Memoir Writing

This is a 21+ Event at a Bar, for Adult Pokemon Fans Only. We offer IRL Pokemon Gyms and we have custom badges (Pins) to give those who can beat us. Bring your Nintendo Switch and Pokemon Scarlet / Violet and try your luck against the DC Gyms! Come hang out and Challenge our Gym Leaders! Open Gyms: Fairy, Ground, Electric, Ghost, Dragon, & Grass! We play on Nintendo Switch Scarlet and Violet, 6v6 singles, best 2 out of 3. You Challenge a Gym Leader by buying them a drink (It supports the bar and ofsets the cost of the custom gym badges. One Drink per challenge. A Challenge is best 2 out of 3). Challengers cannot use legendary Pokemon or the specific 4 bans as chosen by the gym leader. If the challenger wins, they receive a Gym badge pin unique to our league. For our clauses and our current ban lists, please check [www.dcpokemon.com](http://www.dcpokemon.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQ2RrMVIxa2ZYYk8yemRvUXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4LBQL1v0lBibYq36on9Z10FIWv3oifQtoNuKDec_RR2Ml6R1PeprH35dqYrw_aem_udH2YU-pCrumRl7v5RtQFg)

***\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*SOLD OUT\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\**** [REGISTER HERE](https://traveljoy.com/bookings/STRdgpcQN4Bqb87wSHpBPbqH) Begin your experience by selecting one premium tea from the curated collection. While your tea gently steeps, you will be presented a three-tier stand to share of chef-curated bites, featuring an artful mix of savory and sweet offerings designed to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Each three-tier stand is shared by two people. Tables are arranged for 2’s, 4’s, and one table for 6. Please let us know if you’re registering with a friend and we will do our best to seat you together—if not, it’s a great opportunity to meet new Suitcase Gals. The room is small and quaint, so we’ll all be in the same cozy space. **Location**: Hello Betty (Rockville) located in Pike & Rose inside the Canopy by Hilton. **Parking**: Garage parking with two hours free. Please arrive on time so you can enjoy the full Afternoon Tea experience, and be sure to give yourself a few extra minutes to find parking. *Parking is ticketless—when you enter the garage, you’ll be prompted at the kiosk to enter your phone number. If you park for more than two hours, you’ll receive a text with a link to submit payment.* **The closet Metro stop,** North Bethesda, to Hello Betty is about a 5-10 min walk from the station to Pike and Rose. Very easy and convenient if you're coming from DC or further up the Red Line. ***Example Menu:*** ### Tier 1: A Proper Start **Maryland Lump Crab Salad** Celery relish, cucumber, brioche **Smoked Rockfish Rillette** Piperade, aged cheddar cornbread **Cucumber & Salmon** Tahini, ponzu aioli, red shiso, pumpernickel **Avocado & Wild Rice Tartine** Smoked trout roe, sourdough ### Tier 2: Warm & Wonderful **Strawberry Shortcake Scone** Vanilla anglaise, strawberry–rhubarb preserve **Beet Tartlet** Golden tomato confit, herbed goat cheese, orange blossom **Gruyère & Leek Quiche** Aged Gruyère, roasted leeks, baby spinach ### Tier 3: Pretty Things to Finish **Chocolate–Hazelnut Donut** Cocoa–hazelnut cream, gold leaf **Oolong Tea Cake** White peach confit, toasted granola \*\*NO SUBSTITUTIONS TO THE MENU\*\* ### Cost: $88\.00 per person \| no refunds *Gratuity is included in the payment, so you can simply arrive, relax, and enjoy without needing to bring additional cash.* Payment will be processed via Venmo during your registration process. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*SOLD OUT\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Please [REGISTER](https://traveljoy.com/bookings/STRdgpcQN4Bqb87wSHpBPbqH) here to reserve your spot. We can't wait to sip and connect! Cancellation Policy: Due to the limited and intimate nature of this event, all registrations are **non-refundable**, as we are reserving space and coordinating directly with the venue based on confirmed attendance. We truly wish we could be more flexible, but once your spot is secured, we are committed to the headcount provided. If you find that you are unable to attend, we warmly encourage you to gift or transfer your ticket to a friend who would enjoy joining us. Please simply let us know the name change in advance so we can update our guest list. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support, and we look forward to gathering together for a beautiful afternoon.

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

For April's selection, we're reading All the Rivers by Dorit Rabinyan. For additional details and to register, click on the link: https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/15663422

This introductory workshop to Nonviolent Communication (NVC) offers a practical, heart-centered approach to transforming how we speak, listen, and relate. Through simple, interactive exercises, you’ll explore how shifting from habitual reactions to conscious choice can reduce conflict, deepen understanding, and build more authentic relationships. Whether you’re new to NVC or simply curious, this session provides a welcoming space to slow down, tune into what matters, and communicate with greater clarity and compassion through the 4 step process O F N R. Come as you are—no prior experience needed. No mana-exchange. **Who would benefit from this practice:** partners, family members, those who want help connecting with others (friendships), professionals who have trouble working with team members, and team leaders who are trying to make an impact. **About Mike**: Mike is a certified Authentic Relating facilitator from ART International and trained in Nonviolent Communications. He is eager to facilitate authentic relating exercises in order to provide impact on people's lives.

**Note the start time for this location is at 6:30.** We are back at Solace Outpost for Thursday night trivia! The game starts at 7:00 pm. Right now we are planning on just one team. If we get enough signed up on the waitlist, we may open it up to two teams. **Please remember, if you sign up, we are counting on you to be part of the team! ** If you realize you can’t make it, please change your rsvp early enough so someone on the waitlist can take your place. Spots are limited, we can only have 7 players. This is a great chance to connect, have some fun, and show off our smarts. Come for the fun, stay for the friendly competition- let's show everyone how SSB does trivia!

We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.-3.5 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

Let's do a co-writing session at Panera. Bring whatever you're working on on your laptop or notebook. We're open to all genres - essays, poetry, fiction. (But this is primarily for working on writing projects, not journaling.) Schedule: 3:00 - meet and chat 3:30 - work on your project 4:30 - chat 5:00 - close

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)

Writer’s Write-In at in Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Writers are invited to come and chat about their stories or just write in silence in the company of their fellow writers.

We’re going on our annual stroll to tour the winners of this year’s Golden Haiku contest! We’ll be gathering at CapOne cafe right after our Saturday workshop, leaving at 2:10 to go to the metro. Even if you aren’t able to join us for the workshop right before, come join us for this, followed by our usual lunch outing.

**Looking for a group you can write with *whilst sipping your fave coffee*?** ☕✍️ Then come join **Shut Up & Write!** on **Saturday, April 11th from 1:30pm to 4:00pm** at **Ridgetop Coffee & Tea**! Whether you're cranking out a novel, journaling, looking for new friends, or just trying to get that stubborn paragraph right—we’ve got a cozy seat and a supportive group waiting for you! **No critiques, no peer review, no pressure—just a chill space to get words on the page.** 📝 **What to expect:** 1:30–2:00pm – Grab your coffee or tea, find your seat, and meet your fellow writers. 2:00pm–3:30pm – Silent, focused writing time 3:30–4:00pm – Debrief, celebrate any writing wins, commiserate on any obstacles, and head out feeling accomplished. **RSVP Info:** The room seats only 8 people comfortably! RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!! If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation **ASAP** so those on the wait list are able to RSVP and attend!!! **Meeting Room:** Enter the coffee shop, walk straight towards the play area and on your left you will see a meeting room just past the bathrooms. The room has a TV, white board, and walls are painted green. **What to Bring:** Whatever helps you focus, and be productive. There is a wall outlet at each end of the room, so you're able to bring your laptop to write. You're welcome to bring headphones if you enjoy listening to music while working. **Parking & Accessibility:** there is a large parking lot out front and it is free! There are no stair cases when entering the coffee shop or when inside. This coffee shop is incredibly spacious with many seating options. If you have any questions, please message me through MeetUp. I'm happy to help. **Dietary Information:** many GF, Vegan, and SF options. Just ask your barista when ordering for specifics! Can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

is is an In-Person Writing Event at Three This is an In-Person Writing Event at Kaldi's Social House in Clarendon! Please join us. This is not a critique session or discussion event. If you're interested in attending one of our regular meetings to discuss the art and craft of writing or to review another's work, please join us for a regular meeting on Wednesdays from 7p-9p.

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, April 22 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.

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!

The topic for April is "Water" 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!**