The Defiant Scribbler

Stairs

2011-12-29T11:01:00.000-08:00

Time for my stair-climbing workout!

I have made many decisions standing on a flight of steps: kiss him or just walk behind him quietly, for example!

I'm really glad I kissed him.

Stairs are the perfect metaphor for getting where you want to go:

you have to focus or you will fall and hurt yourself

no one cares how fast you get there as long as you're not blocking them

keep looking up

one step at a time unless you're quite fit

there are many people happy to see you rise, even if you're ahead of them

Go climb some stairs, people! It's 2012, how high can you go!

Puff Puff Pass

2011-10-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

This post appeared online at http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/scene ; Farpoint Films and CBC created a half-hour documentary called ' Cultural Secrets of Winnipeg', and my friend Angie Lamirande ( http://www.popsportsent.com ) asked me to take part in it.

If you see me with a Cheshire cat smile on my face it’s because I have a little secret. You see, the only thing that makes me happier than having a little secret is sharing my little secret. That’s why I was so excited to try out the Firefly Shisha Bar on Ellice Avenue; not only
was it not very well-known, but it felt a little dangerous and if I may say so,
slightly illicit for a suburban Mom. Truth is, I am not a stranger to the
hookah; I’ve actually had one in my own home for over 20 years, but never used
it. I valued it for its beauty but doubted its utility; sort of like Kim
Kardashian.

While still in university, I met my future husband. His bachelor pad décor
had the usual elements: the homemade futon, the questionable nude photography,
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6q2clIBY5Ik/S13pzJ49NiI/AAAAAAAAB3M/qK3hM423yoY/s640/richard_avedon.jpg),but
,but something else stood out: a large brass vase with several hoses
attached. He explained that it was a gift from his world-travelling parents; it
was from Saudi Arabia and it was called a hookah. Middle Eastern families would
lounge together and smoke, he told me. Then I asked about the rather large
black leather horsewhip also hanging from the hookah. He said the whip was not
really for family activities in that same cultural sense. I stopped asking
questions but I felt immediately jealous; the best souvenir I ever received from
my parents had been Mexican jumping beans . Surely this new boyfriend came from
quite elegant stock; either that or he was the biggest druglord in Portage La
Prairie .

After getting married, we moved across the country and the hookah always
came with us. We viewed it as a conversation piece at a time in my life when
the rest of my art pieces were IKEA prints and questionable nude photography.
Less exotic times ensued; three kids in four years made us slightly dull.
Somehow those risqué art pieces disappeared over time, but we always kept the
hookah.

As I relaxed on the leather lounger and admired the colourful murals, the
owner of Firefly set up the hookah with a chocolate-mint flavoured shisha and
ignited the coal for me. When I sipped my first smoke, I was surprised at the
smoothness. As a nonsmoker I assumed this smoke would be irritating but it
wasn't; I inhaled and exhaled over and over , feeling calm and enjoying the
flavour as well as the novelty of the experience. I would love to tell you I
made perfect smoke rings all evening but in all honesty, I mainly looked like an
extremely civilized and relaxed dragon. I was happy to share the exp[erience in
front of the cameras but also look forward to returning with some friends, if
only to blow a smoke ring in honour of my old brass hookah.

Texting, Texting, Things Just Got More Interesting

2011-09-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

I'm about to hit send on a very simple text : " have a good first day", smileyface

This is bonding time with a 15 year old boy, and I'll take what I can get.

What are the chances I get a return text? Zero to nil, but that's okay. I said my bit, he knows I am out here caring about him, and that's the point.

I should interact with more people this way, expecting less and giving more! From now on I'm treating you all like 15 year old boys. Get your stinky feet off the table.

Back Off!

2011-08-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

I think it's time for our family to learn to meditate, or build a vision board, or have a family meeting... or..

We've all had trouble making decisions. Should we buy a different house? Should we buy a new vehicle and replace one or both older models? Should we get new kitchen appliances? Should we buy a cottage? Should we keep investing in this stinky market? Should I stay blonde? Should I cancel cable and teach my sons to work the land?

In the end we've all chosen to take a deep breath and not freak out. Nobody's dying, we're all making our way in the world and this new dishwasher is wonderful.

I'm taking a lesson from this Kenmore: no need to rinse and scrub, just jump in and start washing. No time like the present!

Tazzy's Angels at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival

2010-07-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

Stand up Comedy Show hosted by Big Daddy Tazz and featuring the comedic viewpoints of :
Cara Lytwyn, Chantel Marostica, Heather Witherden and Rachel Sommer

75 minute show - $10 .. and $1 from every ticket goes to charity

Winnipeg's favourite female comedians come together to prove that they might be Angels, but Saints they ain't!
Visit http://www.winnipegfringe.com for tickets & showtimes

Winnipeg Fringe Festival - Breast Friends Show Details!

2010-07-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

Winnipeg Fringe Festival - Performer Detail

Fringe Fest starts July 14!

2010-06-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

In less than 3 weeks I'll be participating in my very first Fringe Festival !

I'm in two shows - both are comedies.

The first show is BREAST FRIENDS - stories of being the owner of a pair ! It features the talents of Kim Zeglinski, Celeste Sansregret, Alison Field, Angela La Muse and Heather Witherden.
Breast Friends Venue 6, MTC Warehouse.

For showtimes & more photos, visit http://kimmyzee.com/

Tickets are $10 and on sale now at http://www.winnipegfringe.com/

The second show is all stand-up comedy, called TAZZY'S ANGELS - heavenly girl comedians, hosted by Big Daddy Tazz. $1 from each ticket will be donated to charity. Featured comedians: Cara Lytwyn, Chantel Marostica, Rachel Sommer and Heather Witherden.
We're in Venue 5, 140 Rupert St. (upstairs in the MTC Warehouse) . For showtimes & info

visit http://www.tazzysangels.wordpress.com

Tickets on sale now at http://www.winnipegfringe.com/

I'm so excited to be working with these fabulous people on these two very fun shows. See you there!

Unruly

2010-06-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

You're too tall for me
Taking over my hallway
Unruly corn plant

Sandbox Magazine

2010-06-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Sandbox Magazine http://www.sandboxmag.com/ did a feature article on our upcoming show for the Winnipeg Fringe Festival... the magazine is out June 11!

Very excited to show off this great article Sandbox magazine did for ' Breast Friends' but I have to keep it under wraps for now!
Make sure you run to McNally Robinson and get yourself a copy on June 11 , which also happens to be my birthday!

Thanks to Jeffrey Vallis for organizing the shoot, which was held at Berns & Black Salon in the Exchange district. If I win the 50 million Lotto Max this Saturday, I'd be at Berns and Black every single day, and while I was letting my nails dry, I'd have my assistant flip through Sandbox magazine and show me all the pretty pictures!

*** kisses and jugs ***

Heather

Thank You!

2010-05-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

It was a pleasure to once again work with the Red Cross to help raise money for an urgent need; with the generous donations of these companies, we were able to raise several hundred dollars with our silent auction! Please visit and support these local businesses - they cared enough to give!

Symmetry Massage - 286 Stradbrook Ave. http://www.symmetrymassage.com/

AuraStella Jewellry - Andrea Robin, Consultant http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winnipeg-MB/Andreas-AuraStella/122600007760246 Discreet Boutique - 340 Donald Street http://www.discreet.mb.ca/

HairWare by Betsy email: bgibbons@mts.net

Winnipeg Roller Derby http://www.winnipegrollerderby.com/

CherryStems http://www.cherrystems.com/

Rumors Comedy Club http://rumorscomedyclub.com/

Osborne Village Ink & PussyCat Piercing 188 Osborne St. http://www.myspace.com/osbornevillageink

Kustom Kulture D-470 River Ave. http://kustomkultureshop.com/

Closet Chick E-470 River Ave. Owner Lorraine Hay

Callisto Couture http://callistocouture.com/

and of course, support the Red Cross! http://www.redcross.ca/

Retro Pin-Up Car Wash ! Best of Burlesque!

2010-05-06T06:22:00.001-07:00

Take a Saturday drive and stop by to get your car washed by Retro Pin-Up and Burlesque Babes!

Come see us at the Mohawk Gas Station on Osborne, across the street from the Park Theatre !

This is a benefit car wash to help raise money for the cost of putting on the "Best of Burlesque" show/fundraiser for the Red Cross Chile Earthquake Relief fund.http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=109620035728159&ref=ts

Car wash by donation.

The Purple House of my Dreams

2010-02-22T15:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Purple House,

You don't know me, but I have been enamoured with you for several years. I have admired you from afar, from my vehicle as I drive past, hoping that one day, perhaps my love will be returned. Your simple elegant beauty is shown in the way you carry yourself, with a little bit of a smirking twist as you sit at a not-entirely-straight view to the road. No, you shy away slightly, but still boldly wear your purple siding and stone, coyly and with an air of pride.

Your windows look as if they let in a lovely filtered light and give you a view to the trees and the neighbouring homes and the busy road. Do you like seeing the world go by? We are fellow voyeurs, quietly eyeing the travellers as they yawn and sing off-key in their cars; but we forgive them their trespasses, for who are we, but travellers too.

I see you and sense that you are a happy home, or perhaps better to say, content. Satisfied in what you are, a comfortable haven for the couple you house, and their friends, who no doubt, stop in on a whim, because you are so accessible. Believe it or not, I see in you my own dreams of happiness and contentment. For a structural being, you certainly evoke many emotions in me; I love who you are, and what you represent.

I think that your caretakers are lucky indeed, to have you housing them, with your rooms of lightness and sunny warmth, your carefree garden beds and your loving countenance. I would love to be embraced by your walls and celebrated , as the Queen of my own bungalow frigate, the Purple Heart.

January Fever

2010-01-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

I can't help but notice the swell of renewed energy in January as everyone, refreshed or perhaps relieved at the end of the holidays, returns to their work.

My calendar beckoned me to fill it up and so I've been busy emailing contacts, finding shows and creating shows, and the good news is, it's working!

I now have shows right up until April in the works, and an invitation to take part in a cabaret-style Fringe show in July.

It feels like a cycle sometimes of creating the opportunity, then doing the work, then seeing what other opportunity that work will open up for you. I'm trying to ignore those little voices .. the doubts and fears... so I can leave more room for my own voice.

One of my favourite moments of the year so far was listening to all the excellent readings at the Yellow Dog Tavern, at a new show created by Cathy Herbert. She had the idea to start a night of comedy writings read aloud, and the next night she has booked is February 8th, again at the Yellow Dog, the name of the show being, ' Comedy on Paper'. Definitely go check it out!

Website is Live!

2010-01-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

I have a gorgeous new home on the web and I want you all to stop by!

Have a look around, sign up for the mailing list.. hear what's new !

http://www.heatherwitherden.com

The site was designed by my dear friend Marni-Jo Townsley, who, as you can see, is very talented!!

Website Development

2009-11-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

Big thanks to my website designer Marni Townsley, who is creating a kickass site which will be home to all of my creative ventures!

Defiant Scribbler is the theme of the page... let your mind run wild.........mine does!~

xo
Heather

p.s. Catch me tonight as the featured comedian at NEW COMEDY PROJEKT!

Knit 1, Purl 1, H1N1

2009-11-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

I've been sick for a week now, but a functional kind of sick, not flat-on-my-back sick. I think it's just a head cold, and I didn't bother to see a doctor.
I've taken just about every remedy that purports to shorten the lifespan of a cold virus but the cold still lasted a week, and it feels like it's on its way out.
I've been hacking like a pack-a-day smoker and when I lie down my breathing sounds a little like a crackling campfire, but this is all mostly in my sinuses. I think if it were in my lungs I'd be a lot more tired, and there's been no significant fever. Of course, I haven't bothered to take my temperature, but I am of the opinion that if you are very sick, you know it, and I am just not that sick.
Everyone freaking out over H1N1 makes me realize that people are finally starting to get over 9/11 and clearly have found a new cause. When did the general public become so paranoid about what their government is up to? Most of the time Canadians don't even muster up the energy to go out and vote, so why do they all of a sudden want to know the real true backstory of the H1N1 vaccine?
Here's my advice: Don't get all your information from YouTube. Read a book. Go outdoors.
Quit your whining and get a university degree for crying out loud. Become a critical thinker. Listen more and talk less.
Pass the Kleenex.

2 Girls, 8 Boys

2009-10-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

No, Kate Gosselin is not expecting ; I'm referring to the 10 Finalists in " Winnipeg's Gone Wacky", and yes, I'm one of those Finalists!

There will be a great night of comedy at CanadInn MyBar ( Regent & Plessis ) this Saturday, October 10th , show at 8 pm (doors 7 pm).
After the competition, Big Daddy Tazz will be there to entertain us all!

Call for Tickets 694-SHOW $15/20 seats

Winnipeg's Gone Wacky - Winnipeg Free Press

2009-09-28T15:47:00.001-07:00

Winnipeg's Gone Wacky - Winnipeg Free Press

Posted using ShareThis

Winnipeg's Gone Wacky - Winnipeg Free Press

2009-09-28T14:51:00.001-07:00

Winnipeg's Gone Wacky - Winnipeg Free Press

Posted using ShareThis

Christmas in September

2009-09-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

For about the past ten years my family on my father's side has been getting together annually for a Christmas gathering of INTENSE PROPORTION! My Dad was one of nine children - and so now our aunts, uncles, cousins, and their children, spouses, et cetera have added up to more people than can fit in any one person's house - or yard, for that matter.

We gather in Dugald where my uncle lives and use the community centre to have dinner, and visit. It's a great time - lots of kids, a baby once in a while if we're lucky, and the best part of the whole deal is I meet a new relative just about every time we gather.

The part of this get-together that I enjoy the most is the fact that we have extended the word ' family ' to mean , anyone that is important to us. We have had neighbours come to this party, ex-wives, adopted children of ex-wives, former cellmates of adopted children's ex-wives, you name it, they've attended Dugald Christmas.

I also love our ' Garage Sale Silent Auction', that essentially funds our party for the following year. Everyone brings a few things they aren't using anymore, or something they picked up cheap once and somehow never quite used, and the incredibly organized women put it out on tables in clever groupings like social prizes, then we all buy tickets to win our relatives' old stuff. It's awesome; one year I got a set of ear cuffs. If you can figure out what these are for, you are doing better than me. My kids love to bid on their old toys that I was trying to shuffle along to the next cousin. I've passed on many an adorable but impossible outfit that I was trying to get my kid to wear this way - that mini jean jacket? Off to the next kid!

I have the most incredible assortment of aunties who have this zest for life that only comes with age and loss - they are wise and make a killer potato salad. I love every single one of them, and save a special extra hug for my Auntie Elsie, who next year turns 65. Elsie grew up in the Portage Institution, having been born with cerebral palsy which made it difficult for my grandparents to look after her, especially with so many other children. No one expected she'd ever care for herself. Well, for over 30 years now, she has supported herself and lived independently, and is one of Winnipeg's biggest sport fans. She's pretty inspirational, and somehow manages to remember all the kids' birthdays and find little gifts for them. She has a knack for making others feel special.

So why have the party in September? Simply, life is busy. December is chockfull for most people, between school concerts, work parties and shopping and preparation for the season, then adding inclement weather, we have decided not to keep gathering at ACTUAL Christmas time. So forgive me, I know it's 25 Celcius ( ABOVE, not BELOW), but I need to go find my patchwork Christmas sweater now. I wonder if it goes with these shorts?

Ho Ho Holy cow I'm hot.

Moonlight Madness Burlesque

2009-09-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce our upcoming show :

Thursday October 29, 2009 at The Academy Bar ( Osborne & Stradbrook)

Moonlight Madness Burlesque shows feature a vaudeville style variety of oldtyme burlesque striptease, comedy, music and theatrical acts!

October's show features Miss La Muse, Heather ' Stella Starlight' Witherden, Mia Star Van Leeuwen & more acts TBA!

Amish Children in a Modern World

2009-07-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

I am raising my children Amish - giving them chores, putting them to bed at 8 pm.
I don't care that they are tweens/teens, they need sleep !
Sleepovers are the devil's work IMHO
Who wants to help me groom the horses?

Lordy Lordy Look Who's -

2009-03-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go?
My 41st birthday is creeping up on me like an ill-fitting nylon skirt.
This entire year has been the epitome of three steps forward, two steps back.
Speaking of steps, I am hitting the treadmill this morning to clear my head - and my Type 2 diabetes.
Talk to you in a bit, listen to this with me while I ' wog' (walk/jog)
CRANK IT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaXlIIgLIqM

I Hate The Red River Ex

2008-06-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

I am a snob.
I hate the Red River Ex.
I hate the scrubby looking carnies.
I hate the fourteen year old girls with daisy duke shorts hanging onto their twenty year old gap toothed boyfriends.
I hate paying four dollars for a glorified slurpee and six dollars for a hamburger.I hate the rigged 'games of chance'.
I hate the gate admission that means even if I do nothing else, I have just paid to watch the freaks that remind me how much of a snob I am.
I hate that it reminds me that I was the girl who sneered at the smoking patio girls in high school, quite confident that my life was going to be better than theirs because I was so smart.
I hate that I was obviously right in that assertion.
I hate seeing 35 year old grandmothers.
I hate seeing formerly famous bands having to force out one more show to pay off their debts.
I only like one thing, and that's seeing the little dogs jump thru hoops and go up ramps - I have the feeling they are the smartest animals at the Ex.

Welcome New Readers!

2008-05-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDljmRLVoDg

Watch me performing at the CBC Winnipeg Comedy Festival!

Carrie Samantha Miranda Charlotte

2008-05-30T13:18:00.001-07:00

I went to the new ' Sex and the City' movie last night - opening night, and the question popped up: Which character are you most like?

Well, how about NONE of them?
Do I wear shoes by Manolo? No, they're from PayLess. My most expensive shoes are NewBalance runners in a 9 extra wide.

Do I sleep with random guys on a regular basis? Believe me, I'd tell you if I did. I ogle stroller-daddies sometimes, with their ironic tees and 2-day growth, but that's it.

Do I regret the glass ceiling restrictions on my career? No, but I regret the way Windex wipes leave streaks when they're not supposed to.

Do I have live in the lap of luxury with a Jewish husband? OY. No, I don't.

So, I have to ask myself what's so compelling about these characters? Well, first of all, they're characters.. extremes of several aspects of any woman's life. The desire for understanding and communication, the desire for sexual connection, the desire for personal achievement, the desire for family and harmony.

As long as there are women like me who are moving forward, there will be audiences for shows with fabulous characters like the Sex and The City girls.
I'm going to watch it again when it comes out on DVD, and if I'm at home, I'll just wear sweatpants and Crocs - way less pressure.

Funny Lines

2008-05-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

about a difficult situation: ' as uncomfortable as laying on a pull-out bed with your mother-in-law'

That line came to me last night!

Laying Fallow

2008-05-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's good to recharge your batteries and not run around so much. I missed a show last night but honestly it felt so good to just crash - I was in bed asleep at 9:30. I slept right til 7 so obviously I needed the rest.
Perhaps I need to rest my creative self too - or focus in a bit on it, not sure. I am not able to concentrate very well lately and end up trying to do too many things at once. I've actually been feeling quite stressed and not on top of things.
I've probably said it a million times, but I need to create a schedule so that I don't constantly get off track, when it comes to losing ' my time'. I really resent losing ' my time' to chores and house stuff. The kids' stuff I don't necessarily resent - it's caretaking, but already this week I've spent about 10 hours shuttling them back and forth to appointments, and it's only Wednesday.
I'm going to do my ' 27 item toss' now, Thanks FlyLady!
Less is more.

Why Are You Looking At Me Like That?

2008-05-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

Stop it.
I said Stop It.
You're squinting like you can see through me.
The problem is not that you can see through me, but that I am transparent.
The problem is that I can see through you, and it makes you uncomfortable.

June is Heating Up

2008-05-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

June never fails to disappoint - I am looking ahead to the next few weeks in awe and wonder, as in ' Aw, I wonder how I'm possibly going to do all this!'

Between kids' spring sports, recitals, school field trips, medical and dental appointments, birthdays and anniversaries, June is shaping up to be a full month. Oh, and then there are SHOWS too! And Dad's doing some stuff too, let's not forget Dad. Dad's actually running the full marathon on Father's Day, and then we'll dope him up good with Advil so he can sit through the dance recital later that afternoon.

I'm doing a show at the Charley ( Charleswood Hotel ) on June 16th and turning into a makeshift birthday party. My real birthday celebration will probably take place alongside my friend Marni, who is also turning 40 this year, and who has organized a big lawn party shindig to take place in a couple of weeks. I've been thinking about what gift to get her, even though she said no gifts. I would love to write her a tribute since she's been such an awesome friend for so long. I started jotting down some ideas today. The present I'm getting for my birthday is a trip to Las Vegas - my first time! I've got tickets for Bette Midler's 'Showgirl' show and also Cirque Du Soleil. Rick's coming along and while we're there we'll kill two birds with one stone and celebrate our 20th anniversary.

It's teacher-gift season too, once again and I have been rather lax about organizing anything at school for the past several months. Next year I'll know better than to sign myself up to be class rep for two classes. Their teachers have been great though, and I'll try to come up with something that the kids can do to help show their appreciation.

With the twins' birthday and my birthday happening day after each other, mid-June is always a scramble to find time and energy to get a party together. Honestly my birthday has mostly fallen by the wayside, but usually there are a few girlfriends who will take me out for lunch, and that's the best kind of celebration anyway. Love every one of those girls! There are many days I would quite willingly just move into a kibbutz with all my gals and live in a matriarchal society. I hope I'm wearing off enough on my boys for them to turn into decent men.
Stuart made me laugh yesterday, like he does almost every day. We went to see Indiana Jones 4, the new movie, and we applauded at the end, but we were the only ones in the theatre clapping. He turned around and looked at the rest of the people and said, ' This is a movie theatre, not a jury!' Hahahha.. what could be funnier than an 8 yr old boy.

We're still hustling Avery to basketball games and Cadets until the end of June too, and then it will all come to an abrupt end. I do tend to dread the 'free' days of summer, only because having your kids home for summer holidays is a bit like taking a vacation with your boss. It's no vacation for me. As much as I enjoy spending time with my kids, I need to make a concentrated effort to split them up because they're like dogs, and they tend to turn on each other after too long together. One minute they're play fighting and the next minute it turns out that the growling and biting is quite real. Then I threaten them with the two words they fear most - Day Care.

The plan is to take them out to the woods as much as possible this summer - even if that means I have to suck up my extraordinary dislike of confined sleeping arrangements. Most other things about camping I can cope with, but having to listen to my husband bark orders in a nylon house just about pushes me over the edge. I would quite willingly get lost in the forest for a day if it meant I had peace and quiet.

I can't even commit to the next sentence, so I backspaced and deleted it. I was about to say I was going to start a cleanse, but I am so fearful of giving up foods I love and am used to using for comfort. It truly is addictive behaviour when you look at it. I have to change the way I eat if I hope to make any inroads on my weight problem. * Sigh *

Last night I saw RUSH and I think Geddy Lee is my new weight loss idol. He is so energetic and full of life and in good shape for a man in his 50s. Not to mention he is doing what he loves.
I'm really tired right now so this may not have been the most 'together' blog, but at least you can see what's lying ahead of me for the next few weeks. I'll keep writing, if only to draw up some ideas for the show on June 16th.

Trolls

2008-05-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

One of my frequent stops is http://www.newwinnipeg.com where anything Winnipeg-related can be discussed: politics, urban issues, entertainment, etc.
I enjoy reading the discussions and also participating, and have learned quite a bit about our city that I may not have otherwise known. I've also found that there are people all around who just live for the opportunity to put others down anyway they can.
For those forum trolls that have nothing better to do than to leave nasty comments on threads and then pretend that they are misunderstood, I say, think two seconds before you hit the 'enter' key on that comment. After you've said it is too late to start retracting and explaining your real meaning of what you said.
I hate that it stirs up the fight in me, but it does.
Now I need to take a quick walk around the neighbourhood to shake off the troll.

Any Press Is Good

2008-05-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

When you're trying to become a known name in comedy, any press is good press. Now it's not exactly a media blitz, but in the past 2 months I have had a television interview, a newspaper article and now a mention in Canadian Living magazine. The funny thing is, the one that is getting the most attention is the interview I did for CL last winter about living with depression which has just been published in their May issue. I think it's important for me to talk about depression, because it has affected me for such a long time and in so many ways.
I used to think the antidote to depression was to live with joy, but the chemicals in my brain didn't quite get that message, so I added a little prescription into the mix. Currently it's Wellbutrin that's giving me the boost of serotonin - but connecting with people is what really gets me going. You all are my second prescription.

Last night on PBS.org they broadcast a show called ' Depression - Out of the Shadows', and one of the panel speakers made a very good point about mental illness not yet being a ' Tuna Casserole disease'. He further explained that people will rush to help those women who are suffering from breast cancer or another physical illness, showing up with casseroles and offers of help, while those affected by mental illness are left isolated and struggling. This has certainly been my personal experience, and that's not for a lack of good friends, it's just that no one is ever quite sure what to do or how to help. And it's society's view still that somehow mental illness is the fault of the individual; I'm still trying to shake off that belief myself!

Even though I've always been open with people who cared enough to ask, I guess the cat's out of the bag now nationally! I sympathize with others who have to fight this dark cloud - and believe it or not, there are days when I am actually thankful for it. You can only see your shadow in the sunshine.

Garbage Day 2

2008-05-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday, Garbage Day 2, School Day 6.
It is 8:56 a.m. and I am shallow breathing.
Rolled out of bed exactly 46 minutes ago.
Children in underwear eating Cheerios with sloshing milk in family room.
Dishes left exactly where they lay last night as I went out the door.
Empty lunch bags on the counter, at least they were unpacked.
Stare into fridge.
Stare into pantry.
Bend awkwardly into pantry searching for juiceboxes.
Carefully customize inventory of leftovers and sundry items to create 3 nutritious tasty lunches.
Realize same two underwear-clad children are watching Daily Planet.
Shoo children upstairs to get dressed.
Remind oldest child to give a hoot about the nutrition needs of his silent pets.
Load lunch bags into backpacks.
Encourage sad child who doesn't want to go to school.
Silently pray the child will cooperate, mentally making a checklist of my planned activities.
Physically dress an 8 year old child who is built like a human ferret.
Curse tube socks.
Recognize but slightly ignore tears in his eyes, for fear of unleashing the torrent.
Say good bye one by one to the three boys .. and watch the last teary one shuffle across the grass.
Sit down at the computer with a severe crunch in my chest and stuff on my mind.
Phone Rings.
Small voice says, " Mom, I need my collage today. It's in the kitchen. "
" I'll bring it," I say, " and I'll see you this afternoon - I'm coming to the Volunteer Appreciation Party, your choir is singing."
" Dang," singing boy says, " I forgot choir again."
" It's okay", says Mom

School Daze

2008-05-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

June is quickly approaching and I find myself in the typical position of figuring out how to amuse and inspire three children over the nine-week school holiday; a daunting thought since most days I find it difficult to amuse and inspire myself. The last thing any parent wants is for their child to turn out just like them. Sheesh, that was depressing.

I have a feeling this summer may be different, only because for the past eight months I too have been a student. It's been a long time since I was in any formal classes but this year I did endeavour to learn some new tricks, improv specifically. With Prairie Theatre Exchange for 20 weeks I immersed myself in something different - studying longform improv with Stephen Sim. It was some of the best money I've ever spent, to learn alongside some very talented young people and to expand my own performance ability. Honestly I hadn't even entertained the thought ( excuse the pun) of performing.. since high school, where I had the occasional chance to take part in plays, and even then, I didn't exactly throw myself into it. I still have that sense of holding back, and if there's one thing I could UNlearn, it would be that.

I have seen so much in the past few years that is inspiring; friends who have followed their creative dreams and reaped the benefits, and even looking back to see where I'm standing today compared to two years ago when I made the choice to step up to a microphone with my baby wit. I think I might be ready to grow up soon, recognize what contribution I am capable of, and stop holding back.

Then, and just then, may I be the inspiring model for my children that is in my mind's eye.

More Than One Way to Skin A Cat

2008-05-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Keeping in touch with your friends used to be hard work - it required paper, pen, stamps and patience. A few sheets of foolscap, a Bic pen, a stamp and there was your mass communication; I never would have dared photocopy a letter and send the same one to two different friends - how rude!

Fast forward to this moment where in a few minutes I am able to broadcast my thoughts to just about anyone who cares to read them. How Star Trek of me. Tomorrow I'll beam into your kitchen to see if you have any chili powder I can borrow, I'm all out. You know me, I never read to the end of the recipe before I start cooking, but then again, you don't love me because I'm thorough - that's my husband's trait - you love me because I am impulsive and somewhat reckless and maybe even in my wildest dreams a rebel.

So here it is, the newly-birthed blog of the Defiant Scribbler, and it comes with a teenytiny definition:

The Defiant Scribbler is: Heather Witherden, mother of three young boys who also used to spontaneously scribble as they looked over their toddler shoulders, laughing at their mother, who more often than not, would be laughing too, until she looked over HER shoulder to see her husband, who wasn't laughing. Oh dear.
Now that the small scribblers are in school, the Senior Scribbler took to the internet and reformed her letter-writing into a new electronic format, and also to the stages of small clubs and theatres and community centres wherever they'd have her. A hobby/career/dream was borne of years of tales and tears. I love alliteration and elocution, spoken-word poetry, lyrical speech and stand-up comedy.
If you're here, chances are you've met me in person, but if not, welcome to my electronic clone; you'll probably find her alternatingly sweet and sour.