WORKSHOPS

NEW STAR WEEKEND RETREATS

“Absolutely wonderful! I made so many break-throughs with Bobbie’s help. Bobbie has an encyclopedic knowledge of Celtic storytelling ... really puts herself into her class. Bobbie is very flexible and accommodating ... made me feel free.”

Adult students from John C. Campbell Folk School, Celtic Storytelling Course


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“Through the use of writing, introspection, as well as traditional and alternative therapies, she is able to arrive at her “new normal” with a clear focus on her ability to choose life affirming meaning to her personal journey.”
Margaret L. Barnes, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

“... touched with the Divine essence of Bobbie ... a fusion of skill, talent, intuition, grace and ease ... . This is work of the soul!”
Amanda Stubbs-Hoback, Reiki Master

“... a gripping story of injury, pain, recovery, healing and hope ...”
Dr. Ed Brenegar, Presbyterian Minister
“An insightful book ... . Bobbie leads you through fear and pain ... and loss. She then shares her path of recovery ...  which offers resources and hope. ”
Tracy Bailey
Director for Conference Services
Montreat, NC

RETREAT SCHEDULE
-- FRIDAY --
Arrival / Good Night’s Rest
-- SATURDAY --
9:00-10:30
Welcome/Intro
CLASS ONE
10:30-10:45 BREAK
10:45-12:00 CLASS TWO
12:15-2:00 LUNCH
2:00-4:30 CLASS THREE + LABYRINTH (if available)
4:30-6:00 MEDITATIONAL MOVEMENT (group yoga, walks)
RESTORATIVE TIME (Free Time)
6:00-7:00 DINNER
7:00-8:00 EVENING PERFORMANCE
-- SUNDAY --
9:00-10:30 CLASS FOUR
10:30-10:45 BREAK
11:00-12:00 WEEKEND CLOSING
PERSONAL SHARING




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Ever wonder about the masks we wear? By engaging our imaginations, we can reach into the layers of our character, revealing our truest heart through dreams, metaphor, and imagery. Based on classical archetypes and personality favorites, we will create a unique inner council. Through active listening, we will replace negative personal myths with positive affirmations. By unmasking mind/body/spirit connections, we achieve clarity and discernment when facing troublesome issues or emotional traumas. Come join us as we delve into our inner worlds!

“You have the gift of faith. The notion that spirituality should be considered in healthcare and healing is widely accepted. You have done it with a courage and tenacity that is laudable.”
Dr. Robin Smith, CarePartners Psychologist

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NAVIGATING NEW CREATIVE WATERS

Often unexpected events or chronic conditions cause you to relinquish dreams, yet alternative pathways can appear when opening yourself to creative ventures. In considering the mind/body/spirit connections, doorways to our imagination create new realities. By determining the image of a valued life, we will consider practical, committed actions to move you forward while reinventing well-laid plans for new goals. Techniques to take us deeper into our imaginations include color therapy (mandalas) poetry, music, journaling, and stories (folklore and personal). Come play!

CelticKnot.pngEMBRACING THE CELTIC SPIRIT

The life lessons from the an- cient Celts resonate deeply with today’s need for self-reflection, thus deepening our mind/body/ spirit connections.

We will consider the primary Elements of Celtic Spirituality: respecting connections with the Natural world, teachings from sacred animals, adventurous journeys, love of silence and solitude, understanding the layers of time, gratitude in daily routines, and kinship with family and friends.

By discovering our personal inner landscapes, we can more clearly identify sacred or holy grounds for ourselves as places of refreshment and nourishment. Watch as the seasons of our hearts parallel the turning of the Great Wheel through the Eight-fold Celtic calendar. Through music, imagery, journaling, and poetry we will have opportunities for self- expression.

CelticKnot2.pngWRITING FROM THE HEART

How can one write from a wounded heart? Words create an important avenue in the healing process through techniques such as poetry, short fiction, inner council dialogues, folklore, and journal writing. Based on the seven writing styles explored in Bobbie Pell’s title A New Star, weekend participants will discover the individual benefits of each style for releasing emotional trauma and mental stress as new goals emerge. Dip your pen into the ever-flowing river that will lead you forward!

ADULT WORKSHOPS

STORYTELLING TRADITIONS OF APPALACHIA:
CELTIC AND BRITISH ROOTS

Explore the oral traditions of Appalachia with England, Scotland, and Ireland. Storytelling delivery techniques such as voice, gestures, breathing, and facial expressions will be playfully experienced through dramatization, narratives, story selection, and performance for participants.

BALLADS - SCOTTISH AND ENGLISH POPULAR NARRATIVES
Delve into the ancient stories of honor, betrayal, mystery, comedy, and true love sprinkled throughout the literary legacy of the British Isles. Poetic form and structure of ballads will be taught. Classes involve song, storytelling, and poetry.

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN IN CELTIC FOLKLORE

Meet Bloudewedd, the Welsh Bride of Flowers, Irish immortal Macha who bestowed healing, and Pearl, the Seal-Maiden, off the coast of Scotland! Issues of true beauty, the power of transformation, love relationships, and woman’s divinity are core issues.

FOLK SONG EXTRAVAGANZA!!
Bring your guitar, fiddle, dulcimer, spoons, voice, or just a good sense of humor to this workshop focussing on traditional Appalachian folksongs. Songs of betrayal, comedy, love, and romance will fill the air. No musical background is necessary.

LIVING LEGACIES IN NATURE

By becoming more observant of our surroundings, we learn about our inherent connections to the Green World. Unravel your personal mysteries through journalling, then weave these sensory details into personal narratives.

POETRY IN NATURE
By listening to published poets and observation excursions, learn the power of the written word by expressing those thoughts and more in simple forms of poetry. Elements of poetry such as alliteration, symbolism, metaphor, and allusion plus various forms written over the centuries.

BRIARS, RED ROSES, AND GLASS COFFINS
Examine medieval motifs while creating an original work. Elements of creating short fiction (dynamic characters, believable settings, layered plotting) and Gothic fantasy will be reviewed.

NORTH CAROLINA LEGENDS AND GHOSTLY APPARITIONS
Learn about some of North Carolina’s unusual residents and regional mysteries. Discover the curiosity of the Brown Mountain Lights, the vanishing lady of Jamestown, and the couple from the Outer Banks whose love transcended death!

FOLK TALES FOR THE MIDDLE-AGED AND GREY-HAIRED
Enjoy fanciful tales that weave life lessons into every story. Tales specifically address issues for maturing adults: family relationships, life/death concerns, living without regret, and love.

WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM
A 10-hr teacher renewal credit course (K-12) focusing on innovative writing techniques for the curriculum areas of Social Studies, English, Science (Pure/Natural), and Visual Arts. Teachers will be exposed to a variety of holistic techniques using imagery, personal narratives, poetry, and folklore.


LIVING LITERATURE SERIES
Delve into the magical realms of some of the best fantasy writers in children’s literature! During these fun-filled, 2-hour workshops, children use their imaginations in activities paralleling the storyline of four beloved fantasy tales. Each workshop involves a writing/drawing element, an imaginative adventure, and a craft project to take home to remember this wonderful experience!

THE HOBBIT: BILBO AND FRIENDS
Creating Magic Medallions (Drawing)
Hobbit Hobbler: Riddling Games (Writing)
Flora (Ogham) Alphabet (Craft)
Journey to Lonely Mountain (Adventure)
Shire Celebrations (Storytelling)

HARRY POTTER: A DAY AT HOGWARTS
The Sorting Hat
Porthole Portraits (Drawing)
House Ghost Stories (Writing)
Herbology Class (Craft)
Care of Magical Creatures (Adventure)
Quidditch Practice

REDWALL ABBEY SERIES
Become Woodland Animal (Masks)
Vole Family Rescue (Adventure)
Riddle of the Great Hall (Nature Riddles)
New Games (Teamwork)

NARNIA: VOYAGE OF DAWN TREADER
Sailing Character (Medallions)
Dragon Island (Writing)
Deathwater Island (Adventure)
Narnia Constellations (Craft)

NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH, & THE WARDROBE
Talking Beasts (Masks)
Magical Creatures
What Kind of Ruler? Choosing Favorite Characters
Folklore on Wolves and Dwarves (Storytelling)
White Witch Scramble / Animal Skills Game (Teamwork)

 

 

PRESCHOOL TEACHER WORKSHOPS

PROGRAM ONE: LIVING IN THEIR WORLD
Movement: simple/gross motor skills
Household Living: chores, hygiene, relationships
Intellectual Development: alphabet, counting, dates
Holidays: seasonal songs and activities
Rhymes: finger, hand, play, party
Musical Elements: dynamics, tempo, rhythm

 

PROGRAM TWO: LEADS TO LITERATURE
American folk songs and folklore
Fairy tales: poetry, songs, stories
Creating Folk tales: simple rhymes to familiar tunes
Animal tomfoolery
Poetry: mood, emotional flavor, accents with stories