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Author
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Comment
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katrina53
Registered User
(12/5/04 11:41 pm)
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Irish & Swedish Tales reflecting a Woman's Life Journey
SUBJECT: Irish & Swedish Fairy Tales that reflect reflect a Woman's Life Journey
I am a psychology graduate student concentrating in the field of Poetry Therapy at Vermont College of Union Institute. I am preparing my thesis proposal for my final semester.
My thesis will be in two parts. The first part will be my own heroic journey through the lens of fairy tale, myth, storytelling, and poetry from the world of Irish and Scandinavian lands. I am of both Irish and Swedish descent thus my wanting to explore these two specific areas of storytelling.
The second part I hope to develop a curriculum that can be used in poetry/biblio-therapy groups. I would like to develop a program that uses fairy tales, stories and poems that can be used for each stage of a woman's journey. I am currently in training to become a poetry therapist and I would like to contribute something to the field of poetry and biblio-therapy in this arena. No one has done that thus far.
Where I could use your guidance is in suggesting both Irish and Scandinavian, especially Swedish fairy tales, myth, poetry that speaks to a women's journey.
I think it will make an awesome ending to my graduate career but more importantly it will be a great contribution to the world of poetry and biblio-therapy as well as to the women in my family. Linking my Irish and Swedish heritage is important for me. I am open to any suggestions or thoughts and I would be so grateful for any help so that I can start reading and finalizing my project proposal.
I look forward to receiving any thoughts or guidance that anyone may send me. I wish everyone a magical season of wonderment and delight.
Respectfully,
Katrina
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rosyelf
Registered User
(12/7/04 3:23 pm)
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POETRY THERAPY, etc.
I think what you are doing, katrina, is great ! I say that as a poet and someone who is very interested in folk tales, fairy tales and various forms of therapy. What a beautiful contribution to people's lives-especially woman's lives-you'll be able to make ! In Great Britain, where I live, there are no poetry therapy courses-at least, I don't think there are. (Please put me right, anyone out there who knows of any.) There are poets who work with various folk in various therapeutic settings, but no courses as such.
Now, I'm presuming you are acquainted with SWEDISH FOLK TALES, edited by Polly Lawson and with illustrations by the wonderful John Bauer. I haven't read them all yet, so can't vouch for their applicability for your project, but I suspect they're worth a try. (Actually, "folk tales" is a misnomer. They are not traditional tales originating from the oral tradition-at least, I don't think so-rather, they are literary fairy tales written by various Swedish writers about a century ago. This may affect your analysis, of course.) Then there's another book-same title ? -by . . .rats, I've forgotten the name. They are both available for very reasonable prices at Amazon.
all good wishes for your project, your course AND the Christmas season.
love
rosyelf
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katrina53
Registered User
(12/7/04 10:11 pm)
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Poetry Therapy, Fairy Tales and Myth
Dear Rosyelf,
Thank you for your response and heads-up as well. I will look into Polly Lawson's book. Actually there is no poetry therapy course work here in the States. I am in training but creating my own masters project. I can hook you up with the National Association of Poetry Therapists.
You mentioned there is poets who are working with various tales, etc. in various therapeutic settings. If you can hook me up with them, at least there e-mails that would be so helpfull. I will keep you posted on my project. Enjoy your holiday.
Take care,
Katrina
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rosyelf
Registered User
(12/8/04 1:53 pm)
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Poetry therapy, Swedish tales, etc.
Katrina,
I've looked up the author of the second book I mentioned-it is G. Djurklou. I haven't seen this book in the flesh but I may get it once I've really delved deep into Polly Lawson's book-the John Bauer illustrations are so magical-forests, bearded trolls, a talking elk. I love 'em.
When I mentioned poets doing stuff in therapeutic settings, I really meant residencies of 6 months to a year, that sort of thing, rather than people doing this permanently. I could root out some details of various projects people have done, but it will take me a little while as I can't recall the website. Please let me know more about the poetry therapy association.
love
rosyelf
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Heidi Anne Heiner
ezOP
(12/8/04 2:12 pm)
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Re: Poetry therapy, Swedish tales, etc.
Swedish
Folk Tales illustrated by John Bauer
and
Swedish
Folktales and Legends by George Blecher
Heidi
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katrina53
Registered User
(12/8/04 10:08 pm)
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Swedish Tales
Rosyelf,
I am so happy you have sent me the information on the books you mentioned yesterday. I will definitly look at both books. I am so happy that you have given me some direction in books but like you I think I will delve into John Bauer's book. By your description, and looking at the book in the Barnes & Noble site, it seems the perfect book to start with for me to get in touch with my Swedish lineage in the world of stories. I really need to hang out in magical forests, communicate with bearded trolls and talking elk.
Thanks. I will keep you posted on how I am fairing. I am still interested in the residencies you are speaking of. Here is the web site for the National Poetry Therapy Association:
www.poetrytherapy.org/
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katrina53
Registered User
(12/8/04 10:16 pm)
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Swedish Tales
Heidi,
Thank you for the links for the books that Rosyelf told me about. I am so glad that I have found this site. is a great help, especially when one is exploring academically ideas. It is so helpful to be able to dialogue about my thoughts, ideas, hear from other people and help other people as well.
Thank you,
Katrina
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rosyelf
Unregistered User
(12/9/04 2:31 pm)
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poetry residencies, etc.
Dear Katrina,
Here are 2 addresses you might find helpful.( I'm sorry I don't know how to highlight them.) They are www.poetrysociety.org.uk-if you click onto their site map you will find "Poetry and Healing" in which you can find details of poets who've worked in hospitals, prisons, community projects, etc. The other site is www.lapidus.org.uk-which will be self-explanatory-I like their links in particular. I hope they provide inspiration . I've been looking at the website you mentioned-thank you.
please keep us posted about your projects
love
rosyelf
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katrina53
Registered User
(12/30/04 10:46 pm)
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Irish & Swedish Tales reflecting a Woman's Life Journey
Dear Rosyelf,
Thank you so much for the recommendation of "Swedish Folk Tales" illustrated by John Bauer. I am so excited to start reading it - great book to start reading New Year's eve snuggled up in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate with marshmellows and a decadent dessert.
Now if I can locate some Swedish or Scandinavian contemporary poetry that speaks to an indivdual's life journey.
I want to wish you and everyone on the discussion boards a Happy New Year.
Katrina
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rosyelf
Registered User
(1/2/05 6:02 am)
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Happy New Year
Thank you, katrina53 , and Happy New Year to you too, and all others reading this. I think reading Swedish tales over hot chocolate and marshmallows sound absolutely wonderful. Contemporary Scandinavian poets ? I know a few names, and will come back here if I find anything that seems useful.
All the best for 2005
love
rosyelf
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