Volume IIII, Issue 26
June 29, 2015
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Word of the Week: company
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Dear ,
I'm writing you from Chautauqua, New York, where I've come to teach writing, and drink in as many of the events I can in the amphitheater pictured here. Yesterday afternoon it was a big brass band. Last night it was a concert that included a choral arrangement of a traditional spiritual called "Steal Away," accompanied by an alto sax that was
so absolutely gorgeous it stopped my heart. And tonight it's An Evening with Charlie Rose and Nancy
Gibbs. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe I'm really here, in such good company!
And by that, I mean Charlie Rose and Nancy Gibbs, and all the musicians who performed yesterday, and at the other services and events I've attended, and the people I've attended them with -- most of
them officially "company" like me, being made welcome in guest houses that have already become, in just two days, homes away from home.
How welcome? This welcome! (I am not even Lutheran, by the way -- as we sang Sunday morning, "All Are Welcome Here.")
How this came about? Over a breakfast conversation about metaphor with fellow "company".
I love company, and I love being in good company... how about you? And how about the other members of your household, human and otherwise?
If you've ever
wondered how canines feel about company (probably not, but hey, I don't like to make assumptions), you are in for a treat. Below, Lady, a beautiful golden retriever I met when I was in one of my other lovely places to teach (Sunset Beach, NC) generously shares her thoughts.
Lady's
owner, Jeanne Maxon, is a dog lover and rescuer extraordinaire and someone I look forward to seeing every time I head to the coast. You'll meet her below as well. Jeanne and Lady are always very gracious in allowing me my "Doodle" (Daily Dose of Dog Love) when I am there, and I loved having Jeanne in my Project: Book Retreat at the Sunset Inn. It's a delight to be able to share her story, and her new book, with you today!
I hope, whomever you keep company with this summer, that you have a divine time! And don't forget to write about it...
Love and
light,
Maureen Upcoming WordPlay
PROJECT BOOK: GET YOUR BOOK
OUT OF YOU AND INTO THE WORLD
(Writing / Publishing Your Book-length Writing Project)
 Project: Book! participants find Inspiration
in front of the Sunset Pier! A hands-on workshop for any writer who would like to write and/or publish a book and
1) doesn’t know how
2) doesn’t get around to it
3) feels
a) intimidated
b) confused
c) overwhelmed
d) uninspired
e) all of the above You’ll gain working knowledge of the steps you need to take and the procedures and documents that are necessary (query vs. cover letter, book proposal, overview, synopsis, outline), as well as an introduction to today’s publishing world (major publishers, university presses, small presses, self-publishing, e-publishing, and print-on-demand). Note: Class doesn’t include critique of your book manuscript, which is a separate
service.  Our retreat takes place at the Sunset Inn, where you’ll have your own beautifully appointed private room with king-sized bed, private bath and balcony, and enjoy the large porches with rocking chairs and swings, as well as the
coastal setting. For more information on the Sunset Inn, which is a five-minute walk from Sunset Beach and is next to a peaceful marsh where herons and cranes live, see www.thesunsetinn.net. You’ll have your choice of rooms, each with its own distinctive style and color
scheme. View your choices here. You’ll return home inspired with new ideas and energy for getting your book project out into the world.
 Sharing some laughter at the Sunset Inn $418 for the weekend
beginning Friday, November 13th through Sunday, November 15th. Includes Project: Book sessions, two nights’ lodging, two breakfasts and Saturday lunch (hotel tax and Saturday dinner at a local restaurant not included). Additionally, for those who might like to stay another day to work on their writing, or to just enjoy the beach, the Inn is offering Coastal Writing Retreat participants the opportunity to stay Sunday night, November 15, at half price. You’ll need a copy of Spinning Words into Gold, available for
$23.54 at the retreat. Or order a copy now ($3.99 shipping). WHERE: The Sunset Inn, 9 North Shore Dr., Sunset Beach, NC 28468
WHEN: Friday, November 13 – Sunday, November 15, 2015* 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 there are only 8 spaces available each
weekend. *Also, please let the Inn know when you call if you are interested in staying Sunday night, November 15, at half price. The Inn will hold your reservation with a credit
card.
More WordPlay opportunities here. WordPlay Success Story
"[Maureen's] expertise and suggestions on getting into print, and her sincere encouragement, opened that bureau drawer and gave me the confidence to be a published author"
Meet Jeanne Maxon
Jeanne and Lady Maxon share daily sunrise beach walks, a king-size bed, an aging Subaru, and their hearts with a second wonderful golden retriever, Bode. All three spearhead a nonprofit therapy dog program that brings smiles and furry compassion to people across the coastal Carolinas. A retired public affairs professional, Jeanne still enjoys collaborating with exceptional creatives such as her coauthor, Lady. Nearly as passionate about golf as she is about dogs, for twelve years she reigned as ladies
champion of her club. The three-pack live in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
Check out Jeanne's website, and read about her book, here!
Connect with Jeanne on Facebook here, or find out more about her therapy dog program, Canine Angels Service Dogs, here.
What Jeanne says about WordPlay
Every morning I see new and often dazzling things that illustrate my good fortune to walk Sunset Beach. Usually it’s one of nature’s myriad spectacles, but now I can add a chance meeting of Maureen Ryan Griffin to my beach walking good fortunes. In the area to conduct a Coastal Writing Retreat, Maureen got her daily dog and beach fixes when she met up with my pack, and we always had a quick chat. When she mentioned her class, my friends
were quick to volunteer that I had written a book. And the rest, as they say, is history. I signed up for Maureen’s next class.
Whereas my rescued golden retriever’s incredible heart had renewed my long lost passion for writing, her draft manuscript lay neglected in my bureau drawer. Maureen inspired me to get Lady’s story published. Her expertise and suggestions on getting into print, and her
sincere encouragement, opened that bureau drawer and gave me the confidence to be a published author.
The top item on my bucket list now has a huge check mark. Becoming Lady was published a few
weeks ago. Featured Writing
Comparing Company and Fish
by
Jeanne Maxon
Dear Diary,
Some people say that company is like fish—after three days they both begin to smell. My company has been
here for ten days, and they still smell terrific. I check them hourly, if not more often.
Fifi and Fluffy (yup) are seven-year-old Lhasa apso sisters, and Cosette is an eight-month-old cockapoo and veteran therapy dog. They’re staying at my house while their parents are on a cruise.
I secretly refer to
Cosette as Shadow, because she spends all her waking hours within a foot of Jeanne’s right ankle. She follows her everywhere. I used to be like that, so I know how she feels.
The Lhasa pups like to lounge on the red love seats in the living room on which, might I interject, Bode and I are not allowed to sit. Okay, maybe a tad of jealousy has reared its ugly head. While I’m at it, I’ll tell you a few
other issues I have with our company.
Foremost, they eat ever so slowly, grazing nonchalantly while, if I even look in their direction, I’m required to “leave it” until hell freezes over.
Doesn’t matter if they are served beef, chicken, or kibble—they peck like little hens, strolling back and forth in
front of their dishes. Since by then I’ve already literally inhaled my own food, I just watch. And wait. And drool.
Speaking of hens, my bedroom has turned into a girls’ dorm. The guest pups don’t seem to know that Bode is a boy, and I sure won’t tell. They make me laugh when Jeanne announces at bedtime, “Little ones, kennel!” They hop off the king-size bed and trot efficiently into their respective
crates. It’s way cool. Plus, that leaves lots more room for Bode and me to stretch out on the big bed.
I have to admit that they are cute as all get out, even though they do steal some attention away from me. I like having the company. They’re much more adorable than fish.
Love,
Lady
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 "company." PROMPT: Write about being company, having company, or being in good company -- in any genre. Your pick!
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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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