Ballast To Which I Cling

Ballast To Which I Cling

 By Maryanna Gabriel

The other day, the man who helps me with the garden and whatnot, asked who the prime minister of Canada was. I looked at him with envy. Oh, to be free. Not that I don't like our prime minister, rather, to not be news aware. 

I read once that in these strange times, Pandora's Box is wide open. Aside from the strange goings on geopolitically, each of us also has personal challenges. How we meet these challenges is a test.

Gardening is the best therapy, I find. The former owner of where I live was a rose whisperer and left me with an amazing tree which is now in bloom. The beauty of it astounds me. In a way, it's a ballast to which I cling. 

There is a writing workshop fast approaching, and I'm in preparation mode. More on that to come. For now though, I am hunkered down and madly writing in the summer heat, not only in preparation for the workshp, but because the only way to get to the page is to actually do so. Back, I believe, with more in October. Don't give up on me. Am still here. Sort of.  

In The Closet Again

Stand back. Super high technology on display. 

 

        By Maryanna Gabriel 

I am coming out of the closet. Yes, it is true. Because I have been in the closet once again. I have just completed two productions through Magic Cottage Creations. One is called "Kayaking Solo", a story about a woman who kayaks around Salt Spring Island to shake off a relationship gone awry, and the second is called "Francesca Saves A Unicon", inspired by my family, for the younger set, say less than eight years old. 

Here is what it looks like when I do a reading for audio publication.... the coat hangers are my innovation. Whaddya think? Should I patent them? The idea is to do away with the rustle of the turning page while recording. I also wrap a curtain behind me so the sound stays within.

The closet is the preferred place to do a recording because the hats and coats absorb any reverberations from a large empty room, and this way I have an instant insulated sound booth. So handy. 

Coming to a sound theatre near you... 

"Kayaking Solo" 16 min: Spotify  or   Libro  or  Apple   or  Kobo 

"Francesca Saves A Unicorn" 9 min : Spotify  or  Libro  or  GooglePlay   or  Chirp