First Time Authors

Let’s not rush into 2026! Instead, let’s pause in the quiet, short days of winter, reflect on the year that has passed, and close 2025 with gratitude and presence. In this circle, we’ll draw inspiration from **myth, the Andean teachings of Ayni** (sacred reciprocity and giving thanks before beginning anew), and poetry by **Naomi Shihab Nye and Susan Rich**. Together, we’ll use guided journaling prompts to let go, release what no longer serves us, and create space for renewal. To close the circle, we’ll craft a small **prayer bundle** with our writing, seeds (symbolizing intention), and herbs (supports) as a take-home ritual to honor endings and invite new beginnings. This is a gentle, reflective space for anyone who wants to pause and step into the new year with intention. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Hello! I'm Josep Domènech, director of the Barcelona Gospel Choir, musicals, modern music, and vocal technique. Would you like to learn to sing? In a choir? Gospel? Musicals? Modern music? Learn vocal technique? Do you dare? Or maybe you already sing and want to continue learning. Join our vocal family at the Barcelona Gospel Choir! We are a group of about 100 people who rehearse Monday through Friday at Calle València 84, Unit 1. Each day we offer 2 or 3 separate classes: Monday: 6:45\-8:15 PM Modern Music \| 8:15\-9:45 PM Gospel Tuesday: 6:45\-8:15 PM Musicals \| 8:15\-9:45 PM Modern Music Hits Wednesday: 6:45\-8:15 PM Gospel \| 8:15 PM \- 9:45 PM Musicals Thursday: 6:45 PM \- 8:15 PM Musicals \| 8:15 PM \- 9:45 PM Gospel Friday: 8:15 PM - 9:45 PM Gospel You decide how many rehearsals you want. You can come one, two, three, or every day. Up to 25 rehearsals per week! Flat price: €45 per month. You can join any day of the month; you only pay the proportional part. Each rehearsal begins with a warm-up, then we work on vocal technique and finally repertoire. We usually start with new repertoire, and the end of the rehearsal is for reviewing and leaving with high energy. The first rehearsal is FREE. After that, you choose how many days you want to come. If you're up for it, write to me. You can also visit our website [www.coralgospelbarcelona.com](http://www.coralgospelbarcelona.com/) to get to know us better. And if you're too shy to call or introduce yourself, you can join our WhatsApp group here. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/HQQWFIhHTbUCDZQzDhmqth](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HQQWFIhHTbUCDZQzDhmqth) We'll be waiting for you! 652116550 Josep ## ## ###

Step into a dark and atmospheric world of magic, curses, and forbidden bonds. Join our Romantasy Book Club to discuss *One Dark Window*, its eerie folklore, morally gray characters, and slow-burning tension. Come ready to share theories, favorite moments, and all your feelings. 📅 **Thursday, January 8** · **19:30** 📍 **A Romance Court** – C/ Monistrol 1, Barcelona 🎟️ **Free entry** ✨ *The Court gathers after dark.* Adéntrate en un mundo oscuro y atmosférico lleno de magia, maldiciones y vínculos prohibidos. Únete a nuestro club de lectura Romantasy para comentar *One Dark Window*, su folclore inquietante, personajes moralmente grises y tensión slow burn. Ven con ganas de debatir teorías, compartir escenas favoritas y emociones. 📅 **Jueves, 8 de enero** · **19:30** 📍 **A Romance Court** – C/ Monistrol 1, Barcelona 🎟️ **Entrada gratuita** ✨ *La Corte se reúne al caer la noche.*

**🇬🇧 The Language Exchange Meetup in Barcelona 🌍** Are you ready for an evening filled with language practice, new friendships, and tons of fun? Join our vibrant community in Barcelona where language enthusiasts gather to enhance their proficiency in various languages and expand their social circles. 🗓️ **When**: Every Thursday at 7pm 📍 **Where**: Space Cowboy: 31 Carders street (5 minutes from Jaume I or 8 minutes from Arc de Triomf station) Embark on a linguistic adventure with us! Our language exchange sessions take place in the heart of the city, within the unique atmosphere of Space Cowboy 🤠 🆓 **Admission: Free**, with a friendly request to support the venue by ordering a minimum drink (€4). This inclusive event welcomes everyone, so come and mingle with us! (Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.) 📸 We'll seek your permission before capturing any moments on camera. Agreeing to be in a photo means you're okay with us sharing it on social media. 🗣 A friendly host will hand you a sticker with your name, native language, and the language you're eager to practice. Feel free to stick to your mother tongue if you prefer. Let's make language learning a joyous journey! 😊 **Stay Connected**: 📸 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/barcelonalanguageexchange/)! 👍 Like our [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/thefridaylanguageexchange) to see all the albums! 🌐 Discover more about us on [our website](https://speakquick.es). 📱 **Connect on WhatsApp**: [Join the group here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D175hLd5PNSLed7e6dPWto) See you there for an evening of laughter, language, and lasting friendships. **Come alone, leave with friends!** 🌍🗣️ \-\-\- 🇪🇸 **¡El Intercambio de Idiomas de Barcelona!** 🌍 ¿Estás listo para una velada llena de práctica de idiomas, nuevas amistades y mucha diversión? Únete a nuestra animada comunidad en Barcelona, donde entusiastas de los idiomas se reúnen para mejorar su nivel y ampliar sus círculos sociales. 🗓️ **Cuándo**: Todos los jueves a las 19h. 📍 **Dónde**: Space Cowboy: calle Carders 31 (a 5 minutos del metros Jaume I o a 8 min de Arc de Triomf) ¡Embárcate en una aventura lingüística con nosotros! Nuestras sesiones de intercambio de idiomas tienen lugar en el corazón de la ciudad, en el ambiente único de Space Cowboy 🤠 🆓 **Entrada Gratuita**, solo te pedimos que tomes una consumición mínima (4€). Este evento inclusivo da la bienvenida a todos, así que ¡ven y únete a nosotros! (Los participantes menores de 18 años deben ir acompañados por un adulto.) 📸 Pediremos tu permiso antes de capturar cualquier momento en cámara. Al aceptar estar en una foto, nos permites compartirla en las redes sociales. 🗣 Un anfitrión te entregará una pegatina con tu nombre, idioma nativo y el idioma que deseas practicar. Siéntete libre de hablar en tu lengua materna si lo prefieres. ¡Hagamos del aprendizaje de idiomas un viaje lleno de alegría! 😊 **Mantente Conectado**: 📸 ¡Síguenos en [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/barcelonalanguageexchange/)! 👍 ¡Dale 'me gusta' a nuestra [página de Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thefridaylanguageexchange), para ver todos los álbumes! 🌐 Descubre más sobre nosotros en [nuestra web](https://speakquick.es). 📱 **Conéctate en WhatsApp**: [Únete al grupo aquí](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D175hLd5PNSLed7e6dPWto) Nos vemos para una tarde de risas, idiomas y amistades duraderas. **¡Ven solo, márchate con amigos!** 🌍🗣️

SI US PLAU, CONTACTA AMB MI ABANS DE VENIR: Anna: 651314706 Instagram: @cercleahimsa **Vine a gaudir i compartir una sessió basada en el ioga i en l'energia del cicle lunar.** Cada setmana fem una sessió diferent aprofitant el moment lunar en el qual ens trobem, per exemple lluna plena: agraïment, lluna minvant: deixar anar... El pes central de la sessió està en la pràctica de ioga, però també fem una meditació profunda d'uns 10 min mínim i una conclusió de la sessió expressada a través de l'escriptura terapèutica o de l'expressió artística. Som un màxim de 8 persones i així creem espais de confiança i d'obertura on, a través del cos i el moviment, anem apropant-nos al camí de l'autoconeixement i la pau. Instagram: @cercleahimsa

### **🎤 Thorny Thursday Open Mic – A Comedy Night with a Twist!** ### **🌵 What is Thorny Thursday?** Welcome to **Thorny Thursday Open Mic**, the comedy night where **anything can happen**! This is a **welcoming stage for comedians of all levels**, whether they’re testing new material or delivering their **best jokes** to impress. **You are the audience they need**, and your laughter (or silence) helps shape the future of their sets. **Why Thursdays?** Well, until we officially get a **4-day work week**, make **Thursdays your new Fridays**! Stick it to the man, have a drink, and enjoy a night of **hilarious, unpredictable stand-up comedy**. *** ### **🎭 Why Should You Come to Thorny Thursday?** At **Thorny Thursday**, we go beyond comedy—we balance the universe! Each week, we give **you** the chance to share your highs and lows in our **"Thorns & Roses" challenge**. 🌹 **The person who had the BEST week** and 🌵 **The person who had the WORST week** will get a FREE shot on us!! That’s right—**we restore universal karma, one drink at a time**! *** ### **📍 Where & When can I see Thorny Thursday Open Mic?** 📍 **Secret Comedy Club, Barcelona** 🗓️ **Every Thursday at 8.30pm** 🎟️ **Get your tickets now at [Secret Comedy Club](https://yourwebsite.com/tickets)** *** ## **🍹 The Secret Comedy Club Experience** **Secret Comedy Club** is an **exclusive underground venue** dedicated to **stand-up comedy in English and Spanish**. Designed for **raw, unfiltered comedy**, it offers an **up-close and personal experience**, just as stand-up was meant to be seen. Want food with your comedy? Upstairs, there’s a **Chilean restaurant** serving delicious empanadas and drinks—come early or stay late to enjoy! *** ### **🔗 Want More? Follow Us!** 📲 **Follow us on Instagram** →[Thorny Thursday Comedy](https://www.instagram.com/thornythursdaycomedy/) 📢 **More comedy nights?** → Check out our [full lineup at Secret Comedy Club](https://secretcomedyclubbarcelona.com/en/english-shows/) *** ## **🎟️ Get Ready for a Night Like No Other!** **Reserve your ticket in advance** to guarantee your seat (and give comedians a reason to live!) or take your chances at the door—seats may still be available. Looking forward to seeing you at **Secret Comedy Club**—**tell everyone, but tell them quietly.**

**[Don't forget to join our community WhatsApp group for latest updates!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LuRw9VfBIKlEfwO2PAqow3)** Sometimes the best connections happen when we drop titles, roles, and expectations. **First Name Basis Friday** is a relaxed social evening designed to bring together familiar faces and new ones in an easy, human way. No pitches. No panels. No pressure. Just good conversations, shared drinks, and an atmosphere where meeting someone new feels natural. As a small welcome, **the first 15 people to arrive will get a free beer**. After that, the evening continues at its own pace with drinks, music and conversation. **What to expect** * A casual Friday evening vibe * Name stickers with just your first name * Light, optional conversation starters throughout the night * A welcoming mix of people who’ve been here before and those joining for the first time * Drinks, music, and plenty of time to actually talk During the evening, we’ll also have a **“Find someone who…” game** available. It’s a simple, playful way to spark conversations by finding people who match a few prompts (for example, someone new in town or someone who came alone). Participation is **completely optional**. You can join in as much or as little as you like, or skip it entirely and just enjoy the evening. **What this event is not** * Not a networking event * Not a workshop * Not a place to sell Come as you are. Stay as long as you like. Whether you’re new to the community or already a familiar face, this evening is about slowing down, sharing space, and letting connections form naturally. We’ll be there to welcome you. All you need is your first name.

A casual (but coordinated) coffee break to meet new friends, take a Zoom break, and get your AM caffeine fix. Stop by for a few minutes or stay the whole time. Bring a friend or wander in solo. Come for the coffee and company, or just bring a book to read while surrounded by other in-real-life, community-seeking humans. Come by every Friday, or just when you happen to be in town. Make it whatever you need it to be that week. It's not an \*event\* per se, but we hope these Friday meet-ups can become a fixture of the bookshop! Gathering spot will be in the downstairs area of the bookshop (near the Community Library). Coffee and tea are 1.50€ and can be purchased at the cash register upstairs. Find more info on our Instagram (@backstorybookshop) or website (www.backstorybookshop.com).

¡Bienvenidos al taller de escritura creativa de los viernos. En este taller nos enfocamos en aprender y fomentar la escritura creativa. Hay un moderador quien plantea un tema y todos los asistentes escribirán un relato lo más creativo posible. Después leerán dicho relato y recibirán feedback. No importa si eres un escritor experimentado o si acabas de empezar, este taller está hecho para ti. Todo lo que necesitas es un papel y bolígrafo, o un ordenador si lo prefieres, y muchas ganas de pasarlo bien mientras conoces a gente que comparte tu pasión por la escritura. Nuestro objetivo es que te diviertas mientras aprendes, te inspires a escribir más y conozcas a gente que tiene tu misma inquietud. Así que, si quieres sumergirte en el maravilloso mundo de la escritura creativa, ¡este taller es para ti! ¡Te esperamos con los brazos abiertos! **Precios de la actividad**: Taquilla inversa. Se paga según la satisfacción. Pago solo en efectivo. Gracias

Looking to meet new people, practice languages, and enjoy a great evening in Barcelona? Join our **Language Exchange** every **Saturday** at **La oveja negra near Plaza Cataluña** Follow us on Instagram! [https://www.instagram.com/newinbarcelona/](https://www.instagram.com/newinbarcelona/) 🗓️ **When?** * **Every Saturday** * **07:16 PM – 1:30 AM** 🍹 **What Happens?** * Meet friendly locals and internationals from our WhatsApp groups and beyond. (More than 500 Whatsapp groups by languages, services, hobbies, sports, activities, first steps, etc...) * Practice your favorite languages in a relaxed and fun environment. * After the exchange, we often head to another bar for drinks and socializing. 🎉 **Why Join?** * Regular attendees and new faces every week. * A welcoming and open atmosphere for all language levels. * It’s a fantastic way to make friends and explore Barcelona’s vibrant nightlife. ✨ **Important note for new members:** Sometimes Meetup shows just a few people “going” (2, 3, or 5), but in reality our events are *much bigger*! Why? Because we also bring together our huge international community from **Facebook and more than 500 WhatsApp groups** (by languages, hobbies, sports, activities, services, and more). So don’t worry — you won’t be sitting alone! We’re usually **15, 20, 30+ people every Saturday** 🎉 🔗 **Join the conversation on WhatsApp**: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FWz5YANnSlb2g0Z2eVWTsG](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FWz5YANnSlb2g0Z2eVWTsG) Come alone or bring friends—everyone is welcome! Let’s connect, chat, and have a great time together. See you this Saturday! 🌍✨ Join Our WhatsApp & Instagram Channels! Get real-time updates on upcoming meetups, activities, and exclusive events—without the spam! You decide when to check in. Plus, participate in fun polls and help shape future gatherings. 📲 WhatsApp Channel: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaiwvyz7dmefK81Xnf2j](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaiwvyz7dmefK81Xnf2j) 📸 Instagram Channel: [https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbaZsrIPtG7jwUKC/](https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbaZsrIPtG7jwUKC/) Want to know how our WhatsApp channel works? Read more here: [https://newinbarcelonablog.blogspot.com/2024/07/we-have-our-brand-new-whatsapp-channel.html](https://newinbarcelonablog.blogspot.com/2024/07/we-have-our-brand-new-whatsapp-channel.html) 🚀 Join now and be part of Barcelona’s most vibrant international community! 🌍✨

**[BUY THE BOOK HERE!](https://backstorybookshop.shop/product/the-london-eye-mystery/)** This month's pick: The London Eye Mystery Backstory’s **Story Squad!** is **our book club for young readers** — a space to discover incredible stories, share ideas, and nurture a lifelong love of reading. Led by a mom-and-daughter duo, each session is about celebrating books together in a fun and welcoming way. **Kids ages 8-12** Instructions 1. Swing by the shop to pick up a copy of your book 2. Read it 3. Come discuss it Easy peasy! Happy reading!

Put on your comfiest pajamas and join us for a cozy movie night at the Court. We’ll watch *People We Meet on Vacation* together, snack, relax, and enjoy all the friends-to-lovers feelings in good company. Come comfy, come cozy — this night is for switching off and enjoying the story. 📅 **Friday, January 9** · **20:15** 📍 **A Romance Court** – C/ Monistrol 1, Barcelona 🎟️ **Entry: 12€** ✨ *Pajamas encouraged.* Ponte tu pijama más cómoda y ven a disfrutar de una noche de peli cozy en la Corte. Veremos *People We Meet on Vacation* juntas, con snacks, calma y todas las emociones friends-to-lovers. Ven cómoda, relájate y disfruta de la historia. 📅 **Viernes, 9 de enero** · **20:15** 📍 **A Romance Court** – C/ Monistrol 1, Barcelona 🎟️ **Entrada: 12€** ✨ *Pijamas más que bienvenidos.*

# **Band: The Pegheads; Caller: Liz Burkhart** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm the second & fourth Wednesday of every month at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters (HQ). Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens around 6:45pm. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Two Dollar Radio HQ! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Other customers are welcome at Two Dollar HQ at the time, so please bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **ACCESSIBILITY:** Two Dollar Radio HQ's entrance door on Cline Street is wheelchair accessible, they have two gender-neutral bathrooms that are both wheelchair accessible, and their ordering and table-seating area is as well. Working service dogs are allowed. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Two Dollar Radio HQ does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public street parking on all surrounding streets, on both sides of Parsons Ave. You are also welcome to park in the Columbus Metropolitan Library parking lot across the street (1113 Parsons Ave). Two Dollar Radio HQ has a bike rack on the corner of Cline and Parsons, and the library has bike parking (across Parsons). * **FOOD/BEVERAGE:** Two Dollar Radio HQ is a bar and vegan cafe. Their food is 100% vegan and made from scratch, with love. They also serve a range of wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as coffees and teas. If you're able to, please consider thanking our venue by purchasing something!!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!