how many stories?

Twelve.

This year's Stories High Writing Workshop will focus on adaptation for the stage. Participants will be choosing existing works from celebrated Filipino/Filipina American writers and poets as a source of inspiration or adaptation and writing pieces for theater. Bindlestiff is very fortunate to have this year's workshop facilitated by writer & stage veteran, Yato Yoshida.

Stories High 12 will be the first full-run production premiering as part of the Grand Opening of the NEW Bindlestiff Studio theater in its original location on Sixth Street near Howard St.! Be a part of long anticipated, historical event!
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So guess who got into the writing workshops?
Yours truly.

I'm happy that Bindlestiff is going back to it's original location. Right across from Brian Goggin's 'Defenestration'. 6th & Howard. Home. For the next few weeks, Mondays and Wednesdays will be spent writing. It will be a well deserved "vacation" from the writing I do within my profession and my academic life. Changing your thesis topic is not what most people consider very wise. Is it true I'm into self inflicting wounds? I mean, one is suppose to grow after the cuts? Sometimes I think I pick at the wound, only to make them bleed again. Some hurt like hell. Others slightly sting. I know after being away from my first thesis topic for THIS long... I have come to dread my scholarly writing. ATC always said, "you have to love what you write and be happy when you're doing it". Over dinner she said to me very frankly- that if I come to my writing like I'm "behind" I will suffer through every page. Raise your hand if you want to suffer? I'm cool off that. Thanks.

This body of work, is not just about the completion, but what happens after. I'm a pro at distractions, I really am. I came back to the Bay to accomplish very specific things. I've held them close to my chest, like one deep secret. I've done two out of the three. Now, I'm immersing myself in reading up on Queer Pedagogy. Reading up on narratives and contradictions. Reading the world. Reading myself. The more I read, the more questions I have. I guess that's kind of the point, huh? But this blog isn't about my academic process. It's about writing this decision. Eyes open and J U M P. I'm making this decision to take on a full schedule. Even Less sleep. Less play. Just more... of what needs to get done. (Don't get me wrong, I've worked hard. It's time to work even harder.)

Creative Writing
Once, it brought my back to life.
2010 it will be my pendulum.

I use to just r e a c h and f a i l.
I use to just fill my mouth with excuses.

Work in Oakland, academia, and art will support each other- rather than be in opposition now. Each is something my soul needs. A womynfestation of what's important to me. What passions feed me. The Bakla Show was an unforgettable experience. I was BLESSED to have worked with the director and cast of my first short play, And Isa Makes Three. Who knows when I'll write the full-length. Interests to have a full-length, certainly came up a few times during the run. I'm humbled by how much love the piece got.

Here's to August. I already feel 2011 around the corner. These first 4 months of 33 break, build, and break me again. A compilation of Reminders. Triggers. Truths. Firsts. Loves. Losses. Frustrations. Epiphanies. Hurts. Joys. Challenges. Acceptances. Although I can't say right now, I'm at my happiest. I'm certainly feeling like I'm at my best.

Hmmm.. or is that the same thing?



::to be continued::