Teacher Feature :: Maya Donenfeld

Funny how it goes. Most of you may not know that when I first approached Maya about coming to teach at our inaugural Spring session in 2009, she demurred rather strongly. Her reason?  She had never taught before and wasn't sure she'd be any good.

Yeah, let me allow that to sink in with you all a little bit.

I trust Maya won't mind my sharing this anecdote as I think sometimes when we see someone excel at something we often give them all our power thinking-- wow, they popped out of the womb doing that-- and damn, they're so good, they're so briliant-- I could never do that. But, once you know the backstory of how they began or how they, too can have fears and trepidations, it frees you up to realize you have all sorts of untapped potential within you and my hope in sharing this today is that you are inspired to step into new roles that are calling you.

Or, at the very least-- say YES-- even when you might feel a bit nervous to take on a something that will require you to step into the beginner's circle.

Flash forward four years-- and Maya is one of squam's most beloved, sought after teachers who is offering workshops at three of our retreats in 2012: Spring, Fall and by the sea. 

If you have never had the good fortune to be in a class or a conversation with Maya, I hope one or the other is in your future as she is, most assuredly-- as she readily admits below-- so good at the loving thing.

Where were you born? 

Huntington, NY. Close enough to Woodstock that my mom will always be a little bummed that she missed it several weeks later.

What was your favorite dessert as a kid, and what is your favorite now? 

It's a tie: See's soft centers (a bordeaux) or a "junior espresso hot fudge sundae" from Bud's Ice Cream, in San Francisco. If Bud's hadn't closed down it might still be my favorite.  Today I continue to be a chocolate and ice cream lover. I like the good stuff.

What is the best way to spend a Sunday morning?  

Depends on when... Sleeping in and then making waffles with my family in the cold months. Waking up early and heading out thrifting with my mom and strong cup of coffee during garage sale season.

Who is a hero in your life?  

Without a doubt: my grandparents. As they grow older, I try to keep their superhero powers alive and well in my memories for them and for me.

What are three of your most favorite scents?

Just three? Scents trigger memories for me and since I'm so nostalgic, it's quite hard to choose. How about four? One for each season!
SUMMER:  warm earth just quenched by summer rain
FALL:  woodsmoke when you're headed inside on a chilly November day
WINTER:  bread- right out of the oven
SPRING:  wild narcissus just picked in the woods (they're my first bouquets of spring so they smell especially good)

What song or cd is currently getting a lot of play time at your house? 

I've been listening to an old favorite recently- Karen Casey's The Wind Begins To Sing. Good melancholy winter tunes.

What is something you are really good at? 

Loving deeply. Family, friends, food, nature, fabric, a piece of art, a lake...

Thank you, Maya!!  You're also really good at making cool stuff.

bisous, e