Short Stories

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 27 June 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. MIR opened its doors 4 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café. The café is very beautiful and has great coffee, and many yummy food options. Their Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

**Join us for an hour of writing!** We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. 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:** 11:00 - Quick introductions 11:15 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 12:15 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 12:15. 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 and I look forward to seeing you! **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. There are plugs in the cafe but we may not be seated right next to them, so please charge any device before coming ! **Other Important Details:** WIFI : the cafe has wifi, the password is written on the menu TRAVEL / PARKING: The cafe is in the center of the city. An uncovered bike rack is available. For more information on parking, please visit https://leuven.be/parkeren SEATING INFORMATION: Please RSVP so I know how many seats to book ! GUIDELINES: **You are required to order at least one thing to support the café.**

**🌡️ Heatwave Special:** We've deliberately scheduled this walk for **16:30**, after the hottest part of the day, and chosen a shorter, mostly shaded route through the Sonian Forest to make it as comfortable as possible while still enjoying nature together. **This event is free for Sunday Vacations members. Membership starts at €5/year.** 👉 Join here: [https://www.sundayvacations.com](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) *Please RSVP only if you are reasonably sure you can attend and update your RSVP if your plans change.* **🌍 Sunday Vacations Community Event** ## Escape the city. Find some shade. Meet great people. With temperatures soaring this week, let's swap hot streets for cool forest paths. Join Sunday Vacations for a refreshing late-afternoon walk through one of Brussels' most beautiful natural areas. We'll explore the peaceful Vuylbeek Valley, where dense beech trees, quiet ponds and shaded trails create one of the city's most refreshing places to spend a summer evening. Starting later in the day allows us to avoid the hottest hours while enjoying the forest at its most peaceful. This is an easy, relaxed walk designed for conversation, fresh air and good company—not for speed or endurance. Whether you're new to Brussels, an expat looking to meet people, or simply craving a nature break after work, everyone is welcome. Because the best way to end a hot day is under the trees. # 🌳 The Experience We'll follow a short and scenic route through the heart of the Sonian Forest, passing peaceful ponds, woodland trails and small streams. Thanks to its dense tree canopy and extensive greenery, the Sonian Forest is one of Brussels' natural cooling areas, often feeling noticeably fresher than the city centre on warm days. We'll walk at a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to chat, take photos and simply enjoy being outdoors. Afterwards, anyone who wishes can join for a drink or a bite nearby. # 📍 Walk Details 🥾 **Distance:** Approximately **4 - 5 km** *(easy social walk)* ⏱️ **Duration:** Around **1.5 hours** 📈 **Difficulty:** Easy 🌳 Mostly shaded forest paths 💧 Ponds & woodland scenery 👟 Suitable for everyone with normal fitness 🐶 Dogs welcome on a leash # 📅 Programme **16:15** Meet the group **16:30** Departure Enjoy an easy walk through the Sonian Forest with several short stops. **Around 18:00** End of the walk. Optional drink afterwards for anyone who would like to continue the evening together. # 📍 Meeting Point **Ukkel – Pijnbomenweg** 🕟 **Departure:** **16:30 sharp** The exact Google Maps pin will be shared with registered participants # 🌍 Sunday Vacations Membership ### Explorer Starting at €5/year ### Voyager Starting at €50/year ### Ambassador Starting at €150/year Join a community of internationals, expats and locals who enjoy discovering Belgium together: www.sundayvacations.com # 👥 Who Should Join? Perfect if you: 🌿 Need a break from the heat 🤝 Want to meet new people 🚶 Prefer easy walks over long hikes 📸 Enjoy beautiful natural scenery 😊 Want a relaxing Sunday afternoon outdoors **Solo participants are always welcome.** # 🎒 What to Bring *Comfortable walking shoes - Water bottle *Light snack (optional) - Hat or cap *Sunscreen - Light jacket for the evening (optional) # ℹ️ Good to Know *This is an easy social walk, not a sports hike. - We'll adapt the pace to the group. *Forest paths may be uneven or slightly muddy in places. - Please help us keep the forest clean by taking your litter home. *In case of severe weather or official safety warnings, the event may be postponed. ## 🌞 Heatwave Safety Your comfort and safety come first. Although this walk takes place in one of Brussels' coolest and most shaded natural areas, summer temperatures can still be high. Please make sure to: 💧 Bring at least **1 litre of drinking water** 🧢 Wear a hat or cap 🕶️ Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen 👕 Wear lightweight, breathable clothing 🥾 Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip 🍎 Eat something before the walk and bring a light snack if needed. If at any time during the walk you feel dizzy, overheated, or unwell, please inform one of the organisers immediately. We will stop whenever necessary and adapt the pace to the group. Participants are responsible for assessing whether the weather conditions are suitable for their own health. If you have a medical condition that may be affected by heat, please consult your doctor before joining. ## ⚠️ Important Notes - This is a relaxed community walk, **not** a guided hiking excursion. *We walk together as a group at an easy pace. - The route may be adjusted or shortened depending on weather conditions. *If the Belgian authorities issue an **Orange or Red heat alert** or if weather conditions become unsafe, Sunday Vacations reserves the right to postpone or cancel the event. Participants will be informed as early as possible. - Please respect the forest, wildlife and other visitors. Leave no trace. ## ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer Sunday Vacations, operated by **UJAMAA ASBL**, is a community organiser and **not a travel agency**. This event is organised by volunteers for members of the community. **Activities are organised by volunteers and covered under the COCOF volunteer insurance framework.** Participation is voluntary and at your own responsibility. Each participant is responsible for ensuring that they are physically fit to take part in the activity and for bringing appropriate clothing, footwear, water, and any personal medication they may require. The organiser may modify, shorten, postpone, or cancel the activity if weather or safety conditions make it necessary. Any optional café or restaurant visit after the walk is independent of the event and paid directly by each participant. **VAT not applicable - small business exemption scheme, Article 56bis Belgian VAT Code.** **🌿 Ready to Cool Down?** Leave the heat behind and spend your afternoon surrounded by towering trees, peaceful ponds and good company. Take a deep breath, slow down, and discover why the Sonian Forest is one of Brussels' favourite summer escapes. **Reserve your place today - we'd love to have you with us!**

* 25km loop from Jette to [Meise](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jnTgQwFcMu9Nt8zw6). Estimated moving time 1h30 not including lunch and some brief stops. Elevation 160m. * Coffee 11h00 \| leaving 11h30\. * Lunch at the halfway point around Meise. Bring your own. We'll try the [Kawa cafe](https://maps.app.goo.gl/51xmReQqsgxRgPFz9) near the planetarium. * Meet at [Guinguette Fabiola](https://maps.app.goo.gl/kLTGZUybywAfZ6M5A), also called Zomerbar Fabiola, in Parc Roi Baudouin. * View the route or download the GPX from [here](https://loc.wiki/t/271209071?wa=sc). * If bad weather is forecast this will be cancelled so check the event page before start time. * See more general information on the [What we're about](https://www.meetup.com/brussels-cycling-group/) page. * Tel: 04 86 40 6816. **Start** Please note the later than usual start time of 11h30 since Fabiola doesn't open till 11h00.

These workshops are open to anyone interested in exploring movement as a way to deepen body awareness, improve mobility and enjoy dancing in connection with others. The workshops offer an original blend of dance practices, combining contemporary dance, elements of Body-Mind Centering®, relaxation and mindfulness techniques,as well as capoeira, and a pinch of partnered styles such as forró, tango, and fusion dance. 13:50 – Doors open 14:00 –**Workshop 1: Floor Creatures** Step into a playful floorwork journey inspired by developmental movement patterns and somatic improvisation (drawing from Body-Mind Centering). Through rolling, sliding, crawling, spiraling, and yielding to the floor, we’ll rediscover the body’s natural movement intelligence in a relaxed and creative atmosphere. Expect guided improvisations, imaginative movement scores, and a grounding experience where the floor becomes your dance partner. 15:20 – Break and refreshments 15:40 – **Workshop 2: Built on trust: partnered communication in dance** This workshop returns by popular request. Together we will explore practical tools for communication in partnered dance through touch, breath, shared weight, eye contact, and movement improvisation. Focusing on listening rather than anticipating, we will practice giving and receiving clear physical invitations, respecting boundaries, and developing trust through attentive movement. Working in pairs, trios, and group exercises, we will explore responsiveness, presence, adaptability, and support — essential elements for moving together with care and confidence. Open to both newcomers and returning participants. More info and registration: https://fusion-circus.com/events/somatic-floorwork-partnering/

We will be discussing Going Postal by Terry Pratchett, nominating a book for the July joint meeting and choosing the book for August.

**Once a month** (on the last Saturday), **we meet to paint/draw together in pleasant company ☺️✏️🎨** Your skill level is not important, only your desire. **Please note that *this is not a lesson*, it is a meeting where everyone paints what they want, how they want, with what materials they want.** If you want a lesson, we have many different ones, you can find them on our website: https://lu.ma/malinamore.studio 🌷 **Participation fee for this event is minimum 5 euros** **(we strive to make this event affordable for everyone ☺️** but if you’d like to support the project, you’re always welcome to donate more) ❤️ **Please pay here:** https://luma.com/4yudp8u7 **Bring your own materials if you have them, and if not, no worries at all!** **You can borrow studio materials for an extra 5 euros.** We have paper, acrylics, gouache, pencils, colored pencils, and markers. How does it work? * 15min - Introduction * 15min - Tour de Table * 1,5 h - Let's draw and paint ​**Please note: the event will start at 14:00.** **Please, don't be late!** **VERY IMPORTANT:** ✨ Please, move to "Not going" as soon as you know that you can't come anymore! **✨** Follow the Malina More Studio on INSTAGRAM ☺️ [https://www.instagram.com/malinamore.studio/](https://www.instagram.com/malinamore.studio/) 🌷 See you there 💫

Hello, readers ! In June we are reading She Who Remains, by Rene Karabash. We will meet at Maison de Quartier Malibran, Rue de la Digue 10, 1050 Ixelles. **Please keep your RSVP up to date** and happy reading!

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

*Due to the summery weather forecast lets meet in Parc Royal instead. Find us at one of the tables at Woodpecker. If you cannot find us call* me via 0032 485 38 09 23 ----------- Let's read and discuss non-fiction together. In **June** we will be discussing "The Pragmatist’s Guide to Life: A Guide to Creating Your Own Answers to Life’s Biggest Questions" by Simone and Malcolm Collins. For more information about the book check out goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38452905-the-pragmatist-s-guide-to-life](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38452905-the-pragmatist-s-guide-to-life) How it works: - 10-15min Introduction round - 1 - 1,5h Free discussion around the book - 10min selection of the next book. (We will vote between three possible books. I bring two suggestions and we select a third one from the group. So if there is a book you like to discuss feel free to put it forward.) Don't worry if you cannot finish it in time. Just join us for a coffee or tea and a good conversation. :) Happy reading!

How do we connect to people? What is so great about being different? Is love selfless? Should we be dreamers or realists? What values are we losing? When are we at our best? Does childhood ever end? Is morality a matter of convenience? What makes a person beautiful? Such questions, and many more, await you Sunday at Sister's Cafe (second floor) . After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations :-).

**Join us for a relaxed Sunday morning meetup at Caffè Leopold in Porte de Namur!** We’ll meet from 11:30 to 13:30 to enjoy coffee, brunch, and easy conversations in a friendly atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, practice English or French, and spend a nice Sunday morning together. Everyone is welcome — whether you come alone or with a friend. Just bring your good mood and be open to meeting others 😊 After the meetup, for those who want, we can also continue with lunch in a nearby place 🍽️ **📍 Location: Caffè Leopold, Porte de Namur** **https://maps.app.goo.gl/UvTUU1H59J4yatS86** **🕦 Time: Sunday, 11:30–13:30** **☕ What to expect: Coffee, casual conversations, friendly people, and a relaxed Sunday vibe.** Join the WhatApp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EimXMXyRBjo7PfHRoVc1j7](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EimXMXyRBjo7PfHRoVc1j7) Personal number: 0471695419

**Hike #5** You are invited to join this short hike by the Meetup group "**Walking, Talking, maybe a Picknick**". This is a great opportunity to flee the high temperature and cool down in the forest. 😊 **When** Sunday 28/06 21:30 Assembly 23:30 Ending **Intro** We're going to hike \~8**km** in the Uccle/Ukkel part of the **Forêt de Soigne/Zoniënwoud**, just before twilight until complete darkness. **Start and assembly location** Drohme park. Chau. de la Hulpe 53A, Uccle Assembly on the race track of the Drohme park near the tribune, which is the far end of the picture. Please be on time as we will leave at 21:35 **By car** Why would you? **By public transport** hop off Hippodrome de Boisfort **Dogs, cats, other animal** This time no pets allowed. **The hike and your preparation** This 8km hike will take approx 2 hours, without breaks. If you have, bring your head lamp, although using it will spoil the whole thing. Just let your eyes adapt to the darkness. That will also make it easier to detect any Firefly. The weather forecast suggests blue sky, around 27 °C. There is no mention of rain. Anyway make sure to carry water. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ To cover my costs as a Meetup organiser I'm going to ask for a voluntary calendar year contribution. **Community contribution:** €5 for non members What is included: \*Event organisation - Group coordination *Guided community hiking experience Not included - Public transport ticket *Any insurance - Food & drink *Personal expenses ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

On Sunday we will keep in the shade by enjoying the Tervuren Arboretum, its still going to be warm so not too strenuous. We will start at Jezus Eik, Parking de Bosuil at approx. 13 Witherendreef, and walk 9 km and finally enjoy refreshment at the Café de la foret, Brusselsesteenweg 650, Overijse (Jezus Eik). There are a lot of roadworks in the area, so I am hoping we can reach the intended start point ok. I need to phone and confirm how many will stay for lunch. Rachel https://mapy.com/s/demazogefa

Hi everyone! We're Jared and Petria Walker, local real estate investors based in Columbus, Ohio, with a passion for short-term rentals and hospitality. We're looking to start a casual monthly Columbus-area meetup for entrepreneurs, investors, real estate professionals, and anyone interested in short-term rentals to share ideas, discuss market trends, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships. Whether you're just getting started or have years of experience, we'd love to connect, collaborate, and grow together. We believe some of the best opportunities begin with great conversations. See you soon!

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 July is "Shoes" 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!