November's warmup activity, 'I very nearly... ' resulted in the sharing of gems, including 'I very nearly photographed Gregory Peck', 'I very nearly won Tattslotto' and 'I very nearly died in a car accident''. The reading of an article 'Secrets Big and Small - Beneath their chestnut wigs and moralising, who were these people?' by Monica Dux, The Age, October 24 1924 provided a fertile base for discussion of dilemmas which can come up in memoir writing, which at times relates to difficult and complex family matters which family members can have different views about.
This month's topics were 'Found' and 'Triggers'.
Using the simple prompt ‘Found’ to write about something of lasting importance discovered at some stage of life, Margaret described the importance of 'The World of Books', Michelle 'Grandma Hall's Writing Case' and Joy 'My Career'. Keeping a notebook close by this month in which to note ‘Triggers’ led Barry to remember a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer Train and a memorable stay at the Banff Springs Hotel; trips to Japan on business and his father singing the song 'Rose of Tralee' in his magnificent tenor voice. A lunch at 'All Saints Estate' triggered Joy to remember her daughter's wedding there 22 years ago; while news that her granddaughter had been accepted into an elite dancing program triggered memories of "our daughter, her mother,attending an elite dance program from around the same age". Other 'Trigger' stories from this year, and past years, can be found at 'Triggers'.
It has once again been a great delight to convene this group and to share their stories on the website. I'm looking forward to hearing stories selected from the following topics at our first session in late February:
One Moment, This Year 2021
Looking back on 2021, what single moment stands out for you? Whether it be loss, love, discovery or disappointment, share your unforgettable moment.
'A Memoir' - The brief – ‘Head for your bookshelf, the library or an online book-store to retrieve a memoir, preferably one which has meant something to you. When did it enter your life? How did it then, or does it now, relate to your life story?’
' I Was There’…
Have you experienced a significant news, historical or cultural event first-hand? Share your personal piece of history in 500 words.
Bev Lee
November 2021
One Moment, This Year 2021
Looking back on 2021, what single moment stands out for you? Whether it be loss, love, discovery or disappointment, share your unforgettable moment.
'A Memoir' - The brief – ‘Head for your bookshelf, the library or an online book-store to retrieve a memoir, preferably one which has meant something to you. When did it enter your life? How did it then, or does it now, relate to your life story?’
' I Was There’…
Have you experienced a significant news, historical or cultural event first-hand? Share your personal piece of history in 500 words.
Bev Lee
November 2021
