Joanna Macy 2nd May 1929 -19th July 2025
This is Joanna teaching in Marlboro, image by Joan Beard. Joanna Macy has been and will continue to be a big influence on my writing/publishing and the way I facilitate groups. I first came across her work through InterHelp in the 1970ies and have since trained as a Work That Reconnects (WTR) facilitator. As well as an activist, Joanna was a great storyteller, and poet. She translated Rilke’s Book of Hours including his poem Widening Circles. You can hear her here tell the story of the Shambala Warrior Prophecy and read more about her legacy.
If you are somewhere near Glasgow on Sunday 10th of August 5:15 to 9pm, you are invited to Coming Back to Life at the Glasgow Buddhist Centre. Ratnadevi and Sukhema will lead a workshop based on the WTR. Coming Back to Life is the title of a book by Joanna Macy and Molly Brown – for facilitators of the Worrk That Reconnects.
Linda France‘s Writing Hours and Startlings
For the past twenty plus years I’ve been reading Linda’s poetry and prose. She is one of my go-to writing mentors. Whenever I have a conundrum about writing or publishing, Linda offers me a direction to explore – not answers, but hints of what might be possible. I find the New Moon Writing Hour on zoom – a boost to my commitment to free-write everyday. Here’s the zoom link for Thursday 24th July 4 to 5pm
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.
Painting The Rainbow
The Poet’s Way 2025 – Sunday 2rd August 5:15pm.
2025 dates: 7th September, 5th October, 2nd November, 7th December. Doors open at 5:15pm for a prompt start at 5:30 – ending around 9pm Venue: Glasgow Buddhist Centre: 72 Berkeley St (G3 7DS),
The Poet’s Way awakens to the power of poems to compliment & enhance our spiritual practice. Bring a poem to share, your own or a favourite published poem. Please bring 4 copies of the one poem you want appreciated. Also please bring writing materials and vege food-to-share during a comfort break. Our programme includes a guided meditation inspired by poetry, and small groups for close reading and appreciation of poetry.
Lapidus Scotland July Newsletter – Gerry Loose Spring Renga
Lapidus Scotland now publishes a monthly newsletter – including a book of the month and poem of the month, a writing prompt, and more. July features Art Angel in Dundee with John Glenday, and Lapidus International is seeking nominations for the Lapidus Awards to be presented at the Creative Bridges 2025 conference in September.
I have brought you a severed hand by Ghayath Almadhoun
“This book never misses the defiant beat of an exile’s haunted footing across wars, seas and memory”. Don Mee Choi. I attended a reading in Mount Florida Books in Glasgow. Ghayath read in Arabic and Juana Adcock read the English translations by Catherine Cobham. Between poems, Ghayath spoke in English about his Palestinian father from Ghaza, about growing up in Damascus, immigrating to Sweden, living now in Berlin. A riveting evening, breathtakingly real. At the end of Q&A I asked Ghayath how he takes care of himself – there was a long silence before he replied . . .
Mirrorball Museletter
Mirrorball Museletter is for Poetry Lovers everywhere
To share your poetry news and events details, please email mirrorballmuseletter@outlook.com
PlaySpace Publications 