In part 2 of this two-part series, podcaster Tracy Crow, an author, writing coach, and Marine Corps veteran, discovers how special guest, Michael Lancaster -- a West Point grad, Vietnam combat helicopter pilot, and former professor of literature and moral philosophy -- uses poetry as a way to witness and honor the divinity within everything. Whether Mike is writing about the kingfishers around the salt ponds, or the tidal flows affecting the salt ponds, themselves, nothing escapes his attention. "I notice things," he says. "And they matter to me." Mike confesses his lifelong struggle with Catholicism, though doesn't shy away from crediting a Catholic priest for providing the most life-changing wisdom to date: about the value of emptying ourselves before the one we love so that we remain truly present. "Empty it all out," Mike repeats. "Empty the poems in your head, empty it all out, like the tides leaving the salt ponds...and then let it all rush back in to fill you." Mike also shares intimate details about losing Ellen, his wife of 51 years, to cancer a few months ago. And he gifts us with readings of two poems, including an enlightening story about writing his first poem in the presence of a friend while the two were enjoying the sights and sounds of the salt ponds. So let's listen in as Mike shares how he's learned to live his most creative life!
EP #34: Navy veteran, author shares excerpts from new novel, No Salvation
EP #33: Who's fired up for (stained) glass?
EP #32: How to inspire creativity at the 9-to-5!
EP #31: Fear of gardening? What could possibly go wrong?
EP #30: Part 2 -- "Train's Comin'"! Military wife reads excerpt from PTSD memoir
EP #29: Part 1 -- Military wife uses writing as a pathway through PTSD
EP #28: Portrait artist redefines self-expression through abstract painting
EP #27: A celebration of poets and their poetry -- part 2!
EP #26: DISCLAIMER -- These poems may change you!
EP #25: Pulling paintings out of the fire -- nurse practioner finds meaning in the journey
EP #24: Part 1 -- Pediatric psychiatric nurse practioner blends science and art to refill her well
EP #23: Part 2 -- Novelist, Navy vet Jeffery Hess discusses value of writing workshops, personal process
EP #22: Part 1 -- Novelist, Navy vet crafts newest book from historic events
EP #21: Part 2: Discovering stillness, gifts through life-changing Vision Quest
EP #20: Part 1-- No phone, food, or shelter...she's answering the call for a Vision Quest in the NC wilderness
EPISODE 19: Part 2 -- How viewing life through the lens of a storyteller reveals truths & the true Self
EPISODE 18: Part 1-- Going viral...writer discovers surprising gifts amid storm of negativity
EPISODE 17: Part 2 -- Army veteran reads excerpt of compelling PTSD memoir
EPISODE 16: Part 1 -- Writing journey transforms Army vet from PTSD agoraphobia to "new normal-BIG life"
EPISODE 15: After trauma, she's sewing, quilting a new life -- "one stitch at a time"
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