Gretchen, after reading your terrific memoir about your mom, I know there's a lot packed into those feelings. And isn't perspective (and caring for her in her final years) a wonderful thing? Wish I could be with you all in the Writing Cafe!
I wish you could be here too! I printed your post and gave it to the participants for inspiration today. (Maybe you will get some new subscribers, who will love your writing as much as I do!)
Thank you, Lisa Lee! How great to have had many influential teacher and especially that one through all those schools. I am still in touch with a couple of my elementary, MS and HS teachers. They were really great and have become even better friends! I'm so glad you're inspired to write to those who've shaped you. There is no statute of limitations on appreciation and love!
This is lovely, Felice. (And wowza for that GS badge!) I was a Girl Scout from Brownies through Seniors. Except for in high school, my mother was the leader. Many people have told me how much she meant to them, changed their life, yada yada. I'm glad for them. I was grumpy then that my mother was the leader, and feel a little cheated when people have told me that, that I didn't have an unrelated mentor. And I'm proud to have been her daughter. We are writing letters in the Writing Cafe today to someone who influenced our life. Your post is timely and inspirational!
Ooooh, tell us about the Writing Cafe!, Gretchen Is that on Substack or something you do where you live? I'm always on the lookout for activities that encourage the writing of heartspoken notes and letters.
Hi Elizabeth! It's local. I put out the invitation for anyone who wanted to join me at a local coffee shop any Tuesday, anytime between 9 and 10:30 (drop in), to sit quietly and write. I offer prompts each week in three categories: make a list, write a letter or pc, and a prompt. (We did some poetry this month, for Nat'l Poetry Month.) Or write anything you want. The idea that being in community, creating art, being joyful are acts of resistance. We don't share or discuss our writing, not the point (we do chat the last few minutes).
What a lovely activity, and the I’m really impressed with the idea that “being in community, creating aft, being joyful are acts of resistance.” I agree wholeheartedly…you are lighting a candle in the dark, and that’s wonderful.
What a lovely reminder that we are indeed shaped by those who saw us, encouraged us and believed in us during our formative years. This piece is close to my heart because it reminds me of several teachers who brought out the best in me and made me feel capable of great things. Oddly, it’s occurred to me for the first time that there was one influential teacher in each of the three schools I attended (Grammar, Middle and High School)! All these years later, I realize they have written letters on my heart that have been just as indelible as if I had received a letter from each of them in the mail. It’s also a timely and beautiful reminder that as adults, we have the opportunity every day to encourage, cheer on and believe in all who are in our lives.
Felice, each of your publications inspires me to sit down and put pen to paper, knowing how important it is to tell those we love and those who have helped shape us, how much they still mean to us. Thank you for the beauty of your writing. I’m so glad you’re here.
I was just an awful Girl Scout but it was obviously memorable for the stories I still carry. I wrote a letter of thanks during our cafe time today. How cool to see that Gretchen had shared your post to the group. Happy for the nudge and glad for the good prompt. There are never too many thank you letters. Day 112! You're rockin' it!
Yes, yes, yes...you've sent me back down memory lane. In my case, these early mentors are gone, but it's okay to write to their adult children too -- children rarely see that side of their parents.
Gretchen, after reading your terrific memoir about your mom, I know there's a lot packed into those feelings. And isn't perspective (and caring for her in her final years) a wonderful thing? Wish I could be with you all in the Writing Cafe!
I wish you could be here too! I printed your post and gave it to the participants for inspiration today. (Maybe you will get some new subscribers, who will love your writing as much as I do!)
I'll be in Seattle next February. Save me a seat at the cafe!
An awful Girl Scout? Well, there's a story. I bet writing lots of thank you letters left you feeling uplifted. Gotta get to that cafe!
Thank you, Gretchen!!!
Thank you, Lisa Lee! How great to have had many influential teacher and especially that one through all those schools. I am still in touch with a couple of my elementary, MS and HS teachers. They were really great and have become even better friends! I'm so glad you're inspired to write to those who've shaped you. There is no statute of limitations on appreciation and love!
This is lovely, Felice. (And wowza for that GS badge!) I was a Girl Scout from Brownies through Seniors. Except for in high school, my mother was the leader. Many people have told me how much she meant to them, changed their life, yada yada. I'm glad for them. I was grumpy then that my mother was the leader, and feel a little cheated when people have told me that, that I didn't have an unrelated mentor. And I'm proud to have been her daughter. We are writing letters in the Writing Cafe today to someone who influenced our life. Your post is timely and inspirational!
Ooooh, tell us about the Writing Cafe!, Gretchen Is that on Substack or something you do where you live? I'm always on the lookout for activities that encourage the writing of heartspoken notes and letters.
Hi Elizabeth! It's local. I put out the invitation for anyone who wanted to join me at a local coffee shop any Tuesday, anytime between 9 and 10:30 (drop in), to sit quietly and write. I offer prompts each week in three categories: make a list, write a letter or pc, and a prompt. (We did some poetry this month, for Nat'l Poetry Month.) Or write anything you want. The idea that being in community, creating art, being joyful are acts of resistance. We don't share or discuss our writing, not the point (we do chat the last few minutes).
What a lovely activity, and the I’m really impressed with the idea that “being in community, creating aft, being joyful are acts of resistance.” I agree wholeheartedly…you are lighting a candle in the dark, and that’s wonderful.
"Lighting a candle in the dark." I love that!
What a lovely reminder that we are indeed shaped by those who saw us, encouraged us and believed in us during our formative years. This piece is close to my heart because it reminds me of several teachers who brought out the best in me and made me feel capable of great things. Oddly, it’s occurred to me for the first time that there was one influential teacher in each of the three schools I attended (Grammar, Middle and High School)! All these years later, I realize they have written letters on my heart that have been just as indelible as if I had received a letter from each of them in the mail. It’s also a timely and beautiful reminder that as adults, we have the opportunity every day to encourage, cheer on and believe in all who are in our lives.
Felice, each of your publications inspires me to sit down and put pen to paper, knowing how important it is to tell those we love and those who have helped shape us, how much they still mean to us. Thank you for the beauty of your writing. I’m so glad you’re here.
I was just an awful Girl Scout but it was obviously memorable for the stories I still carry. I wrote a letter of thanks during our cafe time today. How cool to see that Gretchen had shared your post to the group. Happy for the nudge and glad for the good prompt. There are never too many thank you letters. Day 112! You're rockin' it!
Yes, yes, yes...you've sent me back down memory lane. In my case, these early mentors are gone, but it's okay to write to their adult children too -- children rarely see that side of their parents.