Hello and welcome. Here you will find some of Dana Gillan’s current and past projects, collaborations, upcoming exhibit info, updates, available art, essays, books, workshop curriculum, tutoring, calendar of events, and more.
Head to the “What’s New” tab to see blog posts with the latest information on what’s happening! And scroll down, to see a link to the most recent post and other updates.
Please enjoy, and drop a line if you feel so inclined!
Current Situation . . .
It’s hard to believe 2026 is already a quarter of the way over. Also, I’m sorry for saying that. True as it may be. Still…Oooof. I do hope that the year has been kind to you so far.
Our launch of Story Time (recorded but unedited) has been pushed back by a new release, as you can see from the front and back covers, above. More specifically, by the reason for the new release. Which is, that our sweet and lovely almost 14 year old furbaby, Gaia Underfoot crossed the Rainbow Bridge. After a long, loved, life and a short hospice cuddle, she felt we were grown enough that she could end her watch and take a nice long nap and adventure, until we meet again. It has been one of the most profound losses we have ever experienced as a family, revealing Gaia’s integral place in the center of everything. She may have been the tiniest, forever mistaken for a golden doodle puppy, but don’t be fooled- she was the surprise silent Alpha of our pack.
“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” – William Shakespeare
To Set the Bones of My Heart is a dance between poetry about the loving and losing of Gaia, and a photo gallery representative of the final flash before her eyes, the creative best with which we could honor her. Much of the work pays homage to that incredibly scary big sad that grief regarding loss can bring up, and how it’s ok to sit with it as long as you don’t unpack and live there. Even though it feels like it will be the end if we go roll around in the absolute mess of our shatteredness, gagging on grief…it isn’t. And we may be set to carry around unshed tears if we don’t allow ourselves the space and time to thoroughly feel the feels. We are wise to be cautious and even frightened to a degree, of the unknown. Though we are reminded that we’re apex in the creature world for a reason. Different isn’t wrong in the same ways anymore. Discernment behooves us and our beautiful inevitable expansion. Our emotions feel monstrous and terrifying sometimes. But they are not the same as a bear or a ‘bad’ guy. They are temporary, teachers, and must move through us.
To Set the Bones of My Heart is due out on May 7th, 2026, which would have been Gaia’s 14th birthday. We have known and loved her since the day after she was off of milk. How a decade and a half can go in a blink. Tomorrow is a myth, folks. Just love harder.
Specs… Both Hardcover and Paperback will be available worldwide on a m a z o n May 7th, and locally at events, book shops, and the NCLS libraries, shortly after. If Pre-Sales are going to happen, it will be in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned for updates.
One More Quick Note…
A sneak peek at what’s to come this Fall, so you can get out your calendar and plan accordingly. If you happen to be looking for a two day retreat in nature full of workshops, connection, reflection, peaceful alone time, kayaking, music, dancing, bonfires, yummy food, childcare, and new friends…Plan for the 3rd Annual Women’s Retreat, the weekend of September 19th-20th 2026, hosted at Camp Wabasso by The Lighthouse in Theresa. I am only one of several incredible practitioners and teachers, and you can fill your schedule with almost all of us! As we draw closer, more information can be found at:
https://www.lighthouseintheresa.com
Brand New 2026 & A Recap of 2025…
Set your Calendar…
This year, get ready to tune back in to @WeReturn on YouTube to catch the next episodes of the Poetry Hour with updates, more special guests, poetry readings, and more.
Story Time will kick off in 2026. It would have been nice if there was more time in 2025 to get out some of the recordings of classic and new stories read, but it will be equally nice to cuddle up and get cozy to listen, once the holiday buzz quiets and the pace of life turns toward recalibration a bit.
In other news…
The Lighthouse’s Annual Retreat at Camp Wabasso for 2025 was another sweet and lovely success. For more information and to secure your spot at the 2026 annual retreat, keep an eye on the website for The Lighthouse in Theresa below :
https://www.lighthouseintheresa.com
2025 gave us several wonderful author and arts events as well.
Thank you to East Hounsfield Library, The Strand, and SLC Arts for hosting some great functions, to all in attendance, and those who captured | shared pics.
