'Two wrongs don't make a right' proved a thought-provoking icebreaker in March.  Members in twos and threes reflected on the ways in which their parents taught them to handle conflict and their own roles in mediating or reducing conflict between their children, workers, or others.  

Writing on ‘Failure’, new member Merv took us back to memories of the launch of Sputnik 2 in November 1957 and the death shortly after of Laika, a stray terrier from Moscow, the first living creature from earth to be launched into space. Merv remembers imagining Laika “out there somewhere among all those stars, petrified”.    June's delightful reflection on farm life involved failing to protect Elizabeth, the duck, from Mr. Fox!  Ray shared failures overcome on his journey to becoming a partner in the Smith O'Shannessy accounting practice, while Terry shared memories of a traumatic ‘broken mast’ sailing accident.   Joan bravely linked ‘Failure’ and ‘Success’, sharing her story of moving on from a failed marriage to a later treasured and successful marriage.

For ‘Covid five years on’, Anne reminded us of the weekend influxes to holiday houses during Covid, while Barry provided an overview of the impact of the Pandemic in Benalla and a reminder that Covid is still with us.   Jan reflected on the impact of Covid on connections within families; and the significance of medical appointments missed in Melbourne. Carmyl, who lived in Tallangatta at the time, wrote about the ways in which her dispersed family creatively managed communications during the pandemic, then visits to her husband Don when he entered palliative care, with Tallangatta affected by inter-state border closures. 

Anne took an interesting slant on our ‘International Women’s Day’ topic ‘Sisters’, introducing us to 'Sisters' met during her schooling at convents in Mansfield, Euroa and later in Melbourne, with feisty Mother Margaret Mary having made a lasting impression. John’s description of experiences shared with his sister Debbie from childhood to early adulthood resonated with many of us.  We felt his grief when he described Debbie passing away suddenly when they were in their early to mid-20's. Kathy shared a sister’s caring observations of her brother William’s complex transition into care, while Bev shared the story of finally meeting her 87-year-old half-sister when she was 67. 

Heather's story of meeting her sisters as babies and loving them throughout her life; and Max’s story of his first job as ‘bobbin boy’ at a rope factory, then a job as ‘lad labourer’ in a Line Gang with the Victorian Railways, lifted our spirits at the end of class. 

As our April class falls on Easter Monday, we will be sharing stories on-line.  Please submit your stories by April 21.  The topics? 

'Two Wrongs don't make a Right', suggested for continuing members, is an encouragement to "reflect on the impact of conflict on your life, from the ways in which your parents taught you to handle conflict, to family members or your own involvement in conflict during wars, perhaps your roles in mediating or reducing conflict between your children or workers, perhaps your roles in promoting peace."  You only have 500 words, so start early, as you may need time to edit!

Traditional topics for April give new and newer students a chance to reminisce about memories of memorial or religious events which have stayed with them over time.

‘Anzac Day’  "Looking back over your lifetime, write about your memories of Anzac Day (or other memorial day) and its place in the cultural rituals of your family and the communities in which you have lived"
OR
‘Easter’ Looking back over your lifetime, write about your memories of Easter (or other religious event) and its place in the cultural rituals of your family and the communities in which you have lived (Samples from our stories – eg. Molyullah Easter Fair).

At Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 16 April at 10am, past and present As Time Goes By members who attended school during the war will share stories about their lives at that time.  Hope to see you there!

Bev Lee

“A memoir captures a meaningful slice of life - a memory, a lesson, or an experience that stands out. In our sessions, members come together to share short, reflective stories (up to 500 words) inspired by a new theme each month. As Time Goes By is not a writing skills class, nor is it about creating a full autobiography. It’s a space for those who want to record the stories that future generations might never think to ask about - a place to remember and share treasured moments in a welcoming, supportive environment with others who are also telling their stories.”
 
Writing and sharing memoir

Last month we stressed the importance of incorporating reflection on the impact on you of the experiences you are writing about.  This can be subtle, can be strategically placed, can always be in the conclusion.

Interestingly, the ‘This (…..) Life’ topic,automatically incorporates a reflection, as you need to think about the topic and what is significant about it, eg. Heather’s ‘This (Chaotic) Life’.  

This month, a reminder to keep focussed on the particular slice of life you are writing about.  Usually when you craft your story so that it is within 500 words you don’t stray off onto other themes and lose focus.  However, the more words you write, the more likely this is to happen. 

There's a saying in writing circles 'Kill your darlings'...'A darling' is something which is meaningful to you, enjoyable to write about, but which looked at objectively isn’t a ‘good fit’ in this slice of life.  'Kill it'!  Highlight it, “cut" it, then “paste” it into a document for possible use later!   Your story almost invariably reads well without it.  This is all part of crafting your story.  

Creating a key sentence for your story can be useful in retaining focus... 'This is a story about ..... '.  It’s a tool to refer back to when you find you've strayed delightfully off into a barely related memory.  
 

​Bev

Our second session for 2025, this coming Monday 17 March at 2pm in Room 1, will continue to incorporate an orientation for new members alongside the sharing of stories.  
 
A number of stories have already been sent in, however here are the topic suggestions if you need a reminder:
 
New Members: 
 
‘Failure’ ‘Write about a failure you’ve experienced – from the commonplace to the catastrophic – in 500 words’. (ABC Open April 2017) Resource: Some guidelines for writing a 500 word about 'Failure' (ABC Open Planning Sheet)
OR 
‘Success!’ –‘turn the guidelines for approaching the Failure story on their head by writing about a treasured success you’ve experienced – from the commonplace to the (almost…) world shattering, or in your world at least!’ 
It is of course fine to 'pass', or to share a story from February’s topics ‘New in Town’ or ‘I Was There’.  If you haven’t yet dipped your toes into the water with a first story, now could be the time.   Remember, it is often helpful to read Tips for Writing Your 500 Words from ABC Open.   Please don't feel constrained though - our aim is to enjoy writing; to further develop our own writing style and to share our writing with a positive and supportive audience.  
 
Returning Members:  Suggested topics - with the goal to write, as for beginners, to a 500-word limit.  
 
‘Reflecting on Covid on the 5th anniversary’  It’s the fifth anniversary of the Co-vid shutdown on 20th March.  A chance to reflect back on your memories and experiences then from the standpoint of time.  A dip into our Newsletter and stories at the time might refresh your memories. 
OR
‘Sisters’…  It’s International Women’s Month in March, a time to focus on women’s lives and stories.  Memoirs have been written about ‘Sisters’…for example, by Drusilla Modjeska. Write about some sisters in your family, whether your own, a parent’s, your children, your grandchildren, in a way which uncovers the strengths, the challenges, the joys of ‘sisterhood’…or perhaps a sister’s strength, creativity, perseverance, contributions. 
​
Of course, it's fine for new and returning members to select from any of the suggested topics!
 
Some members may have a 'catch up' story to share, and for long-term members, it’s fine to share or adapt a story you enjoyed writing in the past related to one of these topics'.
 
Of course, you can develop a ‘members choice’ topic of your own if a story topic has been triggered recently, or you have something you’ve always wanted to write about.
 
Remember, if you have been busy or had writer’s block, you can always present a catch-up story you haven’t shared yet; or simply pass and enjoy the stories shared by others.  Long-term members, it’s fine to share or adapt a story you enjoyed writing in the past related to one of these topics. For those who have written about one of these topics as part of an autobiography or other story collection, it’s fine to share this, tweaking the story to ‘fit’ the topic if necessary. 
 

 
Bev