Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: The Sacred Shed on the Edge of the Ravine
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
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RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married; has children.
EDUCATION:Boston College, B.A.; Weston Jesuit School of Theology, master’s degree, 2005.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and communications professional. Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Newton, MA, communications manager and magazine editor, 2005-08; Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, social media administrator and e-newsletter editor, 2010-13; Trinity Church/Trinity Boston Foundation, Boston, MA, communications manager, 2014-16. Has worked as a freelancer in the communications industry. Served on the board of trustees of Topsfield Town Library, 2009-12.
WRITINGS
Contributor of articles to publications, including Boston Globe.
SIDELIGHTS
B.R. Bodengraven, also known as Barbara R. Bodengraven, is a writer and communications professional. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology. From 2005 to 2008, Bodengraven worked as a communications manager and magazine editor for the latter college. She went on to become social media administrator and e-newsletter editor for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, a religious order headquartered in Rome, Italy. After serving at that organization for three years, Bodengraven joined Trinity Church and the Trinity Boston Foundation as a communications manager. Since 2016, she has worked as a freelance communications professional. Bodengraven has written articles that have appeared in publications, including the Boston Globe.
Her first book is The Sacred Shed on the Edge of the Ravine, which was released in 2017. In this volume, she discusses the circumstances that led her to build the titular shed by the ravine in her backyard, and she shares what that place has meant to her. Bodengraven first explains how she came to decide to have the shed put in. She had been going through a series of difficult changes. Her children had recently moved out of the house, and a special pet of her had just died. Bodengraven recalls having had a dream in which it became clear that she should create a space for herself. Additionally, an animal totem came to her, inspiring her to begin construction. Bodengraven recalls ordering the shed and working in the yard as she waited for it to arrive. She delineated a section of the yard that would be designated for the shed, and she worked to create a garden that would surround it. When it was finally delivered, Bodengraven went about decorating and furnishing the space. Her friend, Marilyn, who makes pottery and maintains a strong spiritual practice, was among the people who helped her work on the shed. Bodengraven asserts that the shed became the quiet place for contemplation and creativity that she had longed for. She describes the natural beauty of the area surrounding it and recalls run-ins with local wild animals. She also shares personal memories, including the premature losses of two close family members and her loving relationship with her husband.
A reviewer in Publishers Weekly offered a favorable assessment of The Sacred Shed on the Edge of the Ravine. The reviewer described the volume as a “contemplative paean.” The same reviewer commented: “A stream of memories and ruminations, Bodengraven’s quiet work expresses her deep respect for the unknowable qualities of nature.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, February 26, 2018, review of The Sacred Shed on the Edge of the Ravine, p. 84.
Barbara R. Bodengraven
Communications Professional, Author, and Writing Workshop Facilitator
Greater Boston Area
Message Send a message to Barbara R. Bodengraven More actions
B. R. Bodengraven
Weston Jesuit School of Theology
Weston Jesuit School of Theology
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See contact info
See connections (147)
147 connections
As a communications professional, I specialize in developing strategic communications plans and compelling editorial copy.
As a news and feature writer, I create copy and content for all types of media outlets, including print publications, web sites and social media platforms.
As the managing editor of a magazine, I initiated and oversaw the redesign of the magazine’s layout as well as of its editorial tone and content.
As a project manager and content developer, I oversaw the production and management of all electronic communications and social media sites for an international nonprofit organization.
As a travel journalist, I have written for newspapers and magazines across the country.
Specialties:
• Marketing and Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
• Media and Public Relations
• Project/Editorial Management
• Investigative Reporting
• Feature Writing
• Organizational Story Telling
• Social Media Marketing
• Web Site Content Development and Maintenance
• Fundraising and Special Events Management
This media is a document
Spotlight on Global Mobility Trends, a business case study I wrote for a major international economic consulting company in the Boston area.
Spotlight on Global Mobility Trends, a business case study I wrote for a major international economic consulting company in the Boston area.
This media is a document
Hiking Italy's Cinque Terre published in The Boston Globe
Hiking Italy's Cinque Terre published in The Boston Globe Show less Show less of Barbara R.’s summary
Experience
B. R. Bodengraven
Book Author & "Telling Your Sacred Story" Workshop Facilitator
Company NameB. R. Bodengraven
Dates EmployedOct 2016 – Present Employment Duration1 yr 11 mos
A real-life sacred shed on the edge of the ravine in our back yard serves as the backdrop for my spiritual memoir of the same name. Part writing studio, animal "blind," sanctuary, and chapel, the sacred shed provides a refuge from distractions and "busyness" of the 21st century. Step inside the pages of my book to enjoy the revelations emanating from a ravine redolent with the divine. This book is written for everyone in search of a more expansive view of their own lives, but especially for those searching to honor and integrate their spiritual experiences into daily life.
In addition, I offer a "Telling Your Sacred Story" workshop based on my book, using selected readings and writing prompts designed to encourage participants to identify and deepen their spiritual identity and honor the Sacred in their individual lives.
Media (1)This position has 1 media
The Sacred Shed on the Edge of the Ravine
The Sacred Shed on the Edge of the Ravine
This media is a link
Self Employed Communications Professional
Freelance Writer/Communications Professional
Company NameSelf Employed Communications Professional
Dates EmployedJun 2008 – Oct 2016 Employment Duration8 yrs 5 mos
I turn organizational mission statements into strategic communications plans of substance, integrating social media platforms with web sites, print publications and media relations initiatives.
I am also a freelance writer/editor with a specialty in higher education, destination marketing and promotional business copy. I write everything from in-depth magazine articles and case studies to grants, web summaries, informational brochures, marketing copy and social media posts.
Media (2)This position has 2 media
The Call of Sunnyside/ Victoria Magazine May-June 2014
The Call of Sunnyside/ Victoria Magazine May-June 2014
This media is a document
From Dollars to Dirhams, one of the business case studies I wrote for a major international economic consulting firm in the Boston area.
From Dollars to Dirhams, one of the business case studies I wrote for a major international economic consulting firm in the Boston area.
This media is a document
Trinity Church/Trinity Boston Foundation
Communications Manager
Company NameTrinity Church/Trinity Boston Foundation
Dates EmployedSep 2014 – Sep 2016 Employment Duration2 yrs 1 mo
LocationGreater Boston Area
My responsibilities included communications project management as well as serving as a feature, news, and promotional writer for various communications campaigns and platforms. I occupied a pivotal role in both the design and development of the Church and Foundation web sites and oversaw the professional training and mentoring of junior staff members.
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Social Media Administrator/ e-Newsletter Editor
Company NameSisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Dates Employed2010 – 2013 Employment Duration3 yrs
For three years, I managed the international religious congregation's social media strategy and electronic fund-raising campaign. In addition to establishing and overseeing the organization's Facebook, Youtube and Twitter accounts, I wrote its Constant Contact e-newsletters as well as monthly electronic press releases hosted on PRLog.org. Responsibilities also included researching and developing story ideas as well as writing grant proposals to highlight the Sisters' work in 17 countries across five continents.
Media (1)This position has 1 media
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Online Press Room
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Online Press Room
This media is a link
Weston Jesuit School of Theology
Communications Manager/Magazine Editor
Company NameWeston Jesuit School of Theology
Dates Employed2005 – 2008 Employment Duration3 yrs
I served as the Managing Editor and primary writer and production manager of the full-color alumni magazine in addition to managing the graduate school's media relations, overseeing web content and assisting with special events. I also wrote and edited fund raising letters and promotional materials, integrating the schools mission and message across all communications platforms.
Media (1)This position has 1 media
Light & Life Summer 2006
Light & Life Summer 2006
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Education
Weston Jesuit School of Theology
Weston Jesuit School of Theology
Degree NameMaster of Theological Studies Field Of StudyTheology/Theological Studies
Dates attended or expected graduation 2001 – 2005
Boston College
Boston College
Degree NameBachelor of Arts Field Of StudyEnglish
Volunteer Experience
Mass Audubon
Nature Art Teacher
Company NameMass Audubon
Dates volunteeredJun 2014 – Jun 2014 Volunteer duration1 mo
Cause Arts and Culture
After years of keeping nature and life journals, I volunteered to work as a Nature Art Teacher at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center. I work with a variety of adults and children to enhance their understanding of the artistry all around us. I have been offered a weekend paid position at Mass Audubon Ipswich River to teach my own Nature Art class autumn 2014.
Topsfield Town Library
Board of Trustees
Company NameTopsfield Town Library
Dates volunteeredMay 2009 – May 2012 Volunteer duration3 yrs 1 mo
Served as Board Chair, 2010 - 2011.
Provided oversight for town library's budget, operational expenditures, facility maintenance and personnel issues.
Drafted official policies and procedures to ensure safe and efficient administration of a public library facility.
As Chair, served as library spokesperson at town functions and meetings as well as at statewide functions.
Congregational Church of Topsfield
Youth Group Leader
Company NameCongregational Church of Topsfield
Dates volunteered2002 – 2005 Volunteer duration3 yrs
Developed educational programming for high school/college students embarking on week-long Learning & Service Trips to impoverished areas of the United States for social justice immersion and spiritual development.
Accompanied students on immersion trips and served as mentor, chaperon and leader.
Skills & Endorsements
Editing
See 14 endorsements for Editing14
Anne Marie Tippett and 13 connections have given endorsements for this skill
Public Relations
See 12 endorsements for Public Relations12
William Brazier and 11 connections have given endorsements for this skill
Media Relations
See 9 endorsements for Media Relations9
Leslie Brazier, CABM and 8 connections have given endorsements for this skill
QUOTED: "contemplative paean."
"A stream of memories and ruminations, Bodengraven's quiet work expresses her deep respect for the unknowable qualities of nature."
The Sacred Shed on the Edge of the Ravine
Publishers Weekly. 265.9 (Feb. 26, 2018): p84.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The Sacred Shed on the Edge of the Ravine
B.R. Bodengraven. CreateSpace, $15 trade paper (280p) ISBN 978-1-5425-7495-2
Bodengraven details her construction of a writer's studio in her backyard on Boston's North Shore in this contemplative paean to nature. She begins by reflecting on her decision to create the space: an empty nester, she had recently suffered the loss of a beloved pet when a transformational dream and a visit from what she deems an animal "totem" spurred her into action. She designs the section of her garden designated for the studio, preparing the land and surrounding area while awaiting the shed's delivery, and then turns it into the refuge she seeks, aided by family and friends such as Marilyn, a potter and mystic. Bodengraven slowly divulges the pain she experienced over the premature deaths of her mother and sister earlier in her life, but mainly she lovingly describes her physical surroundings, meditates on her long marriage to her sailboat-loving husband, and contemplates the spiritual transcendence of the natural world. (In a staredown with a doe, she writes, "I am the first to look away. This seems to be the way of the wild.... I had to be the one to look away.") Less a narrative-driven memoir than a stream of memories and ruminations, Bodengraven's quiet work expresses her deep respect for the unknowable qualities of nature. (BookLife)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The Sacred Shed on the Edge of the Ravine." Publishers Weekly, 26 Feb. 2018, p. 84. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A530637498/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=4b4c1f27. Accessed 13 Aug. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A530637498