NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — Glen Haven Manor resident Nancy Marshall recently experienced two accomplishments that have residents, staff and members of the community all beaming with pride and excitement.
Marshall self-published a book of poetry entitled, "Nancy’s Poetry & Songbook", and also received notice one of her poems will appear in Patterns, a publication by Polar Expressions Publishing. The poem, "Garden Party", was submitted by Marshall and made it through the first round of the company’s poetry contest still in progress.
Polar Expressions is a small Canadian publisher dedicated to creating books showcasing poems and short stories written by Canadians of varying ages, backgrounds and occupations.
Marshall, a manor resident for three years, was publicly introduced and read her poem at the 49th annual Glen Haven Festival of the Tartans Garden Party this past summer.
Marshall says with a big smile she has found her niche and it is to write poetry and lyrics for songs.
The works featured in her poetry book were created in collaboration with Kelsey MacDonald, a former music therapist at Glen Haven who is now music therapist at the Aberdeen Regional Hospital.
Marshall says she is grateful for MacDonald's support and views the book of poetry as a treasured memento of her time collaborating with MacDonald at Glen Haven. The two would select the music first, whether on piano, keyboard or guitar and then Nancy would work on developing lyrics.
“We are very proud of Nancy’s creative talents and excited that she is able to share them with a wider audience," said Glen Haven Manor CEO Lisa M. Smith. "It warmed my heart to read Nancy’s poem 'Hand in Hand' about the strong connections between residents and residents’ families and our staff as well as resident to resident and to see it included in her book."
Marshall explains she has worked on the book for two years and is pleased and also relieved the project has been completed. She dedicated her book to her two sisters posthumously and says her passion for writing brings her great joy.
She is now working on more songs and poems with Heather Cameron Leeder, Glen Haven’s current music therapist.
Marshall says “creativity keeps your mind sharp” and hopes her writings motivate others to listen to more poetry and appreciate family, friends and life in general.
Marshall was born and raised in Pictou County. She started a writing business in 1999 and published her work through a self-employment organization called Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network. She self-published her work – a step at a time, between the ages of 20 to 30. She has won two awards in self-employment, first an honourable mention and then an Entrepreneur of the Year Award, both of which were recognized by the Province of Nova Scotia. She also designed greeting cards as an entrepreneurial business. In 2017, she began writing lyrics while she continued writing poetry.
She says that her family, her two daughters, foster mom and sisters, each give her inspiration for all of her writings and she likes to write about her family, friends, community and faith.
“My Mom is my best book seller,” she says proudly. “I also want Glen Haven to have a copy of my new poetry books to share with other residents and staff and I have given three books to the New Glasgow Library.”
