Oct. 23rd Meeting Summary

The Write On Group meeting of Oct. 23, '12 started in the pub with
members with memories. It continued at Centre 64 with the forgetful.
Colin challenged us to write something readable out of certain words
with the proviso: no two of those words in the same sentence. The
diverse results—some lustful, some humorous, some reflective and some
reminiscent—titillated us all.  Next, we read out our individual
manifestos.

Colin’s manifesto expounded on ‘idealism in action’.  He described 8
sentient, advanced communities in the world wherein workshops could be
established to focus on solving world-wide issues, e.g.: environmental
issues;  creating successful families and successful lives, within a
milieu of better understanding of other cultures to ameliorate sources
of conflict, to identify survival issues and to explore resolutions.
His manifesto is worthy of elaboration and pursuit in a larger
work—maybe even several volumes:)

Heather used an acrostic form for her amazing manifesto and then in free form, 
shared a delightful economy of intriguing words and contemplative metaphors,
she conveyed the individual portion of the same sentience Colin was
aiming for worldwide.  Heather’s piece needs to be printed, too,
ASAP, as all progressive change starts at the personal level.  Even in
times of intense personal turmoil, we are allowed to have fun, for
“dance is sacrament”.  As usual, Heather’s writing removes our
psyche-blinders to enable us to view things from many more angles than
before:)

Mike W. described how our possessions can define our individual
manifestos.  People may say politically correct things that give the
‘appearance of truth’, but the slogans which grace (or disgrace) their
T-shirts proclaim their real intentions, politics and characters.
Bumper stickers tout our beliefs, too, and you can tell a lot about a
guy from the level of percussion blaring from his car stereo.  Lavish
lifestyles on paupers’ pittances could describe many young folks
today.  The ‘why’ could be a lazy acceptance of ‘that’s just the way
it is’.  (Or is it a fatalistic belief in earth’s imminent end?) We
had a lot to think about after his piece--mainly how do represent
ourselves in public?.

Sue’s Womanifesto proclaimed social justice, economic equality and
environmental conservation. She vowed to employ her one formidable
weapon to accomplish all this.  Her weapon?   Profound nagging.  In
the wise words of Elmer Fudd (or was it Bugs Bunny?), “Be vewy, vewy
afwaid….” (Summary penned by Sue Shaw)

Summary of meeting Oct. 9th

In attendance:  Mike Redfern, Sue Shaw, Colin Macleod, Mike Whitney, Heather Wattie (and Mike Park's voice in the background rehearsing for a play!)

Writing assignment:  'Revolution'

Mike R. led us on an ideological revolution through his story outline based in El Salvador as experienced in first person through the eyes of two kids or a female school teacher.  Present in the story would be the dark elements one may expect in a tense political scenario; rebel attacks on villages,  attempted escapes, capture, refugee camps and the fight for freedom and basic human rights.  We look forward to seeing how that takes shape.

Colin expounded on a former essay-like piece,'what if my idealism came true?' He included the presence of a Higher Power and an autocratic approach, benevolent leaders, inspiring actions taken community by community worldwide and a big vision for it all.  A healthy environment, effective use of technology for communication, a classless society, rights for all were also present.  He may do it with a voice representing different countries in a fiction story format.

Sue once again delivered in her naturally humorous vein and shared a piece about Che Guevera at Centre 64 trying to hold a meeting with many interruptions and frustrations, spoken with an accent.  There were many chuckles as Che's vision of revolution was lost in the poor dynamics of the meeting!

Mike W. shared his own warm fuzzy revolution of the 24 hours from morning to night on Thanksgiving Day, reminding us of the joys of companionship, cozy beds, the feeling of community in a local congregation, smells of a turkey with all the trimmings, youth at the skate park and the simple pleasure of life to be thankful for and appreciated.

I(Heather) shared a reflection on the bodily 'revolution' that occurs with menopause and how it can compare with adolescence in dramatics on physical and emotional levels!

Mike W. then gave us a writing exercise where we had to give an excuse for not getting the flu shot.  These ranged from mystical walks/discoveries in the woods as the setting for the excuse, old tins in the garage wreaking havoc when the mystery contents were tasted, a duck bite and consequent blood clot from the bruise, looking after the evil grandkids of a boyfriend with designs to dye their cat, and keeping the body as a temple for an international rugby match.  Lots of laughs and fun!  We then got to share a few limericks to finish it all off.  Good time was had by all and we plan on gathering at the Sully 5:45 for burger and beer before next meeting!  Until then word weavers...