I’m getting ready to head off to Austin, Texas for Story Circle Network’s Stories from the Heart conference where the weather forecast is for the mid-high twenties Celsius (that’s high seventies-low eighties for my American readers). Needless to say I’m breaking out my Capri pants and making plans for a pedi!
This will be the third Stories from the Heart I’ve had the pleasure of attending (they’re held every two years) and I’ve met some incredible women through this group. I’ve been encouraged in my writing, taken a variety of classes, had my work published in the organization’s Journal, been honoured to give back by serving on the board, volunteered in various capacities, and started and currently coordinate the group’s One Woman’s Day blog.
The group inspired me to begin my own Story Circle in Washington state where I was blessed to get to know a great group of women and bear witness to the stories of their lives. I’m making plans to start a similar group here in Kamloops as well as an Older Women’s Legacy (OWL) Circle. If you’ve an interest in telling the story of your life, no matter where you live (they have an internet chapter) or what you perceive your writing abilities to be, Story Circle Network is a great place to find encouragement and inspiration. Please feel welcome to drop me a note if you would like to learn more about the organization.
I’m pondering what direction to take in my writing life these days. I have some ideas, a couple of projects I’ve started dabbling in, but no clear sense of what to commit to. I’m optimistic that this time away when I can focus on my writing will help me find whatever it is I’m for that will allow me to get my teeth into a new project.
Meanwhile, spring has sprung here in Kamloops. The landscapers are power raking the back lawn (and it’s a tad disconcerting to see them there right outside of my ground-level office window as I’m typing this), my tomato seedlings are under the lights in our sunny library room and are doing well, I’ve spread fresh compost on my community garden plot and even planted some early peas.
Life is good.
You’ll get to enjoy two different flavors of spring this month. Austin is a beautiful, cutting-edge city. Enjoy your visit as you serve and slurp all the good stuff available at the conference. I’ll sure we will be hearing more about it.
“…serve and slurp all the good stuff available at the conference.” What a great way of putting it, Marian! I’ll be slurping to be sure!
Just getting ready for a conference provides loads of inspiration. I’m going to one myself this weekend, and I can hardly contain myself!
This sounds like a great group…I’m going to check it out.
Have a great, and inspiring, time at your conference, Karen!
Thanks for sharing this Linda. I’m going to check it out.
Oh do, Christine. It’s a super organization that has helped me a lot on my writing journey.