Public Speaking and Teaching Reviews
Sara's Songwriting Workshop
I recently took a songwriting workshop with Sara and was delighted to discover it was much more than providing feedback on our songs. She created several fun exercises to get our creative juices flowing and to dispel the notion that writers must wait for the muse to visit. We learned we can find inspiration just about anywhere (even on the shelves of the public library). And how to overcome writer's block. She also gave us several practical ways to throw song ideas out into the universe and see what comes back -- how to live in a continual state of creative expression.
I was impressed with Sara's communication skill and her ability to gently push us beyond our comfort zones to new levels of honesty and creativity. She uses her intuitive power to focus on what each person is about, and to find what could be helpful to them. She is always positive, loving and encouraging. I felt inspired and energized after the workshop.
Mardi Wareham
I wanted to thank you so much for the workshop you had for the Austin Songwriters Group members last Saturday. I learned some great techniques from you and thought you'd like to know that I sincerely appreciate your giving back to us "young" writers. Its evident that you do what you love and you gave me some great energy. I'm not as good at pushing myself into that creative place as I'd like to be; I often just wait for things to come to me - and thankfully they come often enough to keep me busy writing. It is good to know, however, that I can push myself if I need to be there and still come up with something worthwhile to work on.
I sincerely hope that our paths cross again,
Robert Parish
p.s. The sepia picture in the silver picture frame which you gave me for the 5-minute song challenge was a "freebie" to me - and I think I'll finish it soon. Writing about 'that kind of thang' is what I do - so I'm glad to know that your senses were in tune with my state of mind. Thanks again.
I just want to thank you so much again for the workshop this morning. That could be one of the best workshops I've ever attended because it challenged the songwriter within us. Many times workshops are more informational than thought provoking. This was a completely new experience for me. Your workshops have been enlightening and thought challenging. This is exactly what I've needed at this point in my life.
Jacquelyn Fraley
Austin, TX
Dear Sara,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for one of the biggest healings I have had.
It started Tuesday night when you sang the "special song" that you wrote for your daughter. My inner child really heard the words to your song and I could feel the walls tumbling down.
I listened to Newborn all day yesterday. I felt a deep sense of peace hearing your words to your daughters and to children. I also felt a sense of sadness because I am 45 years old and have never known how my mother feels about me or I should say that she never verbally told me. I was afraid to be vulnerable and ask. It is so beautiful knowing that your children will grow up knowing exactly how you feel about them. Words can be so powerful.
Your songs in Newborn have touched a deep part of my soul. I originally listened to them as if I was saying your words to myself (my little one), I then realized that these are words that I wished I could hear from my mother. Last night I sobbed and sobbed as I listened to the CD again.
I called my mother today and we had our first heart to heart. My heart was so wide open and full of love. I cried with her and she comforted me, I asked her questions and she answered them, she shared how it was for her growing up and talked about what she learned from her mother and not showing affection was one of them. She told me how proud of me she is, how happy she was when I was born. That she and my dad kept trying until they got a girl.
This is such a beginning for me and my mom and I am so Grateful that your generous heart touched mine.
Many Blessings,
L. V.
Austin, TX
