Monday, August 04, 2008

Migraine Expressed in Words and Images


OK, I'm seldom at a loss for words, but I just saw a book that leaves me feeling inadequate to express my thoughts about it in words.

inspiring

dynamic

glorious

uplifting

enlightening

All of those words come to mind, yet none seem adequate for this book. Migraine Expressions, edited by Betsy Blondin, is the first book of its kind. Through the words and images submitted by Migraineurs, this book takes you into the world of Migraine sufferers. I am in awe of people who can express themselves in this fashion.

Please, please, please, go to www.MigraineExpressions.com and get a copy of this book! If you have Migraine disease, you will find yourself in its pages. If you don't, this book will help you understand the disease and its sufferers better.

For more details, please see the press release below.

Namaste,
Abi

NEW MIGRAINE ART AND LITERATURE BOOK FROM WORD METRO PRESS

Groundbreaking book depicts migraine in insightful visual and written art from migraineurs worldwide


San Diego, California, July 16, 2008Migraine Expressions: A Creative Journey through Life with Migraine illustrates in breathtaking art, poetry, essays and photography some of the ways tens of millions of people worldwide live, work, feel and love while trying to minimize attacks and manage symptoms of this often-debilitating disease. The courage and strength that takes is illuminated in this dramatic work from 124 writers and artists in many states and countries.


No other book expresses migraine in both words and art of people who suffer the symptoms and survive the disease; most books about migraine are from experts who define, explain, and offer advice on how to manage it. This book will complement existing information, be instrumental for people with migraine to share experiences and communicate feelings, and serve as a tool for furthering understanding among non-migraineurs.


Migraine is a neurobiological disease impacting more than 30 million people in the United States and similarly 12 to 15 percent of people in most countries of the world. It is a debilitating and little-understood disorder that is finally attracting the long-overdue attention it urgently needs in medical research and treatment arenas as well as in the general media. Celebrities, athletes and well-known professionals appear more and more often to share their stories or in news items of crippling migraine attacks. They represent many millions of others around the world.


Suzanne E. Simons, Executive Director of the National Headache Foundation, commented, “Congratulations! The images and the words are compelling. Migraineurs will relate to the visual images and poems. Those who don’t suffer may be better able to empathize after reading the book.”


The book includes a foreword by leading migraine educator, advocate and author, Teri Robert, Ph.D., who says, “Projects such as Migraine Expressions are rare, priceless, and sorely needed. They offer an intimate view of the impact of migraine disease. The works of art in this book are deeply personal and revealing. They are heart-wrenching and inspiring, filled with both terror and hope.”


And Richard B. Lipton, MD, Professor of Neurology and Director, Montefiore Headache Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, claims, "Migraine Expressions reveals a neurobiological disease from many highly personal perspectives as contributors transform their experiences into stunning verbal and visual art. The book will help people with migraine find their individual voices even as they recognize the universality of their shared experiences.”


Book details: Hardcover, 192 pages, full color, 8.5 by 11 inches, available from publisher at www.wordmetropress.com July 21, 2008, $34.95 retail. Editor is available for interviews, appearances and book signings.


# # #


Betsy Baxter Blondin is a longtime writer and editor, a nearly 40-year migraine survivor,

and this is the first book published by Word Metro Press.


Contact Betsy at 760.458.5576 or editor@wordmetro.com for further information or to request a review copy.


www.wordmetropress.com, www.migraineexpressions.com


6 comments:

Sustainable Living Dojo said...

Hi Abigail,
Thank you - this book looks amazing!! I also wanted to thank you for posting at CureTogether! We need to get everyone working together to work on solving migraines. Your expertise is much appreciated!
Best,
Alexandra
CureTogether.com

Jim Chambliss said...

Migraine Expressions is a fantastic book that I highly recommend. It is very reasonably priced for the quality and content. I am a PhD student at the University of Melbourne in creative arts and medicine. I am doing a study of the influence of migraines and epilpesy in art. I was so impressed with the book that I posted some of the artwork in my web site at http://sparksofcreativity.blogspot.com.

Abigail said...

Jim,

I'm glad you agree about Migraine Expressions. Not to throw a wrench into the works, but did you contact Ms. Blondin or the artists to get permission to post the artwork? As I understand it, the artists own the copyright, and permission is necessary.

Shalom,
Abi

Unknown said...

Hi, Abi!

Thank you again for posting your lovely and creative note about the book!
I wanted to let you know that Jim did contact me about his study, and the featured artists gave their permission for him to include their work. I so appreciate your concern for everyone; it's important for all of us to be vigilant about copyrights and permissions.
I hope many people will consider participating in Jim's study in Australia. I am, and I will be anxious to see the results of it.

Thanks again, Abi, and I hope you are doing well!
Betsy

Debbie said...

Abi, I have just found your site through Ellen at WegoHealth. I have not read many posts,but I am encouraged by what I have read. You can visit my blog at http://a-migraineur.blogspot.com

PROUD AMERICA/LIVING LIFE said...

he Abi
I am putting new people on my blog roll. I will add you!
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Liz