It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

Apologies for the delay. I appear to have been a little lost for words.

Ironic, I know.

Patterns and routines are constantly shifting in response to the Pandemic. Therefore the ‘new normal’ isn’t static and we are all continuing to find our way. As a result of this shifting rhythm, I have found myself noticing a lot more. The positive in this is of course noticing those small details, finding glimpses of beauty. I don’t think I remember an Autumn as stunning as this one. They must have existed but I simply didn’t notice.

Has this been the same for you? What has taken you by surprise? Use this as writing inspiration…

Try This! Take your notebook & pens with you on a walk and stop when you notice something. Set your clock for 10 mins and begin by writing ‘I notice/I see/I’m looking at.’

I have been thinking about those moments in my Creative Writes Workshops, where the emotions and electric atmosphere take us all by surprise because surely you can’t feel that kind of connection on a screen, over the internet?

I have spent the past year & a half devising and facilitating online Workshops for Creative Writes, a Wellbeing agency, corporates, community & arts groups, charities and in my part time role as Community Engagement Manager for The Charterhouse. I have also taken part in online creative writing workshops, watched theatre performances, lectures, interviews, poetry readings, caught up with friends & family and am a regular at my Pilates class.

Now a new hybrid world is emerging. The next month will be a true reflection of this in my life, as I move between virtual and ‘real worlds,’

This Summer, when I returned to The Charterhouse – a unique & beautiful Heritage site on the City of London and Islington boarders, I felt like I was moving through a dream. We started gently, with a sensory Creative Writing Workshop in the gardens. I invited a small group from one of our Community Engagement Partners – The Claremont Project, where I also teach creative writing workshops. It was a magical experience.

That you have but slumbered here, While these visions did appear, And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding, but a dream.

Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

At the start of Autumn, we had a wonderful ‘in person’ Words & Wine workshop at a local venue with a small group of writers (starting slowly and carefully). We made the most of being together and built stories over a glass of wine – using objects as our starting point. We will return soon to this venue for W&W, as well as continuing with our Zoom Workshops.

Do you find that you are savouring all of the wonderful moments like these now? I certainly am.

I am very lucky to have been able to continue doing what I love during these times, to build several new partnerships and meet the most wonderful people both on and offline. I have had time and space to think creatively and am nourished by my communities.

It was also great to have my ‘Colour As Writing Inspiration’ workshop idea published in Volume Two of ‘Treasury of Arts Activities for Older People.’ This was launched on 24 September 2021, The National Day of the Arts in Care Homes. file:///C:/Users/User/Desktop/BF_Treasury-of-art-activities_2nd-Volume_WEB.pdf

You can download the Treasury from the Baring Foundation website: https://baringfoundation.org.uk/resource/treasury-of-arts-activities-for-older-people-volume-2/?fbclid=IwAR344XrjfxImtoDZdfL9-BzqM2-bkHeH-qkVQDuJSDlGdXb3Msz3ef4elKA

We are continuing with our Creative Writes Space to Write Zoom Workshops on Monday afternoons and our fortnightly Words & Wine Workshops (Zoom and In Person). Our next ‘in person’ W&W evening is on Weds 17 November, 8-9.30pm in Muswell Hill/East Finchley. This is followed by our Zoom Words & Wine on Weds 24 November, 8.30-10pm.

Drop us a line to find out more and do visit our website: https://www.creativewrites.co.uk/

(Email:info@creativewrites.co.uk)

https://www.creativewrites.co.uk/courses/

Here’s to a brighter world and continuing our sharing of words & noticing those special moments.

Talking of Surprises, I received this lovely Testimonial today from a Space to Write participant:

With no pressure or trepidation, I come to Nichola’s classes weary from the ‘normal’ world, wondering if I have any energy left to create anything. She brings out the best in everyone and we share the joy of just being free to write. My mind feels free to wander. There’s no pressure of a ‘project’ or trying to earn other people’s admiration or fear of critique. We simply create, or listen. Words do their job and we move on. Thank you so much for giving me this precious time. JC

Bye for now. Don’t forget to write your comments on this blog post in the box below!

Take care,

Nichola

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