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poetry

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Women writer’s workshop leads to meeting with God

Some years ago, I attended a women writer’s workshop over a weekend in January. It was held in a rustic lodge nestled in the woods along the shores of the Grand River just north of Lansing, Michigan. It was a memorable experience, with a good mix of challenge – stretching me beyond my comfort zone as a writer – and encouragement from a diverse group of affirming and inspiring women. Even better was the self-directed retreat that followed. I had five days all to myself to practice writing in a cozy guest room at the front of the lodge. With only one other woman staying for the retreat, we had the whole place to ourselves. It was the perfect setting for connecting with God and nature and for fueling my creativity. An unexpected meeting One afternoon, in need of a change of scenery, I stepped out from the warmth of…

Why I love January

I don’t consider myself a poet, but I have journals full of free verse from my high school creative writing classes. I found it to be a relaxing pastime and an effective vehicle for expressing the jumbled-up emotions of my teen years. Every once in a while I am inspired to write poetry, as was the case following a visit with a dear friend who is more than 100 years old. She is a remarkable woman with a sharp mind, quick wit and wealth of wisdom earned through tough times and an insatiable appetite for reading and learning. A woman of faith and a writer herself, she has touched many a soul with her empowering presence, listening ear, and ability to cut to the heart of a matter with grace and love. I wrote For January as an expression of my gratitude for the privilege of knowing this very special…