because time is slippery memories mingle with worries when the pen lies dormant because others are mirrors of magnitude shining back the full spectrum of light in each of us because when was the last time you made an appointment to savor the words of your own heart? ©Ali Grimshaw 2022
Join me on September 17 for Write Yourself: Poetry Writing Circle
Click HERE for more information.
Swimming upstream feeling the pull of this current day of decisions to be made. Kicking away troubled tributaries “You will regret this.” They say. Where is my ladder through? (even fish get one of those) I guess God must think me an excellent swimmer. ©Ali Grimshaw 2021
I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. No experience needed. All voices are welcome. Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry Mon, July 18, 2022 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM PDT Register HERE
To Know You by Kelley Morris Oh, that I would not Miss the chance To know you Past your likes Past your dislikes The chance To offer time As a gift for us both- After all, that is The only way We truly connect Occupying The same space In the physical In the technological Either has the ability To spark the same magic Oh, that I would not Miss the chance To know you Due to the foolishness Of a word Such as busy- Is there really such a thing, anyway? I am grateful for Kelley's permission to share her poem from a recent writing circle. You can find more of her poems here, pianogirlthoughts.com. Kelley lives in Oklahoma, I in Oregon. I never would have had the chance to know her if she hadn't joined a writing circle. It has been an amazing to write with her across the many miles, hear her experiences and find connection with someone who started out as a stranger and now is a friend. I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. No experience needed. All voices are welcome. Photo taken November 2021, Bozeman, Montana.
Thinly sliced sections of her heart carefully laid bare an inner dissection to find the magnificence of awe that is her heartwisdom. Following faded peak moments mindfully mapped on her skin. Elevations reached, views of reckoning and contours fallen from while yearning led to an evolution of her topography. She continues to traverse past valleys while climbing toward her next becoming still a proposed expedition. © Alicia Grimshaw Rewrite from 2019 dVerse Open Link Night - Join the fun HERE Join me for a writing circle Let me hold space for your voice to appear on the page. Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle, Friday, June 25, 10:00 – 11:30 am PDT Register here
“Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.” – Audre Lorde
Come write with me
throw your words on the wall
like paint.
Splattering in play.
See which ones stick.
Watch which ones fall.
See the bridge
that you have forgotten.
The girl inside you
is longing to get messy.
©Ali Grimshaw 2021
Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle
Friday, June 4, 8:30 – 10:00 am PDT. Register here
Photo taken in Amsterdam.
up to me fitting in is not required. it’s not even necessary. how could any of us fit a mold that is not ours? who made the mold anyway? why did I never question this generational imperative to be someone or something I was not ever intended to be – or become? I question it now. I release it now – today. I free myself to be… me. all that I am, and all I can be is up to me. By Carrie Cannady April 2021 You can find more of Carrie's poems and reflective wisdom here at Leadourlives.net
I am grateful for Carrie’s permission to share her poem from the writing circle. I continue to meet amazing women across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. Tickets are by donation.
Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle Friday, May 7, 10:00 am PDT. Register here
Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle Friday, May 21, 8:30 am PDT. Register here
Where to Write From You might think that to be a poet you must have a way with words You can keep thinking that more room for me You might think you must reach way down in the weeds pulling out muddy roots from your sodden brain or recall in detail places of distinction You might think you must go heart searching to find phenomenal fodder for verse or have personal connections with the waves, the sun, the moon and the stars There are those who have done that But really you might be content to write frilly froth of fabled fellows Or maybe, just maybe you’ll surprise yourself, crawl down deep like an a spelunking explorer to places in yourself you haven’t been or yet even noticed By Lilli Ann Carey I am grateful for Lilli Ann's permission to share her poem from a recent writing circle. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a safe place. Each of us has words that matter. Within the writing circle we nourish them. Curious? Email met at coaching@aligrimshaw.com
Looking For My Wild Card
That’s no weakness ... That’s your wild card
From Kim Stafford’s poem “Advice From A Raindrop”
I do not think of myself as wild —
I am a peacemaker
But the hint that perhaps I have a wild card,
a side of me rarely displayed, waiting within
till needed — then ready to flash forward?
I savor that suggestion
and seek within, hoping to get acquainted
willing to adapt my peaceful approach
Might I become a mirror to others
that they see their own behavior as destructive
and pause to consider other options?
Or might I blend in, becoming part
of what had seemed contrary to my beliefs
only to discover therein new perspectives?
My wild card may seem pretty tame to others —
I may be the one most needing its nudges
©SJaeschke 2021
I am grateful for Jazz's permission to share her poem
from a recent writing circle. You can find more of her
poems here on her blog Steps and Pauses.
Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life.
I would be honored to hold space for your words to appear on the page.
Join me for the next gathering. No experience needed. All voices welcome.
Renewal Through Poetry: Introductory Writing Circle
March 28, 4:00 PM PST register here – Eventbrite
I spent some time with Ali Grimshaw’s writing circle and once again, enjoyed being with like minded souls as we explored poetry together. The inspiration for my poem came from, “Lighthouse Keeping” by Kay Ryan. – Val
Lighthouse Keeping By Val Boyko
Find Your Middle Ground
Know that we are keepers of the light Holding space and reaching out to those in darkened places. Its not our job to judge, advise, fix or rescue others. Our calling is to keep the light shining within ourselves and bring it to the world, to keep us all afloat. Thank you Val for sharing this inspirational poem and for all the loving support written on your blog, Find Your Middle Ground. You are a bright light in the world. Keep on shining. I will be reading in appreciation. Photo by Ave Calvar Martinez
"The decision we face is not to chart the perfect way forward; it is simply to embark on a journey. Once we’ve taken a step forward, the work will teach us where to take a second step, and then a third, and so on. Purpose does not reveal itself to those sitting safely at the starting block. In other words, you don’t plan your way into finding your purpose. You live into it.” - Jacqueline Novogratz 500th I guess I can't call it an accident it's time to admit, intentionality. Claiming my inner poet five years ago (a birthday gift to myself) has led to this my 500th post. I would have given up sharing, long ago, if it hadn't been for you you reading, then reflecting back your thoughts in return. Knowing the aloneness of darkness I started with the desire to reach just one share my flashlight sit beside and just listen and listen some more. These years have brought your voices on the breeze, across seas, stanzas have sailed, flown and walked themselves beyond boundaries, I have heard your hearts. Together we are rewriting a world through poetry. Thank you for being a part of my journey. I am here to serve you in yours. I would love to write with you and hold space for your words. Renewal Through Poetry: Introductory Writing Circles March 7, 4:00 PM PST register here – Eventbrite
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 