AlzAuthor and poet Margaret Stawowy is the editor of the anthology "Storms of the Inland Sea"

Sep 06, 2023 4:16 am

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Hello ,

Do you enjoy poetry? Typically, I find reading poetry a challenge, and have been known to comment, “I don’t get it.” I confess that I ate those four words over and over while reading the anthology Storms of the Inland Sea.

Edited by Margaret Stawowy and Jim Cokas, this gem of a book is a collection of poems written by caregiver-poets, focusing on dementia/Alzheimer’s. Their heartfelt words spoke to me, offering a glimpse into the daily life of caring for a loved one with memory loss in a way I understood and could relate to.

Have you used poetry on your dementia journey? Are you a poet or do you simply enjoy reading it? Or both? How has this helped you?

Please read on as Margaret shares a few of her thoughts about poetry and this book.

“. . . Caregivers may have difficulty finding time to read a book, but not a poem or two. As for relatability, I like to think of the Duke Ellington quote: “There are two kinds of music. Good music and the other kind.” I believe that quote is applicable to poetry as well.

Storms of the Inland Sea is not only a book but also a testament from a community of caregivers. We encompass myriad situations and challenges. Some have had more resources and support than others, but none of us were ever granted an easy path. We all have lost people dear to us before they die. How is it that the world seems genuinely ignorant of this tragedy? How can they not see caregivers as heroes on heroic journeys?”

Catch the replay of our virtual event Poetry for the Dementia Journey, featuring several of the authors in this poetry collection, here. It's also on the podcast.

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On the Podcast: Rayna Neises

Our most recent podcast guest is Rayna Neises, author of No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season, who asks us to think of our caregiving years as “a season of life.” Have you ever thought of it that way? Like most seasons, caregiving comes to its own natural conclusion, opening up a new, yet to be explored, season. Please listen as Rayna shares with us her personal dementia story caring for two parents during two different seasons of life, and what she learned.

Start Listening!

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A Video Book Review from Patti LaFleur

"Thank you, Paulette Sharkey and AlzAuthors, for sharing this beautiful children’s book with me that empowers children, and combats stigma around Alzheimer’s disease."

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New Alzheimer’s Film Debuts September 7th

8 Above is proud to announce the worldwide release of the new feature documentary "Keys Bags Names Words" having its US Premieres on September 7 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco, and on September 10th at the The Marlene Meyerson Theater in NYC, followed by screenings in over 50 cities worldwide and over 15 countries in recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept 21.

Produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Cynthia Stone, "Keys Bags Names Words" is a hopeful and inspiring lens portraying stories of both the personal and global impacts of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, while following a cohort of young scientists and artists from around the world as they harness creativity, humor and compassion to lead the way towards hope and resilience.

View Trailer

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Fall Fashions!

Our online store has dozens of items in a variety of colors and designs for you to tell the world about AlzAuthors. Free shipping through September 10th!

Start shopping!

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Our 6-Word Memoir Project is Still On

We are still collecting stories for our Six-Word Memoir Project.

Here are a few examples of submitted stories:

What I wish I knew about Alzheimer's or dementia that I didn't find out until later:

Caregiving would reveal my best parts.
The doctors didn't have many answers.
Have patience. Every day is different.
Share your experiences to help others.

Here’s how to share your six word story:

1. Go to: https://app.sixwordmemoirs.com/dashboard where you’ll be prompted to login with a name/password/email. It's free.

2. Then go to Join Topics and use these codes:

b9xeuc4g: What I wish I knew about Alzheimer's or dementia that I didn't find out until later
a8tt44di: In six words, what’s one takeaway from my personal journey caring for a loved one with dementia?
cdbu8g7k: How I rose to the challenges of caring for my loved one with dementia

3. Share one or as many six-word stories as you like!

We can't wait to read your stories! All stories will be collected into a book to share with the world, offering hope to those currently on a dementia journey.

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Susan's Design of the Week

Susan Landeis, author of In Search of Rainbows and Optimal Caregiving, is the creative talent behind the beautiful graphics that adorn our social media feeds. She makes fresh ones daily. To honor Susan and her work, we feature our favorite design of the week - not easy - in each newsletter in case you missed it. Feel free to share the graphics - and their text - to your own social media. This will help spread the word of AlzAuthors and give your followers a reason to smile. Thank you, Susan, for making us look so good!

September is World Alzheimer's Month. AlzAuthors raises awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia by offering stories and trusted resources created through personal experience to support your journey. https://alzauthors.com/

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Scholarship Alert: Humans of Dementia Scholarship is Now Open

HFC's Humans of Dementia Scholarship 🎓

Know a student who's eager to kickstart their academic awesomeness this year? The Humans of Dementia Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for high school and college students to make a difference, reduce stigma, raise awareness, and inspire change while boosting their own academic journey.

Submissions open now through October 1, 2023.

Get the details!

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Informative Event from Being Patient

Leah Fisher: Overcoming Fear After an Early MCI Diagnosis

On Friday, October 6th at 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET, Leah Fisher joins Being Patient Live Talks to discuss her journey of overcoming the fear of the unknown following a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. Now based near Berkeley, California, Fisher is a self-proclaimed “wild and crazy grandma” to four young grandchildren. In a previous chapter, she worked for 35 years as a psychotherapist and marital counselor and corporate consultant, during which time she brought her expertise to television programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show and 60 Minutes, and to media outlets including Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal, in their “Work and Family” column. Tune in to hear about her experience with the early signs of MCI, seeking a diagnosis, and what lies ahead.

Learn more!

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