Part Three of Three On February 25, I attended PechaKucha Night here in Jacksonville, which was organized around the theme of “What’s Your Passion?” I was moved by what I saw and heard. I heard a father, Carl, speak passionately and proudly about his daughters, how fearless, determined, and free they are. I heard Jessie talk about how writing, at age 12, transformed him from victim to … [Read more...]
What’s MY Passion?
Part Two of Three So, if my friend Evan, at 10 years old, already knows his passion, it begs the question: What’s MY passion? Let’s see. Yes, I also love gardening. And bird-watching. And ballroom dancing And singing on my ukulele. And of course, I love writing, especially women writing, especially Women Writing for (a) Change. But, if I had to say it in one word, my current passion is, … [Read more...]
What’s Your Passion?
Part One of Three As I cleared winter debris from my garden this weekend, I was reminded of a gardener I know in Austin, Texas. While visiting a friend there last summer, I decided to stop by a community garden. That's where I found 10-year-old Evan and his dad sitting in a shady area by the compost bin. I asked the dad if he would give me a tour. “Oh, he’s your best tour guide,” the dad said, … [Read more...]
Claiming our voices, as individuals, as a nation
Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love. — Rumi Claiming Her Voice Again Last week I was thrilled to rediscover Elizabeth Cotten, a woman who wrote her signature song at age 11, taught herself to play the banjo and guitar left-handed, and then put down her instrument for decades...until she became a part of the Seeger Family, and was inspired by their music. She … [Read more...]
What’s your word for 2014?
I picked "embrace." It came to me, in a conversation with my journal. I'd had a dream about grains, and, when I looked up the symbolism, it was all about prosperity and happiness. So, my journal suggested I "embrace" this idea. Then I looked at the cover of my journal, where it said, "Embrace The Day." Hmmm. Is that clear direction from the Universe, or what? I like the idea of "embrace." … [Read more...]
What We’re Manifesting This Year!
January 2014 Newsletter Happy New Year! It's a brand new year, and, as I watch the birds and write in my journal this morning, I'm curious to see what will manifest in my life this year. How about you? Four Spots Left for Spring Series! Perhaps a women's writing circle is in your future! If so, I've got 4 spots left for the first ever Women Writing for (a) Change, Jacksonville, Spring Series, … [Read more...]