The Grapevine Art & Soul Salon

Presentations: Ricci Ackerman

ROSEMARY, DEW OF THE SEA

I first learned about Rosemary Daniell while on a private cruise through the Cyclades. My bunkmate, a travel writer, was completing an article about our adventures for a sailing magazine. She noticed I kept a journal of the trip and told me about Rosemary and the Zona Rosa group. She encouraged me to contact Rosemary. Following the Cyclades tour, I went to Crete to participate in an archeology and anthropology study tour. Writing about our experiences was required. After listening to several of my writings, two of the women mentioned Rosemary and said I should contact her. Upon my return home, I had yet another experience in which someone told me about Rosemary. Synchronicity or fate? I took it as a sign and wrote to Rosemary, who was in France at the time.

I did not expect to hear from Rosemary. After all, participation in her Zona Rosa group was by invitation only. She was famous. I did not consider myself a writer – not by a long shot. Interested in writing, yes! Words buzzed about constantly in my mind as I attempted to put them in some semblance of order. I had only one experience in a writing workshop, in 2001 with Irene Borger. From that workshop, I developed a more serious itch to write. Perhaps there was hope. To my astonishment, I did hear from Rosemary and was amazed to be invited to join the group – a fabulous group of women (and one man).

After attending my first Zona Rosa workshop, I left energized, uplifted, invigorated and peaceful. I was struck by Rosemary’s unending kind, but direct, critique of their work. It was refreshing that Rosemary did not shy away from any subject of discussion – she encouraged it. The women had interesting backgrounds, from all walks of life. It did not matter if one was a college professor or another a waitress. They were here to write. Rosemary’s collection of women writers creates an exquisite cross-section of humanness.

So, who is Rosemary to me? She is kind, generous, inspiring, uplifting, encouraging, and vivacious. She has a unique combination of intensity and lightheartedness. Rosemary gave clear, concise suggestions while reading my writing. I was intimidated, to say the least, in the company of these wonderful women writers. Rosemary instilled a sense of calm – that everything is okay – “you can do it,” “you have a lot to write about,” “this is a good place for you.” I have had very long pauses in my writing – at least in bringing my writing to the group. Even so, Rosemary does not cease in her support. She calls me “Honey,” as she so often calls the women. I feel loved.

The name “Rosemary” originates from the Latin, ros marinus, which means “Dew of the Sea." Just as the sparkling sea fog enfolds what lies in its path, Rosemary enfolds the women of Zona Rosa with caring and inspiration.