Protecting What’s Ours
Art Credit: Quilt Art entitled Reconciliation by Ellen Lindner, reproduced with permission.
One of the wonderful things I’ve discovered about Dissociative Writers is the vast creativity among our members. In addition to powerful writing, we have people who are gifted artists and talented musicians. I’m sure if I knew about all of you, I’d discover other ways you’ve put your creativity to use.
Art Credit: Quilt Art entitled Caring by Ellen Lindner, reproduced with permission.
I know how to wield a pen but have little ability in other traditional arts. Instead, I try to pull together thoughts about issues I’m passionate about, like forgiveness and its impact on people like you and me who have experienced chronic early childhood trauma. I’ve written several blog posts on the topic and published one last fall, illustrated with a copy of beautiful quilt work by artist Ellen Linder entitled Reconciliation. With Ellen’s permission, I’ve reprinted it here for you to see along with several other works by her entitled Caring and Security.
Ellen reached out to me recently to remind me that I had not requested permission to use her work. I’m deeply sorry that I neglected that step in my own publication process. Just as many of us copyright our writing, artists, too, want to protect their work.
For those of us with dissociative disorders, protection is an important act that few of us had as children. As adults, we learn how to protect ourselves, our bodies, our minds, our spirits, and the products of our inspiration. By contacting me, Ellen is protecting the boundary that says, “this is my work and I have control over who shares it or uses it.”
Art Credit: Quilt Art entitled Security by Ellen Lindner, reproduced with permission.
Ellen says, “I make art for the pure joy of doing so!” Known for its strong contrasts and vivid colors, her art has been shown throughout the United States, and beyond, has been commissioned by several well-known hospitals, and has been published in several magazines. Ellen has been seen on Quilting Arts TV, where she taught some of her techniques. She’s also written two books and several magazine articles. You can learn more about Ellen and see her artwork by going to her website: http://adventurequilter.com.
As we continue to heal, we grow from worthlessness to worthiness, we know that our gifts and talents are real and worth protecting. We learn how to set boundaries and protect what is ours. Step by step, the way we treat ourselves and the things that belong to us helps define who we are.
Bravo, Ellen, for teaching us a lesson in protection!
Help us reach out goal!
DW Writes On!
DW Writes On! is a one-time-only fundraising initiative to raise funds for legal fees to become a nonprofit organization. We are grateful for our many writers and facilitators who offer a safe space for dissociative writers. Becoming a nonprofit will sustain this space, now and in the future. So far, we’ve raised almost $1,400. Can you help? To support our effort to become a 501(c)3 nonprofit, click here. Thank you!
Social Hangout This Wednesday!
Join JJ and others for a relaxed social hangout this Wednesday, September 20, at 2 pm Eastern. For the link, go to Groupeasy/Calendar/click on event on date that will take you to the zoom link. See you there!
September Workshops & Events
Monday, September 18, 3 pm Eastern, Memoir Class, By Registration Only
Tuesday, September 19, 1 pm Eastern, Writing-in-Place
Wednesday, September 20, 2 pm, Social Hangout
Monday, September 25, 3 pm Eastern: Memoir Class, By Registration Only
Tuesday, September 26, 1 pm Eastern: Traditional Workshop
Wednesday, September 27, 8 pm Eastern: Evening Writing-in-Place
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Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
~ Psalm 57:1
Lyn