Memoir Writing

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

We will be meeting in the Wilson Room. For June, we will be reading Excellent Women by Barbara Pym. A paperback version runs 231 pages. It was published in 1952. The GoodReads blurb is One of Barbara Pym’s richest and most amusing high comedies, *Excellent Women* has at its center Mildred Lathbury, a clergyman’s daughter and a mild-mannered spinster in 1950s England. She is one of those “excellent women,” the smart, supportive, repressed women who men take for granted. As Mildred gets embroiled in the lives of her new neighbors—anthropologist Helena Napier and her handsome, dashing husband, Rocky, and Julian Malory, the vicar next door—the novel presents a series of snapshots of human life as actually, and pluckily, lived in a vanishing world of manners and repressed desires.

Please join MoonFire on Sunday, June 21 at 12:00 PM, for an indoor observance of the Summer Solstice, the time when fire, courage, and willpower are strong. The Solstice has been celebrated by many people around our earth. It is the cusp between the waxing days and the waning days. A potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual; you might like to bring food or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils, or share our food and supply of washable re-usables. MoonFire holds ritual the 3rd Sunday of every month at the UU Church of Arlington, VA, starting at 12 PM with a pre-ritual briefing. Plan to arrive a little early so you can meet folks and get settled in. Rituals are usually followed by a potluck. We welcome everyone. If you are wondering whether to bring children, are new to Paganism, or plan to take pictures or write about our ritual, let us know ahead of time.

Founding Fathers Father's Day History Tour, June 21, White House Neighborhood, Washington D.C. Held in and near the White House’s Lafayette Square, as the 250th anniversary of Independence Day approaches, this tour will examine the accomplishments of, and many crises faced, by the Founding Fathers. There are dozens of sites near the Executive Mansion linked to Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, George Mason, John Adams, James Madison, Aaron Burr, James Monroe, and others! MEET outside the Occidental hotel, 1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 Length: 2 hours. Nearest metros: Length: Farragut North or Farragut West or Metro Center Discover: • The man who reconciled Hamilton and Jefferson • The other Jefferson memorial--outside the White House • Hamilton's genius successor as America's money man • George Mason’s battle against—the U.S. Constitution • The Marquis de Lafayette’s amazing & perilous associations with multiple American Presidents • Inventor of farm, kitchen, and spy apparatus • GW's obstinate Scotchman • The longest-serving head of the U.S. Army--and a foreign spy! • Sally Hemings, Maria Reynolds, Sally Fairfax, Maria Cosway • John Adams, Lion of the Revolution • Dealing with America's first pandemics • “The room where it happened” • The love child of a French general from the battle of Yorktown • The secret design of the White House • The hero of the Revolution, and the Civil War • The war hero who betrayed Jefferson, killed Hamilton, and tried setting up his own country! • The secret life of Washington's drillmaster • The Pirates of the Carib--the Mediterranean! • Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Monroe, Rachel Donelson • The Revolution's forgotten philosopher-king • How did a junior delegate from Virginia come to write the Declaration of Independence? • And more! Pre-Register and Pre-Pay via-- Eventbrite, at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fathers-day-founding-fathers-tour-dc-tickets-1991248251122?aff=oddtdtcreator Or PayPal, sending $25 to paypal.me/EMoser460 Or pay $25 in cash at the start of the tour. We’re highly rated on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28970-d12791843-Reviews-Lafayette_Square_Tour_of_Scandal_Assassination_Intrigue-Washington_DC_District_of.html Your tour guide is a former speechwriter to the President of the United States, a former writer for Jay Leno’s “The Tonight Show”, & author of the newly published spy novel, set in Georgetown, Femme Fatalité: https://www.amazon.com/Femme-Fatalité-Lizzy-Thorne-Novel-ebook/dp/B0F4945MR5 Also the hidden history of Lafayette Square—The White House’s Unruly Neighborhood!: https://www.amazon.com/White-Houses-Unruly-Neighborhood-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B082ZVDCD7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= And, The Lost History of the Capitol-- https://www.amazon.com/Lost-History-Capitol-Tumultuous-Congress-ebook/dp/B099JBSN9Q/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Questions?: [191.EP.JM.56@proton.me](mailto:191.EP.JM.56@proton.me), or 703 203 2670 Bring your walking shoes, and perhaps water. The perfect treat for your dad, or history buff. Think history is boring? Not on our tours!

Casual Pokemon TCG play! Proxy friendly.

We'll hold the evening option of *Suffs* at National Theatre on Sunday, June 21 at 7:30PM. I have 1 more Left Balcony ticket (F3) unsold for $69. The exchange period is over, so I need to sell that seat *before* I can add additional group tickets at these rates: * Side Orchestra: $132 * Center Mid-Mezzanine: $105 * Rear Mezzanine: $78 * Left Balcony: $69 For those who already paid me for a group ticket, I now have the mobile tickets and am starting to email them to folks. If you do not have a Ticketmaster account, you will need to meet me in the lobby before the show so I can pull up your mobile ticket on my phone for the usher. BEHIND EVERY POWERFUL WOMAN… ARE MORE POWERFUL WOMEN. Direct from Broadway, comes the acclaimed Tony Award®-winning musical *Suffs* about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season, this “thrilling, inspiring and dazzlingly entertaining” (*Variety*) new musical boldly explores the triumphs and failures of a struggle for equality that’s far from over. Winner of the Outer Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Musical.

The Alexandria Brunch Club is a long running brunch event. We're a friendly bunch of people of different backgrounds, who enjoy a nice morning brunch and fun conversations. As has been the tradition, La Madeleine's in Old Town Alexandria is our place for brunching on a Sunday of every month. I find that a Sunday brunch is nice way to socialize and to just get myself out of the house. Afterward, Old Town, the Potomac and the myriad of parks are nice places for strolling after breakfast. BEST PARKING IN OLD TOWN Courthouse Square Parking lot 111 S Pitt St - Same side as La Madeliene, Two Doors Down Usually $1/hour Weekends and after 5pm, Weekdays For any questions and such feel free to message me. I am the main organizer. My best to all! Phil Matera

Let's draw together at Meridian Hill Park (also known as Malcolm X Park). We will meet near the Joan of Arc statue at 2 PM (pictured here). We will have a wide variety of options to draw from: the statue we meet at, the amazing fountain, other statues or nature. I look forward to drawing with you there!

Ultimate 80's Rock band and post-event karaoke at Mark's Pub. Get dressed up in 80's attire. Here's ticket link: The Legwarmers: The Ultimate 80's Retro Dance Party Tickets - The State Theatre - Falls Church, VA - Saturday, June 20, 2026 — 9:00 pm https://share.google/HwAQpSAzJA7JcpqUG

This one is for the soul. Let's visit Saint Anselm's Abbey and spend some time exploring a living Benedictine monastery. This is not a guided tour or a typical social meetup. The idea is simply to experience this, spend time on our own: walking quietly, sitting, reflecting, and taking in the atmosphere. Please respect any signs, restricted areas, services in progress, and the privacy of the monastic community Saint Anselm's is home to a community of Benedictine monks who follow a rhythm of prayer, work, study, and community life rooted in the Rule of St. Benedict, written nearly 1,500 years ago. Visiting offers a glimpse into a tradition that has endured across centuries and continues today. Things you may appreciate: : The abbey church and its atmosphere of silence and prayer. : The opportunity to hear the monks chant or participate in the liturgy, if one is taking place. : The contrast between the monastery's quiet setting and the surrounding city. : The simplicity, beauty, and contemplative spirit of monastic life. Format : We will keep the group small (around 10 people), but we wont be walking together, or talking. : Please explore independently and maintain a respectful, quiet presence. : This is not a group tour, discussion circle, or networking event. : I will be there, but I won't be leading the visit or guiding anyone through the grounds. : Afterward, those who wish can gather outside the monastery or at a nearby café to discuss what they noticed and experienced. : The intention is simply to create space to slow down, observe, and encounter a place devoted to prayer, contemplation, and community life.

Join us for **[Judy’s Altered Minds](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/judy-s-altered-minds)**! Bring your fiber & mixed media show & tell; many members also enjoy making ATCs (**[artist trading cards](https://artisticartifacts.com/pages/judy-s-altered-minds)**) for exchange each month. **Come early to shop** (JAMs attendees receive a 10% discount on their purchases) — Artistic Artifacts is open Sundays 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. The JAMs meeting starts at 1:30 pm. New members are always welcome! A $3.00 contribution is requested at each meeting. JAMs members are art quilters, collage artists, art journal keepers, surface design enthusiasts, paper crafters, art doll/assemblage artists and more! All levels of expertise are represented, and all are welcome. During JAMs meetings, attendees gather support and encouragement for their art through show & tell and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded friends.

A struggling screenwriter suffers no shortage of challenges both professionally and personally. His life takes a bizarre detour when a homeless person begins following him. Eventually the writer learns that there’s much more to the fellow than his unkempt appearance and chaotic demeanor. The story may confuse the viewer at times, but once the paradox comes into focus – many paradoxes, actually – the plot surges forward to a memorably peculiar ending. ■ Title — *Paradox Lost* ■ Director — Dennis Curlett ■ Cast — Clarissa Thibeaux, Danny Cymbal, Dennis Curlett ■ Unrated, suitable for general audiences ■ ©2021 \| 1h 33m \| Comedy\, Sci\-Fi ■ Distributed by Gravitas Ventures

We will meet outside as long as the weather is nice. If not, we will move inside. Look out for a comment the morning of each meeting with our exact location. As we are meeting in person, please remember to bring something to read as we usually spend some time sharing our current reads and/or reading when meeting in person. As a reminder, there is no assigned reading; please bring whatever you are currently working on. This group is super casual, sometimes we read and sometimes we talk the whole time. **** NO SHOW POLICY: Due to the high number of members on the waitlist recently we are having to reinstate our no-show policy. If you sign up and no-show to 2 events you will be removed from the group. Reminders are provided weekly to change your RSVP to allow those on the waitlist a chance to come to the meet-up, no 3rd chances with be given. Please be considerate to your fellow members. Thank you! I look forward to reading you!

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!

Welcome, readers! Our June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage*** **by Alfred Lansing.** A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Come join us for lunch together at Bendi Wok, one of my favorites!

[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).