Volume IV, Issue 48 November 30, 2015 Dear ,
Here's a question
we've all heard many times—what's it worth to you?
Of course, usually what "worth" refers to in this context is cold, hard cash. As nice as money is, though, the worth of an object or experience or endeavor to someone almost always goes much deeper than that. Ultimately, it comes down to what we intrinsically
value.
Like Charlie Brown (I confess, the reason this zine is coming so late tonight is because I couldn't resist watching the 50th anniversary show) and the Christmas tree he picks because it represents the true meaning of Christmas to him. Why? Because it needs him. This says something huge about who Charlie Brown is and what he
values.
There's something so endearing about Charlie Brown's belief in the worth of that spindly little sapling. He has such heart. And isn't that, in the end, what rallies the
whole Peanuts gang to decorate that little tree, and gather round it to sing?
This week, I'm so proud to feature WordPlayer Mary Killian, whose first book, The Roustabout Heart: Adventures in Recovery speaks volumes about the inherent worth of each and every one of us, no matter how "spindly" we may feel we are. In fact, one of the inspiring short reflections shared below is all about worth. Whether or not you or
someone you love has faced an addiction and engaged in the process of recovery, The Roustabout Heart is a heartwarming, discover-your-own-worth kind of book. I'm pretty sure Charlie Brown would like it, and that you would too.
And while you're thinking about worth, you may want to consider what it's worth to you to do what it takes to write a book of your
own, if you haven't yet. A new year full of new days to fit at least a bit of writing into (little bits do add up) is just around the corner. If Mary can do it (and she can and did), she'd be the first to tell you that you can too. And you are so worth it. Love and light, Maureen Upcoming WordPlay
WINTER WRITING RETREAT only 2 spaces left!
(Writing as Renewal/Creating New Writing/
Tools for a Writing Life)
Renew and delight yourself. The Winter
Writing Retreat is an opportunity to create new pieces of writing and/or new possibilities for our lives. Enjoy various seasonal prompts; they elicit beautiful material that can be shaped into essays, poems, stories, or articles. After a communal lunch, you’ll have private time which can be used to collage, work with a piece of writing from the morning, or play with a number of other writing prompts and methods. You’ll take home new ideas, new drafts, and new possibilities. $97 includes lunch
and supplies.
WHERE: South Charlotte area. Details will be provided upon registration.
WHEN: Saturday, December 19th, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
TO REGISTER: To pay with a check via mail, email info@wordplaynow.com for instructions. To pay online with your credit card or PayPal, click here.
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CHECK OUT THIS UPCOMING OPPORTUNITY, TAUGHT BY WORDPLAY CREATIVE COMRADE WENDY
GILL*
THE ARTIST'S WAY: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity (Expanding Our Creativity;
Creating Joy and Fulfillment in Our Lives)
Are you ready to discover the joy of creativity? Using the proven tools and structure of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, this course will spur your imagination and guide your journey toward creative
self-expression.
Our 2-hour sessions include weekly check-ins, hands-on activities, and creativity exercises. The encouragement and support of this small in-person community (what Julia Cameron calls a “creative cluster”) will help you fully experience the power of The Artist’s Way.
COST: $260 for 13 classes, if registered on or before
December
20, 2016 (Early Bird Special) $295 for 13 classes, if registered after December 20, 2016 WHERE: Downtown Matthews, NC WHEN: Session A: Thursday mornings, 10 AM – Noon, January 14 – April 7,
2016 Session B: Thursday evenings, 7 PM – 9 PM, January 14 – April 7, 2016
TO REGISTER: For
more information or to register, please email Wendy directly at Wendy@ProfessionalCommunications.com.
*Wendy H. Gill was a special education teacher for 22 years. One of her greatest joys as an educator was adapting stories, rhymes and songs to engage her students and instill a love of books. She left full-time teaching in 2000 to create a literacy enrichment program for young children. She is currently a writer, producer, and
the owner of Professional Communications, a creative video production agency. Her poems and essays have appeared in a variety of regional and national publications.
More WordPlay opportunities here. And 2016 classes will be appearing in the zine (and on the website) soon! WordPlay Success Story
"I feel capable and qualified to call myself a writer. What an exciting time in my life!"
Meet Mary Killian
Mary Killian is a grateful alcoholic and addict in long-term recovery. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she devoted herself to drugs and alcohol for many years, getting clean in 2001 and staying that way. So far, so
good. Mary started blogging and taking WordPlay classes a while back. Writing things down was a terrific idea. It still is. Mary currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina—in a blue house with turquoise shutters. She is friendly and enjoys a high quality rap session. In her free time, she likes to type, play the piano and eat cheese. The Roustabout Heart is her first
book.
To see Mary's book on Amazon, click here.
What Mary says about WordPlay
I didn't realize how wonderful writing could make me feel—about myself, my
memories, my ability to learn and grow as a person.
Maureen has helped me focus my energy and thoughts. With useful tools and techniques, plus the loving support of my writing group, I am able to put my stories on paper and share them. I feel capable and qualified to call myself a writer. What an exciting time in my life!
Check out Mary's WordPlay webpage here.
Featured Writing
excerpts
from
The Roustabout Heart: Adventures in Recovery
by
Mary Killian
Perfection is a ridiculous goal. I have never been perfect a day in my life. Why would I assume this moment will be any different?
It’s a relief to embrace my flaws as part of what makes me who I am. I’m not always paying attention when
folks tell me stuff. I jump to irrational conclusions. I lose my temper with the kids. And good Lord, how I take the world’s inventory!
I don’t have to like my shortcomings, but I shouldn’t beat myself up over them either. Acknowledging that they exist brings me one step closer to making some positive changes.
****
I can be a work in progress and still enjoy happiness. I am worth loving. I tell myself that this is true. I may not have believed it at first, but I do
now. I am worth loving. These words are beautiful. I say them out loud and make them my own. You really need to try this, even if it feels weird. Just keep at it—until the message sinks in.
****
The people I’ve met in recovery have always helped me appreciate that I’m right where I need to be. It’s reassuring that no matter where I am, there’s someplace I belong. I can bring that feeling everywhere I go.
****
I thank God for my useless years. I really do. Each memory has become a
valuable resource. In sharing the worst, I can hope for the best.
****
I ask the Lord for a smooth heart. Mine gets banged up on a regular basis. I’m rough on my equipment, and God
has a way of making all things new.
When I lose my focus, I can always begin again. Every day. Every hour, if I need to. Every minute, even. There’s no rule that says I can’t.
Starting over with a clean heart is a great feeling.
****
Hearing other people share their stories makes my story less shameful. Listening when they discuss their feelings makes my feelings more accessible. Being willing to learn from every experience makes my experiences more worthwhile.
God equips me with so many resources. Appreciating His endless love fills me with a strength I didn’t know I had.
To see Mary's book on Amazon, click 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
"worth."
PROMPT:
Give yourself seven minutes to make a list of things you (or one of your characters) went to a fair amount of effort and/or expense for because it was worth it to you. The list can include accomplishments, endeavors, experiences, and physical objects of any kind.
Now,
pick one of them and write out your story of desire, struggle, and ultimate fulfillment.
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 two collections of poetry, 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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