Hello friends! I hope this post finds you well. Have you had to dig out your socks and sweaters and scarves yet? I’ll admit I have socks on right now! Sheesh. And, I wore boots today! Ack! Fall is definitely here. Acceptance is pending. If you need a hug to warm the chill…Come on by!
I’ve been hard at work at Gertrude’s Writing Room. Fall workshop offerings have been officially announced! All workshops are taking place at Gertrude’s Writing Room. Registration is needed before each workshop as space is limited.
The Art of Journal Writing
Friday, September 28, 2018
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Led by Vanessa Shields
Cost: Free as part of Culture Days Events
REGISTRATION NEEDED.
Everything You Need to Know About NaNoWriMo
Friday, October 26, 2018
7pm-9pm
Led by Mahnoor Javeed and Vanessa Shields
Cost: $30.00
REGISTRATION NEEDED.
Laughter Yoga & Writing
Friday, November 16, 2018
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Led by Janice Smith and Vanessa Shields
Cost: $40.00
REGISTRATION NEEDED.
Powerful Prompts
Friday, November 30, 2018
6pm – 8pm
Led by S.Rebecca Leigh
Cost: $40.00
REGISTRATION NEEDED.
Please CLICK HERE for information about each workshop, complete with descriptions and workshop goodies as well as information on how to register and pay.
Did you know there’s a Facebook page for Gertrude’s Writing Room? Do take a second to ‘like’ it! I’d really appreciate it!
And, I’m also doing a How-to-do-a-Poetry-Reading Workshop with the Windsor Poetry Slam folks at the Budimir Library this Wednesday from6pm -8pm. Perhaps I’ll see you there?
I tell you, this running a business gig is truly challenging and exciting! All of my time-management and discipline skills are constantly in play. Miraculously, I’ve managed to continue to do my own creative writing. Last week, I put in a solid three hours on my *new novel*. I was on fire! What I can tell you is that it’s women’s fiction…with some crime. I don’t have a title…not even a working title! I’ll let you know when I get one…This story is coming to me via character descriptions and small scenes. The characters are very alive in my brain and heart, and they are patient as I use my time to work on Gertrude’s things. I’m grateful!
I’m reading a book called Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley. It’s absolutely wonderfully sad and poignant and so very witty. What would we do without books?!!
Still on the look-out for Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying. Does anyone have it? Can I borrow it?
Overall, I’m feeling like I can’t think too much about how I’m feeling. Ever feel that way?! See, mama’s super busy and the best way I’m finding to get through each day is to take each minute, hour by its rightful amount of moments and be in them fully committed. Otherwise, the worry train smacks into me and I’m off the track I want to be on.
I’ve been sleeping well and I think I owe it to these cool fall evenings. The air has been crisp and delicious. Snuggling is at an increase and I’m loving that. Yes, I’ve started watching my fall favourite films. Julie and Julia – check. Did I already tell you that?! I’ve been told I need to watch Heartburn starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson. How’d I miss that one? And I’m sure that by the end of this week, I’ll have watched The Witches of Eastwick. I’m craving it!
My Nonna is turning 90 on Saturday. NINETY! It’s blowing my mind. I can’t wait to celebrate her with the family. NINETY. *I shake my head*
As I sign off for today, my heart is filled with love for family and life. We can live to be 90, friends. That’s a lot of life. That’s a lot of love.
VANESSA SHIELDS, writer 