'Dreaming CIMA' with Autofiction Author René Urbanovich

What makes a writer? For René Urbanovich, it's an undeniable drive—the recognition that there's something harder than writing: not writing. In this profound conversation, René takes us deep into the heart of her literary auto-fiction memoir "Dreaming Cima and the Abandoned Mind," revealing how becoming a grandmother sparked an urgent need to document her family's extraordinary legacy.

Against the backdrop of the Mojave Desert's shifting sands, René uncovers a century-spanning narrative about the Ray family—miners, homesteaders, and survivors whose dreams were both nurtured and challenged by the unforgiving landscape they called home. The Cima Cinder Mine, staked in 1948, becomes more than just a setting; it transforms into a powerful metaphor for mining memories and the meaning they hold for us, across generations.

What began as a simple mining operation became famous for something unexpected: the Mojave Phone Booth. This isolated connection to the outside world drew visitors from across the globe—and ultimately, unwanted government attention that led to the mine's seizure. "The one thing that brought them fame is the one thing that destroyed them," René reflects, highlighting the tragic irony that couldn't be scripted more perfectly.

Beyond the historical narrative lies a deeply personal exploration of caregiving across generations. René candidly shares her experience as a member of the "sandwich generation," simultaneously caring for her mother with dementia while helping raise grandchildren. She contrasts her struggles with her grandmother's seemingly effortless devotion to family, revealing how societal expectations have shifted while fundamental human challenges remain.

As physical landmarks disappear—childhood homes demolished, hotels and aqueduct

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Now more than ever, it’s tempting to throw our hands in the air and surrender to futility in the face of global strife. Storytellers know we must renew hope daily. We are being called upon to embrace our interconnectivity, transform paradigms, and trust the ripple effect will play its part. In the words of Lion King producer Don Hahn (Episode 8), “Telling stories is one of the most important professions out there right now.” We here at Language of the Soul Podcast could not agree more.

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