Amanda Shuman

Hello from The FOLD (The Festival of Literary Diversity) here in Brampton, Ontario!

This morning, I started with Publishing 101 with the lively literary agent, Léonicka Valcius, who gave some great information about publishing and answered many questions. I feel more prepared to query agents and publishers for my manuscripts - yes, with an s! I have a few books in the works about dreamwork as well as memoire and children's books. Don't worry, I am getting closer to the publishing stage to get books in your hands!

Thursday evening, I attended the Paint and Poetry night , where we married artistic expression with poetic inspiration. As we created our paintings, we heard poet Daniel Maluka read poems from his chapbook 'Unwashed'. His readings were narrative and soulful, tying emotions into knots of belonging, diverging life paths, and what ifs. It re-inspired artwork intended (and now completed) to be paired with my own poetry. I am so grateful for the experience and meeting Daniel.

Did you know that I write poetry? I do!

Last year, my first published poem was right here at The FOLD! It was written from the intense energy of a premonition dream that connected to 'Mahdia' and the families who still mourn their loved ones. Find it on p 31 of The FOLD Program 2024 (content warning: it is an intense embodying experience)
https://thefoldcanada.org/publications/the-fold-program/fold-2024-program/

Are you a writer too? Let's connect! Networking is a great way to learn and grow!

How to sign up:
1 - call Earthworks directly to reserve your spot for Sunday
OR
2 - show up at Earthworks at 12pm Sunday to join

Limited spots available

See you in the dreamtime! ~ Amanda

It's deep in hibernation season where we don't know Monday from Wednesday. Our schedule feels like a Dali painting. Our clock betrays our circadian rhythm, and all we want is to hear the buzz of cicadas in the warmth of a sunny day.
The sun shone today, probably, as I reclused from the frigid cold. This week I had clients speak of being in their darkness, finding difficulty to see the light, even though they know it's there somewhere. It is there, my dears, it is there. They are so brave to recognize this in themselves and reach out for support.
There is a documentary called 'The Secret', it gives many tips for living a good life. I was reminded of it on Monday and wanted to share my favourite tip: gratitude. Set up a specific time in the day to list what you are grateful for. Out loud, written out, or mentally run a list as you drift off to sleep. The point is to do it. There is so much we can be grateful for in this world!
Here's a picture of one of my favourite roads, going to a special place and a reminder in my mirror that I am loved. This sticker is from a friend, as a reminder to love myself! Little does she know how much love I send her way every time I notice it and feel so much love from her!
Sending love out to you!