Tamiko's Writing & Health Sabbatical
*PLEASE SHARE PUBLICLY*
From Tamiko:
A few months after a three-day trip to the hospital with a health scare, a crazy idea emerged during a retreat with Desiree Adaway. She asked the folks in the room, "What does victory look like?" She asked us to name the resources/people/reparations we need so we can dream and design the lives we are meant to live. When the words sabbatical popped out of my mouth, I even surprised myself. I could feel the 'yesss' swelling inside my chest until there was nothing I could do but cry. Yes, I needed a sabbatical.
Since that day, as I've timidly shared this idea with a few folks in my circle, the yeses have been resoundingly reflected back to me. Yet, the dream continued to live in my head. I took no action steps and made excuses to family and friends. I think I was afraid and perhaps I did not feel worthy. Also, I prioritized my work over myself and somehow could not find the time. Excuses, excuses.
For my 47th birthday, my big-hearted, generous-spirited daughter did some plotting and planning and recruited the support of a few close friends. Over my birthday lunch, she shared a few pages of beautiful words from folks who also believe I am in need of a sabbatical and who generously contributed to a fundraising campaign. I have never been so surprised or felt so incredibly loved my whole life. Please read Liana's note below with an ask of my community to support me in taking a sabbatical to solely focus on my heath and reclaiming my creative life.
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Dear Community…
I am (secretly) writing on behalf of my mother, Tamiko Ambrose-Murray, to raise funds for her to go on a six-month healing/creative sabbatical to New Orleans from Jan to June of 2020. Any funds we raise between now and May 27th, her birthday, will be a surprise!
As you may know, my mother is a writer. I believe she has a god-given gift and purpose on this Earth to be a writer. For the majority of my life, my mother has dedicated her time and energy to taking care of my brother and I as well as working in community. Her commitment to community work in Asheville has pulled her away from writing, and recently has led to some significant health challenges. We are asking for your financial support to send Tamiko on a SIX MONTH sabbatical to New Orleans to focus on her writing and health from Jan to June of 2020. She would like to stay in a house (preferably with a porch/yard). If folks have recommendations on housing options or black/locally-run Airbnbs – we would like to do our best not to perpetuate gentrification in the city.
Tamiko is seeking this time to reconnect with her spiritual practice, take care of her health and focus solely on writing without external pressures. Since this will be six months of NO WORK, we are aiming to raise at least $36,000 (or $6,000 per month) through patrons and single donations to support her living costs. It will cost approx. $6,000 per month to cover rent/bills back in Asheville AND rent/bills and living costs (gas, food, health) in New Orleans for 6 months. Any additional funds raised will go towards her extensive medical bills. This 6-month sabbatical and time of rest, healing and creativity is the time and space she needs to shift towards a healthy, balanced life focused on the creative/cultural work she is meant to do on this planet. Thank you so much for reading, sharing and possibly contributing.
Sincerely, her daughter,
Liana
P.S. If you would like to become a monthly patron and receive benefits (Art Prints!!) for your continuous contribution, please donate to Tamiko's Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/tamiko . You can also donate directly on cashapp $lianaam, Venmo @Liana-Murray or Paypal [email redacted] to avoid processing fees. Please include "Tamiko" in your description and your donation will go directly towards savings for the sabbatical.
