Professional Poet, Life Coach, Educator, Artist – Runs Workshops, Gives Reiki & Wellbeing Training

Category: Vegan

Sable Poet-In-Residence Patricia Foster McKenley Performs Poetry and Delivers Workshops at the Mboka Festival, 9-14 January 2017, Gambia.

Between 9th and 14th of January 2017, I can safely say I had one of the most life changing experiences during my existence on this Earth.

Late evening of the 8th of January, after a delayed flight, Banjul in Gambia embraced me with open arms, as I visited West Africa for the first time in my life. On the descent from the plane, I momentarily crouched down and touched the Gambian tarmac.

In September 2016, I received a most welcome and at the same time, frightening and exhilarating email from Kadija (George) Sesay, connected to my role as Sable Litmag Poet-in-Residence. The email confirmed my invite to read poetry and deliver workshops, at the SABLE Literary Festival and the Mboka Festival of Arts. The SABLE Literary Festival, is part of the brilliant new collaboration – the Mboka Festival of Arts, Culture and Sport – in warm and delightful Gambia. Mboka means ‘One Family’ in Wolof.

After a 10 year hiatus, the SABLE Literary Festival relaunched, as part of the Mboka Festival, which took place between 7-17 January 2017. 
This assignment, in my role as the first Sable Poet-in-Residence, was an honour and complete privilege. But I was forewarned I would be worked very hard and indeed I was. 

On 9th January 2017, my second day in Gambia, I was extremely excited and equally nervous to be reading that night, at my first ever poetry event in West Africa. In fact, my first ever poetry reading on the continent of Africa. The reading, where I was also a special guest and highly anticipated poet (apparently my online presence and videos were searched for and watched), took place at the new African Poetry Library, also known as Mango Tree (due to the impressive mango tree in its yard). To top it all, the event was captured for the news on Gambian national television.

Patricia Foster McKenley Reading at the Mboka Literary Festival 2017 launch. Photo courtesy of Kadija George.Patricia Foster McKenley Reading at the Mboka Literary Festival 2017 launch. Photo courtesy of Kadija George.

I was exposed to many young, talented Gambian poets and spoken word artists, in particular the dynamic poetry outfit and writers’ group ‘The Clouds’. I was deeply honoured to share the stage with them. 

Patricia Foster McKenley with The Cloud writing collective. Photo: Clovis McKenleyPhoto: Clovis McKenley

I was even more flattered when I was invited by The Clouds to deliver a lecture and talk to them two days later (Wednesday 11th January 2017). My talk focussed on my journey and Life As a Poet since 2001, my role as Sable Poet-in-Residence, plus writing tips they could apply on their own writing journey. This was delivered at their headquarters in Banjul (the capital). I was left very impressed with their business ideas and set up. 

Patricia Foster McKenley delivering lecture in Gambia. Photo: Clovis McKenleyPhoto: Clovis McKenley

Photo: Clovis McKenley

Spending time with The Clouds also gave me an insight into the political and socio dynamic background for young people and their desire for a greater entrepreneurial spirit in Gambia. They spoke eloquently about the potential for Gambia, at a time when Gambia itself was experiencing a shift in presidential personnel. 

On Thursday 12th January 2017, also as part of the Sable Literary Festival and Mboka Festival, I was programmed to deliver a workshop at The African Poetry Library. After much soul searching, deliberation, hair pulling and brow wipes from my (then soon-to-be) fiancé (and my now husband), I finally prepared a keynote presentation, then took a taxi down to the African Poetry Library. The numbers were small, but the workshop produced great discussion and varied and rich pieces of writing.

Patricia Foster McKenley facilitating workshop at Mboka Festival, Gambia, 2017. Photo: Clovis McKenleyPhoto: Clovis McKenley

Friday 13th January was the showcase for the The Mboka Festival. This was held at the beautiful Senegambia Hotel and included the introduction of our esteemed Kenyan writer and keynote speaker Ngugui Wa Thiong’o, who had only arrived in Gambia from California that afternoon, to a traditional and grand drum, dance and song welcome (which was captured on film and posted on YouTube). As well as myself reading a set of poetry to my own produced soundscape and imagery, the evening contained UK based Numbi Arts and their beautiful collaboration with local artists and musicians, storyteller Nzinga and US based half Gambian academic and poet Rosamund S. King.

Photo: Clovis McKenley
Photo: Clovis McKenley
Photo: Clovis McKenley
Photo: Clovis McKenley

Photo: Clovis McKenley

On Saturday 14th January, I was gifted an opportunity that created an immense shift in me as a poetry educator. Even though incredibly challenging due to the size of the class, their delay en route due to traffic, the language hurdles to overcome and the different learning needs, I thoroughly enjoyed delivering a poetry workshop to the Jambanjelly Basic Cycle School, again at the African Poetry Library, a.k.a. Mango Tree, in Banjul Gambia. The thirty-five eager to learn, polite, endearing students, aged eleven to sixteen or seventeen, also overcame shyness and came to grips with my Jamaican British cultural nuances, to produce some excellent work. A presentation of their work, as well as recitals of their favourite poems took place out in the yard, under the mango tree. One of the most rewarding experiences of my life, without a doubt. I’ll be eternally grateful to this wonderful school for having me! 

Photo: Clovis McKenley
Photo: Clovis McKenley
Photo: Clovis McKenley

Later that evening, after a searching high and low before sampling vegan Lebanese food, we took a couple of taxi rides to see the excellent production of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s play ‘The Black Hermit’, at Ebunjan Theatre in Bakau, The Gambia. Expertly directed by Janet Badjan-Young, she later stated, “It is a very relevant play for The New Gambia.” The Black Hermit was commissioned by The Mboka Festival and was well received.
Sunday 15th January 2017, the early part of our last day in Gambia was spent exploring the beach, packing and saying our goodbyes to the lovely staff at our hotel. With luggage in toe, we went down to the Senegambia again to attend the brilliant talk given by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. His lasting message to Mboka Festival attendees, particularly local Gambian writers and creatives, was his encouragement ‘to nurture and publish both written and spoken Gambian languages’ to sustain their heritage. Prior to Ngũgĩ’s talk, was a book launch for Rosamond S. King’s collection of poems Rock| Salt| Stone, published by Nightboat Books. 
My week of delivering workshops and poetry, woven between meeting Caribbean-British recently relocated to Gambia, eating and devouring delicious Domoda with vegetables and African fried rice, drinking refreshing ginger and sorrel drinks, visiting a Gambian primary school and being energised and revitalised by the gorgeous Gambian beaches, was over within a matter of hours. Flickers of wonderful memories matching the blinking city night lights of Banjul, as our plane hovered back to rainy London.

Only two days after we returned from Gambia, the outgoing president conceded defeat and the new President was received, heralding new hope and a new direction for beautiful Gambia.

I will be forever grateful for the trust and belief in me, as well as the mentorship provided by Kadija (George) Sesay and Dorothea Smartt, which enabled me to have such a rewarding, character building, culturally engaging and memorable experience that will stay with me my entire life.
By Patricia Foster McKenley.

#SablePoetInResidence #MbokaFestival2017 

Sources: 

A snapshot of The Gambia’s Mboka Festival of Arts Culture and Sport 2017

Posted by James Murua

Link:

http://www.jamesmurua.com/snapshot-gambias-mboka-festival-arts-culture-sport-2017/

This article was first published in: Sable Poet-in-Residence Patricia Foster Reads Poetry and Delivers Workshops at Mboka Festival, Gambia, 2017’,  June 2017. Link: https://www.peepaltreepress.com/blog/inscribe/sable-poet-residence-patricia-foster-reads-poetry-and-delivers-workshops-mboka

Super Woman: Taking Everyday In Her Stride! Celebrating International Women’s Month. By Poet, Educator, Holistic Coach, Speaker & Vegan Patricia Foster McKenley 

“As a woman, today and hereafter, I choose to express myself at my highest potential! That is my divine purpose and mission on this Earth.”~ Patricia Foster McKenley, 8th March 2012

International performances at ‘Palabras The Reunion, Paradiso, Amsterdam

Performance at book launch of ‘Irki’ by Kadija George, at The Barbican. Photo: Rousha Browning / SABLE LitMag

Imagine how this world would be if as individual women, we decided to reach for our highest potential and operate from that place for as much of our lives as possible. Imagine if we tapped into our innate powers and energies daily. 

I wrote the above quote for International Women’s Day in March 2012. March is also renowned  for celebrating International Women’s Week and International Women’s Month. 

We also celebrated Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day in the UK on Sunday 11th March 2018. Additionally, two of my beautiful nieces celebrated Birthdays in March – one on International Women’s Day too, therefore lots of female energy to tap into and generate. Lots of magic and miracles to create.

Giving a lecture to ‘The Cloud’ spoken word collective, as part of the Mboka Festival 2017, Gambia. Photo: Clovis McKenley.

 

So as a woman, how will you choose to express yourself and your positive, female energy today, this month, in March and for the rest of the year? It is our divine gift to share with our loved ones and the world.

MANY BLESSINGS,

Patricia Foster McKenley.

Patricia will be running Poetry Workshops, Self-Esteem Workshops for Young Women and Writing/Personal Development Workshops for Women during International Women’s Month and throughout the year. She’ll also be performing at various Poetry Readings throughout March. 

For bookings, contact:

+447956 476 547
Or

[email protected]

Please feel free to follow Patricia on Twitter @Ms_P_Foster

and on Instagram 

@PatriciaFoster7000

Black History Month Activities With Award Winning Poet and Performer Patricia Foster – October 2016. BHM Workshop at UWLSU, At The Inkwell London Celebrates Black History Month, ‘Southbound: An Evening of Poetry’ (Southwark Libraries).

The UK celebrates Black History Month in October and I would love to share what I’ll be up to this month.
This Wednesday 19th October 2016, I’ll be delivering a poetry workshop for Black History Month. My workshop will be part of the University of West London Students’ Union (UWLSU) Black Histoy Month programme. I very much look forward to it:


Click here for link to UWLSU web page 

On Thursday 20th October, I will be co-hosting the third instalment of the monthly event At The Inkwell London. We will celebrate and acknowledge Black History Month; the rich and varied accounts of migration, belonging, culture and family.


Our featured writers will be

Millie MurrayRacheal Joseph and Nadeem Din-Gabisi.
Please find below a weblink to our official website for this month’s event:

http://attheinkwell.com/readings/black-history-month-london/

The Facebook Event Page is: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/188808594893206/

The event is FREE, but do let us know if you plan to come. The Eventbrite link is: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/at-the-inkwell-london-celebrates-black-history-month-ft-millie-murray-racheal-joseph-tickets-28574841119

Hosts will be writers Gemma Weekes, myself Patricia Foster and Rachel Rigby.


We also have an open mic for anyone who would love to share their work.
At The Inkwell has been created to be a warm, welcoming, encouraging and engaging environment for writers to share and promote their work. I hope this event will provide a positive space for you to hear great work, as well as participate!

Please contact us on [email protected] if you would like further information, to sign up for the open mic, or read at future events.
Warmest regards,

Patricia
— 

Best,

Patricia Foster, Gemma Weekes & Rachel Rigby

At The Inkwell London Co-hosts

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.attheinkwell.com
‘Like’ the At The Inkwell Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AtTheInkwell/

Follow At The Inkwell on Twitter: @AtTheInkwell
On Friday 21 October 2016, I will be a feature poet for ‘Southbound: A Evening of Poetry. Also featured will be Zena Edwards, Janett Plummer and Suléy Muhidin.

Newspaper article of Southwark Libraries BHM events in October 2016. Photos include Zena Edwards and Patricia Foster

“Four talented performers Patricia Foster, Zena Edwards, Suléy Muhidin and Janett Plummer reveal a window into their lives through moving, funny, fierce, and inspirational poetry. South London life – sometimes frustrating, often surprising – forms a consistent thread through the poems as they reflect global worries, personal hopes and diverse backgrounds.

Target Audience: Adults

Cost: Free – but advance booking is essential via Eventbrite

Book your space via Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southbound-an-evening-of-poetry-tickets-27544444174?aff=es2
DATE AND TIME

Fri, October 21, 2016

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM BST
LOCATION

Camberwell Library

48 Camberwell Green

London

SE5 7AL

View Map

Poet, Holistic Coach, Trainer and Speaker Patricia Foster Nominated in THREE Categories at 2016 R.E.E.B.A Awards. Please vote for her!

Dear Friends, Clients and Acquantences,
I am really flattered and humbled and equally delighted to share with you that I have been nominated in THREE categories at this year’s R.E.E.B.A Awards.
I would therefore be extremely honoured if you could please vote for me.

The Categories in which I have been nominated for are:

• CREATIVE ARTS

• MENTOR.. // BUS OF THE YEAR

• MOTIVATIONAL ROLE MODEL
How can people Vote for me?
1) You will need to Scan the Bar Code on my Voting Flyer/ or Visit the R.E.E.B.A Website http://www.reebaawards.com/#!vote-now-1/c1159
2) Enter your name and email, followed by name of nominee (Patricia Foster) and category.
For every time a person votes for me, if they Visit the R.E.E.B.A facebook page https://www.facebook.com/reeba.gov.uk/?ref=bookmarks and write a comment saying WHY they voted for me, then they will be automatically entered in with a chance to win a FREE ticket to attend the 2016 R.E.E.B.A Awards Ceremony. The R.E.E.B.A Awards will be choosing 1 lucky Winner!
So please VOTE for Patricia Foster.
Thank you so much and stay blessed!

A Quick, Homemade Vegan Country Cake Recipe. From YouAreYOU founder, Vegan and Wellbeing Coach Patricia Foster 

A Quick, Homemade Vegan Country Cake Recipe


I fancied a vegan cake snack treat. Something comforting and warm. Natural with no sugar.

I threw together, very quickly, a few ingredients and mixed them together in my smallest baking bowl.

After 15 minutes, I covered the bowl with a lid, while it finished baking, so it didn’t dry out too much.

20 minutes later!

Voila! 

 

Photo: Patricia Foster

 


Yum!


A moist, sweet enough, no sugar-egg-dairy cake.


Satisfied my snack craving as well as my desire for the aroma of home baking throughout my house (who doesn’t love that smell). Yum!



The ingredients are approximate:


I Cup organic Oats

1 Cup Spelt flour

2 x Tbsp Agave nectar

1 Medool date chopped

1/2 Over-ripened banana
1 Squeeze of Fresh orange juice, from 


1/2 Organic orange


1/2 Cup Alpro Coconut rice drink (or use almond milk or other Coconut Milk varieties)


1 Tsp coconut oil
1 Tbsp Sunflower oil
2 x Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Vanilla extract
Sunflower Seeds
Chia Seeds
Walnuts
1 Tsp of baking powder
Oven: 160° Fahrenheit 

Unfortunately, there are no photos of the whole cake, as I ate it very quickly!


 

Photo: Patricia Foster

 

#FanPageFriday – Like ‘YouAreYOU’ Facebook Page. For Holistic Coaching, Motivational and Training Services: From Coach and Poet Patricia Foster

#FanPageFriday


  


Greetings! 

Welcome to ‘You Are YOU’ Holistic Coaching, Empowerment, Talks, Wellbeing & Training Services – Specialising in Life Transitions.


We provide coaching, empowerment, healthy eating and mentoring services to individuals and groups, as well as facilitate workshops at conferences, seminars, events and within community organisations and libraries. 


Like Our Facebook Page for FREE Tips and Motivation:https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaFosterCoachingServices


Thank you for Liking our Page!

Event: Women’s Nutrition Made Easy, with Patricia Foster of ‘You Are You’ Holistic Coaching & Training Services and Kitchen Buddy founder Theresa Webb. 24/3/15 Torridon Library, Catford 1RQ. Coach, Vegan, Mentor, Raw Food.

Women’s Nutrition Made Easy: With Kitchen Buddy founder Theresa Webb and YouAreYOU founder Patricia Foster Tuesday 24th March 2015 (7:00-9:00pm), Torridon Library, Catford London FREE! 

Patricia Foster, qualified life coach and founder of You Are YOU holistic coaching and training services, will be providing practical, every day healthy eating and Wellbeing tips for women 25 years and over.

Tickets may already be booked up. Contact Torridon Library for  further details.


FREE event, but booking essential.

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For further info about YouAreYOU, visit the website, by clicking  HERE


  Like the YouAreYOU Facebook Page – click HERE to follow us!


  Follow YouAreYOU on Twitter by clicking HERE

Happy New Year! Best Wishes for 2015 from Writer and Life Coach Patricia Foster

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Image courtesy of vectorolie at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

You are amazing. Yes, YOU! Look at what you have accomplished to get to this very point in your life. ~ Patricia Foster

As we approach the end of 2014, it is a useful time to inhale, exhale and look at our accomplishments and victories that got us where we are today. If you search within, You’ll see that you have so much to celebrate.

I am very grateful that I have a lot to celebrate from 2014:

I have been invited to participate in numerous events this year as a Poet, Coach, Speaker and Workshop Facilitator, in The UK and Jamaica.
Included is the successful Every Woman Inspired conference in Jamaica.

I practice as a qualified Life Coach (Dip NMC), focusing on Life Transitions.

Additionally I have the privilege of offering healing as a certified Reiki Practitioner.

I have been invited to present, deliver workshops and speak at my church, as well as working with the youth group.

I have also been made Sable Litmag Poet-in-Residence, with a year long residency and lots of exciting initiatives and events to look forward to.

To top it all, I have had exquisite, quality time with my family in The UK, Jamaica and The USA.

However, at times, it may not look as if we have a lot to celebrate.

It has been a challenging and arduous road for many. Some of us this year have experienced the loss of loved ones – myself included. We have adjusted our lives to accommodate our losses, found the strength to support others, held each other’s hands through the darkness. Sometimes, we have been the light to help others on their forward journeys. For others, again myself included, numerous life changes and transitions have made life journeys more burdensome.

It is possible our own personal challenges can strengthen us to achieve wonderful accomplishments.

How deep down did you have to dig to find your inner strength? It’s amazing what we actually have to celebrate in our lives.

What are your personal highlights? What can you show gratitude for?
Showing gratitude for what you have or what you have accomplished, is proven to create an abundant mindset. It also forces us to focus on abundance and not lack.

Please leave comments or list below your accomplishments and what you are grateful for, however big or small!

To peace, love, happiness and your success in 2015.
© Patricia Foster

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Patricia Foster McKenley Coaching, Empowerment & Mentoring Services

Qualified Life Coach (Dip NMC), Mentor, Writer, Speaker and Trainer

IMG_2146.JPGPhoto: C Powell

“Strategically working and partnering with the transitioning YOU; to transform YOU to where your dreams, desires and highest human potential are.

Guiding YOU towards the place where you can confidentially unleash and reveal the True, Authentic YOU!”
~ Patricia Foster McKenley 

WHY CHOOSE TRANSITIONAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL COACHING?

For many, life can be one, long bumpy road of huge life transitions, such as:

Child birth or child rearing,

Finding a new school for your child/children

Studying or exams

Transition from graduate to successfully employed

A change in job or career

Relocating yourself or family to another country or city

The journey taken after redundancy

From single, to engaged, to being married

Relationship changes, separation or divorce

Major illness, injury or surgery – yourself or a loved one

Changes in your financial circumstances and all that entails

Dealing with life after bereavement

A journey of the mind; moving from limiting beliefs, to positive self talk and higher self-esteem

There may be many obstacles – mental and emotional – which also occur along on this road. The transitioning process can be arduous and draining, time consuming, eroding one’s self esteem at the same time.

Coaching helps you explore the inner tools, actions and solutions needed to journey through your transition.
Consequently, you will unlock the ability to transform your thinking and self belief.

The transformation process will include helping you to identify and establish your ultimate dreams, goals and desires, then transform you towards your personal success and highest potential through your behaviours, actions and belief systems.

MY SUPPORT FOR YOU

My aim is to guide, amongst many, Women, Girls, Sensitive Children and Creative Practitioners to ease your transitioning, helping you receive clarity of thought about what your goals are, to create positive, highly effective habits and facilitate your transformation.

IMG_0787.JPGPhoto: © Patricia Foster McKenley 

ABOUT


Qualified Transitional, Transformational & Empowerment Coach (Dip NMC)

Works in The UK and Internationally


Specialises in:

Children,

Teenagers,

NEETs (Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training),

Girls / Young Women,

Women,

EBD (Emotional Behavioural Disorders) Students,

Corporate Team Building,

Writers,

Artists,

Creative Practitioners,

Creative Entrepreneurs,

Health and Wellbeing Practitioners

Holistic Health Seekers,

Vegans

COACHING SESSIONS

Coaching sessions with individuals or groups, in person or via Skype

IMG_2331.JPGPhoto courtesy of Microsoft Office Online Clip Art and Media Gallery

COACHING AIMS

Empowering young people, adults and children.

Raising confidence levels in adult learners

Providing life guidance, mentoring and emotional support for disaffected young adults

Working with young offenders on reparation orders. Providing empowering tools and multimedia solutions as well as pastoral guidance and coaching

Working with young people, women and men in prisons

IMG_0423.JPGFacilitating a personal development workshop, at the ‘Every Woman Inspired’ event in Kingston, Jamaica (November 2013). Photo: Denise Hall

Also delivers Personal Development and Empowerment Workshops at Conferences, Seminars, Retreats, Inset Training and Corporate Events

CONTACT

UK: +447956 476 547

Email: [email protected]

Skype: patricia_foster_trainer

Twitter: @Ms_P_Foster

Facebook: LIKE the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaFosterCoachingServices

Creative Education Consultant, Poet, Tutor and Holistic Coach for Sensitive, EBD Pupils | Patricia Foster McKenley 

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Is your child emotionally sensitive and slightly overwhelmed by the school learning environment?

Does your child require an educator or education environment which holistically supports their emotional sensitivity?

Is your child labelled ‘shy’, ‘introverted’, ‘misunderstood’ or even ‘disruptive’?

Does your child prefer a calmer, relaxing, more sedate learning environment, supportive of their emotional needs?

Does your child have any unrealised creative gifts or talents and need a empathic educator to help them realise their potential?

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Tel: +44(0)7956 476 547

Email: [email protected]

http://about.me/patriciafoster

Twitter: @Ms_P_Foster or @YouAreYOU 

Skype: patricia_foster_trainer

Instagram: @PatriciaFoster7000

Main Photos of Patricia Foster McKenley by C Powell