On a sunny Saturday morning in Burien, WA, about 20 residents of Merrill Gardens, along with a half dozen more friends, gathered to hear me read poems and discuss the project upon which my recent book, The Body Lives Its Undoing, is based.

They were attentive listeners and asked great questions about the poems and about autoimmune disease in general. One question was about the difference between infections and autoimmune disease. Another person was curious if there were any “bright spots” that emerged from people living with pain. I said I heard often about people letting go of things that no longer seemed important and learning to live in, and celebrate each moment.

We also showcased some of the artwork and Anna Hooser, artist, book designer and BRI Tech Assistant, was also on hand to talk about how her artwork was a reflection of the interviews I conducted and which she videotaped.

Next Reading: Friday, November 16, 2018

Optimism Brewing, 1158 Broadway, Capitol Hill  (come early to get a seat)

4:30 – 6:30 pm