Reason

'HOMEGOING' by Yaa Gyasi 'Two sisters with two very different destinies. One sold into slavery; one a slave trader's wife. The consequences of their fate reverberate through the generations that follow. Taking us from the Gold Coast of Africa to the cotton-picking plantations of Mississippi; from the missionary schools of Ghana to the dive bars of Harlem, spanning three continents and seven generations, Yaa Gyasi has written a miraculous novel - the intimate, gripping story of a brilliantly vivid cast of characters and through their lives the very story of America itself. Epic in its canvas and intimate in its portraits, Homegoing is a searing and profound debut from a masterly new writer.' ***Please read the book and join us for a lively discussion (in English) about the contents during our afternoon book club meeting.*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **PLEASE NOTE:** This is an IN-PERSON event in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Please cancel your attendance in advance if you are unable to join, so that those on the waitlist can participate. Looking forward to seeing you all IN REAL LIFE then! Best regards, Sandra

Join me for a relaxed sketch walk through the beautiful estates and parks around Hilversum. 📍 Meeting: 11:45 inside Hilversum Station, near AH to go 🥾 Full walk: ~12 km 🚌 Short option: ~7 km with bus back to Hilversum Station after Proeflokaal Serre We’ll make several 20–30 min sketch stops along the way, with time to enjoy the scenery and draw at a relaxed pace. Expected return to Hilversum is around 17:00–18:00 for the full route. Highlights include: * Gooilust park & 17th-century mansion * possible visit to the Siertuin decorative garden (open 13:00–16:30) * horses and farm scenery * local farm shop with fresh dairy products * Jagtlust estate and pond * coffee/tea/food stop at Proeflokaal Serre ☕ Bring your sketchbook, drawing materials, comfortable walking shoes, and something to sit on during sketch stops. All skill levels welcome! In case of heavy rain, the event may be rescheduled.

Zin in een avond vol leuke ontmoetingen? Kom dan naar onze vrouw-vrouw speeddate in hartje Utrecht! Tijdens deze speeddate heb je ongeveer 20 dates van 4 minuten. Iedere ronde schuif je aan bij een andere single vrouw. Klinkt de bel? Tijd om door te schuiven naar je volgende gesprekspartner! Na elk gesprek vul je op je datekaart in of je verder met de ander in contact wilt komen: ja of nee? Binnen een dag na de speeddate ontvang je van ons een e-mail met de voornaam en het e-mailadres van de singles met wie je een match hebt. Heb je bij alle deelnemers ‘nee’ ingevuld? Dan ontvang je een volgende speeddate [gratis](https://aboutlove.nl/geen-klik-volgende-speeddate-gratis/)! Date je mee? >> [https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/lesbisch/](https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/lesbisch/)

Do you love books, or have you been wanting to get into reading more? Then this might just be the event for you! At this book swap everyone brings one or a few books they no longer need. We put them all out on the table and from there it's up to you, see if something catches your eye and take home whatever you'd like to read next. Any language is welcome, so bring whatever is sitting on your shelf! At the end of the meetup you can take back the books you brought that weren't picked up, or leave them with the organiser who will donate them to a local secondhand shop. ⚠️ If you're unsure whether you can make it, please free up your spot for someone else.

Zin in een avond vol leuke gesprekken, nieuwe gezichten en misschien wel een geslaagde match? Kom dan naar onze man-man speeddate in hartje Utrecht! Tijdens deze speeddate heb je ongeveer 20 dates van 4 minuten. Iedere ronde schuif je aan bij een andere single man. Klinkt de bel? Tijd om door te schuiven naar je volgende gesprekspartner! Na elk gesprek vul je op je datekaart in of je verder met de ander in contact wilt komen: ja of nee? Binnen een dag na de speeddate ontvang je van ons een e-mail met de voornaam en het e-mailadres van de singles met wie je een match hebt. Heb je bij alle deelnemers ‘nee’ ingevuld? Dan ontvang je een volgende speeddate [gratis](https://aboutlove.nl/geen-klik-volgende-speeddate-gratis/)! Date je mee? >> [https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/homo/](https://aboutlove.nl/doelgroep/homo/)

Ontdek meer over (ontwikkelings)trauma. Wat is trauma? Hoe kun je anders omgaan met trauma als je het niet probeert 'op te lossen'? Verbind met gelijkgestemden over dit thema en leer bij door een holistische kijk op trauma. Inschrijven via: https://heleenbecuwe.be/trauma-anders-bekeken-nederland/

* We **start at 11:10** in front of Hotel Restaurant de Loenermark: Eerbeekseweg 4, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/4W6e27ij3aqjQnFg6 * Length: \~16 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by bus:** * Bus stop: Loenen, Bruisbeek https://maps.app.goo.gl/863vGKfe8nqBvZfw7 **Getting there by Car:** * Free parking opposite of Groenendaalseweg 15, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/W6213M7LwEQv8PMg6 or Free parking in the streets, close to: Eerbeekseweg 4, Loenen https://maps.app.goo.gl/awWbkpVZJVzxmX859 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=eSkpxZf7TymaoFsvJkBCKQ * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

**When did you last do something just for fun** — with no goal, no productivity, no outcome? For many of us, play slowly disappears as life becomes more serious. Work, responsibilities, expectations… and somewhere along the way, “play” starts to feel unimportant — even a bit guilty. But what if play isn’t a luxury? In *Play*, Stuart Brown argues that play is not childish or trivial — it’s a **core part of being human**, as essential as sleep or rest. It shapes how we think, connect, create, and even how resilient we are in life. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4997659-play?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=fzFXhcGY46&rank=1 *** ## **What we’ll explore together** This will be a lighter, more energising session focused on curiosity and reflection: * What actually counts as “play” in adult life? * Why do we stop playing as we grow older? * What happens when life becomes too serious? * Different “types” of play (creative, physical, social, imaginative) * How play influences creativity, relationships, and well-being * How to reintroduce play without it feeling forced or childish *** ## **What to expect** * A relaxed, low-pressure conversation * Light reflection exercises (nothing heavy or personal unless you want to share) * A chance to reconnect with curiosity, fun, and spontaneity * A slightly more playful atmosphere than previous sessions 🙂 This is not a lecture or therapy session — just a group of people exploring what it means to feel a bit more alive and engaged. *** ## **Who is this for?** * Anyone who feels life has become a bit too serious * Anyone curious about creativity, joy, and balance * Anyone who wants a lighter, more uplifting discussion No need to have read the book. *** ## **Tone** Curious. Light. Relatable You can participate as much or as little as you like. *** ## **Closing** > “We don’t stop playing because we grow old — we grow old because we stop playing.”

**Modern and Authentic kintsugi workshop in Utrecht.** Choose from three options: * 1-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€60 * 2-Day Modern Kintsugi workshop-€96 * 4-Day Authentic Kintsugi workshop -€180 For all details, please visit my website. [https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/](https://japanworkshopnet.com/upcoming-workshops/) Location: **CLAY TO PLATE** [Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht](https://www.claytoplate.com/) **Booking is essential**. Please contact me if you would like to participate in the workshop. Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

Wil jij met mij op een culinaire reis door rouw? Ik nodig je van harte uit voor de Troost Tafel – Lunch Editie. Een intieme middag waar we samen aan tafel gaan om de smaken van rouw te verkennen. Wat is pittig in jouw rouw? Welke herinnering smaakt nog steeds zoet? In een klein gezelschap van maximaal 8 mensen nodig ik je uit om mee te gaan op mijn culinaire reis door rouw – een reis die ik ooit begon na het verlies van mijn moeder. Eerder organiseerde ik diners, maar deze keer kies ik bewust voor een lunch. Waarom? Omdat ik weet dat het soms spannend kan zijn om over rouw te praten. Met deze kortere, laagdrempelige editie wil ik juist ruimte creëren voor wie dat spannend vindt, maar toch nieuwsgierig is naar verbinding, troost en smaak. 🕰 Indeling van de middag 12.30 – 13.00 Inloop & ontvangst 13.00 – 13.15 Welkom & introductie 13.15 – 15.00 Aan tafel – 3-gangen lunch 15.00 – 15.15 Afronding 15.15 – 15.30 Tijd om rustig naar huis te gaan. 🌿 Wat is de Troost Tafel? De Troost Tafel is een plek waar verliezen, herinneringen en smaken samenkomen. Een culinaire reis door rouw – waarin we onderzoeken hoe emoties en herinneringen zich kunnen vertalen naar smaken. Wat is licht in jouw rouw? Wat voelt zwaar? Wat smaakt bitter of juist zoet? 🌟 Voor wie is de Troost Tafel? Voor iedereen die verlies heeft ervaren – groot of klein. Of je nu net een dierbare bent verloren, of al jaren een gemis met je meedraagt: alle vormen van verlies mogen er zijn. Bij de Troost Tafel leggen we de rouw op tafel, in plaats van hem eronder te schuiven. 🍽 Wat kun je verwachten? Een driegangenlunch, met ruimte voor stilte, gesprek en verbinding. Je zit aan tafel met een kleine groep mensen, ieder met hun eigen verhaal. Bij elke gang staan we stil bij een ander aspect van rouw en smaak – zodat we samen verdieping kunnen vinden in wat ons raakt en verbindt. 💛 Waarom ik de Troost Tafel organiseer? In het laatste jaar van mijn koksopleiding verloor ik mijn moeder aan longkanker. Het was mijn eerste diepe ervaring met rouw, en het bracht me op een intense spirituele reis. In die zoektocht vond ik uiteindelijk rust en acceptatie. Helaas verloor ik recent ook mijn stiefmoeder. Na een zeer kort ziekbed werd ik opnieuw geconfronteerd met het verlies. De Troost Tafel is ontstaan uit mijn verlangen om anderen ook een plek te bieden – een veilige, warme tafel waar verlies ruimte mag krijgen, en waar troost mag ontstaan. Schuif je aan? Als je vragen hebt mag je me ook altijd een bericht sturen.

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique. Techiniques are involved drawing pictures, patterns, and letters on the surface of lacquerware using lacquer, and then sprinkling and fixing metal powder, such as gold or silver, onto the surface. In our workshop, you have the opportunity to create maki-e designs using traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) or your own original designs. Then your canvas can be a glass cup or a glass picture frame. Join us for this unique Japanese art workshop in Utrecht. * Place: CLAY TO PLATE Biltstraat 55, 3572 AG, Utrecht * Price: three options you can choose from €56 pp(for a glass cup) €60 pp (for a glass picture frame) €76 pp (for a lacquerwares) Limited seats available. **Booking is essential for adequate preparations. If you've enrolled/registered on the Meetup app, we'll contact you through the app message. Kindly communicate with us accordingly, and refrain from showing up without prior contact. We appreciate your understanding** Website:[https://japanworkshopnet.com/ ](https://japanworkshopnet.com/) [MAKI-E workshop info](https://japanworkshopnet.com/maki-e-workshops/) Email: info@japanworkshopnet.com Mobile:0616059840

**We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

Black Nonbelievers is proud to bring you our 2nd annual Revival of Reason!!! Join us in Atlanta as this year, we will celebrate 15 years as an organization, along with our own version of the Juneteenth holiday! Featured speakers include: – Chris Cameron – Candace Gorham – Kellie King, aka Detroit Atheist Queen – Hemant Mehta, The Friendly Atheist – Godless Engineer – Mandisa Thomas – And MORE!!! This is a family friendly event, so please bring your loved ones, and anyone who is interested in learning and needs secular support. [Sponsorship](https://blacknonbelievers.wufoo.com/forms/revival-of-reason-2026-sponsors-and-exhibitors/) and [volunteer](https://blacknonbelievers.wufoo.com/forms/revival-of-reason-2026-be-a-volunteer/) opportunities are also available. You can also register to view sessions online. Official BN members get a special discount, so [sign up or renew ](https://bit.ly/3DMndSK)today! **We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Revival of Reason. [Register TODAY!!!](https://bit.ly/RoR2026sitepage)**

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Join us for our June Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [The Queer Principles of Kit Webb](https://catsebastian.com/the-queer-principles-of-kit-webb/) by Cat Sebastian in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.