Julie B. Hughes's Blog, page 8
March 13, 2025
What sounds do you notice?
Yesterday was the first session of Spring into Action with the Run to Write Club. Our writing prompt was— notice the sounds around you while you’re moving. Then, choose one sound and explore what emotions or memories it evoked.
This prompt inspired today’s poem.
Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published Voice of Joylight footfalls gain momentum as the sunshine gives a mood boost—an extraordinary friendis beside me40 years to be exactour cadence remainsin sync. cheers and laughterare the sounds shecarries.and my mind returns to childhoodthe swish of our skiswind at our backsgravel under our sneakers i smile here we aremoving togetherwith the voice of joyWays to connect with our move and write practice:
Local friends— we’re offline and in person this Wednesday (3/19) at Freedom of Espresso to move and write at 9:30 a.m. There are still a few spots available. Click the button below.
Tomorrow (3/14), we will meet to move in Fayetteville, NY, at the Canal Landing Park entrance of the Empire State Trail at 7:30 a.m. There is no fee.
We will meet at the Canal Landing entrance by Freedom of Espresso. (my kids will be joining us) so children are welcome.
Join the Move + Write practice from your corner of the world—30 minutes of movement plus 30 minutes of writing for seven days to kick off Spring into Action.
Move, Breathe, Write, Repeat
Click the button below for more details and to download the seven-day writing prompts.
Please restack to share with your friends on Substack. Let’s grow our movement and writing community.
If you would like to share your movement, writing, or both over the next few days feel free to tag me in notes or send me an email.
Go!Go!Go!
You’re invited!
Join us for our community writing session every Monday at 11 am EST! We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up.
You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.
Be part of our creative community! Click the button below to join our Zoom room.
March 10, 2025
Tell me three sounds you heard while moving outside today...
Pratt’s Falls, Pompey, NY Join the Move + Write practice from your corner of the world—30 minutes of movement plus 30 minutes of writing for seven days to kick off Spring into Action.
Move, Breathe, Write, Repeat
Click the button below for more details and to download the seven-day writing prompts.
Please restack to share with your friends on Substack. Let’s grow our movement and writing community.
If you would like to share your movement, writing, or both over the next few days feel free to tag me in notes or send me an email.
Go!Go!Go!
Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published Joyful Noise Eastern Bluebirds sing—what a glorious morningas two crows burst inof-course, of-coursethe stream bubbles with laughtera joyful noiseand I get to hearwhile my feet drumand my arms swish inhale, exhale inhale, exhalea reason to celebrate.
Cheers to our writing community. See you soon. You’re invited!
Join us for our community writing session every Monday at 11 am EST! We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up.
You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.
Be part of our creative community! Click the button below to join our Zoom room.
Local friends— we’re offline and in person this Wednesday (3/12) at Freedom of Espresso to move and write at 9:30 a.m. to kick off Spring Into Action! There is still time to register. Click the button below.
On Friday, we will meet to move in Fayetteville, NY, on the Erie Canal Trail at 7:30 a.m. There is no fee.
We will meet at the Canal Landing entrance. (my kids will be joining us) so bring your kids, too.
March 6, 2025
Why move before writing...
Move + Write PracticeText within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedcobwebs sticky threads tangle the mindmovement is theway to makethe dust flyideas flow like a riverwild and freeeach step bringing clarity. stories trapped...stuckin repeatstep outside what do you hear? movement will domove forward, my dear ideas flow like a riverwild and freeeach step bringing clarity. quiet courageonly whispers how will you listen? lace-up your sneakersonward motion will reveal what the penmust say nextideas flow like a riverwild and freeeach step bringing clarity. movement shakes loose tight grips of doubttrust builds along the path…let’s do something great and grand.ideas flow like a riverwild and freeeach step bringing clarity. Spring into Action with the Run to Write Club. Several spots remain. Please join us.
Join us March 9-15 from your corner of the world—30 minutes of movement plus 30 minutes of writing for seven days to kick off Spring into Action.
Move, Breathe, Write, Repeat
Click the button below for more details and to download the seven day writing prompts.
Please restack to share with your friends on Substack. Let’s grow our movement and writing community.
Who will be joining us?
If you would like to share what you write these 7 days feel free to tag me in Notes or send me an email. Go!Go!Go!
March 3, 2025
30/30 Move + Write Practice
Join us March 9-15 from your corner of the world—30 minutes of movement plus 30 minutes of writing for seven days to kick off Spring into Action.
Move, Breathe, Write, Repeat
Click the button below for more details and to download the seven day writing prompts.
Please restack to share with your friends on Substack. Let’s grow our movement and writing community.
I’ve learned that movement outdoors is a powerful antidote to my rumination. Instead of getting caught in thought loops, running or walking shifts my focus to—what I see, hear, and smell around me.
This simple practice changes my mindset. As I move, memories, thoughts, and ideas emerge, giving me something to write about when I get home.
While science supports this connection, I encourage you to experience it firsthand. Take a walk, stretch, run, swim, or dance—then notice what emerges. Move your body, then grab a pen and notebook.
What thoughts are now ready to flow?
Thank you Michael, Sharon, and Linda a great writing session of sunshine!Michael got us started with the writing prompt: How does movement fuel your creativity?
You’re invited!
Join us for our weekly community writing session every Monday at 11 am EST! We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up.
You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.
Be part of our creative community! Click the button below to join our Zoom room.
February 27, 2025
Thanks to you...
My Road is making its way around the USA! Thank you, Jenn, Mary B., Julie, and David, for sharing the photos. I’m so grateful for your help.
Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published Facing MountainsA cardboard box shovedin the corner of my closetforty books sat insidecollecting dust i shook my headin disgust. Hoard these books—i will not sneakers lacedoutdoors I go to ponder and movea great combo. What is the goal? to spread the messagea lightbulb momentaha— and youour wonderful run to write crew. An eager yes a response so grand only ten books left as My Roadis shipping outto new Zip codes.Little free libraries gain a new book because of youmay it spread inspiration, bring heart change and courage for those facing mountain views.My daughter, Delaney loves making bracelets. She calls her business, Delaney’s Designs. I’ve hired her to make us bracelets. :)
When you sign up for Spring into Action with The Run to Write Club, you will each receive one as a welcome gift. (The colors vary.) We begin March 12, and seven spots remain.
Move and write with us. Click the button below for details and to register.
P.S. Not local but would like a bracelet. Simply reply to this email and let me know. :)
February 24, 2025
How have you sparked a love of movement...
Delaney and me on a walk togetherI came across an interesting article by President-Elect JFK in Sports Illustrated, published on 12/26/1960. (I’ll provide the link below).
A few quotes stood out that I would love to weave into my next book about the JFK 50-mile ultramarathon.
“For physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. The relationship between the soundness of the body and the activities of the mind is subtle and complex. Much is not yet understood. But we do know what the Greeks knew: that intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong; that hardy spirits and tough minds usually inhabit sound bodies.”
“We can fully restore the physical soundness of our nation only if every American is willing to assume responsibility for his own fitness and the fitness of his children.”
It was a snowy Friday morning. My children and I dressed for the weather and headed to a quiet trail not far from home. I was meeting a friend to run.
I mentioned we were going on an adventure then breakfast. They smiled wide when I brought up food. No more questions were asked.
While running with my friend, I allowed my children to move and explore together. They created their adventure, deep in conversation about stuffed animals, running, and what they wanted to be when they grew up.
It was cold but the fresh air was fabulous and the snow added an element of enchantment. The trail was peaceful with a few folks walking their dogs.
While my friend and I enjoyed our run and conversation, Brindsley and Delaney forged a path, walking and running at their own pace. My children’s independence led to genuine joy and connection with each other.
It made my heart happy.
I want my children to fall in love with movement. I will take responsibility for my children’s fitness.
This experience, combined with reading President JFK's article, sparked my curiosity about children and movement:
How might we inspire more children to discover the joy of outdoor activity? (even in the winter months)
How can we make physical activity feel less like an obligation and more like an adventure?
Is the goal comfort for you, me, and our children? Why?
Of course, it also has me curious about adults and movement but that’s for another day.
I’m curious— how have you sparked a love of movement with the children in your life?
here is the link to the archive of President JFK’s article if interested:
https://archive.org/details/the-soft-american-kennedy/page/n1/mode/2up
Exciting news! Spring into Action with The Run to Write Club!
Check out our awesome new club t-shirt design!
Register now for our 6-session program starting March 12th in Liverpool, NY. Don't forget to select your shirt size when signing up.
Ready to get moving and writing?
Register here at our Run to Write Club Website.
Please share with a friend who might love this unique experience.
Thank you, Michael, Julie, Karen, and Kym for joining me. You’re invited!
Join us for our community writing session every Monday at 11 am EST! We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up.
You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.
Be part of our creative community! Click the button below to join our Zoom room.
February 20, 2025
Grateful for...
winter running…#callousthemindText within this block will maintain its original spacing when published Winter Workgrateful for the snow plowssnow packed down just rightgrateful for my sneakersa crunch, crunch of delight grateful for my mittensfingers huddle in close grateful for my mindset get outdoors and coast grateful for the sunshineworth each gust of wind grateful I get to runbitter cold won't do me in it doesn't bother me the dairy farm I thankchildhood years of winter worka story I can now appreciate. Tell me what are you grateful for today? Share in the comments below.
You’re invited!
Join us for our community writing session every Monday at 11 am EST! We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up.
You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.
Be part of our creative community! Click the button below to join our Zoom room.
Spring into Action with The Run to Write Club!
🏃♀️ Move at YOUR pace - run or walk, all levels welcome
✍️ Discover the magic of pen-to-paper writing (we've got your supplies covered!)
🌟 Connect with an amazing, like-minded community
🌿 Get outdoors and get inspired
Where real life happens: movement, creativity, and genuine connections
Spots are limited to 10 participants. Reply to this email with any questions. ✨
Click the button before for details and to register.
February 17, 2025
Where in my body do I feel...
Jeff and I—grateful for another day. Where in my body do I feel stress or tension?
Where in my body do I feel strong and able?
In 2022, when my family and I were faced with a great challenge— Jeff’s recurrence of testicular cancer— writing was a gift. The humble blank page was available each day to dump my worry, fear, anger, and sadness.
What I noticed— writing gave me space to process all my emotions and release them on the page.
I could say what I wanted to say.
I didn’t need to be polite.
I didn’t need to show anyone.
I could let it rip.
Even if I only gave 5-10 minutes to my writing practice, my stress softened. My body felt a bit lighter.
When you find yourself in life’s deepest valleys maybe these prompts can help you process & recognize both the difficulty of your situation and the resilience that resides within you— one word at a time.
Keep moving. Keep writing. God bless,
Julie
Monday mornings make me feel…encouraged by the Run to Write Community & write together at 11 am (EST) in our Zoom room. You’re invited!
Join us for our community writing session today at 11 am EST! We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up.
You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.
Be part of our creative community! Click the button below to join our Zoom room.
The Run to Write Club in Central New YorkSpring into Action with The Run to Write Club!
🏃♀️ Move at YOUR pace - run or walk, all levels welcome
✍️ Discover the magic of pen-to-paper writing (we've got your supplies covered!)
🌟 Connect with an amazing, like-minded community
🌿 Get outdoors and get inspired
Where real life happens: movement, creativity, and genuine connections
Spots are limited to 10 participants. Reply to this email with any questions. ✨
Click the button before for details and to register.
February 13, 2025
Home from the JFK 50 mile...
Home celebrating with Brindsley and Delaney.I pulled into the garage, my heart raced with anticipation to see my children. As I stepped out of the car, my weary legs trembled beneath me, each step a reminder of yesterday's achievement.
The door swung open before I could turn the knob. There stood Delaney, her face beaming as she held a rack of freshly baked cookies. “Congratulations, Mom!” The sweet aroma of vanilla and chocolate wafted through the doorway.
I was thrilled with this unexpected welcome. Delaney set the cookies down on the kitchen counter as I pulled her into my arms. Brindsley joined us, his congratulations mixed with Delaney's excited chatter. They had so much to tell me.
“Mom, did you know a guy proposed to his girlfriend at the finish?” Brindsley grinned.
“Oh really? No.”
They nodded, “Yes, it was right before you finished.”
“Oh wow, did you see me finish?” I was hopeful they saw the fist pump to know I was okay.
In unison, “Yes! Mom, you looked strong.”
“Thank you.” I hugged them.
My mom's embrace came next. I couldn’t thank her enough for the hours she'd spent watching the kids while I was gone. I was grateful to have her support.
When I pulled out the medal, their eyes widened. They took turns wearing it around the kitchen. They both declared, “We’re going to run the JFK 50 mile too when we get older.”
I smiled. “Wouldn’t it be fun if we all ran it together?”
They nodded.
I grabbed a couple of chocolate chip cookies and enjoyed every bite. At that moment, standing in the kitchen, surrounded by cookies, hugs, and glowing faces, I recognized how blessed I was to have such a loving and supportive family.
It makes the celebration so much sweeter when you have others to share it with.
I couldn’t wait for Jeff to get home from work. I had so much to tell him. The first thing— thank you for supporting my crazy running goals.
The Winter Writer’s Camp gave a go at blackout poetry. Thank you for being here with me. I hope to see you in the Spring. Spring into Action with The Run to Write Club!
Click the button before for details and to register.
You’re invited!
Join us for our community writing session today at 11 am EST! We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up.
You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.
Be part of our creative community! Click the button below to join our Zoom room.
February 10, 2025
A dozen years
Happy Birthday Brindsley (tomorrow) Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published A Dozen Years (to Brindsley) tomorrow is twelve, our extraordinary son notebooks full of tales and miles to run each story you write opens a door to adventures— never seen beforeyour feet carry you swift and free while your mind dreams of all you can bestacks of books on your bedroom floorturning pages we see you soarbricks of LEGO beneath your hands transform into faraway landsyour play brings magic to each day,as your imagination leads the waystories and jokes fill us with joyit’s fun to be around a curious boykeep asking questions, don’t hold backwho’s one of your favorite singers?— Toby Mac stuff animals take over your bed they all have names, this one’s Fredclimbing trees even the spruce you go outside without an excuse sledding, skiing, and snow football winter months, you have a ball brother, runner, writer too we always wanted a son just like youyour gifts from God are shining bright please, please don’t hide your light so blow out your candles while we say Happy Happy Birthday, Brindsley—and please don’t forget…we love you not because of all you dobut because you… are YOU
Wonderful to write with you Gary, Leigh, Julie, and Linda. Thank you.You’re invited!
Join us for our community writing session today at 11 am EST! We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up.
You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.
Be part of our creative community! Click the button below to join our Zoom room.
Spring into Action with The Run to Write Club!
Click the button before for details and to register.
9 spots available.
