Getting together to share stories is as human as it gets.
Last night, I attended a writer’s gathering that two old friends of mine invited me to. The members get together monthly, to circle up and read their writing to one other. No feedback, only appreciation and enjoyment. The encouragement is in the respectful listening.
This month’s meeting happened to take place on Skidmore Bluff, a precarious spot of land that drops vertically to North Greeley Ave. It’s part of Mocks Crest, a curved string of elevated land that lines the southern edge of North Portland. In 24 years as a Portlander, I’d never been there before, and learned that Mocks Crest isn’t just the name of a tavern! It was one of those moments when I fell back in love with my home city.
Against this stunning backdrop, I heard stories.
Stories with surprise twists. A zombie who turns out to be family. A modern day delusional bully who is convinced that he’s doing his victims a favor. An elderly Julie Andrews lookalike who performs a magic trick with pickled eggs at the bar.
Love stories. The late-in-life thawing of an impossible sibling relationship. The gut-punch of unrequited love for a queer teen. Two introverts who bond over a book on the 14 bus. An homage to Donald Sutherland and 70s menswear.
All to say, it was a robust evening of Great Entertainment, as well as wise insights, disarming humor, and crystalized depictions of ordinary moments made extraordinary through language.
I left the evening wanting more. More sharing of words, images, songs, stories, beauty. More sitting a circle with people who have an offering, and who are willing to accept mine. Sure, these particular writers are dedicated artists, many of whom are publishing and producing their work for a larger audience.
But this is the same glow I have whenever I’m at an open mic, a book exchange, a dinner table facilitated by a skilled host — any kind of circle where true human give-and-take takes flight. It's as human as it gets. We all can give one another stories, music, art and ideas that make us laugh, make us think, make us see the world from a different angle. Make us feel more alive. Circle up!
The Year of Art Program: New Group begins Sept 5th
For 4 years, I've been facilitating groups of artists and creative types, to provide content, accountability, and community to folks who want to take their creative lives to the next level. The Year of Art Program is a series of 12 monthly meetings that are organized around themes, including:
Committing to Creative Work and Managing your Resistance to it
Defining your Artistic Voice and Managing your Inner Critic
Finding your People: Audience, Collaborators, Community
Developing your Habits, Routines and Workspace to Support your Creative Goals
Are you wanting to make more time for music, writing, dancing, performing or making beautiful things? Are you working on an artistic project and are looking for some structure to stay the course? Either way, I invite you to join me for a Year of Art! Progress happens one step and a time, and I create a place of learning, sharing and mutual support that helps participants stay connected with their creative spirits and move forward on their paths.
When:
The 1st Thursday of every month
Starts September 5th
6-7pm Pacific time
Where:
On Zoom
Cost:
$300 for 12 meetings
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