Memoir Writing

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.

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.

## Details Our hike leader is Bohdan Bilyj. Humber Valley Heritage Trail starts in Bolton, and it extends across the Humber Valley. There are lots of hils, and some very nice views. The days ends in the Humber River Pub, right next to where you are parked. This will be a shuttle hike. The hike leader will explain everything at the trail head. The distance will be around 13km. **Driving Instructions:** 1. Take Highway 401 west to Highway 409. 2. Take Highway 409 to Highway 427 north. 3. Go north on Highway 427 to its end at Major MacKenzie Drive. 4. Drive west to Highway 50. 5. Turn right, north on Highway 50. 6. Drive north on Highway 50 until you reach Bolton. Here it becomes Queen Street. Continue into the Bolton, down the big hill into the older town. 7. The traffic lights at the bottom of the hill are for King Street. Cross King Street. 8. The next traffic light is Sterne Street. Turn left, then turn right, into the parking lot. 9. Park! Googe Maps: [7 Timothy Street, Bolton, behind the Humber River Pub.](https://goo.gl/maps/Xp2hzNm16WM2)

\*\***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 price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** For summertime fun, it's hard to imagine a better place than the Toronto Islands. It's so much more than a small amusement park, Chelsea Beach, and walking and bike trails. It's about growing up in Toronto. About the ten minute ride over on the ferry boat, and the memories that have made Toronto a summertime city. It's a stretch of land that is historic and fascinating, both geologically and socially as well. And a history that brings together the stories of Toronto from its founding. The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1809, and is one of the oldest structures in Toronto. It is best known for the ghost story of its murdered first keeper, John Paul Rademüller. But that's another story for another day. The peninsula was partially severed by a storm in 1852, which created a sandbar that was dangerously thin, and the peninsula became an island permanently by a violent storm that cut out the eastern channel, two hotels on the island were also destroyed. The modern history of the Islands' begins here! The Islands' have three main parts, and all three have their historic elements, the most being the western most island named for the Hanlan family. A spectacular hotel, "The Ned Hanlan" was built and a regatta course dredged out of the western lagoon. An amusement park followed, and an airport after that! It was also a residential enclave with most of the homes appearing on Ward's and Centre Islands. By the 1950s these residential areas started to disappear, as the idea of increasing city parkland took shape. **Take a quick peek at my introduction video which follows at** https://youtu.be/hkVHx5Ol9qI The tour begins and ends at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street. We will meet inside the gates! And we will head over as a group, so tickets must be bought before! Please meet 10 minutes before the meetup time! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket price when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

Bromptons and books are a perfect bookend for the first weekend in June! Join us for a literary tour of three unique bookstores within Toronto. Meet at **[Pedaal](https://www.pedaal.com/)** for a coffee & pastry at 10am. Browse pop-up shop CARRIED AWAY BOOKS with author EMILY SASO! Get yourself sorted for the ride, make a new friend, and please check your air, brakes, and chain. **10:30am** departure Bring an appetite for Canadian independent bookstores: * [Little Ghosts Books](https://www.littleghostsbooks.com/) * [Hopeless Romantic Bookshop](https://hopelessromanticbooks.ca/) * [Another Story Bookshop](https://anotherstory.ca/i/1157949/landing-page/index.html) While on Roncesvalles, you can pick up a falafel wrap, pizza, sandwich, etc, *or bring your own*, for a picnic in High Park. Start a new chapter with us! View the route at this link: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/387255612?privacy_code=0PKAhb5UiEs9r4dMYGZLZ7b5RMc2P801 WEATHER: if a heat wave or thunderstorm this ride will be cancelled. Please register as an email will be sent the day before with cancellation notice. Ride level: Chill / Relaxed Distance: less than 10 km Everyone welcome. No one will be left behind. All riders who are comfortable with the pace and distance are welcome! Our Community Rules: 1. Be kind. Welcome and encourage other riders. Insults, shaming, and hate will be removed, and offenders will be banned. 2. Your safety is your responsibility. Helmets are required. Lights are required if riding in darkness. It is each rider’s responsibility to ensure their bike is clean, well-maintained, and fully functional. 3. All bikes are welcome. Occasional Brompton-only events will be clearly labeled. Contact your local Brompton dealer if you'd like to borrow a Brompton for an event (participation may vary). 4. If your plans change, please update your RSVP. BY ATTENDING this event you ACKNOWLEDGE and ACCEPT the following: 1. I ACKNOWLEDGE, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of bicycling activities and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I further acknowledge that the ride-out will be conducted over public pavements and facilities open to the public, and upon which the hazards of traveling are to be expected. I further agree and warrant that if, at any time, I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation. 2. I FULLY UNDERSTAND that (a) BICYCLING ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS AND DEATH ("Risks"); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the ride-out, the conditions in which the ride-out takes place, or the negligence of others; (c) there may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES I may incur as a result of my participation; (d) I acknowledge that Brompton Bicycle, event organizers, ride leaders, and volunteers will not be liable for any accidents or damages through this ride-out. 3. PHOTO RELEASE: I CONSENT to my voice, name, and/or likeness being used, without compensation, in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter devised, for eternity, and release Brompton Bicycle, its successors, assigns and licensees from any liability whatsoever of any nature. DO NOT REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING.

**MEET IN A TORONTO CAFE -- A FREE EVENT!** Let's improve your English, make new friends, and have fun! *Join us!* Space is limited; sign up today. On Sunday at 3:30 PM, we'll sit together, discuss interesting topics in English while we socialize, laugh, and learn in an easy, effortless way. The atmosphere is relaxed. No pressure, just practice! We meet inside a cafe in midtown Toronto for about ninety minutes. Friends are welcome! **HOST: Tran Thao** **MEETING LOCATION** **3:30 PM** Twilight Cafe & Bar -- Midtown 2429 Yonge Street (near Erskine Avenue) Toronto, ON M4P 2E7, Canada http://www.twilightcafe.ca/ 416-932-8881 \-\- Meet inside near cafe\. \-\- Look for Thao\, the host\. \-\- Please be punctual\. If you will be late\, please leave a comment below\. Please join us! We look forward to meeting you. **ABOUT THE HOST** Tran Thao is an expatriate who was born in Vietman, and is now living and working in Toronto. She is eager to make friends and practice English with other people who have moved to Toronto from overseas.

🌊🌿 SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS HIKE & GUILD PARK GARDENS 🌿🌊 Cliffside Views, Hidden Gardens & One of Toronto’s Most Beautiful Walks Some parts of Toronto don’t even feel like Toronto. Join us for a scenic hike through the breathtaking Scarborough Bluffs and the artistic beauty of Guild Park and Gardens — a walk that combines nature, history, lake views, and some surprisingly hidden corners of the city. We’ll begin at Guild Park & Gardens, a unique outdoor space filled with historic architectural fragments, sculptures, gardens, and quiet pathways. Once home to artists, creatives, and cultural figures, the park feels almost dreamlike — part gallery, part ruin, part hidden garden. From there, we’ll make our way toward the Scarborough Bluffs and the waterfront trails below. Stretching roughly 15 km along Lake Ontario, the Bluffs are one of Toronto’s most dramatic natural features — towering cliffs formed over 12,000 years ago through erosion and shifting sediment. And honestly? Some of the lake views feel more like cottage country than the city. This is not a formal historical tour. It’s a social hike with beautiful scenery, fresh air, and good conversation. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll start by exploring Guild Park & Gardens before making our way along the trails toward the waterfront below the Bluffs. Expect: 🌊 Lake views 🌿 Forested paths 📸 Great photo spots 🚶 A steady but manageable hike We’ll take breaks along the way and enjoy the scenery as a group. *** 🌧️ Weather & Expectations This event happens rain or shine. Please come prepared for: ✔️ Uneven terrain ✔️ Some hills and longer walking sections ✔️ Real outdoor conditions This is a hike — not just a casual neighbourhood stroll. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Inside Kennedy Station by Gateway News on the bus platform 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. 🚌 We will all take the **116 Morningside Bus** together. 🚌 Bus Leaves: 11:12 AM sharp If you miss the bus, you will not be able to catch up with the group. *** 🚗 Driving Information There is free parking available near Guild Park & Gardens. If you are driving: 📍 Meet us around 11:40 AM near the bus stop area in front of Guild Inn by the road. Please let me know ahead of time if you plan to drive. ⚠️ Drivers will need to walk back to their vehicles after the event. *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **mathewmaclean@hotmail.com** This fee helps support the group and allows us to continue organizing events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring Water Good hiking/walking shoes A snack Weather-appropriate clothing *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes things happen and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the cliffs. Stay for the conversation. Leave feeling like you escaped the city without ever leaving it. 🌊✨

5K every week till the snows come down! Or try to! We'll meet by the track. I'll be there early to warm up. We will start the 5K exactly at 9:30am. As mentioned in the About Us, * Using the park track we can all go at our own pace and never really be left behind unless we all finish way ahead of you. :D I think an hour is enough time to dedicate to the run. I'm pretty slow, so you will likely have me around for most of the hour. * Members are free to leave the run whenever they want. * Bring your kids, your pets, your partners, etc. * All encouraged to stick around afterwards and enjoy the park or neighbourhood on your own. * Let's get stronger, healthier and foster a great community at the same time. We also welcome runners who are not in our neighbourhood and want to join us spiritually and run from their own neighbourhoods. :-) Imagine how much healthier and communal the world would be if we all stopped for an hour once in a while to run together; re-centring and re-charging together?

**✨ Jersey City Zoom Speed Dating – Personality & Age Matched** We pair you by personality and age so every conversation feels natural. Each round is a brief one-on-one Zoom chat with a Jersey City local paired by age and personality. A host keeps the pace comfortable. **✅ RSVP below — the host messages everyone personally.** After RSVP, look out for a message with the personality quiz and event link. Capacity is limited. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation - First-timers new to speed dating **Event Details** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Friendly host guiding every round - **Vibe:** Friendly and relaxed – genuine chats with Jersey City locals - **Privacy:** Contact info only shared when both match - **Rounds:** Multiple short one-on-one rounds - **Duration:** Approx. 60–90 minutes - **Matches:** Mutual matches sent out after the event **How It Works** 1. **RSVP below** – Click RSVP to reserve your place. 2. **The host will contact you** – After RSVP, you'll get a message with the personality quiz so we can pair you well. 3. **Fill in the quiz** – Short and easy — it helps us pair you with the right people. 4. **Hop on Zoom** – You'll receive the Zoom link before the event. The host handles the rest. 5. **Chat & match** – Quick timed rounds with Jersey City singles, then mutual matches sent out after. 💡 **Tip:** Good lighting and a clean background make a big difference. ⭐ *"So much better than apps. Actual conversations with real people."* – Jersey City attendee --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, fun, and personality matched. 💞 ✨

Looking to enjoy the sunshine, meet new people, play games, and share some delicious food? Join us for a fun afternoon at Trillium Park! 🌿✨ We’ll be hanging out, playing games, chatting, laughing, making new connections, and enjoying a community potluck by the waterfront. 🍲 Potluck Ideas: • Chips & dip • Fruit platter • Sandwiches or wraps • Samosas • Cookies, brownies, or cupcakes • Pasta or potato salad • Juice, pop, or iced tea • Any favorite homemade or store-bought snack 🎲 Feel free to bring a frisbee, cards, board games, badminton, a soccer ball, or any fun outdoor game to share with the group. 🤫 I already have a secret game planned that will help everyone connect, laugh, and get to know each other better so come ready for some fun surprises! 5 deposit required to reserve your spot, or you can pay $5 cash upon arrival. Send your e-transfer to Navna376@gmail.com to reserve your spot. Your contribution helps cover meetup costs such as supplies, trash bags, and napkins. Thank you for supporting the community! 💙 Come solo or bring a friend everyone is welcome! Let’s enjoy great food, fun games, and make some new friends. ☀️🧺🎲🌸💛

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!

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 on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. 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 before and after the writing hour. 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 Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to 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. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

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 discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" 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!

**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!**