- Author/ Andi Stevenson (also a U3A member)
- Subtitle/’lens’ or focus/ a ‘life stage’ change in decision making about body modification and image - in the particular case of ‘ear piercing’ ‘an amusing story about how Andi’s attitude and decisions about ear piercing changed over time’
- Resource: https://www.bradley.edu/sites/bodyproject/disability/modification/
- Universal themes – at least 3 eg. Career loss; midlife crisis; motherhood/fatherhood; grief; etc In this case - perhaps, life stages, body image?
- Highlight – how it related to something in/about your life; etc. Bev -I’d wanted to get my ears pierced when my father was alive, but he forbade it; it was bewildering at the time and I’ve often thought it represented a ‘class’ issue to him, didn't resonate with his Scottish background? He died when I was 15 and a half, it wasn’t until I was in my mid 20’s that I had my ears pierced…. etc
Icebreaker - a chat about body modification and body image - earrings, tattoos, false eyelashes, even tanning… other from your or your family member (family of origin or family of procreation)…” wiglets, corsets, padded bras, what about ‘orthodontic’ work; breast implants or reductions; and more…. “
Topics for continuing class members:
‘Her Story’ It’s international women’s Month in March – a time when we often pause to focus on and write about something related to women.
- Heather Hartland’s unread story from last year will be shared to begin the session!
Brief - Reflect on a matriarchal line in your family – either your father’s or your mother’s. Do you come from a line of strong women, creative women, adventurous or (….. ) women? ‘Reframe’ their experiences – while women may not have appeared in the media or literature, the story of many women suggests great perseverance, strength, diligence and more. Alternatively, write a eulogy for one of the women in your family, in which you highlight their strengths and contributions.
- Barry -
- Carmyl -
- Graham -
- James – 'My mother, Jocelyn Davey (nee Clark)'
- Neville - 'Heather'
- Phil (to be carried over) - 'Betty'
- Ray - 'Kathleen O'Shannessy'
- Bev - Anne Deveson
An additional topic - Ray "Over a Lifetime"
Next month – April 15
For continuing class members:
‘The (eg Best, Worst, most memorable, …) Holiday/s I ever had’…’ A chance to write about the best, happiest, worst, or most memorable holiday (or holiday period) you ever had. Lead us through the events which shaped your view of the holiday, allowing us to share in your elation or disappointment. (Draws from Bev’s friend’s story of his ‘Worst Holiday Ever’; and James Davey’s ‘Happy Days’ story from 2023).
For new/newer class members, or those who haven’t written on them in the past:
‘Anzac Day’/Easter/Other Traditional topics for April to give new students a chance to write about customs and rituals in their lives “A chance to reminisce about memories of memorial or religious events which have stayed with us over time”.