Writing Prompt #91
And Some Special Invitations
Hey Y’all,
For a long, long time I was a big fan of looking for signs—signs from the dead, signs of love, signs for making life changes. Then I kind of drifted away from looking. But recently I had a pile up of signs regarding some changes I have been considering making in my work life. Not all, but many of these signs came to me in the form of birds. Birds have often appeared to me in curious ways. Yesterday I was visiting a new friend and as I was saying goodbye in her driveway—she lives out in the country like me—these large rowdy birds flew overhead squawking. I asked what they were and was stunned at the reply. MACAWS! They live at her neighbor’s place but fly free by day. Sadly I did not manage to get a photo of them. Still, what a sighting.
Also recently I spotted a pair of Austin’s Monk parakeets aka Quaker Parrots, which I hadn’t seen in ages, and which always lift my heart. The symbolism of these little green guys? Freedom, resilience, community, vocal truth, unexpected joy. Well guess what? They were spot on with this message the day I saw them.
The great horned owl came to my ranch and swooped in right before my eyes just as I was contemplating how to find new ways to do more healing work in the community. Very auspicious!
The hilarious perching vultures cheered me, too, because the work I am contemplating expanding is around death and grief.
As for the cardinal—that shot is from years ago when my friend Jason, six months after his death, showed up as this cardinal while his daughter was staying with me. That bird hopped right into my hand. Amazing!
So your prompt for this episode is to write about Signs You Have Received from the universe to make a change in your life. Could be a bird but need not be.
Feel free to post your stories in the comments.
INVITES
RANCH WRITING DAY
The next Ranch Writing Day is June 6th at Tiny T Ranch. Donation based. Space is limited. If you want to attend I NEED YOU TO PLEASE SIGN UP. It is free to sign up. Please only sign up if you can truly be here. Last minute cancels deprive waitlist folks of a shot at attending. SIGN UP HERE
SAN MARCOS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Free writing workshop. Memoir. Mondays 10 am til noon. This series ends at the end of June so enjoy the sessions while they are still happening. Just show up.
SPECIAL TOP SECRET WOMEN’S INTENSIVE MEMOIR WRITING
On August 22 I will be hosting a special writing event for women. It’s at a beautiful location in Bastrop. Lunch and fancy journals included. Space is limited to 15 attendees. Cost is $100. A nonrefundable $50 deposit holds your spot. Reply to this email to reserve. More details soonish.
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Thanks!
Spike