Join me! I will read from “Memory and Acceptance: Lessons from My Mother” on Oct. 5, 2023, 6:30 p.m. at 18 Rosemount, Ottawa Public Library. RSVP if you get the chance at watsonkaren@hotmail.com. Thank you. Excerpt: “When I was young, my mother lent me the book On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. She thenContinue reading “Reading at Rosemount Library, Oct. 5, 2023”
Author Archives: Karen Joan Watson
Swimming Trilogy
Writer and mentor Jay Teitel told me: “Write about swimming, since you love it and there is a lake in your story that is home.” He challenged me to remember swimming in a chlorine YM-YWCA, in a freshwater lake, and saving people as a lifeguard. But I turned my stories into a fictional version aboutContinue reading “Swimming Trilogy”
why I write
I had to produce an artist statement for a writing competition. Here it is: When I was young, I took my time to learn about life and art and writing – getting a BA in Communications and a BFA in studio art, while working and travelling. I received accolades and awards as an artist andContinue reading “why I write”
Care for the caregiver (short video)
There are many caregivers among us. I have been on both sides. After heart surgery in 2017, my husband cared for me as my body re-learned how to pump blood through a new aortic valve. I was very tired and often needed extra help. My husband felt stressed, figuring out the right thing to do.Continue reading “Care for the caregiver (short video)”
Caregiver’s story: “Memory and Acceptance—Lessons from My Mother”
We all have struggles during this pandemic. I wrote yesterday to a friend that I think of the people I know dealing with memory loss or aging difficulty. And being a younger parent these days is kind of mind-boggling. In the excerpt below, I start the talk about learning from my mother as she hasContinue reading “Caregiver’s story: “Memory and Acceptance—Lessons from My Mother””
This is a new year, let’s do it.
My 2022 projects are: eco-art installations, and good old-fashioned tree-hugging with Tree Songs 3, writing in anthologies about caregiving and about swimming for the Writers Collective of Canada. In ON SITE review 40 I was led by a wonderful editor to write about my love of books and libraries. And I’ll continue to work withContinue reading “This is a new year, let’s do it.”
Trees and Poet David Wagoner
RIP Poet David Wagoner, and thank you for this poem, my favourite: “Lost” [by David Wagoner] Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside youAre not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,Must ask permission to know it and be known.The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,I haveContinue reading “Trees and Poet David Wagoner”
Caregiver’s tale: “Memory and Acceptance, Lessons learned from my mother”
Coming soon, more info about my new chapter in the new Voices of the 21st Century: Caring Conscious Women Who Make a Difference (02/02/2022) Excerpt: When I was young, my mother lent me the book On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. She then asked me to make a drawing of the Serenity Prayer. ItContinue reading “Caregiver’s tale: “Memory and Acceptance, Lessons learned from my mother””
On writing, interview by Canadian Military Spouses Book Club
In an interview (20 mins) On Writing by the lead of the Canadian Military Spouses Book Club in August 2021, Christine Snider asks questions about why and what I write. We talk about the #VoicesOfThe20thCentury book, why I wrote about my heart journey, and other co-authors’ work. As well, we talk about resilient women I admire, likeContinue reading “On writing, interview by Canadian Military Spouses Book Club”
Heart story in Voices4 to borrow at the OPL
As part of making my heart story available, you can now borrow our book from the Ottawa Public Library: Voices of the 21st Century: Resilient Women Who Rise and Make a Difference
kjwatson.ca ART WRITE 