Meet Kathy Taylor | Writer, musician, & retired professor of Spanish

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathy Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathy, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

It has always been a challenge for me to balance all of the demands of life; work, family, community, health, recreation, creativity. I was a teacher and then professor of Spanish (language, literature, and creative writing) for my adult life career. Fortunately, it was a job I loved, to which I could bring all of my creative activities (especially music and writing, occasionally dancing.) Teaching is itself a continually creative and improvisational activity, no matter how much you plan and prepare. But even then, I had creative projects for which there was never enough time. I managed to produce a few books, linguistic projects, music recordings and performances anyway, finding ways to give them prioritized (though limited) space in my life. They became entrepreneurial ventures as well, though in those days that was secondary. I got my books published, learned a new language and created a course in it, launched some CDs and wrote songs for people in my life and about my own experiences.

All that changed dramatically after I retired. These creative passions have filled up much more of my life now that I don’t have an official work schedule. I am nearly as busy each day, but it has become my own production and business. There is always much to be done (we live off the grid), including the nitty gritty work of getting published, marketing, recording and editing my writing and music—all of which require creative energy but are not nearly as enjoyable as the initial creation of the art itself. It is still a challenge to find balance in my life, both each day and long term. I have more control over the decisions I make and the organizing of my time, while at the same time there is less protection from the infinite possibilities. When you work for yourself, the boss can be very demanding!!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a passionate polyglot who hears the music and unique beauty of each language and culture I have come to know. I speak five languages and have written and recorded something in all of them. I have lived in Mexico, Nicaragua, Curaçao, Ireland, Germany and a number of parts of the U.S. My art is often a response to the diversity of people and cultures I have loved and it finds a variety of forms of expression. I think I am most excited about and proud of the courage it has taken for me to dive into new experiences and languages with openness, humility and respect. It has changed and enriched who I am and my art reflects that. I have also learned to approach each creative act with that kind of trust and openness, allowing the process to guide me, rather than trying to over-think or control the outcome.

My writing and music also respond to many of the pressing issues of our times. Deep questions and challenges of human experience often resonate under the surface of a story, poem or song. I am interested in exploring themes that unite us beyond the many things that seem to divide us. My short story collection Trees and Other Witnesses includes stories of the relationships with nature of people and communities in Mexico, Nicaragua and immigrants in the U.S., as they deal with conflict, change, and struggles for survival. (It was a finalist for the Colorado Authors League award in mainstream/literary fiction.) My recent novel, The Birthing House, is an historical novel that takes place in the fairytale town of Marburg, Germany. Many layers of history interact with two alternating 20th century timelines (1980 and 2000), illuminating deep issues of human experience and identity that are both contemporary and universal. (It won an International Firebird Book Award and was a finalist for the American Writing Award in 2023 – both in the category of multicultural fiction.)

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

There are many wonderful places to visit in the Ark Valley. On the way here from Denver, The Sheep’s Head (just beyond Bailey) is our favorite cafe to stop for lunch. In Buena Vista, you can get a great lunch or dinner at The Simple Eatery. Fresh bread from their bakery is a plus and they share the building with The Trailhead, a store of outdoor gear, clothing, shoes and many other things. The Lariat has good food and live music most nights. Wed. nights are open mic and a community of local musicians gathers along with occasional visiting musicians passing through. The Book Nook and Once Upon a Trapeze are two delightful bookstores with new and used books. The Village sells fair trade crafts from around the world, The Eddyline Brewery had a broad menu of local beers and a restaurant with good food to go with them. Luna Vista thrift store has many second-hand treasures to be found.

In Salida, The Boathouse is a fine restaurant right on the Arkansas River. If you like Italian food, Amicus Restaurant has a delightful menu at reasonable prices. The Steam Plant hosts high class performances from far and near. There are many interesting small shops and art galleries to be explored. The area is full of outdoor recreation opportunities including river trips, bicycle and hiking paths, hot springs, mountain climbing and backpacking. The Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center is great for teaching and guiding many outdoor activities. The scenery is varied and beautiful, inviting you to just drive or walk around to enjoy it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Oh my, there are so many! My parents always encouraged me to develop my creative interests. My father especially inspired and influenced me with his own writing and thinking. I grew up at Pendle Hill, a Quaker center that attracted people from around the world to an experience of study, seeking and creative living in community. As a young child, I absorbed a sense of wonder about life and the diversity of human language and experience. My career at Earlham College was a privilege and a joy, even during the most difficult times. Teachers are professional learners and I learned a lot from my colleagues and students. Earlham offered great institutional support for creative and explorational projects of all kinds.

I continue to learn from other writers and musicians, both the ones who have become my friends and the ones whose works I read and listen to. I am inspired daily by living close to nature in the beautiful Colorado mountains.

Website: catalinawrites.com

Facebook: facebook.com/KathyTaylorWriting, facebook.com/KathyTaylorMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@catalinasastre

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1iuVRRVaaWt499xHv76W6R