of soil, the commons of a prestigious university not known for its ag program, Iowa cornfields, and documentary film cutting room floors. Through these experiences and his boundless enthusiasm for food issues, Curt was well suited to find himself in the right place at the right time with the right people to bring his dream to fruition. In ink and peat episode 20 Curt shares with us the story of FoodCorps, his thoughts about feeding the nation’s children, and what it takes to follow one’s dream. 

To learn more about FoodCorps, visit their website at FoodCorps.org