Linda France‘s Writing Hours Friday 19th December 4 to 5pm

I find the New Moon Writing Hour on zoom – a boost to my commitment to free-write everyday. . I also recommend Linda’s Startlings, which are rich with ideas, books, and reflections on her life as a writer. She reaches out to other writers and readers inviting comments and seeking mutual inspiration. A recent Startling was a list of What ifs . . . including: ~ what if living is a rehearsal for dying? ~ what if not-knowing is just not-knowing?~ what if imperfection was the holy grail? ~ what if the living world & everything in it are a bubble, a wave, an illusion, a dream?

Let Go on 28th December

Day Retreat 28^th December, online, 10am – 4pm, with Ratnadevi
Let Go of the old year; tiredness; the stagnation of unfulfilled promises to yourself and others; too many things in wardrobes, in your diary, in your head; drivenness, resentment, craving; etc

Give yourself some Space
For the New Year; to rest; to celebrate what is going well; to focus on what matters most; for the bubbling up of fresh inspiration; to approach life with ease, openness and a generosity of spirit.

Spend a day in the supportive company of other meditators: meditating; moving; writing/ reflecting and some sharing. more info and booking 

I know some of you have her book Bringing Mindfulness to Life. After a couple of print runs it’s sold out at PlaySpace Publication, and can now be ordered at Amazon –  a good present for someone maybe? Rick Hanson kindly describes it as “Bringing Mindfulness down to earth and into the heart”. She is now working on a second book, watch this space……

Letting Go: Three Writing Workshops on zoom

Tuesdays 13th, 20th, 27th January 2026 plus a reading on 3rd February 7 to 8:30pm

facilitated by Sukhema aka Larry Butler The theme of ‘Letting Go’ is taken from the book Autumn Voices by Robin Lloyd-Jones:

Much of our younger lives is about acquiring – acquiring partners, children, a good job, a house, material things. There comes a period in our lives when the scales tip and much of life becomes about letting go – downsizing, coming to terms with loss, letting go of what you can’t change and of unrealistic hopes and plans; and letting go of grudges and hatreds because it’s now or never. In letting go we help those old doors to close and the new ones to open.

As Robin outlines, while ageing involves loss, it also brings opportunities to let go of what we don’t need, whether that’s material belongings or emotional baggage, and to discover what in life is truly essential.

“I can shake off everything if I write” Anne Frank

There are only two places left for these workshops. To book a place click here

PSP Give Away & Sale and fundraising for charities

PlaySpace Publications has multiple copies of books, pamphlets and cards which are now offered free or donation plus cost of postage or free if collected. Titles include: Autumn Voices, Living Our Dying, Brushes with War, Burning Words, Tributes to Tom Leonard, Everything Goes Out Dancing, Adore & Endure, the infinished hut, Lost Words, Embrace the (w)hole . . . . Sales of these books or pamphlets raise money for different charities and organisations including: Freedom from Torture, Childline, Lapidus Scotland, Autumn Voices, Parent Network Scotland, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Campaign Against the Arms Trade, Dignity in Dying – since I’ve already covered printing and design cost, all donations will go to charity. . . .just go to the website and click on which publication you’d like:

https://playspacepublications.com/publications/ This offer will continue until mid-January.

Mirrorball

The Glasgow and Worldwide network of poets and poetry lovers

Mirrorball Showcase events are free to Mirrorball members – here are the next dates for your diaries:

• Thursday 12th February, 7-9pm.
• Thursday 30th April 2026, Clubroom
• Thursday 14th May 2026, Clubroom

Please email membership secretary: vickihusband@hotmail.com if you wish to renew or join.

PS: I Am Because We Are

You are warmly invited to read my never ending story and add your own story and comments. You can subscribe free for monthly chapters.

Climate Stories

What do people in Scotland think and feel about climate change? We’re collecting stories from people around Scotland for a research project at the University of Glasgow. . . . Read more on the website click on the link and submit your story.

Work That Reconnects Retreats and Workshops

A retreat expanding our horizons through language: opening to the wisdom of the body and integrating our head and heart. Tai chi, writing and meditation have much in common: form, structure, sensitivity and a striving towards wholeness.

Each move in tai chi is a metaphor and the structured forms of the practice provide an inspiring backdrop for the creation of rhythmic patterns with words. Clouds like thoughts come and go; inspired by the surrounding mountains, water and sky, we will combine writing with movement and mindfulness for our own well-being and for all living beings everywhere.

This retreat will trace our intimate relation to each other and our earth. Whatever arises from our practice we will use to play with the reality of our interconnectedness – write about it and share our stories.

This retreat is suitable for complete beginners to meditation and tai chi as well as being an ideal refresher for those who already have some experience. For more information, read the retreat information sheet.

PS: I Am Because We Are

You are warmly invited to read my never ending story and add your own story and comments. You can subscribe free for monthly chapters.