ROSEMARY'S HOUSE

Reason 5gazillionandfive I know there is a God.

I was sitting in Rocky Point Park when I got a message from Yiorgio at Rosemary’s house.  Hi, we saw your page and were curious about your work. Can you tell us a little bit about what you write?

Of course, I had heard about Rosemary’s house, a writing residency in Greece. But I couldn’t fathom why they would be reaching out to me… Me??

I spent the next few weeks reassuring my family that I wouldn’t be kidnapped.

What transpired next was nothing short of a miracle.

I needed time to sit with the experience before I could fully process it.

I met 5 other women that I will never forget for the rest of my life. Glenda, Taj, Dannie, Rosa, and Britta.  I don’t usually immediately get along with people, much less bond with them immediately.  It was no mistake that we were all experiencing the mentorship of Dr. Mahogany Browne in Greece at this time in our journeys together.  We gathered as screenwriters, poets, producers, and authors, all willing to learn. 

Dr. Mahogany Browne was equal parts unabridged power and compassion.  Her very essence transformed what could have been a terrifying experience into a place of safety. “Come in,” her eyes said. “It’s alright, let’s create together.”  Her exercises have helped my creative process tremendously and have helped me to grow as a writer of fiction and of poetry. 

We ate, we drank, we were silly, we laughed, we cried, and we created together.

There is no other explanation for me finding my way to Greece for this residency apart from the fact that it was supposed to be.  I am forever grateful.  I will never forget it.