Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Kathleen Tonnesen ie Katon. On air from August 11th
An Artist’s Search for Creative Ways to Overcome Life’s Obstacles: How Shioda Yoshinkan Aikido Helped Me See Beyond the Light
In our previous interview in 2018, Kathleen Tonnesen publicly shared her journey with vision loss—an experience she found deeply helpful. Since then, practising Shioda Yoshinkan Aikido has opened a new path in her rehabilitation and artistic development.
Kathleen believes the discipline and intense focus of Aikido have helped her retrain her right eye to read, draw, and paint again. Although this is her personal experience rather than a medical conclusion, she feels the practice may have helped her brain develop new pathways and delayed the progression of her vision loss.
Since 2023, Kathleen has continued forging a new artistic path. Her work reflects her changing vision and explores light, balance, geometry, human interaction, and connection beyond sight. Her focus is on developing skills that expand the creative boundaries of the heart and mind.
As Kathleen says, “Your life is an unfolding rose in the bouquet of God’s love.”
Current Art Exhibition: Energy
August 7–29, 2026 Mole Pop-Up Gallery Rear of 1157 Pendrell Street, Vancouver, BC Access through Jepson-Young Lane Curator: Quentin Wright
In this solo exhibition, Kathleen explores the felt sensations of balance, timing, posture, and geometry found within Shioda Yoshinkan Aikido. These works are presented alongside large botanical paintings celebrating colour, creativity, resilience, and the continuing evolution of her sight.
Kathleen Tonnesen, known artistically as Katon, is a Canadian self-taught painter, sculptor, author, poet, and inventor. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, she immigrated to Canada in 1998. A professional artist since 1990, Kathleen creates meaningful, thought-provoking work that enriches public spaces and connects communities.
She is also a certified Shioda Yoshinkan Aikido instructor and Shodan—first-degree black belt—currently preparing for her Nidan, or second-degree black belt, test. Drawing upon her experience in psychology, early childhood education, performing arts, visual art, and martial arts, Kathleen inspires personal growth and encourages adults to rediscover their inner child.
Following vision loss, Kathleen used the discipline and intense focus of Aikido to support her rehabilitation. Through consistent practice, she retrained her right eye to read, draw, and paint again. Since 2023, her evolving artwork has explored light, human connection, and perception beyond sight.
Kathleen’s artistic roots were inspired by the charcoal portraits of her South African grandfather, Charles Holton Peers.
Self Discovery Wisdom is sustained by those who believe in conscious conversation. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and, if you feel called, make a donation. Your support helps us keep amplifying voices that inspire growth, courage, and compassion. Thank you. Please join Our Forgotten Seniorsanthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Why readers love a literary thriller that draws from magical realism, 1990s rock ‘n’ roll, myth, and romantic suspense
Why her book centers around a spiritual war that’s been fought for thousands of years
How the research she did to create her musician characters led her to study music, form a band, and tour around the USA
Why the book is set in the early 1990s – before the Internet, cell phones, or 24/7 streaming
Whether practicing criminal defense law later influenced her decision to release the book, which explores themes surrounding the law
Why she chose to leave a hard-won tenure-track position teaching British literature to write fiction
The Maenad’s God explores a variety of thorny topics:
Alienation. Why some people are cynical and ‘done with society’
The nature of divinity; creativity as a way into some kind of higher reality; imagination as a sacred space
How creativity is an art of rebellion – and a healing force
The degree to which reality and fantasy inform each other
Whether creating a private world is a subversive act against a toxic culture
“Michalson’s prose, as narrated by the loquacious Pete, is by turns wisecracking and obsessive. . .. Even so, Pete’s quest takes him in unexpected occult directions, opening up an intricate world of ecstasy and paranoia. … the novel’s angst and atmosphere-both authentically ’90s-make for a strangely alluring reading experience. An engaging, snaking, and spirit-tinged murder tale about obsession and control.” —Kirkus Reviews“
TheMaenad’s God receives 5 stars and the ‘Highly Recommended’ award of excellence.” —The Historical Fiction Company Chosen by Independent Book Review as one of the best books of 2022, Karen Michalson’s fourth novel, The Maenad’s God, is the story of a war that’s been fought for thousands of years, the war between the ancient arts of music, poetry, and love; and the equally ancient forces of artistic envy, oppressive law, and authoritarian religion. Boston 1992. Alienated FBI agent Pete Morrow discovers a murder and becomes obsessed with Jade McClellan, a mysterious mafia-backed rock musician. Tough-guy Morrow has never been in love before—but Jade is almost magical, creating a private imaginary world from his songs and stories that rapidly become the only thing Morrow values in his otherwise empty life. Unfortunately, Morrow is investigating the mafia family that is investing in Jade’s musical career. Being open about their relationship could get both of them killed.
Michalson, who has taught nineteenth-century British literature, performed across the USA with her rock band, Point of Ares, and runs a criminal defense practice, is uniquely suited to write this book. “If you like hard boiled gritty realism with an edge of surrealism – you will like this book,” promises the author. “If you like rock band fiction, stories about the mafia and the music business, or ever engaged in any kind of creative pursuit, you will like this book. If you like romantic suspense, particularly if it involves complex multi-dimensional characters whose conflicts with society extend beyond their relationship, you will like this book.” “The Maenad’s God is never the same book twice: flowing from intrigue to mysticism, romance to mythology, Karen Michalson weaves an epic and constantly surprising narrative.” —IndieReader “The Maenad’s God deserves attention. . . . it also deserves the highest rating, for it seems to me a work of substance and original thinking.” —Reedsy“ . . . gripping, satisfying, and impossible to put down even after you’ve finished it.” —Readers’ Favorite
Karen Michalson has assumed many identities – criminal defense attorney, scholar and teacher of nineteenth-century British literature, and progressive rock band performer. All her experiences find a home in her writings as an award-winning, critically acclaimed author. She has written four novels, including The Maenad’s God, which was selected by Independent Book Review as one of the best novels 2022 and by IndieReader as one of the Best Reviewed Books of March 2023. It also received a 5-Star Highly Recommended Award of Excellence from The Historical Fiction Company and a Literary Titan Gold Book Award (2022). Her earlier novels form the Enemy Glory Trilogy: Enemy Glory, Hecate’s Glory, and The King’s Glory. Enemy Glory, the first book of the trilogy, was one of the books that received the most votes for the Locus Award for Best First Novel. It was chosen for Locus’s Recommended Reading List of Best First Novels. Michalson’s first book, a non-fiction work, Victorian Fantasy Literature’s Literary Battles with Church and Empire, examines the non-literary and non-aesthetic reasons underlying the bias in favor of realism in forming the traditional literary canon of nineteenth-century British fiction. Her books have been favorably reviewed by Clarion Foreword, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Independent Book Review, Literary Titan, Blue Ink Review, and numerous others. Michalson practiced criminal law for a decade. She left the law profession a little over four years ago to return to her full-time novel-writiPh.D.full-timeBefore. Prior to what she calls her “detour into law,” she wrote novels, formed a progressive rock band, Point of Ares (she plays bass guitar), and ran a small record label-distributor (Arula Records). Point of Ares released four CDs, two of which are concept albums based on her Enemy Glory books. The band received airplay in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Brazil, and Italy and what she calls “embarrassingly kind reviews.” Before rocking out on music and fiction writing, she began her literary career as an assistant professor of English at the University of Connecticut. She holds a PhD in English (British literature) from the University of Massachusetts and a JD from Western New England University School of Law. She lives in New England.
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Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Caprice Hogg, on air from April 19th
Caprice first picked up her paintbrush in 1994 and quickly discovered a hidden talent. She studied with artists Karen Hersey, Keith Smith and Shane Garton and soon found herself in a world of colourful oils, shapes and art techniques. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge of art has become an obsession as Caprice eagerly reads each and every art book she can get her hands on. In 1998, Caprice’s first solo exhibition gave her the confidence and courage to pursue painting as a full-time career. She works and exhibits her paintings from her Studio Gallery located in Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada. Caprice’s works are now in private and corporate collections in Western and Eastern Canada, the United States, Europe, and New Zealand.
After painting full-time for many years, it was a natural progression for Caprice to start teaching art. Passing on the knowledge that was passed on to her is certainly an important part of her career. Whenever the opportunity arises, Caprice travels to not only see new landscapes but also to art galleries and museums in Canada and abroad. Looking at art illuminates and inspires. She then calls upon the powers of her imagination to portray on canvas the beauty and majesty of the mountains and forests that surround her. Her vibrant colours and bold strokes reflect her strong connection to mother nature.
Caprice is one of Cloud Lake Literary’s contributing reviewers. She is responsible for book reviews as well as the occasional author interview. Find her work under Impressions.
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Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Kathleen Tonnesen, on air January 1st 2019.
To see beyond sight.
I was born legally blind in my left eye. I was born with an eye disease in my right eye named Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis which is a disease of the iris leading to blindness over time. I am sharing my story of courage via art creativity at the encouragement of my business coach Cresswell Walker, to whom I am very grateful for guiding me through my turbulent emotional waters 2018. This, due to the 3rd eye issue that placed all my goals and plans for business on pause for the last 6 months, while I worked to recalibrate my brain to adjust to my new way of being. Thanks Cresswell. I hope that my story may inspire and be of service to others who face challenges on their own journey.
JOIN SARA AND KATHLEEN ON TRANSITIONING TO BLINDNESS
VIDEO
Kathleen Katon Tonnesen (14 July, 1963) is a Canadian painter, sculptor, inventor, author and poet. She was born in Cape Town, South Africa and immigrated to Canada in 1998. She has carved a professional career as a working artist since 1990 and is a respected international artist dedicated to the enhancement of public spaces with meaningful and thought provoking art. Excited by ideas, energy, movement and emotion, she developed a mixed media, multidisciplinary approach to her artworks, installations and live productions. She believes in allowing the creation to determine its own tools and process toward manifestation, including collaboration with musicians and cutting-edge technology. This is exemplified in her latest upcoming production, Traditional Martial Art (TMA) 2021 a family fun education 90-minute adventure via sensory experience, which utilizes immersive and interactive mixed VR technology, including her own inventions, in a touring 6000 square foot space, providing public awareness of the respectful values of martial arts.
Kathleen is a brown belt in Yoshinkan Aikido who has trained with several leading Aikido teachers in British Columbia. With a background in Early Childhood Education, psychology and acting, she strives to connect families and communities together through the language of art. Her passion is children and unleashing the child within the adult, thereby encouraging personal growth. Kathleen is dedicated to inspiring the human spirit and is a frequent guest speaker and art workshop instructor. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology (major) through Thompson Rivers University. She is very diplomatic, organized, schedule and budget orientated and has a high degree of excellence in her persona which is reflected in her work.
Self Discovery Wisdom is sustained by those who believe in conscious conversation. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and, if you feel called, make a donation. Your support helps us keep amplifying voices that inspire growth, courage, and compassion. Thank you. Please join Our Forgotten Seniorsanthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Kim Karrington Cartwright, aired from October 4th on.
Kim is a Published Poet, a BMI songwriter, spent years in the Music Industry as a singer, doing session work and commercials, and performing at well known Nightclubs in L.A. and other venues. She also performed as a dancer and did Television and stage work. Kim is a long-time member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) and has had longstanding membership in the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).
Kim has been an avid photographer, writing, and painting, and having won awards in English, Composition, and Language all since she was 7 years old. She trained in Los Angeles with the premier vocal, dance, and acting coaches in the country since the age of 12.
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Kim writes both the words and music to her songs; meaningful lyrics with memorable, expansive melody lines. Her catalog ranges from pop and rock; to blues, jazz and R&B; to country, gospel, and rock opera. Kim is a mezzo-soprano with a four-octave vocal range. She sings and speaks French and Spanish – she is well acquainted with Italian and German. Kim worked as a Publicity Coordinator & Celebrity Interviewer for a top Photoplay celebrity columnist while in her twenties.
She traveled extensively across the United States (including Hawaii), Bahamas, and Europe; was exposed to most every major philosophy and religion; and grew up immersed in socio-political and philosophical/metaphysical discussions as well as meditation. She has met, experienced, conversed or studied with many of the leading master, teachers, and philosophers of the 20th and 21st Centuries. She has had a strong connection to animals, spirit, and nature and had many mystical experiences since she was a child. Kim was raised holistically and has been an organic vegan/vegetarian since she was very young.
Kim paints artwork that has been described as the “Womb of Creation”. Kim has a deep passion for photography. At times Kim uses colour and texture to create photos that transcend their original image or transform them into something amazing, wondrous or mysterious. Sometimes, however, the play of light that she captures is the magic that brings forth the most incredible and multidimensional images. Kim’s intent is to always be faithful to the integrity of the image and stay as close as possible to the natural essence of it. Her photographs often look like etheric paintings. Kim also uses a technique where she paints images on top of her photos.
Kim’s bliss is to bring forth images that move someone on the deepest level, as much as a poem can. One of her greatest joys has been hearing from those who have had a visceral, uplifting or cathartic experience just by gazing at one of her photographs. She marries her photographs to her poetry and sometimes one of her photographs will inspire one of her poems.
Having been raised in a dramatic and lengthy divorce Kim’s passion for writing was the perfect escape from the weight of the world. Writing has always been a vehicle for catharsis, awareness, and realizations for Kim. It has been her solace and the greatest expression of her depth of feeling and sensitivity.
Performance Highlights
Kim’s first creative job was as a dancer in a film doing a rock/rock routine known as S.W.A.T. created by well-known dancers Papo & Jr. out of Brooklyn. Kim sang her original songs in front of over 5000 Vietnam Veterans in a show along with major members of the Doobie Brothers, including Keith Knudsen and John McFee, plus Jack Mack and the Heart Attack and Tommy Tutone. When she was 17, Kim performed the female lead in a Jay Livingston Broadway Backers Show in front of Gene Kelly and Marge Champion opposite Jesse White, William Schallert, and Teddy Wilson. Kim performed as a session singer for commercials and recording projects. She also did Television and stage work. She had sold out performances at well-known Los Angeles clubs.
Extensive Training
Kim’s vocal training has been substantive with Seth Riggs (Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder), Poul Thomsen (Caruso’s Technique), and Jeanette Goldenberg of Tin Pan Alley (Frank Sinatra’s coach). Her dance training was with Joe Tremaine and at such well-known schools as Roland Dupree Dance Academy and Academy West. Her acting training included studies with Peggy Feury at the Loft, Lieux Dressler’s Patio Playhouse, The Film Industry Workshop (at CBS Studio Center – Radford Studios), Sandra Knight, and USC Drama School. She attended and completed David Craig’s Musical Theatre Workshop, Robert McKee’s Story Structure Workshop and a Voice-over Workshop with Don Pitts. Kim completed an extensive Film Workshop with Eric Sherman regarding every aspect of Film Production – Producing, Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Editing, & Business Concerns.
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