Mary Bowman Kennedy

m.t.kennedy@hotmail.com

The main and best part of life was raising my kids and welcoming my grandchildren into my life. I worked as a computer graphic artist for many years before returning to university and finishing my bachelor's and the getting my master's and changing direction to being counselor. But after many trips to my heartland, Ireland (specifically Northern Ireland) I moved there and married a wonderful Irishman. Since moving there I've been able to engage more in the creative endeavors that I left behind while raising a family. I've had an art show with my brother and sister here, with a second one planned and been part of other art shows in Ireland. At this time I'm quite busy with commissioned portraits. I have had quilts in exhibitions in Northern Ireland as well as in England and have had pieces featured in 'Irish Quilts and Crafts' magazine.

I'm involved in writing and serve as chair of a local writing group. Am editor for regular features of our writers in one of the local newpapers.

On the less creative side, I work with a couple of organizations developing and delivering workshops that help to further the peace process between the still somewhat divided communities here in Northern Ireland. Through a mental health organization, I occasionally also deliver training sessions for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. I am currently working on a book that addresses some of these issues.

I liked graduation the best!

I get back to Chickasha only once a year now that I live overseas. My mother still lives in Chickasha as do two of my brothers, Patrick and Michael Bowman, and my sister, Peggy Bowman Sircy.

Depends on the day!!! Most of the time I really forget how old I am, but there is always some young upstart to remind me! :-) I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth populated by some of the most amazing people! Because of my involvement with the arts as well as community and political arenas, I get to experiece incredible circumstances and meet with amazing people who have made historical changes in the world in the past. But I also work with and am friends with people who are working to continue to make the sorts of improvements that affect many people in positive ways. Some days, I feel old when I see attitudes here that are the same as they've been for more than 40 years; but then I encounter young people who don't carry the prejudices and sectatian divisions and it makes me feel young and hopeful.