Volume XI, Issue 31 August 3, 2022 Dear ,
I'll be honest: I am feeling a bit "cracked" at present. Richard, my husband, is struggling with a number of health issues, and this week has been/continues to be a perfect storm of symptoms and doctor's offices.
Here we are in 2013, 30 years into our marriage, enjoying one of our favorite things to do together. I'm not sure when, if ever, we'll be able to hike together again.
I know so many people are struggling with much harder challenges, with devastating circumstances. I'm doing my best to keep my perspective, to keep my spirits up, in part so I can keep Richard's spirits up as we navigate the choppy waters of his health. But I also know we have to honor the emotions running through us, so they don't run away with us. Yesterday, I just sat for a while with my eyes closed, and realized that what I needed in that moments was to hear Leonard Cohen sing "Anthem," which contains the words quoted in the subject line. It's a beautiful song, perfect for times when you wonder if you
can possibly keep holding your head above water. I'm going to let it stand as today's featured writing, as the lyrics are shown in this gorgeous and
moving live performance in London in 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8-BT6y_wYg.
. . If you need a dose of inspiration in a dark time, or in a light one, please give a listen. It still knocks my socks off every time I hear it. May love and light pour through any cracks in your life, Maureen
Upcoming WordPlay
COASTAL WRITING RETREAT
Renew yourself and reconnect with your own creativity, whether you are a practicing writer, closet writer, or as-yet-to-pick-up-the-pen writer! The techniques and prompts we’ll use will spur your imagination, and
can be used to create nonfiction, fiction, and/or poetry—the choice is yours.
The Coastal Writing Retreat includes writing sessions at a spacious, private location one mile from the Inn, two nights’ lodging, two breakfasts and Saturday lunch.
Want to extend your retreat? If you’d like to stay another day to write, or to just enjoy the beach, the Inn is offering Coastal Writing Retreat participants the opportunity to stay Sunday night at
half price.
WHERE: The Sunset Inn, 9 North Shore Dr., Sunset Beach, NC 2846
WHEN: Friday, November 11th – Sunday, November 13th,
2022
COST: $528 (hotel tax and Saturday dinner at a local restaurant not included)
TO REGISTER: Contact the Sunset Inn at 888.575.1001 or
910.575.1000 (if you would like to handpick your room, view your choices here first, then call). Because the Inn is holding rooms for you, our participants, they are blocked off as unavailable online. Register soon by phone –
this is a popular event and space is limited.
*Also, please let the Inn know when you call if you are interested in staying Sunday night at half price. The Inn will hold your reservation with a credit card.
More WordPlay opportunities here.
WordPlay Now! Writing Prompt
This is WordPlay—so why not revel in the power and potential of one good word after another? This week, it's "crack."
PROMPT: Write about a crack in someone's life—yours or anyone
else's, real or fictional. Can you identify at least one way that this crack allowed light to shine in?
It's fun to play with prompts in community with fellow writers, and to be able to share the results when you're done. You can find out about WordPlay classes, workshops, and retreats here.
MAUREEN RYAN GRIFFIN, an award-winning poetry and nonfiction writer, is the author of Spinning Words into Gold, a Hands-On Guide to the Craft of Writing, a grief workbook entitled I Will Never Forget You, and three collections of poetry, Ten Thousand Cicadas Can't Be Wrong, This Scatter of Blossoms and When the Leaves Are in the Water.
She believes, as author Julia Cameron says, "We are meant to midwife dreams for one another." Maureen also believes that serious "word work" requires serious WordPlay, as play is how we humans best
learn—and perform. What she loves best is witnessing all the other dreams that come true for her clients along the way. Language, when used with intentionality and focus, is, after all, serious fuel for joy. Here's to yours!
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