Radiance- A Unique Classical Concert Blending Music with Art by Classical Pianist Jeeyoon Kim

Jeeyoon Kim, Radiance
Jeeyoon Kim, Radiance

Join us for Namus Classics’ upcoming Radiance Concert by Classical Pianist Jeeyoon Kim- Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3 pm. The concert will take place at the beautiful La Jolla Music Society venue, (Baker-Baum Concert Hall at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center).

It will celebrate the release of Jeeyoon Kim’s fourth album, “Radiance,” as well as her new book, Beyond the Keys: Music and Stories of Inspiration. (Publishing date- September 19, 2025 by the Greenleaf Book Group).

The Radiance concert will kick-off Jeeyoon’s nationwide multi-city tour for the 2025–2026 concert season.

With Radiance, Jeeyoon brings Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition to life, with each movement enhanced by stunning artwork from contemporary artists. Prepare for an engaging and innovative performance where music, art, and storytelling intertwine, creating an unforgettable celebration of beauty.

Jeeyoon’s piano performances are one-of-a-kind in that they often involve story telling, multimedia, visual art, poetry, and of course, the incredible piano repertoire.

Tickets are selling fast! Please visit the La Jolla Music Society website to purchase today: https://theconrad.org/events/jeeyoon-kim-namus-classics/

More information about Jeeyoon is at https://www.jeeyoonkim.com.

There will be a post-concert party in the courtyard afterwards.

Please come join us! We would LOVE to see you there!

#jeeyoonkim #jeeyoonkimpianist #theconrad #radiancejeeyoonkim #jeeyoonkimradiance #lajollamusicsociety #pianist #classicalmusic #classicalpiano #sandiegomusic #pianorecital #beyondthekeys #beyondthkeysbook

Reflective Practice Haiku from Susan’s Workshop at University of San Diego, Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Program

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN of SJF Communications taught her “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Reflective Practice virtual workshop for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Students for the Hahn School of Nursing at the University of San Diego (USD) on July 15, 2025. 

Many thanks to Bri DuBose, PhD, MHI, RN, LSS BB Clinical Associate Professor for the invitation!

Susan presented her PowerPoint slides discussing the origins of and several key points about Haiku. She demonstrated several ways that Haiku can relate to Nursing (i.e. aesthetic knowing, creative outlet, perceptions of clinical events, expressions of caring, self-care, values clarification, nursing roles and/or conflicts, coping and more)!

Along with the PowerPoint, Susan showed her own nature photography as prompts for writing Haiku and shared several of her Haiku related to the photos with a Nursing focus.

Participants were asked to think about moments in nursing and create a Haiku from either their best or worst day in nursing (or in their life). Alternatively, they also had the choice to create a Haiku of their own choosing, but focused on nursing. The suggested syllable length for each line was 5-7-5.

Thanks as always to all of the participants for attending, interacting and sharing their wonderful work!

Please note: The Haiku are anonymous for privacy reasons.

Enjoy this wonderful compilation of celebrating and defining Nursing Arts with Haiku!


One path many steps
Caring through the hardest days
Cancer can’t take that


Best shift of my life
Evicting leukemia
Bone marrow transplant


Small hands held—
brave giggles echo—
in pediatric patients.


Worst shift of my life
Bifurcating oxygen
Covid took them all


Protective factor
“Please tell me, what is yours?”
She smiles, “Prince Harry”


Frustration with you
Choosing comfort over care
Baby cries silent


Hope pressed into tiny chests-
Grief filled every breath
Mother’s cries remain


Waves upon the screen,
Silent hearts speak in rhythms—
I listen, I guard.


Emergent sirens sound
Rush rush rush, still don’t forget
Importance of touch


Tiny pills, big weight
charts, side effects, endless names,
Sleep lost to dosage


Covid took a toll
Some wounds are not seen outside
Forever changed now


Chaos and stress build
I look to a friend for help
We succeed as one


This side of the bed.
Blurring the lines of knowing.
Helping you, help me.


Dance with me, my friends
Through planets filled with wonder
I will go alone


Blood on my black shoes
Deafening silence, defeat
Pandemic deceits


Bodily loss hurts
Seek meaning in given signs
Hummingbirds are mine


Gentle hands hold time.
Stories bloom in wrinkled skin.
I pull up a chair.


“No longer with us.”
Time moves on but grief remains,
Folded into life


For more information, or to schedule a Haiku workshop with Susan J Farese, SJF Communications, please email info@sjfcommunications.com or sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Highlights from Haiku Workshop at the Escondido Library

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop at the Escondido Library on February 27, 2025. Many thanks to Principal Librarian, Adult Services Azar Katouzian for hosting/coordinating the workshop and for her photos.

Thanks as always to all of the participants for attending, interacting and sharing their work!

Left to right:
Debbie, Jessica, Susan, Debi, Pamela, Rudy and Oliver
Photos by Azar Katouzian; Collage by SJF Communications

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker – getting to know each other.

After introductions and a review of her published work, Susan taught her Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared her nature photography as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. We all practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. As always, it was a great discussion and we equally had so much to say about the creative process and the parallels with Haiku poetry and visual arts.

Enjoy these Haiku from Susan’s nature photography prompts….

“Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Workshop

Escondido Library 2/27/2025

Sunset Cliffs – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Little waves be small

but will always strike truly

As us humans be

by Oliver (age 9)!

~

Mist above white waves

Rumbling sea below the rocks

People, perched above!

by Susan


Hummingbird – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Little hummingbird

Will fly faster peacefully

When the flowers bloom.

by Oliver

~

Master of the flight

Protective of its life space

Drinker of nectar

by Debi


Rocks at Torrey Pines State Beach- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Small pebbles might fall

still they keep their own balance

And strong in sunlight.

by Oliver


Sunset – Photo by Susan J. Farese

The blood-red night sky

Conjured from the depths of hell

Message from Hades

by Debi


Moon Rise and Yellow Traffic Light – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Captured by the Moon

Saw the signal to slow down

Thank you, universe

by Pamela


Carlsbad Flower Field – Photo by Susan J. Farese

I can find comfort

In a crowd of wild flowers

But not with people

by Pamela

~

Beautiful flowers

Delicate, colored petals

Waving in the breeze

by Debbie


Julian Leaves – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Crispy, rustling leaves

A potpourri of colors

Waiting for a rake

by Debbie


Great White Egret at Santee Lakes- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Susan (great white egret)

Ivory plunge

Contemplating the nest step

Great white egret soars!


Jacaranda Tree- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Jacaranda trees

Bloom but once annually

Purple hues unite!

by Susan


More Haiku Inspired by the workshop

My hesitant breath

Fear, my mountain Everest

Eyes open I jump.

by Rudy

~

Ruffles, the dog

Morning you are there

Hungry you seek attention

Soft coat ruffles hand.

by Rudy

~

Colors red and blue

Visit me and leave fast

Dreams of flying now.

by Rudy


Heavy

Blanket of darkness

Feels like a heavy blanket

Covering my soul

by Debi

~

Broken

Pieces of my heart

Shattering to the cruel Earth

I lie here, broken.

by Debi

~

Soaring, easy flight

Masters of the ancient sky

Behold, my dragon

by Debi


Writing in silence

Hum of imagination

Words vibrate inside

by Pamela


It’s 80 degrees

Doesn’t feel like wintertime

in Escondido

by Debbie

~

Pickle Ball has rules

Don’t volley in the kitchen

Or you’ll lose the point

by Debbie

~

Montessori School

Wonderful community

Of special people

by Debbie


Waikoloa

Warm sun, gently breaking waves

Me, fully relaxed

by Jessica

~

Sea turtle swimming

In the warm afternoon sun

So oblivious

by Jessica

~

With snorkel and mask

Sea turtles and rainbow fish

Such a sparkling world

by Jessica


For more information or to book a workshop (Individual or Group) with Susan:
Information LINK: https://sjfcommunications.com/haiku-workshops/
Or, Email info@sjfcommunications.com or sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Creativity Blossomed at Haiku Workshop at the Potrero Library

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop at the Escondido Library on November 2, 2024. 

Many thanks to Branch Manager Berlyne Arteaga for hosting/coordinating the November 2, 2024 workshop and for her photos of the group.

Thanks as always to all of the participants for attending, interacting and sharing their work!

Left to right:
Phyllis, Susan, Lollie, Jan and June

Photos by Berlyne Arteaga and Susan J. Farese;
Collage by SJF Communications

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker – getting to know each other.

After introductions and a review of her published work, Susan taught her Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared her nature photography as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. We all practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. As always, it was a great discussion and we equally had so much to say about the creative process and the parallels with Haiku poetry and visual arts.

Enjoy these Haiku from our Workshop….

“Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Workshop

Potrero Library 11/2/2024~

Hummingbird – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Jet roars past my nose

Wings blurring beyond man’s sight

Hummingbird visit

by Jan


Carlsbad Flower Fields – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Rainbow colors bloom

Mother Earth’s message to all

Spring is here again

by Jan


Coyote Chorus

Many voices sing off-key

Winters chill soft breath

~

Morning light fades dark

Cocooned warmth – feel hot breath

Open eyes – dog nose!

~

Innocence tumbles

Heart bleeds love lost in one blow

Domestic Abuse

by Jan


Winter

The coldest season

Animals hibernating

Snow on mountain tops

by June


People

People are funny

People run, walk, laugh, cry, talk

Also fat, skinny

by Phyllis


For more information or to book a workshop (Individual or Group) with Susan:
Information LINK: https://sjfcommunications.com/haiku-workshops/
Or, Email info@sjfcommunications.com or sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Nursing and the Arts Podcast Logo

Nursing and the Arts Podcast – Ep9: The Writer who happens to be a Nurse!: Meet Marianne Sciucco, BA, RN, AlzAuthors

Guest: Marianne Sciucco, BA, RN, Writer – Board President, Manager and Co-Founder, AlzAuthors

Host: Author, Actor, Photographer, Poet Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications

Nursing and the Arts Podcast

Nursing and the Arts Ep9 – Marianne Sciucco, BA, RN, AlzAuthors

Nursing and the Arts Ep9 Marianne Sciucco

Audio link above is provided to listen to Ep9: The Writer who happens to be a nurse!: Meet Marianne Sciucco, BA, RN, AlzAuthors and Nursing and the Arts Podcast Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN.

Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.

Join us on today’s 9th episode of the Nursing and the Arts Podcast for an informative and entertaining discussion with our guest Marianne Sciucco, BA, RN, AlzAuthors.

Watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast (above)!

Ep9: The Writer who happens to be a nurse!: Meet Marianne Sciucco, BA, RN, AlzAuthors and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN (right)

Show Notes

Marianne Sciucco, BA, RN, Writer is the Board President, Manager and Co-Founder, AlzAuthors

Marianne Sciucco (Courtesy photo with permission)

(From Susan): I was fortunate to meet Marianne Sciucco virtually in 2022 as a new Author for AlzAuthors. At the time, I was one of over 350 authors sharing of my two poems about Alzheimer’s/Dementia, along with my book POETIC EXPRESSIONS IN NURSING: SHARING THE CARING. (Now there are almost 400 authors in AlzAuthors)! I also was able to be part of an AlzAuthors blog post with my story as well as being included in a virtual poetry podcast collaboration and the same two poems of mine were recently included in the new AlzAuthors anthology POETRY FOR THE DEMENTIA JOURNEY.

Now on to Marianne! I cannot wait to have you all learn more about her! She’s a keeper!

Originally from Massachusetts, Marianne was a writer before she became a nurse! She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English at University of Massachusetts, Boston. She edited the University newspaper, became Editor in Chief and had intern positions including news radio, newspapers and freelance writing. After working for a few years, she entered the world of nursing at age 29, first as a fast-track LPN, then pursued nursing school and obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing.

She has worked in med-surg staff nursing, case management and most recently is a nurse part-time in Campus Health.

Marianne self-published (with assistance) her first book, “Blue Hydrangeas” in 2013. It’s an Alzheimer’s love story of a New England married couple, Jack and Sarah who run a charming Cape Cod B & B for many years. Then, Sarah is diagnosed with Dementia. Jack promises that he will stay with her at home in their house forever. To read more about Blue Hydrangeas click HERE. Also, listed below are links to more of Marianne’s books etc.

Marianne was an early member of the now very popular group “Clean Indie Reads” where members shared blog and newsletter swaps and reviews. This process led her to consider doing this with people who had personal experiences with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. Marianne met and collaborated with Authors Jean Lee Alzheimer’s Daughter and Vicki Tapia Someone Stole My Iron to promote their books. They are three of the founding members of AlzAuthors!

Most AlzAuthors are left with knowledge due to their personal experiences with loved ones on their dementia journey. Thus they “wrote the book they wished they had”.

Marianne, Jean and Vicki started collaboration campaigns in June, 2015 for Alzheimer’s Month and in November, 2015 for Caregiver Month. In 2016 they started a blog and invited other authors to contribute blog posts. This all led to start of AlzAuthors! Besides the website, there are podcasts, book clubs, virtual events, custom caregiver book collections, a poetry anthology and more!

For fun, in addition to enjoying reading and writing, Marianne likes to watch television series and movies, traveling to see family, visiting her daughter in England with her husband a few times a year and walks in nature.

When she transitioned from writing to nursing, Marianne’s creativity was shut down for awhile.

A nurse manager gave Marianne the opportunity to utilize her backgound in writing and improve a nursing department newsletter four times a year for a few years (paid- she received the equivalent of her per/hour nursing salary). This reinvigorated her professional writing and creative side and got her back to writing, including an article for former journal Nursing Spectrum. Then she started writing Blue Hydrangeas – writing into the evenings!

When I asked Marianne about the importance of a creative outlet for nurses, she astutely stated, “Nursing give you a front row seat to the theatre of life”.

Indeed!

Nurses take on feelings and have many stories inside and need an outlet.

Marianne mentioned that there are many tools and opportunities for nurses to write. One can dicate into their mobile/portable devices, pursue blogging, journaling, writing articles for websites or blogs about aspects of healthcare, etc.

The sky’s the limit and rest is history!

Here is Marianne’s Bio:

Marianne Sciucco is not a nurse who writes but a writer who happens to be a nurse, using her skills and experience to create stories that bear witness to the humanity in all of us. She writes contemporary, women’s and young adult fiction. 

With more than 20-years’ experience as a staff nurse and case manager, she’s worked with countless families dealing with issues related to aging, elder care, Alzheimer’s, and nursing home placement. In 2002, she put the two together and began writing about the intricate lives of people struggling with health and family issues. She published her debut novel, Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story, in 2013 to glowing reviews. 

This book led her to become a co-founder and director of AlzAuthors, the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. She is podcast producer and host for Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia, an AlzAuthors Podcast. Visit AlzAuthors.com.

Marianne has written an award-winning prequel to Blue Hydrangeas called Christmas at Blue Hydrangeas and is currently working on A Wedding at Blue Hydrangeas. She is the author of Swim Season, a young adult novel based on her 11-years’ experience as a Swim Mom in club, high school, and collegiate swimming. 

All of her work is available in Kindle, audiobook, and paperback. 

When not writing she works as a campus nurse at a community college in New York’s Hudson Valley. 

Follow Marianne on her blog MarianneSciucco.com, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

Marianne Sciucco’s Links:

Author Marianne Sciucco – Book Lst

Website mariannesciucco.com
Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marianne.sciucco
Threads https://www.threads.net/@mariannesciucco

Thank you very much Marianne! It has been a pleasure!

About Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of  SJF Communications, San Diego, CA.

SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides communications services including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Legal Nurse Consulting services.

Ms. Farese has diversified experience in health care/communications, including clinical nursing practice, management, education/training, research and consulting.

She has a Masters Degree in Nursing in Adult Health from Seton Hall University (NJ) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Widener University (PA).

Susan has presented numerous continuing education classes, seminars, and keynotes. Susan is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021), currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku‘ workshops and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics.. 

She created and is the Host of the “Nursing and the Arts Podcast” and creator/admin of the Nursing and the Arts Facebook Group.

In addition to her being on the advisory board of San Diego Film Week, Susan is a member of SAG-AFTRA,  American Legion Post 43Veterans in Media & EntertainmentSan Diego Writers Ink , and the Southern California Writers Association.

Since 2017, Susan has been a Volunteer Mentor in the San Diego State University Aztec Mentor Program.

List of clients at https://sjfcommunications.com/list-of-clients/

Contact SJF Communications at:

info@sjfcommunications.com.

Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/Sjfcommo


Thank you for joining us to listen to and/or watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast! Please feel free to like, comment on, share our episode(s), etc.

Also nurses can join our Facebook Group “Nursing and the Arts

If you are a nurse (or know of a nurse) who would like to be considered for a “Nursing and the Arts” Podcast interview, please reach out to Susan by email: info@sjfcommunications.com.

Nursing and the Arts Podcast Logo

Nursing and the Arts Podcast Ep8: The Nurse Practitioner who is “SEW” creative! Meet Karen Welch, APRN, BSN, Karen’s Sewing and Crafts

Guest: Karen Welch, APRN, BSN

Host: Author, Actor, Photographer, Poet Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Nursing and the Arts Podcast

Nursing and the Arts Ep8: Karen Welch, APRN, BSN
Nursing and the Arts Ep8: Karen Welch, APRN, BSN

Audio link above is provided to listen to Ep8: The Nurse Practitioner who is “SEW” creative! Meet Karen Welch, APRN, BSN, Karen’s Sewing and Crafts and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN.

Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.

Join us on today’s 8th episode of the Nursing and the Arts Podcast for an informative and entertaining discussion with Karen Welch, APRN, BSN.

Watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast (above)!

Ep8: The Nurse Practitioner who is “SEW” creative! Meet Karen Welch, APRN, BSN, Karen’s Sewing and Crafts

Show Notes

I first met Karen Welch circa 1988 when we were both stationed as Army Nurses in Virginia. I was the Chief of Nursing Education and Staff Development. She was a Med-Surg Nurse at the time. I knew that she had great professional and personal qualities and remember working with her on her career development. I encouraged her to apply for the Army Nurse Practitioner Program and she was accepted in 1989. The rest is history! Karen worked as an NP since graduating with her NP Certificate and retired in 2022 as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts.

Karen learned how to sew from her Mom when she was about 12 or 13 years old (and more in high school back in the day when they taught home economics, cooking and sewing). She also learned some tailoring from her Aunt. Get this- she even sewed her bridesmaid’s gowns 50 years ago! Wow! As a Mom, she sewed clothes and costumes for her family.

Karen was a Candy Striper as a teen and although her Mom encouraged her to be a dressmaker or tailor, she ultimately chose nursing. (We are so glad that she did)!

Her creative passion is quiltmaking, especially the Bargello design style. Karten loves sewing patchwork as well.

Since retiring after over 40 years in nursing in 2020, she has been teaching disabled adults sewing, crafts and health topics. Topics she teaches include areas such as handwashing (singing “Happy Birthday”), first aid (Heimlich, making 911 calls) and sewing/creating ornaments (hand sewing), trick-or-treat bags, vests, tote bags, etc. She teaches them about healthy eating, benefits of exercise, signs of diabetes.

Karen is a graduate of Salem State University, (her BSN class was the 4th class- when it was a college). She became an Adult Nurse Practitioner with the Army Nurse Corps Certification Course in 1989 and worked as an NP until retirement in 2020.

Karen demonstrated some of her home-sewn items, including a beautifully colored Asian style dress, a bucket hat, and several quilts. Regarding the Bargello quilting style (per Karen, in a nutshell- You cut, sew, take apart and sew it back together)!

She recently became the Commander of her local VFW in Ramona, California.She continues to be a service provider for her community of Veterans!

Karen mentions how Nursing is a stressful job, and especially with Covid, losing patients was stressful. Karen stated “If I didn’t have my creative avenue it would be depressing”.

Finally- a very exciting fact about Karen- She and her daughter, the outgoing (and very creative) Alexis were contestants on ‘Let’s Make a Deal” last December! Karen even sewed the Lucy and Ethel costumes! Side note: Here is her daughter Alexis’s Cakery INSTAGRAM page: https://www.instagram.com/alexis_cakery/

Left to right: Karen and her daughter Alexis at “Let’s Make a Deal”
Courtesy Photo – Karen Welch

Some examples of Karen’s Sewing and Crafts – With permission


To contact Karen, Email her at: ktw1955@hotmail.com

Thank you very much Karen! This has been “sew” much fun!

About Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of  SJF Communications, San Diego, CA.

SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides communications services including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Legal Nurse Consulting services.

Ms. Farese has diversified experience in health care/communications, including clinical nursing practice, management, education/training, research and consulting.

She has a Masters Degree in Nursing in Adult Health from Seton Hall University (NJ) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Widener University (PA).

Susan has presented numerous continuing education classes, seminars, and keynotes. Susan is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021), currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku‘ workshops and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics.. 

She created and is the Host of the “Nursing and the Arts Podcast” and creator/admin of the Nursing and the Arts Facebook Group.

In addition to her being on the advisory board of San Diego Film Week, Susan is a member of SAG-AFTRA,  American Legion Post 43Veterans in Media & EntertainmentSan Diego Writers Ink , and the Southern California Writers Association.

Since 2017, Susan has been a Volunteer Mentor in the San Diego State University Aztec Mentor Program.

List of clients at https://sjfcommunications.com/list-of-clients/

Contact SJF Communications at:

info@sjfcommunications.com.

Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/Sjfcommo


Thank you for joining us to listen to and/or watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast! Please feel free to like, comment on, share our episode(s), etc.

Also nurses can join our Facebook Group “Nursing and the Arts

If you are a nurse (or know of a nurse) who would like to be considered for a “Nursing and the Arts” Podcast interview, please reach out to Susan by email: info@sjfcommunications.com.

Once Upon a Book Fair Presents the Treasure Island Book Festival October 12, 2024 at the San Marcos Community Center

Ahoy dear book readers and enthusiasts in the San Diego area! No – you don’t have to travel to an island for this amazing upcoming Treasure Island Book Festival! Now featuring over 70 authors! Plus, it’s FREE! For the entire Family too! Well, shiver me timbers!

Poster for the Treasure Island Book Festival

On Saturday, October 12, from 10 am – 5 pm (Pacific Time) at the San Marcos Community Center, (3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA), join in the fun at the “Treasure Island Book Festival”. Led by local CEO and young adult Author, Tanya Ross of “Once Upon a Book Fair” (“Where stories for all ages come to life”)
and a variety of authors and other team members. Get ready for a fun-filled day!

Once Upon a Book Fair 2024 is a literary celebration that immerses authors and readers in the adventures found at the turn of every page. Meet new authors, discover new books, get autographs.

UPDATED 10/10/2024:

Here is a podcast interview on the Spotlight on the Community Podcast with Guests “Once Upon a Book Fair” CEO Tanya Ross and Author Jolie Tunnell interviewed by Host Drew Schlosberg and Co-host Kristen Fogle:

Once Upon a Book Fair…

…encourages literacy
…showcases multiple genres, something for everyone
…inspires youth
…shines a spotlight on local writers
…provides a rare meet and greet with published authors
…draws people together and celebrates diversity
…validates San Diego’s public library programs
…creates a unique cultural community event
…supports small business
…has education, inspiration, and imagination all in one fabulous place!

More about the Treasure Island Book Fair:

The festival itself is free. There will be food vendor(s) at the event, including a taco truck (outside), a non-alcoholic “Bar” with Mocktails and soft drinks (inside), and a coffee/pancake/ice cream vendor (inside).

A festival might not be complete without a Cosplay contest too!- It’s a community dress-up party! Whether one dresses in character garb or even as a pirate – let your Cosplay character chime in!

Are you saying “ARRRR” to yourself yet? The theme of this year’s event is Treasure Island, where pirates and scavenger hunts abound!

There will be prizes given away such as books, merchandise, art and more! Plus author panels!

Q & A with Tanya Ross, Young Adult Author
and Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Left to right: Tanya Ross, Author and Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

SJF: How did Once Upon a Book Fair get started?

TR: An author friend of mine and I put our heads together one day a couple of years ago because there were no book fairs up in the North County of San Diego. We wanted to give  local authors a chance to come together in a place outside of San Diego proper where the fees for a table would be affordable. We launched our brainchild the first year (2022) in Grape Day Park with 25 authors and the assistance of the Escondido Public Library. Once we saw we could do it, we went forward.

SJF: Is Once Upon a Book Fair a non-profit?

TR: On its own–not yet. It’s possible it will be eventually. This year for the first time it is a certified business with the city of Escondido. Right now it’s not fiscally possible to launch it as a non-profit. That being said, it is not a money-making venture for me. We will most likely break even with the expenses. It’s more of a passion project than a capital raising venture. I don’t want to make money on the backs of other authors. 

SJF: Do you do this alone?

TR: No. Even though I am the CEO, I have a wonderful committee of ten other authors who help me with ideas and implementation. We meet monthly to discuss how we’re doing with the progress of each unique assignment. I wouldn’t be able to do this without them.

SJF: Why should people attend?

TR: You should attend if you love books! We’ll have over 70 authors to discover, chat with, and celebrate. We’ll have activities for kids, a scavenger hunt, prizes, and author panels. Everyone who attends can come in costume (cosplay), and we’ll have a couple of contests for the best outfits. There will be food and beverages! Our theme is Treasure Island, so pirates will be about.

SJF: How do I find it?

TR: The fair will be at the San Marcos Community Center, right where the library and city hall are: 3 Civic Center Drive in San Marcos. It’s an all day event, from 10 until 5.

SJF: Is there a cost?

TR: The fair is FREE.

SJF: Will you be there with your own books?

TR: Yes! I can’t wait to share my award-winning dystopian Tranquility Series with those who attend. My characters are waiting in the wings for you! 

SJF: How can people get involved?

TR: We are under the non-profit umbrella of a group called Fractured Atlas, so you may donate to us through that organization. The best part is that donating to them benefits us and allows you to write off your donation while advertising your products. Write to me at tanyarossauthor@gmail.com for more information. 

SPEAKERS include:

Bryan Cantrell, an award-winning writer of novels, screenplays, and comics as well as being and executive producer of feature films is our 12:00 speaker. Bryan also is an entrepreneur owning brands in fashion, beauty and the outdoor industry. He was on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2018 with his business partner pitching their Radiate Portable Campfire securing a deal with Shark, Robert Herjavec. He now resides in California with his family pursuing a love of writing, surfing and skateboarding. He’ll be sharing amazing pirate lore and all the good stuff about his latest novel, Pirates of the Wild West, A Time Travel Sea Adventure with a Western Twist, all about the infamous pirates of the Caribbean who meet secretly on Blackbeard’s prized ship. A time vortex whisks them away to the year 1873.

and…

Bestselling author Cathy Scott, a Los Angeles Times and New York Times bestselling author, veteran crime writer, investigative journalist, will be in person for our 1 p.m. slot. She will discuss her career as a reporter for local San Diego newspapers to writing true crime books such as: The Murder of Biggie Smalls, The Killing of Tupac Shakur, Murder of a Mafia Daughter, Freeway Rick Ross, and The Millionaire’s Wife.

Update! As of September 27, 2024, the proposed Author line-up includes:

Name of AuthorWebsite
Robert Adautohttps://coyleandfang.com
Val Agnewvalagnewauthor.com
Nicolette Andrewsnicoletteandrews.com
Kayla Annhttps://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/316664/sites/79853382269928558/ymlhNq
Donna Arnoldhttps://www.djarnoldauthor.com/
Celeste Barclaywww.celestebarclay.com
Elissa Bell BarbetN/A
Marisa BillionsAuthormarisabillions.com
Karen Blackhttps://karenblack-author.com/
Barchelle “Chelly” Bolger Wathenhttps://www.shaylaandfriends.com
John Bresnikjohnbresnik.com
Helle Brissonhttp://www.hellebooks.com
Anna Bushihttps://annabushi.com
Bryan Cantrellhttps://www.bryancantrell.com/
Nora Carmannoracarman.com
Richard L. CarricoPastShadows.net
Mike Caspermcasper.com
Natalie Colburnhttps://nataliecolburnwrit.wixsite.com/nataliecolburnwrites
Krystina Coleskrystinacoles.com
Erin Courtneyhttps://linktr.ee/author.e.m.courtney
Michael Max DarrowMichaelmaxdarrow.com
Dorothy Deenehttps://dorothydeene.com/
Elizabeth Drew https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethdrew
Jordan Fabulahttps://mjfabula.com/
Susan J. Farese- SJF Communicationshttps://sjfcommunications.com/author-shop/
Leslie Fergusonhttps://lesliefergusonauthor.com/
Donald Frillicihttp://www.smheartmusic.com/
Jan Halen (sullivan)http://authorjanhalen.com/
Jeffrey Hancockjeffreyhancock-author.com
Sienna Harlowhttps://campsite.bio/siennaharlow
Megan Haskellmeganhaskell.com
T. N. Haydenhttp://www.tnhayden.com
Vontavia J. Heardhttp://www.vontaviajheard.com
Shanti Hershensonhttps://www.shantihershenson.com/
Mary Ann Hortonhttps://maryannhorton.com/
Jacob Hubbardhttps://www.jacobhubbardauthor.com/
Clare Johnsonthefirstnoelbook.com
Isabel NtekimN/A
Journey Presshttps://journeypress.com
R. D. Kardonhttp://www.rdkardonauthor.com
Jennifer Kayhttp://www.authorjenniferkay.com
David Larsonhttps://www.davidslarson.com/
Christopher S LongN/A
Rachanee Lumaynohttps://www.rachanee.net/
Eileen Lundquisthttp://www.llundquist.com
Shari LyonStoriesAlive88.com
Alexis C. ManessN/A
Derek McCannthelongsilence.com
Mike McDevitthttps://www.mmcdevitt.com/home
Tim Millerhttps://www.timmillerauthor.com/
Nellie K. NevesN/A
Adalgisa and David Nicohttp://www.nicoauthors.com
Heather Nixhttp://www.booksbynix.com
Lee Obsidiantheobakesaga.com
Nicole I. Pacquinwww.Nic-Lit.com
Dhara Parekhhttp://www.dharaparekh.com
Stephen Prendergasthttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephen-J-Prendergast/author/B0CCQJCCQ3?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Garrett Rayhttp://amazon.com/author/gkray
David W. Reedhttps://uphillandintothewind.com/
San Diego Writers, Inkhttps://writeyourstorynow.org/
Adam W Schmitzhttps://adamwschmitz.com/
H.D. Scotthttp://www.hdscott.com
Judith Wilson Shadzihttp://www.JudithWilsonShadziArtistAuthor.com
Peter Shawhttps://www.amazon.com/author/peter-t-shaw
J.A. Snowhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-A.-Snow/author/B00DFK4I50?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1722356945&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Annette M Stephensonhttp://romancebyannette.com
Kara StevensKonstellationpress.com
Brianna Sugalskihttps://authorbriannasugalski.com/?__v=11.427.0
Bethel Swifthttp://www.BethelSwift.com
Jolie Tunnellhttps://jolietunnell.com/
Karina M. ViaudN/A
Christine Vogelsanghttps://www.bbbradford.com
Gary K Wallacegkwallacebooks.com
Penn WallacePennwallace.com
Catherine Allen Walters & Elisabeth Hartig Lentulohttps://www.nearthedanubebridge.com/
Janet F. Williams (I also have books under Zoe Amos, my pen name)http://www.gooddaymedia.com
Sara Wrighthttp://www.sarawrightbooks.com

We hope to see you at the Treasure Island Book Festival October 12, 2024 at the San Marcos Community Center, 10 am – 5 pm!

Follow Once Upon a Book Fair ( @onceuponabookfair ) on Instagram!: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponabookfair/


For more information please email: tanyarossauthor@gmail.com

A Recent Creative Collection from SJF Communications Haiku Workshops!

I thoroughly enjoy teaching my SJF Communications “Capturing Your Creativity With Haiku” Workshops at local libraries, online or in person elsewhere! I’ve been teaching on and off since 2018. Here are some photos and poems from participants from my most recent (4) Haiku workshops. Whether I have 2 participants or 20, I still savor the outcome – creative writing with Haiku combined with my nature photography (or other inspirations the attendees might have)!

I’ve added photos and several Haiku poems from my recent workshops at the Ramona (SD County), Skyline Hills (SD City), Casa de Oro (SD County) and Bonita-Sunnyside (SD County) Libraries. As always, it’s so rewarding for me to see how creativity develops with attendees! As a contracted performer/instructor for the County as well as City of San Diego, I want to thank the library branches, and Friends of the Libraries for all of your support and all of the attendees for joining in me in these “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Workshops!

For more information or to book a workshop (Individual or Group) with Susan:
Information LINK: https://sjfcommunications.com/haiku-workshops/
Or, Email info@sjfcommunications.com or sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Collage from Haiku workshop by Susan J. Farese at Ramona Library and Skyline Hills Library

Here below, my nature photography prompts which encouraged and sparked Haiku writing about the actual photos seen. Additionally, some poems were written with attendees thoughts after our workshop, (not necessarily photo prompts). It’s all good! Enjoy these Haiku….

From the Ramona Library 6/26/2024

Bouquet

Hand painted with much love

Anniversary flowers

Farmer’s Market joy!

~ Anita
(No photo, she had memory from the bouquet her husband gave her for their anniversary)!
Also, Carol was in attendance – we are looking for her Haiku!


From the Skyline Hills Library 8/31/2024

Sunset Cliffs – Photo by Susan J. Farese

The Ocean

I go to the beach

for my self-preservation

Rejuvinate ME


~ Jacquelyn


Julian Leaves – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Scents of Season

I feel crispiness

My mood changes at this time

This is my season


~ Jacquelyn


Orange Flower – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Orange Flower

Alien flower?

Blood vessels on yellow skin

Alien or not?

Nature – Space or Earth?

External organ

Dead alive or in between

Scary as can be

Secret morgue flower

Red blood vessels on yellow

A new dimension?

Putrid slimy wet

Unnaturally warm, dark

Beautiful bloody.

~ Carol Ann


From the Casa de Oro Library 9/6/2024

Haiku, Casa de Oro Library, Blaca, Joy, Susan, Cathrine

It’s the Simple Things

Crisp air, bees buzzing

Calm whispers of morning sun

Sweet serenity!

~ Anonymous


Untitled

What happened to you?

Was there nothing that intrigued?

Was that all my fault?

All those days before

My love kept your interest

Until it didn’t

How was I to know

You were just a whip-poor-will

Any flower would do

Now I don’t get close

Nothing’s worth the grief, the shock

The pain of loss sucks

Now I thank my stars

That I can still show love

Unabashedly

My love is my love

I can fondly show it

Surely not to you.

There’s a lesson there

I don’t have to hate myself

For not being enough

It is not from lack

I am just too good for you

Sit with that, you chump!

~ Joy


And Cathrine had to leave early, but she was a delight as well! Here is her photo and a few Haiku poems:

Untitled

Mother’s precious love

Gentle, kind, gives of herself

Gets kisses and hugs

~

Untitled

A harvest full moon

Shines brightly in the dark sky

Creates ocean tides

~Cathrine

From the Bonita-Sunnyside Library 9/7/2024

Claire, Susan and Christina at Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku, Bonita-Sunnyside Library 9/7/2024
Moon Rising at Yellow Traffic Light – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Untitled

Hottest year ever

And the coldest from now on

Apocalypse now

~Christina


Hummingbird – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Untitled

Ruby, sapphire flash

Little bully hummingbird

Never time to pause

~ Claire


Untitled

Beauty suspended 

In perpetual motion

Greedy bully wins

and a second one from Christina….

Untitled

Nature’s abundance

Capital’s scarcity myth

How pointless to fight

~Christina


Thank you for visiting my website!

Vantage Theatre’s World Premiere of BEST LAID PLANS by Robert Salerno Opens August 30th (Through September 22) in San Diego

BLINDNESS, BRAVERY, BEETHOVEN – The world premiere of our PR client Vantage Theatre‘s play Best Laid Plans, by Robert Salerno had it’s opening night on Friday, August 30th and runs through Sunday, September 22nd at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center (930 10th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101). 

Updated 9/12/2024

Here’s what the audience is raving about! YouTube Video!

BEST LAID PLANS involves a brilliant young architect that has surgery for a brain tumor and wakes up unexpectedly blind. Alone, lost, and despondent, he cannot envision a path back to life, much less architecture. Then Beethoven shows up!  

Here is a news story from ABC 10 News
with Anchor Kimberly Hunt:

Blake Stadnik, a well-known blind actor from the series, THIS IS US is playing Lucas, the lead role.  

San Diego Center for the Blind, The Braille Institute and EYEHESIVE will be giving pre show talks. A percentage of ticket sales goes to the blind organizations.            

Here are some details for Robert Salerno’s newest play
Best Laid Plans

Chris Downey, is the blind architect who inspired this play. Downey designed a rehabilitation center for veterans with sight loss.  He developed a specialty, making spaces accessible to the blind. He advised on a project for Microsoft, assisted in the design of a new eye center at Duke University Hospital, and agreed to assist the blind in navigating San Francisco’s brand-new, much-delayed, four-block Transbay Transit Center. You may remember his interview with Leslie Stahl on 60 minuteshttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/blind-architect-chris-downey-60-minutes-2022-06-19.

Blake Stadnik, the well-known blind actor from This Is Us, as well performing in several Broadway tours, is playing Lucas, the lead. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11013071/ According to his mini biography on IMDB by Nani/Saperstein Management: “Blake Stadnik is most well known for his role as Jack Damon on NBC’s “This Is Us”. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Stadnik discovered acting after he lost the majority of his eyesight due to Stargardt’s Disease. After receiving his BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University, he had a successful theatre career appearing in Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables, Newsies, and 42nd Street. As an actor with a disability, Stadnik advocates for all disabled artists.”

Sam Woodhouse (founding Artistic Director of the San Diego Rep) felt so strongly about this project that he came out of retirement to direct the world premiere of this play. 

Robert Salerno is the local playwright and Artistic Director of Vantage Theatre.

BEST LAID PLANS is Produced by Doris Salois, Vantage Theatre’s Executive Director.

Richard Trujillo, who plays Beethoven, is commanding, funny, and moving in the role. From the start, he seemed to have a deep connection to Beethoven. Only later did he reveal to the production team that he has sclerosis of the cochlea and wears hearing aids. This was unknown when he was cast. According to Dori Salois, Vantage Theatre Executive Director, “We knew that we had a blind actor playing the blind architect, but we had no idea that we would have a deaf actor playing the great composer who lost his hearing.” 

Lee Ann Kim, previous anchor from Channel 10 and Steve Murdock AD of PowPac round out the cast.

These brilliant actors demonstrate one of the central themes of the play: that disability does not mean inability. 

BEST LAID PLANS is made possible in part by a grant from The Prebys Foundation and The California Arts Council with the support of The Sofia Hotel.

Here is a  little video of Blake making his way to the theatre for the first rehearsal  https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9dtwaZv46Y/?utm_source=ig_web_button_native_share

Media/Reviews etc. on Best Laid Plans

Pam Kragen’s Review of BEST LAID PLANS in the San Diego Union Tribune
(September 3, 2024, San Diego Union Tribune)

David Coddon’s Preview of BEST LAID PLANS in the San Diego Union Tribune (August 23, 2024)

More Media on BEST LAID PLANS




BEST LAID PLANS : Preview Aug 29th Opens Aug 30th thru Sept 22nd. Fridays 7:30 pm, Saturdays 3pm and 7:30pm, Sunday 3pm at Tenth Avenue Arts Center – 930 Tenth Avenue San Diego, Ca 92101

Tickets: https://theatrevantage.ticketspice.com/best-laid-plans  $30-35.

Vantage Theatre – A 501c (3) non profit theatre – Tax ID 330190395                                              

Presenting Theatre from a different “Vantage” point… Experience “AHA” moments to awaken and illuminate the Self!

Vantage Theatre San Diego page on FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/VantageTheatreSanDiego

Additional Vantage Theatre page on FACEBOOK  –  https://www.facebook.com/vantagetheatre  

Vantage Theatre INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/vantagetheatre/

HASHTAGS: #theatre #livetheatre #bestlaidplans #worldpremiere #actorslife #disabledactor #legallyblind #disabledandproud #vantagetheatre #blindness #braille #deafness #beethoven

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications (PR for Vantage Theatre)

 sjfcommunications@gmail.com or info@sjfcommunications.com

Nursing and the Arts Podcast Logo

Nursing and the Arts Podcast- Ep6 -The Nurse Who Acts and Creatively Cooks Up Recipes! Meet Bonnie Antonini

Ep6: The Nurse Who Acts and Creatively Cooks Up Recipes! Meet Bonnie Antonini

Guest: Bonnie Antonini, BSN, RN, Actor and food blogger “Vegetarian Cooking for Carnivores Blog”

Host: Author, Actor, Photographer, Poet Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Nursing and the Arts Podcast

Nursing and the Arts Ep6 Bonnie Antonini

Audio link above is provided to listen to Ep6: The Nurse Who Acts and Creatively Cooks Up Recipes! Meet Bonnie Antonini, BSN, RN, Food Blogger – “Vegetarian Cooking for Carnivores Blog” and Nursing and the Arts Podcast Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN.

Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.

Join us on today’s 6th episode of the Nursing and the Arts Podcast for an informative and entertaining discussion with our guest Bonnie Antonini, BSN, RN.

Watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast (above)

Ep6: The Nurse Who Acts and Creatively Cooks! Meet Bonnie Antonini, BSN, RN and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Show Notes:

About Bonnie Antonini, BSN, RN, Actor and Food Blogger

In this podcast, Bonnie exudes lots of positive energy as she tells her story to host Susan J. Farese (that’s me)!

Bonnie and Susan met as actors portraying oncology clinic nurses on the set of “Men of a Certain Age” (the episode aired on 2011).

Bonnie had some experience as a Candy Striper during her teenage years with her best friend. She definitely did not want to be a nurse at first. Why? Because she didn’t want to give shots! So, Bonnie started out as an actor and after attending some college as a Psychiatric Tech (and finding out she’d ultimately need to give injections) she switched to nursing!

She is a BSN graduate at Sacramento State. She worked in Cardiac/Telemetry and then was a stay at home Mom to raise her two sons. Her husband is an Anesthesiologist.

She values nursing in that nursing has a variety of different specialties and change.

Bonnie started blogging years ago. She has written over 250 recipes on her blog named “Vegetarian Cooking for Carnivores Blog”!- The tag lines- “Recipes so good even a carnivore would love them”!
Also “An ex-carnivore’s struggle to eat vegetarian in a creative, delicious, and satisfying way”!

For fun the entire family enjoys hockey- the family loves to attend (and discuss games)! She also spends lots of time (for instance, up to 3 hours) on phone calls to their son in the military.

Bonnie has always had great concern for the prevalence of obesity and diabetes and started her blog to promote healthy eating. She emphases that many people eat out and spend lots of money – where they could start cooking and eating at home with her recipes from her blog.

Some of her acting roles were in Ford vs Ferrari, Smash (and more – Check out her IMDB link below)!

Bonnie’s words of wisdom about nursing: Nursing is a fabulous career, helps others, makes a difference in other’s lives, makes a good living and if burnout happens, one can change course and/or specialties.

Bonnie texted me this comment after this episode posted: “Just an interesting (and sad) statistic that recently came out: 74.4% of all Americans are overweight or obese. I wish I’d known this statistic for our podcast”.

Many thanks Bonnie!

Bonnie Antonini’s Links:

IMDB (Film/TV Acting credits): https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3647640/

Vegetarian Cooking for Carnivores Blog: https://vegcookingforcarnivoresblog.com/tag/bonnie-antonini/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonnie_antonini/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.antonini/

Facebook Page for Vegetarian Cooking for Carnivores Blog: https://www.facebook.com/VegetarianCookingForCarnivores

Vegetarian Cooking for Carnivores Blog (Website): https://vegcookingforcarnivoresblog.com/tag/bonnie-antonini/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bonnieantonini

Thank you so much Bonnie! It’s a pleasure “seeing” you again after 13 years on set!

About Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of  SJF Communications, San Diego, CA.

Susan has diverse health care experience including military and civilian nursing with clinical, administration/management, staff development, research and consulting roles.

SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides services including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Nurse Consulting services. 

Susan is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021), currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku‘ workshops, and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics. She created and is the Host of the “Nursing and the Arts Podcast” and creator/admin of the Nursing and the Arts Facebook Group

Thank you for joining us to listen to and/or watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast! Please feel free to like, comment on, share our episode(s), etc.

Also nurses can join our Facebook Group “Nursing and the Arts

If you are a nurse (or know of a nurse) who would like to be considered for a “Nursing and the Arts” Podcast interview, please reach out to Susan by email: info@sjfcommunications.com.

Nursing and the Arts Podcast Logo

Nursing and the Arts Podcast – Ep5 – The Nurse Who Converses and Creates!! Meet Michelle Harris, BSN, PHN, RNC-NIC, a Podcast Host and Creative Greeting Card Artist

Ep5: The Nurse Who Converses and Creates!! Meet Michelle, a Podcast Host and Creative Greeting Card Artist

Guest: Michelle Harris, BSN, PHN, RNC, NIC. Host of The Conversing Nurse Podcast with the tag line: Exploring the Nursing Profession – One Conversation at a Time.

Host: Author, Actor, Photographer, Poet Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Nursing and the Arts Podcast

Nursing and the Arts Ep5: Michelle Harris BSN PHN RNC-NIC

Audio link above is provided to listen to Ep5: The Nurse Who Converses and Creates!! Meet Michelle, a Podcast Host and Creative Greeting Card Artist and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN.

Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.

Join us on today’s 5th episode of the Nursing and the Arts Podcast for an informative and entertaining discussion with Michelle Harris, BSN, PHN, RNC, NIC. Host of The Conversing Nurse Podcast.

Watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast (above)!

Ep5: The Nurse Who Converses and Creates!! Meet Michelle, a Podcast Host (left) and Creative Greeting Card Artist and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN (right)

Show Notes:

About Michelle Harris BSN, PHN, RNC-NIC

I had a lovely discussion interviewing Michelle Harris, BSN, PHN, RNC-NIC! How did we meet? Virtually! I connected with Michelle on Instagram and was a guest on on her podcast The Conversing Nurse Podcast in May, 2024. Power to the Nursing community!

Michelle has over 36 years as a Pediatric and NICU Nurse and since retiring in 2022, started her podcast (now with over 100 episodes). She wanted to stay connected to the nursing profession and community, and what better way than to interview nurses of many specialties! It is fun for her to learn about so many nursing specialties too!

Since retiring Michelle also has been volunteering as an RN at a local clinic. She lives in Visalia, (Central California) where it has been especially HOT this summer!

As an NICU nurse, Michelle loved working with families to comfort them, help them navigate the health care setting and teach them to learn about their neonate/infant. She also enjoyed being the nurse for high risk infant follow-up when babies were followed over time in the clinic.

Michelle finds guests for The Conversing Nurse Podcast through her personal network and also on LinkedIn. Nurses seek her out as potential podcast guests as well (like lucky me)!

Besides being a nurse podcaster, Michelle creates greeting cards (I hope to be on her holiday card list)!

Michelle is also an affiliate for bookshop.org. Take a look at nurse recommendations for books (and thanks, Michelle for including my bookshop too)!

When asked what nursing specialty she would have liked to pursue, she mentioned Legal Nurse Consulting.

Heads up!: She is also looking to interview a Nurse Ethicist on her podcast! Are you one or do you know one?

Michelle credits watching her older brothers as family caregivers for their Grandfather after he suffered for a stroke and that motivated her to become a nurse.

You will love Michele’s soothing voice as much as I did!

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About Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of  SJF Communications, San Diego, CA.

SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides communications services including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Legal Nurse Consulting services.

Ms. Farese has diversified experience in health care/communications, including clinical nursing practice, management, education/training, research and consulting.

She has a Masters Degree in Nursing in Adult Health from Seton Hall University (NJ) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Widener University (PA).

Susan has presented numerous continuing education classes, seminars, and keynotes. Susan is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021), currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku‘ workshops and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics.. 

She created and is the Host of the “Nursing and the Arts Podcast” and creator/admin of the Nursing and the Arts Facebook Group.

In addition to her being on the advisory board of San Diego Film Week, Susan is a member of SAG-AFTRA,  American Legion Post 43Veterans in Media & EntertainmentSan Diego Writers Ink , and the Southern California Writers Association.

Since 2017, Susan has been a Volunteer Mentor in the San Diego State University Aztec Mentor Program.

List of clients at https://sjfcommunications.com/list-of-clients/

Contact SJF Communications at:

858-353-7488 or info@sjfcommunications.com.

Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/Sjfcommo

Thank you very much Michelle!

Thank you for joining us to listen to and/or watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast! Please feel free to like, comment on, share our episode(s), etc.

Also nurses can join our Facebook Group “Nursing and the Arts

If you are a nurse (or know of a nurse) who would like to be considered for a “Nursing and the Arts” Podcast interview, please reach out to Susan by email: info@sjfcommunications.com.


Nursing and the Arts Podcast Logo

Nursing and the Arts Podcast – Ep3 – Exploring Different Vantage Points – Nurse to Theatre Executive Director (and more)! Meet Dori Salois, MSN, RN, Vantage Theatre

Ep 3: Exploring Different Vantage Points – Nurse to Theatre Executive Director (and more)!

Guest: Dori Salois, MSN, RN, Executive Director, Vantage Theatre

Host: Author, Actor, Photographer, Poet Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Nursing and the Arts Podcast

Nursing and the Arts Ep3; Guest Dori Salois, Executive Director, Vantage Theatre

Audio link above is provided to listen to Ep3: Exploring Different Vantage Points –

Nurse to Theatre Executive Director (and more)!

With Guest Dori Salois, MSN, RN (left) and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN (right)

Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.

Join us on today’s 3rd episode of the Nursing and the Arts Podcast for an informative and entertaining discussion with Dori Salois, MSN, RN, Executive Director, Vantage Theatre in San Diego.

In this podcast, Dori talks about her childhood, entry into the world of nursing, and explains how Vantage Theatre is an innovative, provocative, sometimes site-specific theatre that illuminates, enlightens, elevates and entertains audiences (since the 1990’s).

Watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast (Below)
Ep3 video- Exploring Different Vantage Points-
Nurse to Theatre Executive Director (and more)! with Guest Dori Salois, MSN, RN (left)
and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

About Dori Salois

Dori Salois the Executive Artistic Director of Vantage Theatre is thrilled to produce Best Laid Plans with this wonderful team and happy to be back at the Tenth where she previously produced Matisse’s story in The Color of Light. She presents professional theatrical productions in new ways, concentrating on presenting original plays, as well as contemporary or classic theatre produced from a different “vantage point” Salois is always seeking to present the “AHA” moment that may awaken and illuminate the self.  Her most recent work as producer and co- director was bringing the new play N to life at Point Loma Playhouse and Tears of War about the plight of women refugees at the Riford. She has also written for the theatre. Her Xmas play She’s at The Library (It’s a Wonderful Life told from Mary’s point of view) was nominated as best production 2021. She partnered with San Diego Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse to present Anna Deavere Smith’s New York production of Let Me Down Easy in association with Arena Stage’s national tour. As a director and producer, Ms. Salois has brought over 35 plays to fruition. As an actor, she was nominated as Best Actress twice in San Diego.  She was the Assoc. producing Director of North Coast Repertory and was instrumental in the creation of NCRT’s 200 seat theatre. She is a coauthor of The Importance of Being Earnest the Musical!, The Holy Man, an adaptation of Susan Trotts novels, and the book for the musical Macgregor  which was presented in London. She has written and directed for television So This is Washington. West of Hedon. Her novel Mrs. Bennet’s Sentiments was chosen as a top fiction pick by People Magazine in 2016

She received her Baccalaureate from Lowell University and her Masters from Georgetown University.

Dori’s Info and Links:

Upcoming Vantage Theatre Production!
Best Laid Plans by Robert Salerno

Vantage Theatre Presents
A World Premiere Production of BEST LAID PLANS by Robert Salerno

Inspired by a true story, a brilliant young architect has surgery for a brain tumor and wakes up unexpectedly blind. Alone, lost and despondent, he cannot envision a path back to life, much less architecture…Then Beethoven shows up!

Featuring Blake Stadnik, the Blind Actor from NBC’s hit series “This Is Us” as Lucas

Blake Stadnik, a well-known blind actor (some might remember him from the series THIS IS US as Jack, Kate’s blind infant who grows up to become a famous rock musician), is playing Lucas, the lead role.  “Lucas’s story is one of transformation after his world comes crashing down. Through facing fear and uncertainty, he discovers a far more compassionate, mindful, and creative version of himself. I’m very excited to help bring him to life.” 

The extra surprise was casting Beethoven. Richard Trujillo, who plays Beethoven, seemed to have such an affinity for the role. We were unaware that he has sclerosis of the cochlear and without special hearing aids is deaf. These brilliant actors demonstrate one of the central themes of the play: that disability does not mean inability.”

With Richard Trujillo as Beethoven, Steve Murdock and Lee Ann Kim.

Directed by Sam Woodhouse

Aug 29-Sept 22, 2024

FRI, SAT at 7:30pm; SAT, SUN at 3:00pm

Located at:

Tenth Avenue Arts Center- 930 10th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Made possible in part by a grant from the Prebys Foundation and The California Arts Council and with the support of the Sofia Hotel


Buy your tickets now for the upcoming event at Vantagetheatre.com at the above links or https://theatrevantage.ticketspice.com/best-laid-plans TICKETS  $30-35.

Vantage Theatre – A 501c (3) non profit theatre                                   

Presenting Theatre from a different “Vantage” point… Experience “AHA” moments to awaken and illuminate the Self!

Vantage Theatre WEBSITE

Vantage Theatre page on FACEBOOK  –  https://www.facebook.com/vantagetheatre  

Vantage Theatre San Diego page on FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/VantageTheatreSanDiego

Vantage Theatre INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/vantagetheatre/

HASHTAGS: #theatre #livetheatre #bestlaidplans #worldpremiere #actorslife #disabledactor #legallyblind #disabledandproud #vantagetheatre #blindness #braille #deafness #beethoven

Also, Dori’s daughter Dominique Salerno is also an actor and comedian in New York. Here is some of Dominique’s information:

The Box Show: https://www.theboxshow.org/

The Box Show Trailer: https://vimeo.com/847685152?share=copy

Some reviews of The Box Show: https://www.theboxshow.org/the-box-show-reviews

Here is a series Dominique Created, Written, and Produced (and appears in as well): “Characteristically” – https://www.characteristicallyseries.com/about

About Susan J. Farese

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of  SJF Communications, San Diego, CA.

Susan has diverse health care experience including military and civilian nursing with clinical, administration/management, staff development, research and consulting roles.

SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides services including Public Relations, Publicity, Marketing, Websites, Filmmaking, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Nurse Consulting services. 

Susan is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021), currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku‘ workshops, and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics. She created and is the Host of the “Nursing and the Arts Podcast” and creator/admin of the Nursing and the Arts Facebook Group

Thank you for joining us to listen to and/or watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast! Please feel free to like, comment on, share our episode(s), etc.

If you are a nurse (or know of a nurse) who would like to be considered for a “Nursing and the Arts” Podcast interview, please reach out to Susan by email: info@sjfcommunications.com.

Nursing and the Arts Podcast Logo

Nursing and the Arts Podcast Trailer

Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.

Nursing and the Arts Trailer by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Hosted by Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications
info@sjfcommunications.com

Listen on these platforms!

“When it’s all said and done, there’s no profession as diverse
as the ART and the SCIENCE of being a NURSE”!
~ Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN
in POETIC EXPRESSIONS IN NURSING: SHARING THE CARING (2021, 1993)

Creative Collection from Recent SJF Communications Haiku Workshops!

The following are Haiku poems from my recent workshops in Lakeside and Casa de Oro, CA. It’s always so rewarding for me to see how creativity develops with attendees! Sometimes, my nature photography prompts (or attendee’s photos) will encourage and spark writing about the actual photos seen, sometimes, a creative spark ignites and words appear that bring the past to light!

Enjoy these Haiku….

A yellow moonrise

Will it being mischief or peace?

We shall wait and see

-Anonymous attendee at library


RESCUE ME

How miraculous

A sister! A family!

Light in the darkness

-Attendee who discovered she had a half-sister a few years ago….

after losing both of her parents.

~

Thirty-four years gone

It is still hard to believe

I live, love, for you.

-Attendee about the loss of her parent


Incessant drumming

Wet Earth, muddy paws, messy

Where are you sunshine?

Attendee who wrote this reflecting on the noisy (and seemingly endless) rain…


GRATEFUL

Phenomenal me

I have crawled through broken

To a life I love

~

34 years gone

It is still hard to believe

I live, love, for you.

Attendee wrote about resilience and loss…


FLOWERS

Birds of paradise

Colorful, feathery plumes

Gently swaying  tall

-Attendee writing about a favorite flower, at library workshop


Once an awesome Miss

Succumbs to the elements

And passes away…

Time’s a miracle

That so loses its intrigue

The longer it goes.

Was it what you thought?

Are the gates really pearly?

Or was it a myth?

Did you get to hear

the celestial choir hymns?

Was it what you dreamed?

Are you joining in?

Do you feel at home there yet?

Do you know you are gone?

Did you meet Danny?

Is he who you thought he’d be?

Was he grown or not?

Was he as happy

To finally meet Mommy?

He waited so long.

Did you see Jesus?

Was he what you thought he’d be?

Did he know your name?

-Attendee writing about recent loss of her Mother


CEDAR WAXWINGS

This fluttering flock

All swooping down together

Perching on branches

Softly twittering

With jaunty crested heads and

Pale yellow bellies

Searching for berries

AS bright as their red-tipped wings

So hungry in Spring.

Their grumpy faces

Wearing black masquerade masks

Always make me smile

Attendee that enjoys birdwatching and is especially is intrigued by Cedar Waxwings!

~

HARPER

Leash Manners – take 2

An all-breed puppy

Soft white fur, muscle and bone

Perpetual smile

She’s ready to play

Joyful and exuberant

Yet happy to work

Busy all the time

She zooms through the garden to

Hunt, chase, dig and bark

I call her to me

She quivers with excitement

To practice our tricks

Looping around me

Weaving with agility

Through my walking legs

When we are both tired

We will snuggle together

Relaxed on the couch.

Attendee who write about her dog Harper!


CAREGIVING

I care, I love, who?

Never in my wildest dreams

My care for elders!

Truly I did so

Wholeheartedly giving all

Nothing left for myself

Now injured, who cares?

Overwhelming pain, depressed

Love, care for ME first!

Tender loving care

Memories of Mom and Dad

Worthiness of life!

Attendee reflecting on the toll and satisfaction that caregiving had for her…

Author Susan J. Farese at Upcoming Alpine Library Local Author Showcase February 3, 2024

Looking forward to sharing the story of my poetry journey at this event as one of six local authors (Jacqueline Semha Gmach, Carlette Anderson, Laura L. Engel, Krystal Casey and Melanie Ross and Susan J. Farese) at the Alpine Library, Saturday February 3rd from 10:30 am until noon. I’ll have copies of POETIC EXPRESSIONS IN NURSING: SHARING THE CARING on hand.

I’ll be speaking about poetry as a healing art, my book POETIC EXPRESSIONS IN NURSING: SHARING THE CARING, and my Haiku Workshops.

Also, I’ll be selling and signing copies of my book ~ a great gift idea for nurses (or the nurse in your life) or anyone who wants to know more about nursing!

📖✍️❤️📚🩺👩‍⚕️🎤

#sandiegoauthor #sandiegopoet #authorevent #poets #localauthorevent #alpinelibrary #sandiego #bookreading #booksigning #booksigningevent