Volume IX, Issue 52
December 23, 2020
Word of the Week: conjunction
Dear ,
How rife our lives are with conjunctions! Not just, or course, those common coordinating conjunctions we strew our sentences with—those ands and buts and ors and nors and so on, but also those convergences of objects and events, predictable or fortuitous.
Like, say, discovering that you live in a house whose previous owner went to the same small all-girl Catholic college in Cleveland, Ohio, as your mother.
Or the fact that Saturn and Jupiter gifted us with their closest visible appearance (just 6.1 arc minutes, which is roughly the thickness of dime at arm's length) since 1623, when Galileo was still alive, on the same day as the Winter Solstice. This conjunction holds the kinds of facts I discuss with my seven-year-old grandson, Rhys (below, right), who is absolutely crazy about all things celestial.
One of the blessings I count every day is that my daughter and her family live only fifteen minutes away from us and that we are in
each other's "Covid-19 bubble." I have never taken this for granted, and now, I am constantly lifting up gratitude. What a joy it was to find a spot where I could share this sighting (the bright dot in the sky above my and Richard's heads) with Rhys, his brother, Harry, and his sister, Ellie, even in the city, where it's hard to view celestial happenings, especially those near the horizon. Richard and I have both endured countless viewings of YouTube's "The Planet Song for Kids," so this was quite fitting. As were Harry and Rhys's sweatshirts.
And, even this year, the holiday season brings special conjunctions—ones though we are not nearly as likely to take for granted. The old year and the new, of course. (I know I'm not the only one looking forward to putting 2020 behind us.) And heartfelt "greetings of the season" that cross each other in the mail. And Charles Dickens's
ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
This one came to mind as I pulled up the zine feature I planned an entire year ago, back in December of 2019 when my dear friend Wendy H. Gill shared an essay she wrote called "That Time of Year" with our Gift of Memoir class. (Wendy's presence in my life is a wonderful conjunction in and of itself, given all we have in common, including our having grown up a mere 89 miles apart to
our joint special education majors to the precise age gap between our oldest, both daughters, and our youngest, both sons. You can read about our book collaborations below. Her editorial and moral support as I was writing Spinning Words into Gold was invaluable, and she has been a source of inspiration and encouragement many times over in the years we've known each other. It's always a gift
when Wendy attends a WordPlay class.)
Wendy's story about the "Ghosts of Christmas Pageants Past" made us all laugh, even the ones who'd never attended a children's Christmas pageant. Reading her words again a year later, in the midst of this pandemic, brought tears to my eyes. How I hope that our Christmas Futures hold children's Christmas pageants and programs again for those of us who celebrate this
holiday tradition! Meanwhile, Wendy's story is a sweet, mirth-filled reminder. And if you ever communicated with my wonderful once-WordPlay manager, Morgan, this recounting of her as a little girl will bring a smile.
Whatever your faith, may the love and light that is the true spirit of Christmas warm your heart. And may your "conjunctions" with your loved ones be merry, even if they are over Zoom instead of in person.
Comfort and joy to you and yours,
Maureen
WordPlay
Opportunities
THE POWER OF INTENTION
As 2021 begins, what do you long for—for yourself, for others, for the world around you? Who would you love to be? What would you love to create?
The words we choose, and use, not only have the power to heal, uplift, and transform, but also to bring new, life-giving habits, perspectives, and creations into being. At the onset of the new year ahead, give yourself the gift of exploring a smorgasbord of playful, profound writing tools and practices that
will support, sustain, and empower your—mind, heart, body, and spirit—whatever dreams and goals you’d love to bring into being.
We’ll meet in community via Zoom for three (3) two-hour sessions of learning, writing, and sharing. We'll also take a peek at what hidden beliefs may be getting in our way.
The Zoom sessions will be from 2:00pm-4:00pm each of the three days:
- Sunday, January 10 from 2:00p-4:00pm,
- Wednesday, January 13 from 2:00pm-4:00pm
- Saturday, January 16 from 2:00pm-4:00pm
In between sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the tools and practices to discover which work best and provide the most value for you.
Tap into the power of intention as you learn to deliberately (and imaginatively) shape your best life, whatever the circumstances.
Please register early as this virtual retreat series is limited to 12 participants.
Register online via the Well of Mercy website here. (All proceeds contribute to the ministry of Well of Mercy, a place near and dear to my
heart.)
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UNDER CONSTRUCTION: YOUR WRITING
(Fulfilling Writing Dreams & Goals; Creating New Writing; Revising & Polishing Your Writing)
This class is designed to fulfill your writing dreams and projects. You’ll set goals and support structures and watch your writing flow! You’ll also get feedback on your work (any genre) and learn revision
tools and methods. Each week, writing prompts will generate material for new writing or further a piece in process, whatever your preferred genre. Through examples of accomplished writers, you’ll learn techniques to aid you right where you are in the process.
WHEN: Tuesday morning, Wednesday morning, or Thursday evening classes, dependent on openings available, starting in January 2021. Specific dates for the 12 sessions to be announced.
WHERE: Via Zoom, unless otherwise noted.
COST: $435 for 12 classes.
TO REGISTER: Please email here to start the registration process by filling out a short “Clarity Tool” to share your writing goals and where you are in the process. (Anywhere you are is a perfect place to begin.) Then we'll have a conversation to answer any questions and to ensure that this class is a great fit for you.
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How Do I Say
Goodbye? and Praying You Goodbye
I created the process shared in these two books in June of 2002, shortly after my mother died, as a way to mindfully mourn this loss—and celebrate her life. I shared it with a beloved friend, the Reverend Rebecca Taylor, when she lost her father, and she encouraged me to make it available to others. Here it is, in two versions, both of which offer quotes, reflections, prompts, and space to write about your loved one, as well as beautiful photographs by Wendy H. Gill that enhance each part of the process. Either
version makes a thoughtful condolence gift for a friend or family member.
How Do I Say Goodbye? is for those of any faith, with quotes from many different sources to accompany the process. It can be purchased on Amazon here.
Praying You Goodbye is specifically for Christians, with accompanying quotes from Scripture chosen by Reverend Rebecca Taylor. It can be purchased on Amazon here.
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POETRY ROCKS!
Would you like your writing—prose and/or poetry—to be more
graceful, powerful, beautiful? Do you sometimes find poetry confusing or intimidating and wish you could “crack the code”? Or do you enjoy writing and reading poems, but want a more thorough understanding of what makes a poem good? Then this poetry extravaganza is for you.
Expect a good time exploring what makes a poem a poem, gaining the knowledge you need to confidently create and revise poetry, and strengthening your writing skills in all genres.
It would be a joy and an honor to share what rocks about poetry with you. Learn more here.
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET:
- 23 poetry creation tools, delivered one per day (Monday through Friday) to your inbox. Each tool zeroes in on one aspect of poetry and provides an innovative method to approach writing a poem. Many of them are great for creating prose, too. The tools include:
* a purpose, so you’re clear what you will learn
* background information when helpful
* “how-to” directions to create a poem
* an example that illustrates the poetry tool in action
* a short reflection to solidify the concepts covered
* “Hone Your Craft” suggestions for further exploration
* a short reflection to solidify the concepts covered
- A PDF document of each tool that you can print or save on your computer
- An audio recording of each tool, so you can learn by listening and/or reading
- Instruction on the role of audience, reading like a writer, and the process of revision, including a handy Revision Checkpoint Chart—this information can be applied to strengthen your prose as well as poetry
- An e-book that contains the information and resources covered, as well as your 23 poetry creation tools for ongoing use
WHERE: From the comfort of your own home, via the web.
WHEN: Any time you want! And once you receive all 23 tools, they’re yours to keep, which means that you can keep using them for years to come.
COST: $45
TO REGISTER: To pay with a check via mail, email here for instructions. To register for Poetry Rocks! online, click here.
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TAG, I'M IT!
Both the year-long TAG, I'M IT! AND three-month TAG, I'M IT! journals offer—in no more than five to fifteen minutes—a simple way to recap and celebrate
the very best of each day of your life. The practice of writing out your “T’s” (things you’re thankful for), “A’s” (actions you can acknowledge yourself for), and “G’s” (gifts you’re grateful for) is a transformative one, especially combined with the final step, I’M IT!, in which you intentionally choose three do-able, most-important-to-you actions you’ll take the next day.
The TAG, I'M IT! journal grounds you in two important habits: keeping your focus on appreciating and celebrating the good in your life and intentionally accomplishing what matters most to you. You’ll also create a record of
your most meaningful, happiest events and experiences.
Start your journal—or restart, if needed—whenever you like. (Though a new year is a perfect time!)
An introduction with tips and ideas will help you make this practice your own. Soon, you’ll notice that you’re living your days with more joy, presence, purpose, and intention.
Thank you to Maureen Ryan Griffin for creating TAG I’M IT.
TAG, I’M IT is my new best friend. It’s a guided writing journal that helps me sort through the mental travels of my day. And it helps me zero in on the special moments by reflecting, acknowledging, and saying thank you for the invisible gifts collected in my daily journey.
“TAG” gives me joy. And it gives me a sense of peace. It helps me discover the small and large wonders around me.
“TAG” sits on my nightstand—it’s my last conversation of the day. And I feel satisfied when I turn off the light. When I write in my TAG, I’M IT journal, I’m giving myself a gift.
What a treasure!
~ T. D. Taegel
More WordPlay opportunities coming soon.
Stay posted!
Featured Writer
Meet Wendy H. Gill
Wendy H. Gill is a writer, photographer, and the owner of Professional Communications, a creative video production company. Her
poems and essays have appeared in a variety of regional and national publications, and she currently writes for OurBlueBoat.org, a collaborative blog that explores our relationship with nature and promotes actions that celebrate, honor, and preserve our planet. You can also follow her on Instagram at Wendy Gill (@ourblueboat) • Instagram photos and videos.
What Wendy says about WordPlay
About 20 years ago, I was a timid newcomer to the Charlotte, NC writing community and it seemed like everyone I met was talking about a talented writer and gifted teacher named Maureen Ryan Griffin. Based on these glowing recommendations, I signed up for a WordPlay class.
Maureen specializes in creating safe spaces where creativity is nurtured and celebrated, and I felt an immediate, profound sense of belonging. Maureen’s generosity is boundless. She gave me the tools and
confidence to keep putting words to paper. Before long, I began thinking of myself as a writer.
I’ve since attended countless WordPlay classes, such as “Under Construction,” plus a number of Maureen’s writing retreats, including her fabulous Coastal Writing Retreat.
Maureen establishes an environment of acceptance and support, thereby encouraging her students to take risks and grow as writers. She is adept at using poems and writing samples to inspire and jumpstart
creativity. As my pen sprints across the page during the exercises she presents, I’m often surprised at ideas that magically take shape.
Maureen’s editing skills are exceptional, and I am immensely grateful for her thoughtful feedback and spot-on guidance on my essays and poetry throughout the years.
Also, I was thrilled when, three years ago, Maureen invited me to provide photographs to enhance her two updated grief rituals, How Do I Say Goodbye? and Praying You Goodbye. What a joy it was to team up with my dear mentor and friend for such a meaningful project!
Showing up for Maureen’s writing class two decades ago was truly life changing—and it is a gift that keeps right on giving!
Featured Writing
That Time of Year
It’s that time of year again.
After an abbreviated Sunday sermon, I settle in to enjoy our church’s annual Children’s Nativity Play, presented by kids ranging in age from 2 to 12. This holiday classic always evokes nostalgia for the days when my own children, Morgan and Taylor, were that age.
And it summons the Ghost of Christmas Pageants Past . . .
As a preschooler, Taylor was an especially enthusiastic choir boy, his little mouth formed into a perfectly rounded O, his confident falsetto drowning out the quavering voices around him. The act of singing always seemed to generate extra saliva for him, and during the breaks between stanzas,
I often heard him slurping and swallowing.
Most memorable were his malapropped lyrics to a nativity song that depicts a peaceful scene in which sheep and ox knelt down before the Christ child. No doubt sweating in his clip-on Christmas bowtie and festive red suspenders, Taylor belted out the words: “Sheep and ox ‘melt’ down before
him.” You’d have had to be a real Scrooge to correct Tiny Taylor.
At about this same time, Morgan played a shepherd, and being a perfectionist, she took the role seriously. Wearing a burlap sack tunic and a striped dishtowel on her head, she practiced at great length the art of being properly awestruck. First, a slow shepherdly walk . . . That’s right,
keep watch over the flock, occasionally gaze upward . . . And then, WHAAAT? Is that an angel of the Lord?? Eyes open wide, one foot suddenly steps back, arms fly upward and lock solidly into a gesture of exaggerated disbelief and surrender. Hold five seconds. Straighten scratchy tunic and repeat. Again and again and again.
One Christmas eve, our church had the good fortune of having a live Baby Jesus delivered just in time for the nativity play. There was great excitement among the cast, my two kids included. Mr. and Mrs. Van DeWater played the parts of Joseph and Mary, and they were brave enough to sacrifice
their 5-week-old son to a dozen costumed kids clamoring to worship him. Although this infant actor is now in his late twenties, to my family, he’ll forever be known as Baby Jesus Van DeWater.
But, behold. Back to Christmas Pageants Present and the scene at hand . . .
It looks like the Lord has sent down a few extra angels this year. Their tinsel garland halos are sparkling brightly. I always get a kick out of the way these sweet girls valiantly keep their skinny arms circled above their heads for two full verses of "Away in the Manger." Then, just when the
blood has completely drained from their hands, they cross their arms, palms on chests, for the singing of "The First Noel."
But it is a little lost lamb who completely steals the show today.
First off, I’ve got to say that the sheep costumes are uniquely adorable. They are wooly white and look like fuzzy-footed jammies, with mittens and hoods and long droopy lamb ears attached.
This year's flock is particularly animated. They crawl in ahead of the shepherds, cavorting on all fours and bleating their little hearts out. Eight obedient sheep merrily make their way down the aisle to the front of the sanctuary where Mary, Joseph and the stoic, weary-armed angels are
patiently keeping vigil.
A video camera captures a wide shot of the performance. I glance up at the video screen.
Uh oh. One poor shepherd remains at the rear of the church, working desperately to coax forward a reluctant lamb. The congregation gradually catches on to the unscripted drama playing out behind us. Muffled chuckling echoes in the pews.
The frustrated shepherd gestures and prods ever so gently with her staff, but clearly, this sheep is not a follower.
Finally, the wayward lamb begins to crawl. He’s almost halfway down the aisle when he suddenly pops up onto his two fleecy feet and ambles to the altar to check out the baby Jesus. Judging by the wobbly toddler gait, he can't be much more than two years old. He looks up at the faces in the
assembled group and seems to be searching for someone who will scoop him up and bring him back into the fold.
The rest of the flock continues its faithful bleating.
For the remainder of the performance, our littlest lamb wanders between the kings and shepherds, pokes his head in the manger, scampers across the altar, waves to the choir, and jumps up and down from the step leading to the nativity. The pint-sized actors do their best to ignore this loveable
lambkin, stubbornly maintaining their show-must-go-on resolve.
But I’m not nearly as mature or self-controlled as they are. Seriously, there are tears of laughter running down my cheeks.
Just like those Christmas Pageants Past did (and Christmas Pageants Future will surely do), this Christmas Pageant Present brings me glad tidings of great joy. And it does more for my spirit than any sermon ever preached.
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 “conjunction.”
PROMPT:
Each of us, every day, is witness to many conjunctions each and every day. Some are common, others rare, extraordinary. All are possibilities for essays, stories, poems, reflections. for Write about one of these "actions or instances of two or more events or things happening at the same point in time or space"—your own, or
anyone else's, real or fictional.
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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