About Bonnie

_{It is said I bring a balance of curiosity, patience, acceptance, and a commitment to stay open and humble when guiding others in new learning.}

Hola and hello, I’m Bonnie.

I am a writer, photographer and psychologist based in Seattle. When my son became a college freshman, I took a year-long sabbatical to write. I went first to Guanajuato, and fell in love with its heritage, colors, people, and community. I continued in Seville, Spain for three months, and was set to return to Mexico to spend three months in Oaxaca before finishing my year in Salta, Argentina. COVID-19 had other plans. I returned to Guanajuato, where I remained for the rest of the sabbatical year. I wrote and walked every callejón I could find. I met Liz Mapelli and came to live at the Florecer Casitas. It was there that the idea for a writer’s retreat was born.

I’m excited to bring all my experiences together to be your workshop host.

The most frequent comment I receive when offering classes or workshops is about my engagement and enthusiasm. It is said I bring a balance of curiosity, patience, acceptance, and a commitment to stay open and humble when guiding others in new learning.

I can’t wait to learn and grow with all of you at Guanajuato Writing Retreat!

ExpertiSE

Writer

For many years, my writing was within the professional realm, for psychology journals. In 2010, I returned to short essays and poetry, two forms that I had been writing since childhood. I am drawn to what lies below the surface of everyday moments.

Poems have appeared in Penumbra, Poetica Magazine, The Good Life, Drash: Northwest Mosaic, 56 Days of August and La Presa.

Featured Readings: Easy Speak Seattle, Rainier Valley Lit Crawl, and PoetryBridge.

My first book of poetry, Dreaming in Cantera/Soñar con la Cantera, inspired by Guanajuato, MX, is due out February, 2023 (WordTech).

Photographer

My eye is drawn to the unexpected – juxtapositions, colors and forms that convey something new or that invite me to see something new in what was, just a second ago, quite mundane. I sometimes photograph the same thing every day as a kind of practice to look for what is there today, which may or may not be visible again.

Psychologist

I am a licensed clinical psychologist, practicing in a variety of aspects in the field since 1992.

I received my PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Southern California. I completed post-doctorate work at UCLA. I have worked as a researcher, administrator, clinic director, clinical supervisor, professor and private practice therapist. I have many years of experience as a teacher, workshop facilitator, and process group leader.

Join me at this year’s Guanajuato Writing Retreat to take the next steps to write – and live – boldly.

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