Gulp - something new

[creativesarah]

Tomorrow is my first attempt at taking the creative writing group I go to, as a tutor.
I am feeling very nervous but my aim is to eventually start a creative writing group for those affected by dementia. My tutor is full of hope about it!
I found a wonderful quote by Helen Keller about memory
'Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived.'
I have got some things to smell like Germolene, perfume, citrus bath oil.
I am going to put some items on the table and then get people to write as if they are that object and I have got some facsimile newspapers which are fascinating.

I have just ordered a new Alzheimer's Society T-shirt as I have been asked to do a reading of one of my stories at a fundraising event, and a wristband and a brooch.

In this months 'Living with Dementia' my poem was shortlisted so lots of exciting things going on despite going through a very difficult time

Chins up!

 

[LadyA]

@creativesarah Gosh, you're living up to your username! Well done you! I am sure tomorrow will go well - it sounds like you have put a lot of thought into your preparation. Wishing you the very best of luck! xx

 

[HillyBilly]

Wow Sarah. that's a lot going on, well done you!
Loving the smells idea but personally HATE the smell of Germolene.
Best of luck for tomorrow, I know you'll be grand!

 

[LadyA]

Wow Sarah. that's a lot going on, well done you!
Loving the smells idea but personally HATE the smell of Germolene.
Best of luck for tomorrow, I know you'll be grand!

But even the memory of the smell of germolene provoked a response from you, which shows how evocative the smell is!

 

[canary]

Thinking of you today. Im sure everything will be fine
xx

 

[Spamar]

Apparently small is one of the first senses that is lost to dementia, though don't know which variety. Breathes sigh of relief!

 

[Saffie]

Well done Sarah, you go from strength to strength.
I hop all goes well but I'm sure it will.
Incidentally, I love the smell of Germolene!

 

[Amethyst59]

@creativesarah....how did it go? It was such a good idea, you had...to introduce the smells.

 

[creativesarah]

Yesterday went well I think! My tutor seemed pleased and it led to some good conversations and people started writing their own short stories about smells. I read one of mine to them.
I got hold of some old facsimile newspapers and let everyone choose a copy and take it home to write a story based on something that caught their eye.
Today I am doing my sums (household accounts!) and I can't seem to get the books to balance.
When I have unraveled that mystery I will go back to getting my book ready to self-publish which is much more fun. Hoping to have it available before Christmas

 

[Amethyst59]

Yesterday went well I think! My tutor seemed pleased and it led to some good conversations and people started writing their own short stories about smells. I read one of mine to them.
I got hold of some old facsimile newspapers and let everyone choose a copy and take it home to write a story based on something that caught their eye.
Today I am doing my sums (household accounts!) and I can't seem to get the books to balance.
When I have unraveled that mystery I will go back to getting my book ready to self-publish which is much more fun. Hoping to have it available before Christmas

Brilliant! I am pleased for you. A successful lesson like that will boost your confidence for the future. I commiserate with you, I hate figures! Good luck with the book.

 

[LadyA]

Today I am doing my sums (household accounts!) and I can't seem to get the books to balance.

This is a very common problem!!

 

[Grannie G]

I'm delighted to hear how well you're still doing Sarah and wish you luck with your classes.

I have a very keen sense of smell, compensation for poor eyesight and hearing I think. My mother lost her sense of smell very early into her dementia but I think Dhiren kept his . It's as well everyone is different and good you still have yours.

Germolene has a very distinctive smell which I doubt those who have used it will forget.