Queer Books

You're invited to share in a delicious hour of wine and romance! Pour Your Heart Out: Romance Book Club meets monthly at Elgin's fabulous Main Street wine bar, The Owl, for an hour of sipping and gushing over romance books. Come meet fellow romance enthusiasts, grab a beverage, and pour your heart out over this month's pick! \*This event is free. You don't need to sign up or finish the book in order to attend. But be forewarned, there will be spoilers.

Hey y'all, I'm super late getting this posted, so I've pushed it to 4/12. I've posted another event for coffee this Sunday (3/22), and would love to see y'all if you can make it! For our book club discussion, our book is "Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness" by Dr. Fred Luskin. From GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1459610.Forgive_for_Good "Are you suffering today over a past grievance? Perhaps someone really pulled a number on you, treated you unfairly, or did something really terrible to you or someone you love...and you can't find peace of mind because of it. If you spend a fair amount of your time and energy feeling angry, hurt, and resentful and think you'll never be able to forgive, then this book was written for you. As a doctoral candidate at Stanford, the author, Dr. Fred Luskin, developed a research project that was designed to see if certain methods can be effective in helping people to forgive so that they could move on to live healthier, fuller lives. The project was so successful that the Stanford University Forgiveness Project was founded. Through his hands-on research, Dr. Luskin has helped thousands of people learn how to forgive. The stories in this book run the gamut -- from people who have lost children to violence or were cheated on by a spouse, to those that were passed over for a long-coveted promotion, were neglected as a child, lied to, or stolen from. The thing they all had in common is that the pain they experienced from these events was something they thought they would never be able to move past. But they did. In Forgive for Good you, too, will learn: What forgiveness really is How grievances are created Specific techniques and meditations designed to help you focus, de-stress, and forgive The four stages of becoming a forgiving person The nine steps to forgiveness How forgiveness can change your life The most compelling stories in the book are those of the people Dr. Luskin worked with from Northern Ireland who had lost family members to political violence. The tragedies related were horrific and senseless. Yet through the techniques in this book, these people were, indeed, able to forgive. Forgiveness takes time and care, and there is no quick fix. If you need to forgive, learn how now. Be the hero of your own life story, not the victim. (Jennifer Forman)"

Queer crafters of all types are welcome to bring a portable project. We will chat and craft together. Most of our regulars don't check in on Meetup, so come even if no one is signed up. Weather permitting, we usually sit outside! Our group is usually around 5 people, but we have some bigger and smaller days -- we're all busy. Very rarely we'll have only one person show up; our sincerest apologies if that happens to you.

We are meeting at a restaurant this week. Near Anderson Mill and 183. We have been meeting weekly for 4 years. We meet in Cedar Park or Leander every Sunday and sometimes get together mid-week. We are progressive, non-religious people. Attendance is about 6-10. We generally discuss what is going on in our lives, not as much religion and politics. Most of us deal with religious and conservative folks all week so this is OUR space to be OURSELVES. There are other atheist groups that discuss religion, some discuss politics and some forbid it. If you think our group fits you, text301-213-9533. Location hidden until then.

Come join Austin Jazz Society as they continue their Jazz in Georgetown series. Set in the historic 1st Presbyterian Church one block off the picturesque town square, this venue features an excellent Steinway piano and very comfortable seats. This month will showcase the Sean Giddings Trio. **THE SEAN GIDDINGS TRIO** \- Sean Giddings \- Piano / Guitar \- Sam Pankey \- Bass \- Daniel Dufour \- Drums **About Sean Giddings** **Sean Giddings** is a pianist, guitarist, composer, and record producer. Born and raised in Kansas City, Sean now resides in Austin, Texas. He currently tours with both Christopher Cross and Pat Green. He has also toured and performed with Eric Johnson, Alejandro Escovedo, Cory Morrow, Wade Bowen, Mary Wilson, and the BoDeans. As a studio musician, Sean has been on recordings with Tanya Tucker, Kris Kristofferson, Houndmouth, Brad Cook, Donald Fagen, John Forté, Josh Abbott, and Whiskey Myers. Sean's piano playing can be heard on Daniel Hart's film score for "The Old Man and the Gun" starring Robert Redford. Sean wrote and produced Pat Green's 2019 single "Leaving My Leaving." Sean's debut jazz album "Red Willow" was released in 2021 on the Seattle-based label Origin Records. Sean composed, produced, mixed, and mastered the album from his home studio, Red Willow Studios. Sean endorses Nord keyboards and JH Audio in-ear monitors. Use this link to purchase tickets/ [Georgetown Sunday Afternoon Concert presents The Sean Giddings Trio - Events - Austin Jazz Society](https://www.austinjazzsociety.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=215484&item_id=2887465)

## Pickleball. Bollywood. Good Vibes. Join us for **Desi Night** — a celebration of community, connection, and culture! \*\*\* **Important: Please sign up on the Pickleland App ([iOS](https://pickleland.com/ios) \| [Android](https://pickleland.com/android)) or [website](https://play.pickleland.com/) directly.** \*\*\* **Highlights:** * Bollywood music all night * Drinks are available for purchase * First time playing? No worries—we’ll teach you! Join us on Court #1! * Round-robin format: rotate partners and meet new people **What to Wear:** * Sports clothes + non-marking shoes * Paddles available for rent **Bring a friend! Everyone regardless of background or race is welcome!** All sales final. No refunds. ## **Vendors / Sponsors:** * Want to be a vendor/sponsor at our events? Please email us at [sponsors@pickleland.com](mailto:sponsors@pickleland.com) If this time doesn't work for you, we are open M-F 8am to 10pm, and Sat-Sun 8am-8pm. Find other times on the Pickleland App ([iOS](https://pickleland.com/ios) \| [Android](https://pickleland.com/android)) or [website](https://play.pickleland.com/). The website and app will show the most accurate roster and sign up count! Follow [@picklelandatx](https://www.instagram.com/picklelandatx/) for more! **⭐️ Come see why we were recently named the "Best Pickleball Club" in Austin by Austin Pickleball Update and 750+ other players!**

We play a wide variety of Euro-style board games, including anything new that's out there plus usual favorites. Bring your favorite game! Someone will most likely want to try it. Game Kastle has snacks and drinks, plus there is a Subway, Taco Bell, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Wing Street and Wanfu in the shopping center. Sorry, no alcohol allowed in the store. There are usually 10+ folks playing games, regardless of the number that sign up. If you show up after 1pm, you may have to wait.

Come play pickleball and make new friends at Pickleland! 🏓 \*\*\* **Important: Please sign up on the Pickleland App ([iOS](https://pickleland.com/ios) \| [Android](https://pickleland.com/android)) or [website](https://play.pickleland.com) directly.** \*\*\* We divide our open play by levels! 😄 (All levels welcome!) If you've never played, come and learn the rules! We have other beginners join us every day. You don't need a paddle, we have some you can rent ($10)! If you are an avid player, come and find some nice and friendly competition. If this time doesn't work for you, we are open M-F 7am to 10pm, and Sat-Sun 8am-8pm. Find other times on the Pickleland App ([iOS](https://pickleland.com/ios) \| [Android](https://pickleland.com/android)) or [website](https://play.pickleland.com). The website and app will show the most accurate roster and sign up count! The perfect activity for couples, families or people coming in solo! Come mingle, get active, and make new friends! Follow [@picklelandatx](https://www.instagram.com/picklelandatx/) for more!

Please RSVP to get you First lesson for FREE. Please remember: Text or call with a message about your attending is Required before you come to any of these classes to make sure the class has not been canceled for that day. Please text or call and leave a message before attending at: 512-296-5678 ******************************************************************************** http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/2/b/a/event_184297562.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/a/c/6/event_184299622.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/5/c/6/event_184298342.jpeg We always have over 20 regular attendees at our classes plus new comers like you so they are not listed on RSVP list here. You can also RSVP for this meetup Salsa class on Facebook by click on the link below: Please RSVP here on this meetup so you can get the following 3 bonuses: First Bonus to our First time visitor: First Lesson is FREE for all First time students as our First bonus to you for Joining our Dance meetup Group. Second Bonus to our first time Students: At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you'll get the most affordable discounted packages as the following: 1 Month group classes %25 Off 3 Months group classes package %43 Off 6 Months group classes package %60 Off 12 Months group classes packages %70 Off Third Bonus At your First visit, If you sign up for any of our group dance classes packages, you would get a privilege to freeze your package for a week or more when you go out of town or when every you can not make your classes for a week or longer than a week. ********************************************** Any of your guest sign up to our classes, you would get $10 credit towards your future classes with us. Avila Soccer Dance Hall 8863 Anderson Mill Road, Suite # 107 · Austin, TX 78729 You will always meet up new people at our on going regular classes attendees who are keep coming for months or years so partner is not necessary at our classes. Our dance classes are Fun, Friendly , and easy to learn all moves at any level whether you are very beginner or experienced dancer. You can ask any time for a few private lessons if you like to learn your favorite dance at a much easier pace to you most favorite level of skills in a very short time. *********************************************** For more info for: Private lessons in Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Rumba, Argentine Tango, Swing , Country western Two step One Step. Country Waltz, Jitterbug (country swing), Ballroom, or for booking for Wedding Dance Lessons to prepare Bride and Groom for their first dance or Dance lessons for Quinceanera or Sweet 16 to prepare them for their celebration Day and a group dance lesson for the wedding guests or at a weekly office or corporate lunch time group classes or a for a corporate employee appreciation party dance Lesson, or at Holidays , Birthday, graduation party or for any party event dance Lesson please contact : Dance U2 dance company Tony Mogadam Text / call : 512-296-5678 www.DanceU2.com

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. 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 **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖