from the Pen of Jette McDonald--meanderings from the past
For the last several years I have discovered a need (perhaps more accurately, a passion) to write--about things, ideas, experiences, and issues that interest me from both a personal and professional perspective. Most of those things fall under the categories of spirituality, meaning-making processess (like hope, forgiveness, suffering. etc.) meditiation, end-of-life care, and systems theory. And although I'm rather shy about sharing my poetry, I would be remiss if I didn't admit how much I enjoy the writing of it. I find it a completely different way of placing words together, of creating art--very different from some of the more formal writing I do.
I think I have always had an affection for language and words. In college I studied theatre and communication and eventually went to graduate school to pursue the field of psychology. I attended the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California and there I wrote a dissertation on end-of life care which has proven to be some of the most gratifying work with which I have ever been acquainted. Watching life come to an end gives perspective to what we deem important. Theatre, however first introduced me to great human expression and dare I say to an understanding of psychological distress of some of the world's finest dramatic characters. While the list is exhaustive some of my favorite authors include Rumi, Tagore, Rilke, Mary Oliver, Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, and William Blake. Of recent I have been moved by the works of Vaclav Havel and Joanna Macy. One of my most favorite places to reflect and write is at the farm. It's a quiet place for the most part with an alluring rustic appeal. Currently, I live on the same family farm in southeastern Ohio where four previous generations of McDonalds also made their home. My residence is in the little village called Barlow and it has a population of about 300. Many families have lived here for generations and share a midwestern appreciation for honesty, hard work, and friendship.
After many years of living and working throughout the United States and traveling the world (twice sailing around the globe on board the S. S. Universe and having worked in cities like D.C. Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Boston, and New York) I returned to the land from whence I came. When in my twenties my Dad once remarked that I was a bit of a vagabond and a roamer at heart which is why it seemed unnatural to settle for long in one place. Maybe my Dad was correct. Time however mellows us and while my passport is always current I travel less often and you're more apt to find me at the farm than not.
In our familly I was the youngest of two girls; my sister Char, and her family are near as they have built a home on the back of our land. Our parents, Kate and Carl were farmers and laborers with a strong work ethic and each had a well-developed social conscience. I like to think they have passed those qualities on to my sister and me. At present, I teach at a small university in Columbus, Ohio. Most of my classes are in psychology but two of my favorite courses regard the topics of Hope and Cultural Pluralism. For fun, I enjoy all kinds of music, and in my earlier days I was a rather serious trumpetess. Music taught me the value of self-discipline--I learned that practice does not always make perfect, but it sure helps. Film and gardening have been known to occupy my time on occasion and I'm presently attempting to write a screenplay. Most meditative practices captivate my interest, especially yoga and Zen meditation. I appreciate a healthy life style of exercise and balanced meals and a fine glass of wine. Although I don't do it very much, I thoroughly enjoy cooking. Recently I was ordained a Zen hospice chaplain and hope to provide some comfort to those who are suffering, especially as human life comes to an end.
With hands together in a bow of respect,
--Jette
I think I have always had an affection for language and words. In college I studied theatre and communication and eventually went to graduate school to pursue the field of psychology. I attended the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California and there I wrote a dissertation on end-of life care which has proven to be some of the most gratifying work with which I have ever been acquainted. Watching life come to an end gives perspective to what we deem important. Theatre, however first introduced me to great human expression and dare I say to an understanding of psychological distress of some of the world's finest dramatic characters. While the list is exhaustive some of my favorite authors include Rumi, Tagore, Rilke, Mary Oliver, Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, and William Blake. Of recent I have been moved by the works of Vaclav Havel and Joanna Macy. One of my most favorite places to reflect and write is at the farm. It's a quiet place for the most part with an alluring rustic appeal. Currently, I live on the same family farm in southeastern Ohio where four previous generations of McDonalds also made their home. My residence is in the little village called Barlow and it has a population of about 300. Many families have lived here for generations and share a midwestern appreciation for honesty, hard work, and friendship.
After many years of living and working throughout the United States and traveling the world (twice sailing around the globe on board the S. S. Universe and having worked in cities like D.C. Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Boston, and New York) I returned to the land from whence I came. When in my twenties my Dad once remarked that I was a bit of a vagabond and a roamer at heart which is why it seemed unnatural to settle for long in one place. Maybe my Dad was correct. Time however mellows us and while my passport is always current I travel less often and you're more apt to find me at the farm than not.
In our familly I was the youngest of two girls; my sister Char, and her family are near as they have built a home on the back of our land. Our parents, Kate and Carl were farmers and laborers with a strong work ethic and each had a well-developed social conscience. I like to think they have passed those qualities on to my sister and me. At present, I teach at a small university in Columbus, Ohio. Most of my classes are in psychology but two of my favorite courses regard the topics of Hope and Cultural Pluralism. For fun, I enjoy all kinds of music, and in my earlier days I was a rather serious trumpetess. Music taught me the value of self-discipline--I learned that practice does not always make perfect, but it sure helps. Film and gardening have been known to occupy my time on occasion and I'm presently attempting to write a screenplay. Most meditative practices captivate my interest, especially yoga and Zen meditation. I appreciate a healthy life style of exercise and balanced meals and a fine glass of wine. Although I don't do it very much, I thoroughly enjoy cooking. Recently I was ordained a Zen hospice chaplain and hope to provide some comfort to those who are suffering, especially as human life comes to an end.
With hands together in a bow of respect,
--Jette