Chris Nihmey's Blog, page 3
May 6, 2016
Sally Book Launch
KS on the Keys greeted us with open arms. March 12, 2016. My latest creation, SALLY, made its way into the world. 175-200 people shuffled in and out of KS on a warm Saturday in Ottawa. Over 65 books were signed, personalized, and sold! Food was ordered, people reunited, and new friendships were created. We collected over 100 canned good for local shelters! I want to thank all of you for your commitment and support with my writing and my goal to reach out and make a difference. Thank you for coming out and making my day a special one.
May 5, 2016
Reflections From Another Side
MY FIFTH BOOK IS ON IT'S WAY - REFLECTIONS FROM ANOTHER SIDE: MENTAL ILLNESS SURVIVORS AND ADVOCATES UNITE TO WRITE - an anthology of works written over two years in a long-term care home for those who suffer from mental and physical ailments. An author, 10 mental health advocates, and 15 writers have come together to produce an inspiring collection of short stories, biographies and poems that will fight against the stigma of mental health.
DATE OF RELEASE: I anticipate the release in December, 2017.
May 1, 2016
Sally Book Launch
KS on the Keys greeted us with open arms. March 12, 2016. My latest creation, SALLY, made its way into the world. 175-200 people shuffled in and out of KS on a warm Saturday in Ottawa. Over 65 books were signed, personalized, and sold! Food was ordered, people reunited, and new friendships were created. We collected over 100 canned good for local shelters! I want to thank all of you for your commitment and support with my writing and my goal to reach out and make a difference. Thank you for coming out and making my day a special one.
Dedication To My Mom
ROSEMARY
Rommie - "Mom"
How do you define a hero? They come in many forms, they serve in many ways, they give fully of themselves, and they make a dramatic difference in the lives of those they affect. Heroes shine when others stand back because of fear or embarrassment. They always stand up for what is right, no matter the circumstance, and they don’t back down. They have integrity, they walk the talk. They care for and provide hope for the stranger, the needy, the lonely, all the while taking care of their own. They share every ounce of themselves, and even when they are depleted, they renew themselves for the next challenge through a desire to better themselves and those they love. Moral and upright, their faith is a model of God’s love to be shared with others, a beacon of hope for those who are lost or longing for light. A hero always steps forward to lift another and gives them the recognition and praise. The love they feel is not one of pride, for they are humble. They do not boast, but continue to bestow the gift of love upon others.
Mom, you are a blessing, a joy in my life. You are a hero. Thank you for being there when I needed you most. I would never have made it through my darkest days without you, especially when you force-fed me my medication on day one of my long and arduous journey. 16 years and counting. I am who I am because you love me; because you shared your words of wisdom; because you grabbed my arm when I slipped, and lifted me up when I fell. Because you never turned your shoulder.
I love you, Mom. Even from above, you make the greatest of differences in my life. Never forgotten, because you are always there. I can’t wait to see you again soon. You are a hero, Mom. My hero. Thank you.
Love Chris
**Below are two special paintings that my mom created from scratch, pencil to paint. What a talent! She produced 50 paintings in her 50s and 60s, without any instruction or training. What a woman! The little boy painting was given to me with an inscription on the back: "To my special son, Christopher Michael, Love always, Mom, Dec. 1996." This was just before my storm hit. Thank you, Mom, for weathering the storm. I couldn't have done it without you.
Meet Sally’s Illustrator – Mario Jamora
Mario Jamora is the illustrator of the picture book, Sally, a heartwarming story connecting mental illness and homelessness. His breathtaking illustrations combine together with an unforgettable story of never losing hope in the midst of loss.
Mario earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (major-commercial design) from UP. He took post grad studies in Illustration and Design under Milton Glaser at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, as well as Printmaking at Pratt Institute in Manhattan. He started his career in Consumer Advertising at McCann Erickson Intl., and Doyle Dane Bernbach NY. He then moved on as Art Director in Pharmaceutical Advertising at Sudler and Hennessey NY, eventually becoming VP Associate Creative Director at Lyons Lavey Nickel Swift NY. Throughout his career, Mario has also worked on freelance illustration projects for McGraw-Hill Publishing, and Scholastics Magazines and Books. He garnered numerous awards from the RX Club of NY, the Society of Illustrators of NY, and the Art Directors Club of NY.
Currently, Mario's passion is in Digital Photo Illustration and he is represented by the July Group (art@thejulygroup.com).
March 25, 2016
Ottawa Community News Coverage of Sally Launch
Her name is Sally. She lives on the streets, struggling every day just to survive.
A teen named Tom refuses to simply pass her by, and instead stops and befriends her.
“It's the unexpected friendship between a teenage boy and a homeless woman named Sally,” said Findlay Creek author Chris Nihmey. “I wanted to write a story about the connection between mental illness and homelessness.
“I wanted to show why there's a million reasons why someone would go onto the streets and not by choice.”
“They were children at one time, they were kindergarten students, they have parents, they have families. They feel caught in a whirlwind of negativity.”
- Chris Nihmey, author
Nihmey said in telling Sally's story on the pages of his newest published book, Sally, he wanted to give his readers a chance to connect with those living that life, to better understand them as people behind the 'homeless' and 'mentally ill' labels.
“They were children at one time, they were kindergarten students, they have parents, they have families,” he said. “They feel caught in a whirlwind of negativity.”
In Sally, Nihmey introduces Sally to children and teens through the eyes of Tom, a teenager himself.
Though it is a fictional work, the story is based on Nihmey's experiences volunteering in downtown Ottawa at the Ottawa Mission and Shepherds of Good Hope, where he helped serve food and played piano between 2000 and 2005.
It was in 2005, when Nihmey was in the depths of his own mental-health struggles, that he began writing Sally to open the eyes of young people to the importance of reaching out to others who are isolated, vulnerable and struggling on the streets.
Nihmey credits his parents, especially his mom, Rosemary, who passed away in 2014, with instilling in him deep compassion for and acceptance of people no matter their circumstances.
He was just eight years old when his mom started a Christmas dinner that drew 100 people in need. Over a 20-year period, attendance climbed to about 400 people annually.
The event evolved into the family delivering meals to those in need, an experience that would leave a lasting impression on Nihmey.
It's that level of caring and compassion that can make a difference in the lives of others.
“I wanted to show people through this book that mental illness destroys lives and if we're not there for each other, people do die. And this needs to change,” said Nihmey, who today is an author, substitute teacher, mental-health advocate and regularly gives presentations on mental health to schools and organizations.
Without his parents' support, he said he would have ended up living as a person of no fixed address, given the extreme highs and lows he was tormented by. He had already been spending a lot of time on the streets, wanting to connect with the homeless.
It would be another two years before Nihmey would begin writing Two Sides to the Story: Living a Lie, chronicling his own struggles with mental illness. He was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and later obsessive compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
When his memoir was published in 2013 by Chipmunka, a mental-health publisher, Sally was included at the end of the book.
But Nihmey, who had already written and published two children's books before Two Sides, always envisioned seeing Sally published on its own as an illustrated picture book for children and teens, as well as for adults.
The 60-page paperback was released last fall by Chipmunka, and Nihmey has marked its launched with a number of book signings, most recently on March 12 at the KS on the Keys restaurant in South Keys.
The published work is chock full of colourful illustrations in the style of photo-realism. Each are brimming with movement and emotion, thanks to the artistic talents of Florida illustrator Mario Jamora.
“You look at these – they look real,” Nihmey said of the art works. “He has a style of his own that you just don't see in books.”
Like the story, each illustration provides a much-needed window into the friendship that blossoms between Tom and Sally.
And Nihmey hopes people of all ages will learn something from Sally.
“Many kids will not have the parents I did who made it their goal to show me a world that needs love and compassion,” he said.
They also inspired Nihmey to go beyond this “... and that if we reach out and share our talents and share the gifts that we have to others, we can change their lives and change our lives.”
Nihmey's latest work is available at indigo.ca and amazon.ca. For details, visit chrisnihmey.com.
FUTURE WORKS
In the same vein as Sally work, Nihmey is also planning to write a book about his foster brother's life, which will also be illustrated and written for all ages.
He has also completed a 200-page anthology of short stories, biographies and poetry submitted by residents from Royal Ottawa Place, a long-term care centre. The work, called United Together: Reflections of Our Lives, will likely be published within the next year.
Erin McCracken is a reporter/photographer with Metroland Media’s Ottawa South News. She can be reached at erin.mccracken@metroland.com. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
January 1, 2016
Upcoming Events & News
It was been a busy summer in every way! I attended 5 book events and 3 Chapters book signings. Each event was very successful. My book signings alone have brought in sales of 20 or more books, both Two Sides To The Story: Living A Lie & Sally. With the stroke of a pen, my life continues to change. I signed off each book with my signature and many words of hope and encouragement to sufferers and their supporters. My message: we are not alone. We are in this together. The message I share not only educates, it inspires each of us to find a strength within, to find healing and foster compassion and acceptance for one another. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. One book at a time, we are changing the way we perceived mental illness. It is not a death sentence. It is a chance to better and strengthen our lives and, in turn, make a difference in the lives of others.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CONVENT GLEN ELEMENTARY and ST. KATERI ELEMENTARY - presentations to grades 4-6 were fantastic. See testimonies under "Speaking Engagements - Mental Health 4-6". Thanks to all of you for your support, and for collecting over 6 boxes of canned goods and clothing for the homeless! Well done, kids!
CANADIAN BORDER SERVICES AGENCY - a very moving presentation to their members. It was a wonderful visit that definitely reached the hearts of many. Thank you very much for your support.
Presentations are currently being booked at elementary schools, high schools, organizations/institutions, and also with parents and staffs. Workshops are also being booked.
Please click "Contact Chris" above if you are interested in a visit. Thank you.
MANY HELPING HANDS
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS REACHING OUT TO SUFFERERS
AND THEIR LOVED ONES
To be posted here.
June 30, 2015
The Men’s D.E.N
The Men's D.E.N is Canada's Premier D.epression E.ducation N.etwork for men and their loved ones.
Earlier this month, I had occasion to meet with Jean-François Claude, Founder, The Men’s D.E.N. Jean-François Claude had organized a public lecture for Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day in Ottawa and I was fortunate to have been a guest speaker.
For more information about the Men's D.E.N., please visit https://mensdencanada.wordpress.com/
June 22, 2015
Inside Ottawa Valley News
Kelly Kent from Inside Ottawa Valley News wrote an article about my visit to Almonte and District High School. It speaks to my story of hope and healing, and the battle against mental illness stigma. It was a wonderful day!
Read the full article at: http://www.insideottawavalley.com/community-story/5658980-adhs-students-urged-to-fight-stigma-during-mental-health-week/
June 17, 2015
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day in Ottawa 2015
Over 50 people gathered for this extremely important discussion on men’s mental health and the stigma that prevents thousands of men in Ottawa, and millions worldwide, from stepping forth to receive compassion, and subsequent treatment for their mental health issues.
The evening was hosted by mental health advocate, Jean-Francois Claude, who opened the floor to a panel of experts and fellow sufferers who shared their courageous stories. I was invited to come up and say a quick five minute talk about my book and my journey to inspire hope, compassion, and healing in others.
A special thanks to Deputy Mayor, Councillor Bob Monette, for encouraging each of us to find, within ourselves, the compassion and acceptance to reach out to those who suffer and to support our loved ones.
June 16th is now officially known as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day.
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