Feedback for “Writing the Story of Your Life” with Bridget Brandon Samaya Retreat, Winter 2007

"I love this process because writing is so lonely and I’m so social. Here I get to write in short bursts and know I will then read and get feedback and hear from others too. I have enjoyed exploring the bits of me in dark recesses that don’t usually see the light of day. There has been so much laughter and tears.  It has been really useful.
Bloody good value for money."

Cait Wildman, (Developing Writer) Brisbane.

"I had been thinking my brain didn’t really work anymore, but in this new environment I can see it does work. It’s inspiring sharing stories. Before I came here I had thought well I’m 83, I’ll go into a retirement village and I was in the queue to die. Now after one day here I’ve left the queue!"

Moira Pippen, Fraser Coast

"So many courses/workshops fluff around/waste time. We did a lot of work, which was really beneficial. Full value! I was inspired!"

Helen Edwards (IT Consultant/Trainer), Brisbane.

"I learnt to trust the truth of the first words. I enjoyed finding a way of writing my life story without angst, with enjoyment in the process and the confidence to write it as it is comes without need of editing. Anais Nin said ‘Taste life twice’. I feel we have been doing that."

Jill Trevillian (Community Arts Performer) Byron Bay

"I found the cumulative effect of keeping on writing strengthening for me. I enjoyed writing within a structure of the provocation we were given and the freedom to respond to it however I chose to. I was intrigued by the space of what I don’t remember."

Ann Bermingham (Singing teacher), Brisbane

"I realized that I thought I knew my story until I delved a little deeper. I reached a new depth that I hadn’t really been listening to."

Elizabeth Shadlow, Sydney

"I have had a fear about writing since I was twelve and my mother read my diary. So I have always written in an obscure way so that people wouldn’t know what I was saying. So to push through that wall is really important.  I found great joy in listening and being inspired and hearing such masterpeices. It was challenging, enlightening and thanks [to everyone] for sharing so profoundly your wealth of life experiences."

Chezee Darville (Dance Teacher and Founder of ‘Rhythm Konnections’) Byron Bay

"I am enjoying writing about my life so much it feels wickedly good!"
"I was intrigued by the space the ‘don’t remembers’ can hold and interested in ways to sustain my writing practice. I feel I’ve had a kick start and am well rewarded for persisting with keeping the pen moving. The group energy was powerful and the feedback was encouraging to continue writing. I feel now that my life story is not only worth writing but that others will enjoy reading and listening to them. A very professionally organized and facilitated workshop!"

Katherine Boorman (Teacher, Poet), Byron Bay

"I discovered from your feedback that I have a distinct voice. I discovered I can make people laugh and I can also move them to tears. I loved the honesty, the rules set for feedback. Bridget’s tight control- firm but fair. The atmosphere of safety was well established."

Robyn McIntyre (Retired School Principal), Byron Bay

"I am motivated to write more now. Discovered what I may write about- now I have lists and lists and lists! I have enjoyed the exercise of setting the record straight and stretching the memory. The time lines made me realize there were huge gaps in my memory and I’ll go back and look at diaries and fill them in. I’ve enjoyed the reception some of my stories got."

Mike Lean (Community Mediator), Fraser Coast.

"I wanted to find a quieter mind and trusted you to provide that Bridget. I wanted to rekindle my creativity. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the writing process itself. I loved the clarity of instruction and being kept on task. The creative environment supported writing. The retreat helped me take time out to get back into my body, awaken my senses and clarify my mind so that my writing flowed."
"Thanks for creating a great environment for us- we gained heaps as a family unit sharing the experience."

Dr Judy Pippen, (Cultural Development Worker), Fraser Coast

"I enjoyed observing the repeating patterns in myself and others that just happened naturally."

Gillian Richmond (I.T.Consultant), Byron Shire

"This workshop has put me in touch with myself and others."

Margie O’Sullivan, Byron Bay

"I found the joy of letting the pen cover the page was such a release. I realized that writing my life story is reachable and I really enjoyed delving into my past."

Janice (Gypsy) Iredale (PE Teacher), Sydney.

"I felt the course was well constructed and well presented in that it pushed my boundaries."

Bruce Meers, Sydney.

"10/10. What did I like most about the workshop? Everything!"

Herb Larratt, Sydney.

"I organized the logistics of the workshop, and didn’t need to attend, but I went to some trouble to make sure I could be there for the whole three days and two nights, because I know the quality of Bridget’s work (having spent two years being trained by her at Drama Action). I also knew I needed to review my life with more compassion. The old inner critic could really tear me to shreds on some aspects of my life. Simply writing down things I had thought for so long and having others listen to me read them was immensely healing- it gave some perspective. Bridget’s provocations were fantastic and the timed writing was so much more do-able than just sitting to write without direction. I felt like the work we did with Bridget reached into my heart and massaged it with love and compassion. I have taken away an impetus to create more family stories for my family and for performance. After reading the stories that came out of me over the three days in the group, I felt reaffirmed as a writer and story weaver. The unexpected gift was just how powerful the sharings in the group were. Hearing a diversity of life experiences was very, very enriching for me. I can’t wait to do more next year!"

Jenni Cargill-Strong, Director of The Story Tree Company and professional storyteller.

May retreat "Spinning Straw into Gold" with Donna Jacobs Sife

"Firstly, I loved being at Samaya. Fiore and Anudasi took such good care of us and always had such a friendly, open manner. Meals were wonderful - visually beautiful, tasty and nutritious. The grounds were lovely, with plenty of space to walk, even swim. I enjoyed my cabin.

The workshop was great. It will take time to digest it all. I loved the mix of dancing, singing, writing and listening to wonderful stories and singing. It felt like a safe and supportive group, and I liked all the interactions. I felt you did a wonderful job of organising it Jenni, and that Donna also did a great job of leading it. Both of you were approachable and competent leaders, with a wealth of experience between you. All in all, it was a pure delight! And I'd be happy to recommend it to others. It was relaxing, rejuvenating and inspiring."
Betsy Faen, Sydney

"Thanks so much for all your amazing effort and enthusiasm.  The passion you have for story is such an inspiration - providing the flame for storylife. I have a stong feeling that you are growing somthing enduringand very important in the Story Tree Company. Blessings."
Thali Bowden-Williams, Uki

"It was a wonderful weekend away with artistic, supportive and kind people, and the food. Oh the food!! Donna was like our mother, guiding us through the rich stories of our lives. I was inspired to follow my path as a writer and storyteller."
Caroline Farrel, Steiner teacher, ex-actor, Mullumbimby.

“What I liked most about the workshop was the stories, the wise words, connecting with a diverse, interesting group of people. I love Donna's insightful stories”
Loiuse Phillips, storyteller, writer, educator, Brisbane

“I enjoyed most Donna and the participants - such a variety of people. What will I take from this course into the future is speaking my truth more.”
Liane Simons, Property Investor, Ocean Shores

“Thanks so much for your generous organising and hospitality. I've definitely been inspired to create more stories for an adult audience. What I liked most about the workshop was hearing Donna tell and also the experiential nature of the learning. Also reconnecting with you Jenni. What will I take from this course into the future? The realization that to tell stories that come from direct experience need to be deeply honest. I love the idea of recapturing innocence. The venue, food and admin were all friendly and lovely.”
Alex McCallum, Storyteller & Community Cultural Development Worker; WordFire, Brisbane.

“What I liked most about the workshop was learning how to write my own story. I really thought the whole thing was wonderful and the people made it special. Thank you Wonderful weekend. Many thanks. Perfect.”
Alex Bond, Café manager, Byron Bay

“Storytelling for Children” with Susan Perrow April 2008

“I really enjoyed the workshop that we attended. I got heaps out of it- lots of inspiration!"
Xiola Nolan, Teacher, Lismore.

"Rivetting. Practical steps to story work with healing for workshop participants through living stories and lively presentation. Hosting and presenting was personable. A very special learning experience indeed. Setting was easy!!”
Sandra Frain, Family Day Care Worker, ex Steiner teacher, Mullumbimby.

“Really enjoyed the Sunday workshop, very inspiring. Thanks for all the effort in organising it."
Mia Newman, Brisbane

“Keep me posted of more yummy Story Tree events.”
Sarah Wheeler, Wilson’s Creek.