Vanessa Shields's Blog, page 8

Socks for Supper

Socks for Supper by Jack Kent is my favourite children’s book from my childhood. I can’t tell you the first time I read it, or perhaps, the first time it was read to me. I can’t tell you where I first felt and held and loved the copy I had…or even when it mysteriously disappeared from my collection. Luckily, I found a used copy at a thrift store and, upon seeing it, gleefully and gratefully bought it and took it home. It lives on the bookshelf in the basement, nestled among other children’s books.

This is a simple story, written in simple words with simple illustrations that deliver a complicated message about kindness and sharing. It is about poverty and hope, food and eating, farming and knitting. It is about humanity.

I just reread it again, sitting here in the basement in the giant chair I’ve shoved in the corner even though it totally doesn’t fit. I know at some point it will migrate to a new home, maybe to Jett’s bachelor pad or to Miller’s bedroom when she takes over the basement…I needed something to inspire me before I fold into work that will take the rest of the weekend to complete.

There’s nothing like a children’s picture book to soften complicating realities, to warm the heart with a breath of simple words that charm the heart and soothe the soul. Also, that may make one hungry and begin to crave a solid piece of cheese…which one can then look forward to enjoying on a break from the work!

This book was published in 1978, the year I was born. It wasn’t till maybe 1983 that the book came into my life…and now, some 46 years later (you know I just used the calculator on my phone to do the math), it continues to give me pause, to inspire, to teach…to give me hope.

What is your Socks for Supper children’s book? I do hope you have one…or more. If not, take a trip to the library and spend a couple of hours in the children’s book section…read, read, read…and I guarantee you’ll be filled up.

*Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour tonight! And that tomorrow is a new moon!

When The Words Don’t…

There are many sounds at a funeral.

Last night, I heard bursts of laughter, whispers between colleagues and friends. I heard noses blown and one chorus of “Hallelujah’ (by Leonard Cohen, performed by Jeff Buckley) when for a few seconds, a soft silence filled the room.

The room was filled with people for two hours straight. The line flowed out of the chapel into the parking lot, and wind-whipped, everyone waited to sign the guest book, to see the photos, to embrace the bereaved.

I heard backs slapped. Over and over, strong hands of men, slapping each other’s backs. I heard throats tighten with emotion. I heard hearts beating in unison.

I heard, “I’m sorry.” I heard, “I’m so sorry for your loss.” I heard heads shaking in disbelief. I heard hands gripping. I heard water pouring into plastic cups and mouths unparching.

I heard, “I don’t know how I’m going to speak tomorrow.”

I watched how love took shape in bodies and faces and hands and sounds. I watched how humans let grief step inside, briefly. I watched how humans kept grief at a distance. I watched how humans denied grief in full.

Some of us wore black.

I watched young people laugh – sharing stories from a past without the loss in the present.

What do you say when the loss is too big for words? When the words don’t fit? When the words you want to say are in rage to the reality of mortality?

I watched veins pop in foreheads and tears burst like seed shoots.

When the words don’t come, it’s okay. When the words don’t fit, it’s okay.

Cry. Laugh. Remember…

Love is a language beyond words, beyond voice…beyond the body…yet so fully alive in the body…a vessel for our souls to thrive…and when the vessel sheds…we learn how to love with light.

You know you’re a writer when

You are constantly thinking of book titles. They come to you whilst you’re driving to get your kids, for example. You’re thinking about something that happened in your life, and a title for a chapbook, say, or even a full-length poetry collection swoops into your movie mind. Thick black helvetica letters in bold: BREAK-UPS FOR ADULTS. It’s about all the ways we ‘break-up’ as adults and how hard it is to experience/navigate the break-ups. You can visualize the first page poem. It’s a list poem…You can’t not stop to look at the books in Shoppers Drug Mart. You maybe even take one out from the shelving display, hold it in your hands. You scoff at the latest issue of Oprah’s magazine and its title about peri-menopause…and you think, shi*, I could write an article on that hot topic. You are constantly thinking: I could write an article for that publication. I totally could. (But you’ve never done it…or maybe once and nothing happened…)You go bananas when you find out a friend is getting a book published. And you call them and you squeal and you celebrate. You get a pang of jealousy when you find out a friend has won an award. It’s fine. It’s in the deeps. You don’t say it out loud. You scold yourself for the feeling. Then you celebrate. You imagine yourself receiving a book award. Your speech is written. You’ve been writing it in your mind for years now.When you read a great book, you think: damnit! I’m never writing again! You always want to talk about writing and creativity. Like, always. You have stacks of books (read and unread) all.over.your.house.Every space you enter into, you consider what it would be like to write and/or read in it. Yes, even in Home Depot. *BONUS* You carry a Purse Book. A book that is always in your purse, and you read it when you are waiting anywhere. It’s been in your purse for a while, but it’s there for you. (Also, your purse is large enough to hold a book.)Diablo Cody winning her Academy Award.

When Long Gets Longer

It’s been a loooong minute since I’ve posted a blog. That’s not to say I haven’t started blogs, that I haven’t collected a load of photos to share, or quotes that have inspired me, or poems that I want to offer…I’ve done all of these things and yet never quite made it to hitting the ‘publish’ button. When a week then a month then months go by…it gets harder and harder to know where to begin.

Today I wrote a draft synopsis and query letter for the novel I’ve been working on. I thought, at some point an agent or a publisher may ‘google’ me and see that I have a blog, but haven’t posted in awhile. That could deter them…and since I’m not on Facebook or Twitter…and I’m taking a break from Instagram, my on-line ‘presence’ has shifted. What will that mean to potential agents and/or publishers? I think about this because I know that how a writer ‘markets’ herself, and her work, well, that matters a lot to some. Having said this, I know many writers who are not on-line at all, and they are getting books published and continuing to be active in their communities. We do what we do, and it works how it works, right? For me, I want to show that I am active here…no matter what that activity is…

I started this blog in the early 2000s. I can’t find the exact date, and it was on a whole other platform…what was it called? Something that began with a P…in any case, I’ve been managing to keep this puppy going for over two decades. That’s wild to me! Certainly what is clear is how my relationship with the blog has shifted over time. Remember the year I wrote a poem a day? Remember when ‘thimbles’ was published during the pandemic? Remember last year when I said I’d post with the seasonal changes, new and full moons, solstices and equinoxes. I guess I’ve been quite committed and seem to like to make ‘thematic’ promises to interwebs about what the blog will be each year.

But 2024 rolled in like a fog…and it’s already February 21, 2024 – how the heck did that happen? This is a tough time of every year…winter is doing its dragging-on dance, and pretty much everyone I know has either been fighting some kind of bad cold/flu or is on vacation. Ha! Myself, I’ve had bronchitis three times. I’m just finishing some medication and feeling much better…but still that cough…that persistent cough!

Life is full and good. My 2023 sabbatical year is complete. I’m working three jobs and loving each, though my paper calendar (always paper!) looks like a pen-frenzied-fiasco. ‘Work’ is an-ever shifting relationship in my life too. Sometimes it feels like a full-body experience – my brain and guts and muscles and skin and heart – are fully involved…and I have to remind myself that I am NOT my jobs, and that they don’t have to hurt or be scary…that I CAN do them with vigour and joy. I’ve been teaching, for example, for over twenty years, and I still get nervous/anxiety before I teach. It’s become a natural part of the work – like I’ve taught my body how to react in certain ways when I do work and anxiety is part of the process. Except that, it’s NOT natural to have so much anxiety! And so I’m trying to feel it when it comes and then redirect the energy. It’s a good challenge.

I learned how to bake peasant bread from scratch. Making bread is a truly satisfying experience. From four simple ingredients, it comes alive in your palms…and it makes the house smell like a piece of heaven…and it gives the belly and brain such divine comfort. When I bake peasant bread, I feel the energy of the earth in my hands, and a zinging, wild kind of created nourishment that I feel like humans have been experiencing when baking breads for a long, long time. It is absolutely comforting.

There’s a new baby in our family. The first in quite some time. She’s a seedling, that’s what I call her. So tiny and pure, like a new seed just beginning to sprout. Her presence is bringing a beautiful warmth and soft love into the family. My womb literally shuddered when I held her for the first time! Did a kind of leap of joy, and the little ‘baby fever’ I have left did a little jig too. (Although I’m pretty sure I have, like, one egg left and it refuses to let go…)

I’m reading. I’m writing. I’m teaching and mentoring and editing. I’m doing publicity and accounting. I’m spending time with friends and family. There’s a little trip to NYC (Manhattan) in the future. The kids are well and thriving as is the husband. See, that wasn’t so hard to write, was it?

At least I’ve broken the ‘it’s been too long a time’ song in my mind. And the sky is gorgeous blue. And the sun is sharing her light. And it smells like spring!

Welcome back to the blog! This year’s theme and commitment…um….go with the flow! Write when I write. Peace.

WINNER! NaNo 2023

On Thursday, November 23, 2023 I successfully surpassed the 50,000 word count for National Novel Writing Month 2023! It happened in the arms of the gorgeous and cozy Lodge at Lakeshore location, punching words into my laptop whilst sitting in the most-comfy-couch ever!

Today is November 30, 2023 – I can’t believe it! I committed to putting in at least 2000 words today…and I did that too! Here’s my final word count:

I am very happy to be a winner! I’ve got a shirt and hoodie on order and I’ll wear them with pride! Congratulations to all those who participated in NaNo this year! Whether you wrote 5, 500, 5,000 words or 50,000 words – you wrote! And that counts towards so much goodness in world, so much creative energy flowing positively between us!

I’m heading to a cottage for the weekend for an intensive writing retreat. Yes, I need more intensive writing in my life! January is getting closer and I need to get a first draft of my novel complete by then. Nope, 50,000 didn’t complete the draft! I’m into chapter four with a stellar outline to guide me. The characters are with me every day, whether I write with them or not! And when I sit to write, the words usually flow out with ease. When they don’t, I wait a minute, breathe, and the story continues. It’s been a truly unique creative process this time around. I’m excited to telling this story. And…I’m so inspired to keep working on fiction…and reaching back to stories that I’ve completed in the past. Specifically…

Remember this little ditty? Well, I’ve been wanting to go back and write a new draft of ‘Hangman’ for years now..and I’d just said it out loud to a friend then later that day, I got a message from a student I’d read a chapter of Hangman to during a school visit 11 (!!!) years ago. She said she was searching for the book because she never stopped thinking about it and wanting to read it! I’m smiling so hard right now! The timing of her message, and the timing of my words of commitment to revitalize the story – well, that’s what you call divine alignment, my friends. Thank you, Simone, for reaching out and giving me the extra zing I need to get Hangman up and at ’em once again.

There’s much to consider for 2024 concerning my creative writing life. I’m giddy with excitement for new adventures!

There’s one more thing I’d like to share about my NaNo experience.

I’m fascinated by the stats of my word count. There were a good amount of days when I didn’t write at all. You can see a fairly long stretch after a very high word count day. That was Thursday the 16th. I was at the Lodge at Lakeshore and I wrote over 6,000 words. My brain was supercalafragilisticexpealo-MUSH. I needed a legit break…and after an eleven day stretch of writing each day, I needed to catch up on the rest of my life.

I’ve always had this romantic notion that a ‘real’ writer writes every day. For me, that’s a difficult task. For one month a year I can pretend I have that kind of writing life…and it does feel a little romantic lifting WRITE to the top of the daily to-do list…and it felt SUPER idyllic and romantic writing at the Lodge at Lakeshore…but it was hard to keep my stamina. My body hurt some days. My brain stopped working after 3pm. I was one body with two brains, two hearts…and maybe that’s how it is for us when we’re working on a writing project.

The truth is a real writer writes and reads. This is my truth and a fair truth for those Nano-ers who’ve been writing their tooshes off all month. We can bring the romance to any space we write. Lighting a candle helps me get in the mood. Having a warm drink and something sweet in arm’s reach helps too.

My body is taking a bit of a hit. I’m not exercising and I’m not over-eating but eating for pleasure. For now. I got bangs. And once January comes and I learn my new schedule as a student at Humber, I’ll fold in exercise…maybe sooner if I have the energy.

There’s more, friends, but I’m pooped and I want to go read.

And so, happy last-day-of-Nano! WE did it!

NANOOOOH!

Ooooh. My brain hurts! It’s been a minute since I’ve given an update on my Nano writing but that’s because I’ve been WRITING AND WRITING AND WRITING.

Today’s word count: 45, 159!! I wrote 3555 words today and my brain is mush-eyyyy! I had another emotional write…crying all over myself as I unfolded a character’s death. Damn. Writing is physical! Emotional! Exceptional!

Here’s where I’m writing today. At home, with the dogs, and with Charis (Cotter) on Facetime for our annual writer’s retreat which is virtual this year.The Christmas tree is up so the house is super festive and cozy! Santa’s coming!

I’ve been writing at various locations this month…at Tim Horton’s with Christian (CM Forest – Hi Christian!), at Suede, at home…and this past Thursday, I hosted my first Write-in at the Lodge at Lakeshore!

I took to the comfiest sofa ever for most of the day. Stopping to pee and eat and quick-visit with the other writers who shared the space. The sofa!

It was such a beautiful experience writing at the lodge. Its spacious, wood-heavy, coziness was perfect for writing. I felt like I was in a Hallmark holiday film! Throughout the writing time from 12pm to 7pm, people came in to write, read, journal or be creative – paint, think, dream, meditate, walk. The energy was electric but calm with each of us working on our creative projects. Thank you to Jenny and the Lodge at Lakeshore team for making our stay so special! We’re doing it again THIS THURSDAY from 12pm – 7pm, so if you can make it – do!

I wrote over 6,000 words that day! When I got home, I was utterly exhausted. I’d made it to the end of my uber-outline – the characters told me their endings and I felt…both sad and relieved. The mysteries we solved together, and it was a big moment to let settle. So I did that…and didn’t write another word for three whole days! I was on an eleven day writing spree, but the truth was that I needed a break when the endings came. We all did – that is – me and the characters. And so I used this past weekend to catch up on all the other things in my life that were waiting. The guilt of not writing began to creep in last night, but I promised myself and the characters that this week would be filled with ample writing time every day, and we’d be back at it. I slept hard and well. And this morning, I awoke to a nervous tummy because…chapter one! Back to the beginning for another round, this time, the filling in and scene finessing for the first draft (second?) that I need for the Humber course – deadline January 2024!!!

I felt…almost shy…cautiously welcoming the characters to come back to the beginning with me…and if we could, without the dreaded pressures of Chapter One. I did a quick journal to settle my mind and belly, and then got to writing. The magic continues, my friends! Chapter one is nearly done…and the story is blossoming in a way that makes my heart and soul feel bursting with gratefulness to be a writer, a creative, a storyteller. I hope you feel this too as you write and create!

IN OTHER NEWS…

I am extremely grateful to the Ontario Arts Council, Recommenders’ Grants! Thank you! Thank you to Dorothy for her sweets sharing and Puffs Plus sharing – these tissues are truly incredible!Lady bug, Lady luck – keep it comin’!This was my kilometer (odometer?!) reading on November 17!!! Am I in magical alignment or what?!Unfortunately, luck can’t touch my hot flashes, which continue with a vengeance. Thanks to Jacey for showing me this neck fan…

Here are today’s Nanowrimo stats. I need less than 5,000 words to hit 50,000! I’m definitely gonna surpass that goal…and it feels amazing already!

Keep writing, creating, spreading the love!

NaNo Nov 8

The Clackety-Keyboard is an essential writing tool for my NaNo wrimo journey. I love the sound, the depth of the keys, the push my fingertips have to do…the sound!

Today’s word count. Lower than yesterday and the day before, but it was an emotional write. And I’m in the third act of my mega outline..with bullet points for scenes for tomorrow’s write.

We’ve been breached! Attention! We’ve surpassed the 20,000 word count!

At this rate, sure, I could be done by November 17th. But I won’t be. And that’s okay! I mean, maybe I’ll hit 50,000 words, but there’ll be more writing to be done!

I was writing a very emotional scene. The character was crying, I was crying…and the person working downstairs from me came up to ask if I was ok! Very sweet! I told him I was, that I was crying because I was writing. He stared at me like this was not helpful information. I said, when my characters cry, I cry. It’s the process. And he asked again if I was okay! I am very okay! I told him. I suppose that crying because a character cries is a unique reason to cry. But you feel me, writers, don’t ya?

HAPPY WRITING Y’ALL!

NaNo – Day 6

TOTAL WORDS WRITTEN TODAY!

THE WRITING DESK TODAY – SUEDE PRODUCTIONS

WRITING STATS SO FAR – WITH CHRISTMAS IN PARIS TEA

WORKING TITLE & FOR-FUN COVER REVEAL!

WRITE WITH ME!

Samhain & NaNo & Love

We are in the bosom of autumn! I think this is one of the most beautiful season changes I’ve seen! The leaves and their fiery bursts of colour are stunning to witness! The air smells like change and earth and leaf love. I am definitely sweater-ready, cozy-motivated and sipping more and more cups of hot tea and coffee. The full moon on the 30th was breathtaking! And it didn’t rain on Halloween! I don’t remember the last time it wasn’t raining on Halloween! I’m in my 46th year of life, and I think I’m finally getting the hang of these seasonal changes, anticipating them, learning from them, and accepting them. A friend said she’d love to live in a place that was like summer all year round…I’d love to visit her in mid-January when the winter feels extra difficult! But, I really love the seasonal changes we witness and experience here in Windsor. I find that my body follows these distinct seasonal changes too. My witchy, pagan parts deepen with each shift and very often my mind, heart and soul are held in the wisdom of the moon cycles, weather cycles, and light/darkness cycles. It feels much easier to go with the flow of the seasonal shifts rather than trying to ignore, deny or loathe them.

“Everything you need to make your success concrete is now at your disposal.”

Oracle card #48 – Poised

I’m not alone in feeling that this time of year is kinda perfect for diving into projects at any stage (dreaming, beginning, middle or ending). It’s National Novel Writing Month (November) and literally hundreds of thousands of people write thousands of words for their projects. Book festivals are happening all over. Book launches, theatre shows, night markets, crafting markets – our expressions of creative work and the sharing of it seems to fatten up in November. I want to do more creative work, but I also want to slack and snuggle and watch movies and read books…and by the miracle that is this gorgeous season, I figure out a way to do both!

“You much put in the time, exchange your experience and skills, and commit heart and soul to what you’re choosing to pursue. You can do it!”

Oracle card #27 – Exchanging Gifts

I want to put in the time to write the first draft of my novel. I want to put in the time for writerly gatherings and family film nights, for long walks in Ojibway and soup-sipping lazy lunches with friends…and I can do it with gentle discipline and time management.

National Novel Writing Month

I haven’t written for NaNo yet today – that’s coming right up after this blog post! I am committed to writing at least 50,000 words this month. I am managing my time but committing to writing during 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday, and in the evenings and on weekends if I’m inspired or compelled to do so. When I was on Pelee Island in July, I proved to myself that I can achieve the romantic, idyllic, dream-like life of a writer that is writing all day. I know it was for a short period of time and that being alone with my only myself to feed, clean, and take care of, changed the dynamics of time, space, energy and emotion…and even courage. But the fact that I did it – including writing 12,000 words in one sitting on a Thursday – remains a living entity inside me that continues to give me the stamina and hope to write.

Writing exerts a different kind of energy than other thing I do in my life. Sometimes it feels like a hard work-out, leaving my muscles and bones tense and tired. Other times, it’s like a slow jog, a bit sweaty, and lethargic, but still very pleasuring. Sometimes I can barely keep my fingers moving fast enough to match the words that are pouring out of me, in a very real, channelling-type expression that I’ve heard other writers speak about…

I started working on this project when I began my sabbatical back in January 2023. But the deep truth is that I think this project has been a part of me for much longer, I just needed to live through certain experiences in order for the telling of this story to be able to told in a way that feels divinely, purely inspired. Up until August 2023, the story was a memoir…and the voice of the story continues to be written in the pages of my journal, and in oral exchanges with people in my life who I connect with on a soul level.

I’d been feeling a kind of…askew-ness to the story. Like if I turned my head at a different angle, or looked behind me or beside me or just…paused at a certain point, that I’d catch the…parallel/side pocket/in-between story that was waiting to be seen…and let in. I could feel that there was another way to tell this story, but that it or I or ‘we’ – the idea and I – weren’t aligning yet to connect. It was kind of frustrating because I could really feel the opening to this…expansion of story growing in strength. I was feeling weighed down by the story I’d been telling myself, writing out of me all year.

And then in September…in a flurry of finger-typing – HAZZAH – the new story stepped into me. The characters – at that time, there were only a couple, including the main character – revealed themselves like they were waiting outside my door and I finally yelled “Come in already!” And their names came to me like we’d known each other for years. Names are always difficult for me…especially last names, but this time, even the last names flowed in. And I was told by the characters that I needed to tell their story in a way I’d never told a story before. That I should use a template, a storytelling structure because they knew their story, but they’d need a little guidance to get it out.

I’ve been existing with a crowd of characters in my mind since that amazing day. It’s quite an experience because my mind was already filled with Parts jostling to tell me what to do, think, feel…but most of them have quieted or gone on vacation or pulled up a chair to witness what’s happening.

These characters know my story. They know my memoir tellings and they are making sure I keep true to my truths which is very important to me. Writing is never wasted, never regrettable, never not useful. It has been, and always will be, one of the most important ways I live my Purpose, which is to know love, give love, receive love – always learn about and spread love.

I realized that last year I lost Hope. Or, I shut her out. Or I didn’t know how to include her in my story. That I was creatively censored in a way I’d never experienced before, caused a closure into Hope’s flow through me, into me. I didn’t realize that Hope was gone until I started writing poetry again, without the censor(s) invading my mind. I began to make the connections between creativity and Source (Love), and creativity and Hope (Love’s companion). I realized that they need each other, that Hope is the energy that opens the heart and mind and spirit to welcoming new ideas, new light…that Hope brings the Changes needed to learn, to grow, to forgive, and to release the censor(s), not to send it away, to negate it, to ignore it, but to recognize its purpose and to choose if that purpose is love-filled or not. To choose what truth(s) the censor is connected to or not. And how to create with it as a companion, a Part, like all the others, and still tell my story.

Writing is a tremendous act of freedom, of courage, of devotion, of humanity, of spirit, of Love. Isn’t that exciting? Exhilarating? Extraordinary?!

I’d really love to share this writing experience with you this month! Here are some opportunities for us to write together.

WRITERS’ ASSEMBLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

I had a fantastic time at the Book Lover’s Luncheon, organized and beautifully executed at the Windsor Club by the May Court Club of Windsor. It was my first reading in a year! I was considerably nervous…and I wrote three new poems to share with the more-than-100 people gathered. I got to share the podium with Kim Conklin and Heidi LM Jacobs – amazing! It was wonderfully invigorating and fulfilling…and it helped my Hope fatten right up, and my Purpose zing.

Here’s another upcoming literary luncheon I’ll be going to! Perhaps you’ll join me?

AND THIS HAPPENED!

Jett wrote, directed and editing his first 48-hour flick fest film in October, and last night was the screening and award ceremony. Jett worked with a stellar team of actors/friends/family to bring his story ‘Quantum Chocolate’ to life. There were 21 films that were screened to a packed house at the Capitol theatre downtown.

Jett won two major awards! Best Directorial Debut and Best Use of Prop. Um, yes, I cried! And cheered and clapped too! It was so exciting to witness our Goose’s art be shared and celebrated at WIFF. We are so grateful to be a part of Goose’s creative passions! (I hope he continues to cast me in his movies! Ha!) Thank you loads to all those who help Jett in his creative endeavours! And thanks to Vincent Giorgi, the late, great Mark Boscariol, and the spectacular team at WIFF for creating opportunities like the 48-hour flick fest for filmmakers! #proudmama

Outside of managing my fitness and sugar-intake, remembering to take my medicine, reading and writing, joyous exchanges with family and friends…the thing I’m paying attention to is my worrying. Thank you, Tracey, for helping me see a different perspective on worry…on fears and death and the eternal soul.

I’m reading this on her recommendation:

“It is your life story which brought you here. It is your personal experience to which this material has relevance…”

pg. 2

Thanks, friends! Love on!

LITERARY SHOULDERS

Hello friends! What an exciting week it’s gonne be! There are some fine literary and cinematic events happening around town. I hope to see you out and about!

Poetry at the Manor

Poetry at the Manor is in its 11th season! The event takes place at Willistead Manor *THIS WEDNESDAY*. No need to get any tickets, but do arrive well before the start so you can get seat…standing-room only is the real deal at this event! Books will be for sale post-poetry and refreshments are free and abundant!

Book Lovers’ Luncheon

On Sunday, October 29, I’ll be sharing the literary stage with Kim Conklin and Heidi LM Jacobs for the May Court Club’s annual Book Lovers’ Luncheon. We’ll feast and celebrate our love of books. There’ll be loads of books on display and for sale and auction. This is a fundraising event for the May Court Club.

What will I be reading, you wonder…Well, ahem, me too! I’m not sure what I’m reading yet, but I may read bits from two new writing projects…and perhaps some oldies from past poetry books too! See you there!

WIFF – Depraved Mind Premiere

I’m sooo excited that WIFF has arrived! With nearly 200 films to choose from to watch, this year’s festival is a stunner! Suede Productions’ film ‘Depraved Mind’ is premiering on Friday, October 27th at 8pm at the Chrysler St. Clair Centre! Do come and watch it – support local filmmakers…and well, me and the fam! It was a family affair making this film with all of us on set to help make movie magic!

*Content Warning* Depraved Mind is a thriller. It has violence and harsh subject matter, so do watch the trailer first! And if it’s not your type of film – no worries! There are loads of other films at the festival to choose from!

DEPRAVED MIND TRAILER & TICKET INFO HERE!

WIFF FILMS HERE!

Art Kitchen – New Episode

We’ve got a new episode of Art Kitchen ready for your listening ears! In this podcast, we have a passionate conversation with artisan Louise Warner-MacDougall. She is a crafter whose gifts for ‘making’ are outstanding. She shares her creative journey with us!

LISTEN HERE! OR ON YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST PLAYER!

Writers’ Assembly

Our first Writers’ Assembly gathering was last Sunday in Essex at Balanced Life Wellness Centre.

Prompts! Sticker prompt!The set-up!

We had a great turnout, and as a group, we decided to write together for the full three hours! It was incredible! We also zoomed in a writer from Peterborough (Thanks Chantel!)! I brought loads of writing prompts for us to do – from writing about wild stickers, to writing about a random place on a paper map to one-word prompts, we wrote and shared and wrote and shared!

Our next gathering is in November! Please register ahead by sending an email to let me know you’re coming. Our special guest writer leading the 1 hour workshop is Sarah Morris. Workshop – 1pm – 2pm, share 2pm-3pm, free-independent write 3pm – 4pm. Snacks and warm drinks available! $20 or love-offering. Pay in cash or e-tranfser.

Thank you to Michelle at the wellness centre for sharing your amazing space -and sharing your lovely words!

TWO BOOKS

To shoulder the weight of your creativity – Rick Rubin’s book ‘The Creative Act: A Way of Being’ is enlightening, hopeful, guiding and inspiring. This book was gifted to me and it is a phenomenal gift to give anyone you love! (Thank you again, Barry!)

I started reading this heart-growing book last night and it continues to cling to me today. Anam Cara translated from Gaelic means ‘soul friend’. This book is a soul friend! It is a collection of Celtic wisdom that offers a deep and ancient path to friendship and love. I can’t wait to keep reading! It too was gifted to me (Thank you, Kim!). It is another extraordinary book to give! It is written by poet and philosopher John O’Donohue. Sigh, his books are incredible!

Firefly Morning Writes

This morning I did a morning coffee write with the Firefly family. Firefly Creative Writing offers half-hour morning writing prompts Monday to Friday. It is a peaceful, inspiring, heart-centric writing exercise created by writers from the Firefly family. At the end of each session, a poem is offered.

Here is today’s poem – I feel on my shoulder and in my heart.

Shoulders
Naomi Shihab Nye

A man crosses the street in rain,
stepping gently, looking two times north and south,
because his son is asleep on his shoulder.

No car must splash him.
No car drive too near to his shadow.

This man carries the world’s most sensitive cargo
but he’s not marked.
Nowhere does his jacket say FRAGILE,
HANDLE WITH CARE.

His ear fills up with breathing.
He hears the hum of a boy’s dream
deep inside him.

We’re not going to be able
to live in this world
if we’re not willing to do what he’s doing
with one another.

The road will only be wide.
The rain will never stop falling.

Naomi Shihab Nye, “Shoulders” from Red Suitcase. Copyright © 1994 by Naomi Shihab Nye. Reprinted with the permission of The Permissions Company, Inc., on behalf of BOA Editions, Ltd., www.boaeditions.org.

Samhain (Halloween & All Saints Day) is coming!

Samhain (pronounced sow-an) is October 31st and All Saints Day is November 1st. Many of us will be celebrating in some way to welcome the fall and lay summer to rest. There is much to reflect on this time of year. Will you be doing anything to welcome this seasonal shift? Dressing up? Dancing and singing around a fire? Do tell!

Talk soon!