​Our May topic ‘Shaped by Childhood’ resulted in the sharing of thought provoking stories on how influences such as particular teachers; attending ballet classes and recognition of sporting prowess have shaped our lives. 
 
The topic for the 20th June session, ‘Faking It’, is rather quirky and relates to the saying ‘Fake it till you make it’.  It involves writing about a time when you had to appear more accomplished or at ease with something than you actually felt!   Here is the brief for ‘Faking It’  from the ABC’s 500 words project:  Have you ever inflated your credentials to land a coveted job, told a silly lie to save face in front of a new acquaintance or felt well and truly out of your comfort zone when you tried something new?Perhaps faking it helped you gain the experience or tools necessary to bring about real change, whether you were pretending to the world or just deluding yourself.How did you feel at the time, and how do you feel about it now?  Did your fakery ever get found out?  Did you surprise anyone, even yourself?  Alternative topics include an unpresented topic; a topic from the alternative topics sheet; ‘The Year that Made Me’; or ‘Desert Island discs’ – describe five pieces of music you would like to have with you if you found yourself alone on a desert island and why. 
 
Our next cafe catch up will be on the 6th June from 2.30 to 3.30 pm in the back room of ‘Somewhere’ cafe,  next door to the new Council offices.  Bring along ‘alternative topic’ stories; unshared stories (e.g. if you wrote two versions of one topic); stories from missed sessions; writing of your own you would like to share/discuss.  At our last meeting we agreed that if we find our selected cafe is not open when we arrive, we will meet at Rustick cafe.  

​Monday 20th June 1.30 to 3.30 pm W4

Topic  ‘Faking It’    

Have you ever inflated your credentials to land a coveted job, told a silly lie to save face in front of a new acquaintance, or felt well and truly out of your comfort zone when you tried something new?

Perhaps faking it helped you gain the experience or tools necessary to bring about real change, whether you were pretending to the world or just deluding yourself.

How did you feel at the time, and how do you feel about it now? Did your fakery ever get found out? Did you surprise anyone, even yourself?
 

Alternative 500 word topics -  a topic from the alternative topics sheet; for new workshop members, ‘The Year that Made Me’; or ‘Desert Island discs’ – describe five pieces of music you would like to have with you if you found yourself alone on a desert island and why.

Cafe catchup – (optional).   Our next catch up will be on the 1st Monday in June (6th June) from 2.30 to 3.30 pm at the cafe next door to the Post Office.  Bring along ‘alternative topic’ stories; unshared stories (eg. if you wrote two versions of one topic); stories from missed sessions; writing of your own you would like to share/discuss. At our last meeting we agreed that if ever we find our selected cafe is not open when we arrive, we will go to Rustik. 

​Our April ‘ABC Open 500 words’ topic ‘My other life’ resulted in the sharing of fascinating stories of unexpected other lives by a mathematician/knitter; engineer/wood craftsman; mother/Grand Prix motor sport scrutineer; journalist/dumpster diver; nurse/motel manager; teacher/politician; wool classer/Anzac Fellowship holder; mother/ SES operative and natural therapist; book seller/ghost story writer.

Ian spoke of his other life as a story teller, sharing his local second prize winning story of droving a massive movement of cattle from central Victoria to Melbourne cattle markets during wartime.   Pat, a U3A member unable to attend class who loves to write, submitted an intriguing story about her other life as a ‘four leaf clover finder’ directly to ABC Open online.  
 
Next month’s topic is  ‘Shaped by Childhood’        ‘Describe one formative experience from your childhood, and how it helped shape the person you grew up to be. It could be a treasured family ritual, an early friendship, an influential teacher or your first experience of losing a loved one.   Think about an experience that’s influenced you and share it with us.’  Alternative topics are ‘Anzac Day’; a topic from the alternative topics sheet or for new workshop members, ‘The Year that Made Me’. 
 
Our first cafe catchup session will be held on the 2nd May from 2.30 to 3.30 pm at the Benalla Art Gallery cafe.  Bring along ‘alternative topic’ stories; unshared stories (e.g. if you wrote two versions of a topic); stories from missed sessions; or other writing project/s you would like to share and discuss.