Creative Non-Fiction

Join this fruitful "Success Team" as the spring arrives! We gather in a pleasant space at Rosa Buurtcentrum (2nd floor–eerste verdieping–right hand, last door; there is a lift). There will be tea and you are welcome (but not required) to bring snacks. We'd love to welcome you. \*\*\* Help wanted & help offered. Bi-weekly meetings (every two weeks). Language English/Dutch. This idea is inspired by Barbara Sher's story and experiences. Please see her Ted Talk titled "Isolation is the dream-killer, not your attitude". The idea in short: One person at a time tells the group his/her dream or aim and the obstacles they face to achieve it. It could be a trip, an experience, a change of career, an undertaking of some kind, learning a skill, solving a particular problem or even finding out what you really want. The group works to realise the person's aim. Not just theoretically, also practically. For this we use our experience and networks. —Nothing as satisfying as helping another! Perhaps suitable, Gabor Mate's words: "You never heal alone." Please contact me at galatv@protonmail.com if you have questions or would like to help me to organise these gatherings. Thank you! Gala Painting "Flora", by Evelyn de Morgan, 1894.

**From Strangers to Friends – Community Dinner 🍽️** Join us for a special edition of *From Strangers to Friends*: a cozy community dinner where expats and locals come together to share food, stories, and meaningful conversations. Entrance is free, simply bring a dish from your country to share with the group. After you sign up, we’ll briefly coordinate who brings what so we don’t end up with only desserts 😉. Please bring a small note with the ingredients of your dish so everyone knows what they are eating. If you have any dietary restrictions, let me know. Come alone if you like, many people do! Or bring a friend! You’ll leave with new connections and great conversations. During the dinner, question cards will be on the tables to spark deeper and more interesting discussions. 📍 **Location:** Café Libertas, Klarendalseweg 477-1, Arnhem 🚶 **Distance:** 7-minute walk from Velperpoort station 🕕 **Gathering:** 18:00 🍽️ **Dinner starts:** 18:30 **Entrance:** Bring a dish to share. Curious what our events look like? Check the photo albums in this group (visible on desktop).

#This meetup is around a third-party organizer (Focus Filmtheater): you can either purchase your ticket online or right before the session# **Title**: Joe Speedboot **Language**: Dutch **Subtitles**: English **Length**: 96 min **Director**: Sam de Jong **More info**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-joe-speedboot/ **Ticket link**: https://www.focusarnhem.nl/agenda/english-subs-joe-speedboot/ **Synopsis**: Sam de Jong (*Met Mes*) ventures into a punky and energetic film adaptation of Tommy Wieringa’s bestseller. After a bizarre accident leaves Fransje Hermans confined to a wheelchair, he seems doomed to spend his days in the sleepy village of Lomark. But then Joe Speedboot arrives. Fransje can no longer move or speak as a result of his accident, and with only one functioning arm, his life seems hopeless. This changes when he forms an unlikely friendship with the charismatic and reckless newcomer Joe. Will Joe help Fransje realize his passionate dreams and satisfy his desire for the enchanting PJ, or is he just another project for the adventure-seeking Joe? **How it works**: I will be at Focus around 18:30, where we can meet before the movie starts. You can message me to find us. Screening starts at 19:00. After the movie, we can have a drink together. Hope to see you soon!

Location: Amsterdam House of Arts & Crafts Duration: 2 hours Price: €59 **Dates & times** * Wednesday evening: 19:30–21:30 * Friday evening: 19:30–21:30 * Sunday afternoon: 13:00–15:00 Open Atelier is a relaxed creative event where you can work with your hands in an inspiring studio — no long-term commitment and no prior experience required. During this two-hour open studio session, you choose one creative direction to focus on and work at your own pace. You are free to experiment, make, and explore, with professional guidance available whenever you need it. **What can you make?** You choose one creative direction per session, such as: * Painting * Clay * Upcycling * Mosaic * Glazing * Beading For upcycling, many participants bring their own items. In previous sessions, people have given old T-shirts, shoes, or other forgotten pieces a completely new life using paint, textiles, and other materials. You are very welcome to bring something from home if you’d like. Please note that glazed ceramic work needs to be fired in the kiln. These pieces cannot be taken home the same day and can be collected at a later moment. All materials are included, as well as tea and a cookie. Friday evening sessions also include a drink. Doors open 15 minutes before the session starts. If you have any specific questions before booking, feel free to send me a message here on Meetup. Tickets and available dates can be found here: https://amsterdamhouseofartsandcrafts.com/eng/classes/open-atelier

Wil je beter begrijpen hoe moderne cybersecurityoplossingen werken en hoe Zero Trust, detectietechnologie en AI concreet worden toegepast door **Fortinet**? Tijdens deze kennissessie op **18 maart** nemen experts Mario Maas en Eric van Alebeek je mee in de belangrijkste ontwikkelingen binnen het Fortinet‑portfolio, praktisch, inhoudelijk en direct toepasbaar. Zij laten zien hoe Fortinet technologie inzet in de praktijk: van detectiesystemen tot door AI versterkte beveiliging die verweven zit door de hele Security Fabric. **Agenda:** * Introductie + update Fortinet \- Detectie systemen: FortiDeceptor en Mail Workspace * Zero Trust (ZTNA/SASE) * Fortinet AI toepassingen *Het programma zal deze avond als volgt zijn:* * Vanaf 17.15 u: inloop * Rond 17.30/18.00 u: eten * 18.30 u: start kennissessie * 20.00 u: afsluiting We zien jullie graag dan!

Hi all! 🙂 On Wednesdays we welcome you to practice languages! If you want to practice a specific (uncommon) language, please send us a message so we can find some conversation partners for you on our mailing list! We hope to see you in Café Marktzicht! In the last year we had tables for the following languages: * Dutch * English * French * Italian * Spanish * Turkish\* * German\* * Portuguese\* * Danish\* * Norwegian\* * Russian\* * Arabic\* * Chinese\*\* * Japanese\*\* * Indonesian\*\* * * Most likely, but not every week present. \*\* - Rather rare ;-) If your language is not in this list, please let us know! We have a large database of Language Cafe visitors speaking 56 different languages! We might be able to connect you with a person that does speak the language you want to practice. In case you are not in our database yet, please use this form: http://goo.gl/forms/oSCn9Dn8m8

Join in for a some drinks (and food, if you want) after work at **The 5th \| Utrecht**. Bring your own project and payment for drinks. As evenings tend to be a bit busier, we'll reserve a table. This means: **Only sign up if you are sure you will come!** And if there's no space left on the event, please don't join spontaneously. \-\-\-\-\- As always, we talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a drink after a long day in good company. Whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique, we're looking forward to seeing you!

Join a casual online hour to share you, your brand and business, and learn more about other business owners, locally and globally. Join and share your brand, products/services, and about you. Expand your visibility. Every session will close with gratitude and a mini creative activity, so have a pen and paper, tablet, or something available with which to write/create/draw. **RSVP here via EventBrite: [Event link](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/you-and-your-brand-a-casual-networking-hour-tickets-1984283125243?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)** *-* *The only requirements are a minimum age of 18 years old,* *and at least three attendees to make it a worthwhile hour for everyone.*

The final novel of Hermann Hesse, *The Glass Bead Game* is a fascinating tale of the complexity of modern life as well as a classic of modern literature. Set in the twenty-third century, *The Glass Bead Game* is the story of Joseph Knecht, who has been raised in Castalia, the remote place his society has provided for the intellectual elite to grow and flourish. Since childhood, Knecht has been consumed with mastering the Glass Bead Game, which requires a synthesis of aesthetics and philosophy, which he achieves in adulthood, becoming a Magister Ludi (Master of the Game).

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Come over to the Ducosim game fair in Amersfoort. For a small fee (or become a member) many publishers are ready to demo their published games. Next to that you can meet up and network with game designers, playtest their games and bring what you are working on and put it on the table. More details: https://www.ducosim.nl/

**This event has two meetup spots: Arnhem station (9:30) and 's-Hertogenbosch (10:40)!** Welcome to the page of the Maastricht & Valkenburg daytrip. On the first day of spring, we like to welcome you to a trip to the very southern edge of the Netherlands: home to the picturesque city of Maastricht, and the river valley town of Valkenburg. The plan goes as follows: * 9:30 Meetup Arnhem CS, next to Burger King * 9:53 Train to 's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) * 10:40 Transfer in Den Bosch, second meetup point * 11:08 Train to Maastricht * 12:33 Arrive in Maastricht Those who do not want to go to Valkenburg can stay in Maastricht * 12:41 13-minute train to Valkenburg * ±15:40 Train back to Maastricht * 18:29 Train to Den Bosch * 19:53 2/32 min. transfer in Den Bosch * 20:37/21:07 Arrive in Arnhem While these times are mostly fixed, train disruptions may force us to change the plan. Were they to happen, all changes will be announced in the discussion chat of this event page. **Meetup in Arnhem & Den Bosch** The two meetup places are in Arnhem Centraal Station, next to the Burger King at 9:30, and at 's-Hertogenbosch station on platform 7a at 10:40. If you want to join at another location, like on the train or in Maastricht, please let us know in advance. These are also the places where the group splits and disbands at the end of the day, but of course you may leave the group at any time you like. Please sign up by RSVP on Meetup or via [Google Forms](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2g-H1CVAJrpTD-T0ELzcqoDOmggzyB4bm3lIOqqRRnf0s9Q/viewform?usp=header). We will all travel by using our own OV-Chipkaart or bank card. Tip: if you don't have an NS subscription or the *studentenreisproduct* you can buy train tickets (usually at a discount if you buy it days in advance) on [ns.nl](ns.nl/en) or the NS app. **Payment** In order to keep our Meetup-page active, everyone joining the event will be asked to pay a 2 euro contribution. The payment will be handled via Tikkie, and is refundable if you cancel before Wed March 18th 10:00 - and in any case if we cancel or postpone the event of course. We hope to see you there!

Twee ensembles bundelen hun krachten in een uniek muzikaal project. Kamerkoor het **Schütz Ensemble** o.l.v. Jelle Leistra en **Gitaarorkest Guitarrísimo** o.l.v. Peter Constant nemen je mee op een muzikale reis over zee en land, met als kloppend hart het indrukwekkende tweeluik *Tales of Wind and Sail*. De rijke klanken van het Schütz Ensemble en het warme, gelaagde gitaargeluid van Gitaarorkest Guitarrísimo smelten samen tot een muzikale vertelling. *Tales of Wind and Sail* is een ode aan de zee, de wind, de vrijheid en de menselijke daadkracht, in 2021 geschreven door de Australische componist Richard Charlton. Op 21 maart 2026 zal de feestelijke Almeerse première te horen zal zijn, omlijst door een kleurrijk en gevarieerd programma voor koor en gitaarorkest. Met solisten Marion Schaap (octaafgitaar), Marlou Stift en Ilse Hoekstra (gitaar) en percussionist Sybren Schaake (Koninklijk Conservatorium). **Locatie, Tijd & kaartverkoop** Concert: zaterdag 21 maart, 20.00-21.45 Levend Waterkerk Almere, Parkwijklaan 44, Almere Toegang: €15,00 (tot 18 jaar €5) Bestel je kaarten per email: entreekaarten.schutzensemble@gmail.com *Kaarten zijn ook verkrijgbaar aan de deur*

Let’s meet and discuss this fun but moving collection of wildly creative short stories. (Photo credit: TimesNowNews.com)

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).