Memoir Writing

Every year we read and discuss one classic (older than 50 years) original scientific work from different domains of sciences that influenced the world and see how it holds up in 21 century. Previous years we read works by Freud and C.G. Jung. This year we will discuss one of the most influential sociological books of 20 century - "The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life" by Erving Goffman, that created a whole new branch in sociology and irrevocably changed our culture ( though the extent of its influence and consequences are clear only now) This short, but clear, insightful and very entertaining book is less known than works of Freud and Jung, but if you have heard phrases like "performative signaling" that are thrown around without much understanding of their genealogy, you should read the book that analyzed their foundations without emotional and political baggage - as descriptive, not normative phenomena... The link for conference will be posted here 1hr before event

You are invited to the very first gathering of the School of Practical Spirituality! Join us on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Alternity Café, 333 Bloor St West in Toronto. We'll be exploring the topic: "What is Practical Spirituality?" How spiritual technologies and practices can be used in very real, practical way to improve the quality of our everyday life. Topics will include meditation, divination, developing a deeper relationship with your intuition and exploring the connection between the universe and your inner divine spark . Discover how your spirituality can be utilized to live a happier, more fulfilling and successful life. If that sounds like something that you would like to explore, please join us with an open heart and an open mind. No experience necessary, just curiosity and a little taste for adventure. Everyone is welcome! To support our lovely host at Alternity Café, we ask that you please purchase a drink or a snack while you're there. Donations are also welcome on a pay-what-you-can basis to help sustain future meetups. Looking forward to meeting you and sharing this space together. Warmly, School of Practical Spirituality

Lose 10lbs in 5 WEEKS and Win Prizes ! Topics will include Metabolism, Carbohydrate addiction, digestive health, label reading, dining out, heart health and many more. $ 50 to Join the Challenge includes: - Weekly Weigh In, Accountability and Motivation - 40 Min nutrition class - Voucher for 'Healthy Meal' - Personalized Meal Plan - Lose 1 - 3lbs a week. To register for your spot: www.ShapingUpCanada.com

***Explore a daily spiritual practice for more joy, wisdom, peace*** You are warmly invited to the Sound of Soul event (20 minute HU song/chant spiritual exercise followed by Discussion) in both **Farsi and English**, on ”**Tuesday, April 28th**, **at 7 PM**”, at the Richmond Hill Central Public Library - Second Floor, Room B. Bring your friend! [Eckankar Ontario Spiritual Events](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html) Singing HU Can: * **Expand your awareness** * **Help you get an insight on your question or problem** * **Spiritualize your attention and thoughts** * **Help you get an insight on your question or problem** A Sacred Sound, an ancient mantra: HU is a universal love song to God. It works for all. Have you ever reached out to the universe for love and answers? Do you feel you need help dealing with stress or fear? HU offers balance, wisdom and wonder—it brings alignment with your true purpose and highest good.The word HU will spiritualize you. It’s an ancient name for God. Sing HU on the way to work, for instance, and you will find that you have a different way of looking at the people around you and at the work you do. **“Sing the word HU. Sing it every day.** **“If you are ready, in a very short time you will have some definite recognition** **of a change for the better in your spiritual life.** **“There will be some kind of communication from God, directly or indirectly,** **that will bring upliftment to your life that was never there before.”** —Harold Klemp, *The Sound of Soul*, p. 57 \*\*\*\*\*\*\* Location: Aurora Public Library (15145 Yonge St) Sponsored by Eckankar Canada in Ontario. Illustration Courtesy of Eckankar, The Path of Spiritual Freedom **More information is available at** * **[[eckankarcanada.ca/ontario](http://eckankarcanada.ca/ontario)]([https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html))** * **[[eckankar.org/](http://eckankar.org/)]([https://www.eckankar.org/](https://www.eckankar.org/))** **For more info, contact:** **Afa Kamal** Email: \*\*[onvahrh1@eckankarcanada.ca**](http://onvahrh1@eckankarcanada.ca%2A%2A/)

Mom's Basement is a fun and intimate place out on the Danforth, with a nice selection of craft beers. They host trivia on the last Tuesday of each month; lotsa fun. (Thanks for the recommendation, Tim. Any tips, please let us know.) They do not serve food, but have no problem with anyone bringing outside food; there are many good options nearby. Seating is first come, first served. Game starts around 7.

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

Soft Morning for Girls 🌿 A gentle start to your day — no pressure, no expectations. We’ll meet for: ✨ light movement ✨ a short stretch ✨ a calm reset moment This is not a workout. It’s time for yourself. 📍 Trinity Bellwoods Park 🕒 Saturday, 8:30 AM After — optional coffee together ☕️ 💫 Contribution: $5 (to hold your spot) Limited spots — reserve yours early 🤍

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please. If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively). Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other's work. Other Important Details: WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access) Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue) Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** The great British writer Charles Dickens will conduct this tour on the very anniversary of his first time to Toronto. And this special walking tour will explore Toronto in 1842 during his world tour. He loved Toronto. Think a Christmas Carol. There is a link! After visiting Toronto, the Scrooge character appeared in print to astonished readers. Several sites in the downtown core have a direct history and link to the writer, so come along on a magic voyage of discovery with Dickens himself and explore a world of literature and culture in old Toronto. From the American Hotel at the corner of Front and Yonge to the dining halls of the rich and famous, this tour will put a smile on your face. Ok so it's not exactly the happy tour, but it's very similar. We begin this walking adventure at the dog fountain at Berczy Park on the north side of the fountain, Wellington Street East. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00! per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

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!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**