Facts For Working People has published the writings of Susan Miller DuMars in the past. Susan is an Irish American poet and writer living in Galway Ireland. Her husband is the poet and satirist, Kevin Higgins; the couple have organized the 'Over the Edge' reading series and facilitated creative writing workshops throughout Galway Ireland since 2003. Her blog is: Susan Miller DuMars is Lucky. Admin

Harriet the Spy and I

Myself with Robyn Rowland, 2017.  Photo by Nicki Griffin.

As I write this, the Covid-19 pandemic rages on.  Here in Ireland we remain in lockdown.  I hope everyone reading this is safe and well.

This morning my virtual meditation instructor conjured an image of my thoughts as cars on a road; I am standing by the road, watching each car pass.  This picture of disengagement and observation feels applicable to the housebound situation many of us find ourselves in now.  We are learning who we are when we don't go to work.  Without commutes, without errands, without colleagues and coffee bars and window shopping.  Without the look in the eyes of our parent, partner, child or pet as they welcome us back home.  Strip these away, and who are we?  Are we the same, or does our shape change when we shift from human doing to human being?  What vulnerability there is in simply holding still.
Let's be gentle with ourselves.

So, three pieces of writing news.  First, the Tasmanian magazine Communion has printed my launch speech for Robyn Rowland's latest poetry collection, Under This Saffron Sun, as an article.  You can read that here: https://walleahpress.com.au/communion-13-Susan-Millar-DuMars.html .  Robyn and I have known each other at least since 2006, so speaking at her November 2019 launch was a special moment for me in a literary and personal friendship that has sustained me through many books and experiences.  I wish her well with this beautiful volume.

Second, our local paper, the beloved Galway Advertiser, is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary.  In the anniversary issue, I was one of three members of the community who was asked to recommend a favourite book for people to enjoy during the lockdown.  After exploring our bookshelves and discarding many obvious choices, I opted for Harriet The Spy, written by Louise Fitzhugh and published in 1964.  I first read the book when I was twelve; when I indulged myself with a rereading recently, I found a lot in it that appealed to my adult sensibilities, so I think big people can and should read it too.  But if you loved it as a kid, I definitely think you should go back to it.  Harriet is a heroine for the ages. 

I explain why in the article, here: https://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/114139/what-do-you-mean-you-havent read?fbclid=IwAR1DuDtnZbKUhqJurDmUI1ARSEiIuZ9brYsb8_oVKr3VXDhROBVAuetSmVA .  Thank you and congratulations to Arts Editor Kernan Andrews and everyone at the Advertiser!

The third piece of news is the biggest.  The Irish Arts Council has awarded me a generous bursary to support me for the next year as I complete work on my volume of themed short stories, Cameos.  The book is a project I have picked up and shelved many times, as family and fiscal responsibilities have dictated.  That is not an unusual situation; it can be so difficult to find the time and head space to complete a creative project.  I know many writers with work waiting in a drawer.  Perseverance and adherence to a vision are very important.  But so is support.  I'm grateful to have a husband who is always in my corner.  I'm lucky to have friends who encourage me.  And I am absolutely blessed to have this vote of confidence from the Arts Council.

This means that, for the next twelve-eighteen months, I will be teaching less and writing more.  It's another big change, and I am thrilled and scared and amazed to have this opportunity.
Who knows what I will learn about myself in this time of holding still.