The Call of The "Sirens"

Hi! My name is Lissa Adams, 20 years old.  I am a creative writing major at Southern Oregon University.  I recently completed a course of free-writing on addiction and recovery.  The teacher asked us to free-write based on some people we met that suffered through some form of addiction.  I found it interesting to write based on the perspective of my sister's best friend, Emily Jones, who suffered and overcame a gambling addiction.  Emily is 36 now but she was in her late twenties when her addiction began.

Here is her story:

I am Emily Jones and I am a compulsive gambler.  I got into gambling, on accident, as a drug to hide my insecurities and to have some form of power over my low self worth and image...but as I got more and more addicted, I lost control over my power to rule over it.

Once I admitted that I had a problem and began getting help, years of past trauma which caused the insecurities, as well as past pain, began to heal and dissipate.  I began to be and feel whole and complete.  I now feel comfortable with myself and honest with my addictions and weaknesses.  I now no how to fight it and how to remain healthy.

I realize that I didn't need to try and control what I couldn't because really there is no control or power...and in that at last I have peace.

Hi, its Lissa again!  Find out the rest of Emily's story and more about my class tonight at the Playwright's Atelier at the Ashland Library beginning at 6:30.

The Sirens' Tears is written by local playwright, Lyda Woods and includes other performers such as Maria Ciamaichelo and Lyda Woods.

Fighting for our "HOMS"

Hello! My name is Rasha and I am 16 years old living in Syria during a time of political unrest.  Because of family loss, I have become quite active of bringing justice and freedom to my country and my people, but especially bringing vengeance for my loved ones.

I am the youngest child with two older half brothers, but even though only 16 years of life, I feel very ancient from all the strife and suffering I have seen.  My eldest brother, Abbi, lives with his wife, Ummi, and their son, Tahu.  My second brother, Yousef, lives with me and our mutual mother.  Both of our fathers have been killed.  Because of this, Yousef is the man of the house and takes this role seriously, in his political activity he fights for our protection and freedom first and foremost.  However, in recent unrest, my mother was recently killed.

I am educated although unfortunately haven't been able to attend school for awhile due to the unsafety of current situations.  I try to stay abreast of my education in private quarters though.

Just yesterday, Yousef and I marched on the capital because of some arrests done of local school children, who were then abused.  Because of this, both he and I were arrested.  I was badly beaten and forced to look at other victims imprisoned.  I was released but told to protest no longer.  I immediately sought safety at my other brother's house, but I do not know the whereabouts of Yousef.

My own ambition at present is to ensure the safety of my brother, Yousef and the rest of my family.  My country's freedom is the last reason for continuing the fight.

Find out what happens to me tonight at the reading of this play, HOMS by local Ashland playwright, Joseph Suste at Playwrights' Atelier at the Ashland Library, beginning at 6:30 pm.

Other performers include Will Churchill, Maria Ciamaichelo, and Lyda Woods.