I hope this past week has been kind to you and writing or other creative endeavors have filled you with joy.

I need to clarify some things regarding any and all SnoValley Writes! field trip offers. They are simply opportunities to take a break and learn from others, get inspired, support our fellow writers and artists, and learn in a different fashion. No one is required to attend these. Ever.

Also, because I am just one person, I can’t suggest a field trip and also conduct a work shop at the same time. In the four years I’ve been doing SnoValley Writes! there are certain times in the year when attendance plummets. December’s one workshop is typically one of those. So when a writer and editor that has been supportive of SnoValley Writes! and its members plans an event for a “slow” workshop day, I felt it was appropriate to suggest it, especially given it had been awhile since we’d gone on such an outing. I recognize that art is personal and some folks may feel that the suggested field trip was not their cup of tea. Totally fine. Not every suggested literary event is for every one. It’s a diverse spectrum — one for which I appreciate each end of, whether it’s light and conservative, or dark and transgressive.

Field trips are not suggesting that everyone participating in this group supports or promotes such events. The information is simply given as a suggestion and you, writer, determine what works for you. Again, there is no implied or expressed requirement. Yet, if you ever have or know of an event you feel the group should be aware of, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We willingly share all cultural and artistic events (preferably through this once-a-week communication, rather than hit or miss). Just contact me and we’ll get the word out. You may also share on our Facebook page.

That said, I will continue to tell you and any student of the arts, that until you go out of your comfort zone (however that may look) you cannot learn. You must push yourselves to try something new, to expose yourself to something new. What that “new” is will be determined by you. No one else. Not me. Not another writer. However, remember the wise words of Buddha:  “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Like Cameron teaching us about Synchronicity  Something that may be suggested either through this group or a fellow member, or your Aunt Sally, may just be the nudge you need to grow and become better, more, what you want to be.

The bottom line is that I want to reiterate that SnoValley Writes! is an inclusive group and we strive to not stand in the way of art.

This month, I highly encourage you to seek out artistic performances, book launches, readings, signings, poetry slams, choral performances — any and all art. Your assignment in lieu of our Dec. 9th work session is to find some artistic/cultural event and attend it.

Then enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends and community.

In January, we begin our new work session schedules on Tuesday evenings — 6 to 7:30 p.m. The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Beginning with the fourth Tuesday in January 2013:  Jan. 22. We will still be in the North Bend Library Meeting Room. I hope you all can begin to plan to attend.

Throughout this month and up until that next work session, I will continue to send out the weekly writing prompts. We will continue our work on recovering a strong creative self and continue setting goals for our craft and personal projects.

Go out and see art, be a part of the community, and have a great holiday season.

And now your moment of Writing Zen:

“Nobody objects to a woman being a good writer or sculptor or geneticists if at the same time she manages to be a good wife, good mother, good-looking, good-tempered, well-groomed, and unaggressive.” ~ Leslie M. McIntyre.

—
—
What did you Write today?
~Casz

Casondra Brewster
Moderator/Founder
Sno Valley Writes!
Helping Writers Reach New Literary Peaks Since 2008
http://www.snovalleywrites.org
Check us out on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/SnoValleyWrites

“But words are things, and a small drop of ink,
Falling, like dew upon a thought, produces
That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.” ~ Lord Byron