“Dear Neighbor”
What inspired you to write this piece?
Deborah Pittman: Often when I need to tell hard truths, I write them down in the form of a letter. It helps me to get it all out of my head/heart/emotions and to get on with my day. I reread what I have written the next day, and if the emotions are still strong, I keep it as a draft. I rarely send it; getting some distance helps. I believed that this would end the same way, but I became angrier every time I read it. On day three, I sent it to my neighbor.
The Farmhouse
Singing with Ruth Ozeki, Shelly Motz, Jane Hamilton and Karen Joy Fowler
My Hedgebrook Daughter, Kira Jane Buxton
My Roomies
Hedgebrook: Women authoring change, is an amazing colony supporting women writers from all over the globe. Several years ago I was fortunate to attend Vortex, their annual event featuring opportunities to write, share and study with several dynamic writers (aka heavy-hitters). I resided in the “Farmhouse,” and met some amazing women; many of which I remain in contact. At one of the “open mic” events I shared a story that I had written called, “Don’t Let a Sistah’ turn 50.” The piece concludes with me teaching the audience the chant, “We are the Ones We’ve been Waiting For.” The photo of me flanked by my “doo wop” singers (Ruth Ozeki, Shelly Motz, Jane Hamilton and Karen Joy Fowler) brings back memories of one of the highlights of that visit. I hope to return to this magical colony on Whidbey Island soon.