UPCOMING EVENTS:

Monthly Women’s Gathering

I have created a group on Facebook called

Western Mass Women's Connective

Our next gathering is:

1/9/25 from 6:30 - 8:30pm at my studio.

We are so excited that Kristin Rotas has volunteered to guide the group through an activity that will help us all remember how strong we are, and how stable we can be, during times of uncertainty.

Kristin has asked that everyone bring an item to the next gathering that ignites a feeling of stability or strength within you. It can be a small object, or a picture of a bigger object that you are not able to travel with. This object will go home with you, so you will not be leaving it behind. You will be asked to share what the object is and why you choose to bring in this particular object. You do not need to share if you do not want to, but everyone will be given the opportunity if it feels good to do so. We will put these objects in the center of the circle and let their strength, wisdom, and power surround us.

Together, we will then create individual homemade pieces that will remind us of our inner strength, stability and community support. We will make these objects from supplies that I will bring in. If anyone has fun yarn or string that they would like to share please bring that in with you.

We will be using sticks or twigs that are about 1 and a half feet long and the thickness of a straw or finger. The stick can be bigger or smaller if you wish. I will bring in several to choose from.

As usual, please share with anyone you think might be interested.

Past Events:

Screening Party Timeline:

6:00 – Welcome Reception (drinks and snacks provided.)

6:30 – Introduction & Screening of the M Factor film (approx 56 minutes)

7:30 – Discussion with Q& A led by Menopause Society Certified Providers Vanessa Ross and Carly Detterman

2.1 million* American women will enter menopause this year.

The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause film explores the hidden impact of menopause on women's lives.

This feature-length documentary film, centers on the lived experiences of women across the U.S. Cameras follow women into their doctors’ offices, at work, and in their homes to expose the challenges they face—including racial biases, gender-ignorant care, inequitable structures and systems, and barriers due to the lack of basic midlife healthcare research. The women featured here open up about their experiences and share their stories of enduring debilitating symptoms while being ignored, ridiculed and/or shamed—and left untreated.

With input from emboldened physicians, healthcare advocates and leaders in the menopause movement, the film focuses on what is being done to address this public health crisis and offers solutions that can be replicated in medical communities and workplaces across the country. More on The (M) Factor website

Vanessa Ross and Carly Detterman are Certified Nurse Midwives and Menopause Certified Providers who have cared for hundreds of women in perimenopause and menopause in their practice at Baystate Medical Center. They are passionate about educating the public and offering individualized care throughout the menopause transition. Vanessa also offers health and life coaching for midlife women at vanessarosscoaching.com.

This event is free. When you join us for the film, you will have the option to make a donation to support Midwifery Exchange in Ghana, a New England-based organization that collaborates with Ghanaian midwives to bring life-saving supplies and education to health centers in Wa, Ghana.

Cut Loose - Vision Boarding

Sunday, October 6

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Danielle Tait Photography Studio

$45 per person - includes all materials and light refreshments

See your future come into focus at Cut Loose: Vision Board Collage Workshop!

This is your chance to visualize your dreams and manifest your goals through the art of collage. It’s the perfect fall Sunday activity to enjoy with friends, as you relax, connect, and set your sights on the future—all in a cozy, welcoming environment.

Focus on Fun: Connect with friends in a relaxed setting, perfect for gaining clarity and discovering your true vision.

Craft Your Future: Use a variety of materials to create a vision board that reflects your dreams and aspirations, helping you to chart your path ahead.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon where you and your friends can unwind, get creative, and bring your future into view!

Shadows and Roots

STUDIO CONCERT

Saturday 4/27/24 at the studio

Soulful vocals and sultry bass. Familiar, danceable 80-90's covers. And, as always, layered sonic goodness to add to the mix.

Doors will open at 6:30, and the show starts at 7 pm.

BYOB.
Suggested Donation of $20

STUDIO CONCERT WITH BILLY ELI

After what seems forever, since “before COVID”, I’m hosting a concert at the studio! Billy Eli reached out to me a few months ago to create images for his upcoming album. During the process of our initial consultation and then during the session I knew I just HAD TO ask him to share his music with us. So here we are!

Come join us on Friday, 22nd March at the studio!
Doors will open at 6:30, and the show starts at 7 pm. BYOB. Suggested Donation of $20.

You don’t know Billy?

Crashing through life in search of love and connection, finding both joy and sorrow, Billy Eli writes about absence loss, and change in a surprisingly uplifting way. His poignant blend of optimism, vulnerability, and melancholy finds a ray of light in even the direst of situations.

He is a storyteller whose songs are rich with detail, and yet you will find yourself remembering episodes of your own life as you listen. Eli is an accomplished performer, compelling storyteller, and perpetual student of life. His driving goal in his own life, as he says in the song “Here’s to You,” is to “leave here living well,” no matter what life throws his way.

Living Upward with Courage, Compassion, and Grace

We have the capacity not only to cope but to thrive in difficult times. Come and explore

together how we can courageously venture inward, open our hearts, and wrap our

wounded selves in forgiveness and compassion. In this act of love, we will find the

power and dignity to meet life with greater grace and gratitude for the wonder and

fullness of it all.