2006 - Vol. 3, Issue 8

Tricia: How did you first get involved with Breath & Shadow?

Dorothy: I've known Sharon for years through mutual work with an environmental health organization and took an online writing class with her. When Breath & Shadow got started and Sharon asked for volunteers, it seemed like a good learning opportunity.

Tricia: What is it that you had hoped to learn, and what has that process been like?

Dorothy: I wanted to learn more about others' writing processes, more about what makes "good" writing. In the process, I've learned that, with support, writing can often evolve and transform into something completely unexpected. Giving that support to others has helped me to do the same for myself.

Tricia: What sustains or maintains your interest in volunteering your time?

Dorothy: I discovered I enjoy editing almost as much as writing.

Tricia: Tell us some of your favorite projects.

Dorothy: It's hard to pick just one. Some of the submissions I've edited have been from long–term published authors, others from fledgling writers. It's helped give me more confidence in my own writing to see that even seasoned writers still need editing support. It's been gratifying to be able to offer it and have such positive responses.

Tricia: What do you want to be when you grow up? Or are you already grown up?

Dorothy: It's an ongoing process! I want to be my most authentic, creative, expressive self, constantly evolving.

Tricia: What do you think that will look like?

Dorothy: It will still look like me, only more so. The hardest thing for me is to carve out the time to allow for creative expression, in whatever form, and little by little, I'm doing more of that, with inspiration from the other writers at Breath & Shadow.

Tricia: How will you know when you're there?

Dorothy: Oh, I don't expect to ever "arrive." You know what they say, it's all about the journey!

Tricia: Any interests, hobbies, employment, or relationships you want to mention?

Dorothy: I've been involved with the Environmental Health Coalition of Western Massachusetts for about eight years. We produce brochures and pamphlets about the health effects of chemicals and healthier alternatives to chemical products. Our focus is serving chemically sensitive people. I also recently became involved with DanceHUMAN, a contact improv dance group in Amherst, directed by Ellen Kaz. It's been such fun, and life changing as well.

Tricia: Tell us about the life–changing part.

Dorothy: It's been life changing to be able to do something creative with other people, to see that it's possible. Being chemically sensitive has meant having most such events, classes, etc., off–limits to me, in part because of people's scented cosmetics and laundry products. The fragrance–free policy for the class has encouraged those attending to be conscious of the issue, and they have been open to changing their products so [chemically] sensitive people can attend.

Tricia: Can you explain how the work with the Environmental Health Coalition of Western Mass., enhances your work with Breath & Shadow?

Dorothy: I hadn't thought of the connection before, but it has taught me a great deal about how others with the same disability view their challenges and cope with them. I have seen people with major health obstacles do some truly amazing things and been inspired by that. On the other hand, I'm learning it's okay to just "be" when I need to, and not feel the pressure to be productive all the time. In a sense this enhances my work — when I allow myself to be whomever I am in the moment and honor that and to do the same for others.

Tricia: How has involvement in the arts affected your life? Why stay connected with them?

Dorothy: Simply put, because it feeds me as Soul. We all need that as much as we need clean air, food, and water.

Tricia: I've forgotten where you live...?

Dorothy: Northampton, Mass.

Tricia: Do you ever find that your Mass., background gives you a different perspective than writers/editors from other regions or states?

Dorothy: Actually, I grew up in North Carolina, which certainly gives me a different perspective as a writer — that Southern writing "gene." I've lived here in Western Mass., for the past 24 years, which still makes me a newcomer as far as natives are concerned. Living in two such different cultures has added richness to my experience and my writing. I will probably always be a Southerner in my heart, at least for this lifetime. The language, attitudes, and customs are so much a part of who I am.

Tricia: What are your goals, dreams, or aspirations for the next five years?

Dorothy: To keep writing, dancing, learning, growing, and dreaming.

Tricia: Any other disability–related involvements?

Dorothy: As mentioned earlier, it's not possible for me to participate directly in most public activities because exposures to fragrances and other chemicals make me very ill. As the fragrance chemical issue and the impact on everyone's health becomes more known and accepted, venues are slowly opening up for us. If I may get on my soapbox briefly, my parting comment to others with disabilities is to ask them to be mindful of the products they use, and consider going fragrance free. It will help make the world a healthier, more inclusive place for all of us.