
May as a verb is about permission, asking for and granting it. At PWN, we believe in allowing ourselves space to enjoy the activities that feed our souls and make us happy. We give ourselves permission to indulge in activities that delight our senses—sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touch—and keep us coming back for more.
This month, we asked our Just Write students as well as our staff to tell us what they are obsessing over. What are they reading, listening to, watching, eating? What is stimulating their creativity? In what ways are they giving themselves permission to laugh, cry, dream, experience or escape the world around them?
May 2020:
What we’re reading …
“So I’m just finishing an awesome book by Tracy Chevalier, Lady and the Unicorn,” says Jenny Morelli. “She’s such a great author and I’ve been meaning to get to this one. I’m also reading tons of poetry collections, including Szymborska, Gilbert, Oliver, Collins, and Strand, to name a few (but I rotate so many).”
Listening to …
“Right now, I’m obsessed with listening to Brene Brown’s Rising Strong audiobook,” says Christine Demarsico. “Brene Brown feeds me with inspiration to rise strong even when life gets rough, and during those hard days to be present and face the challenges with tenacity and courage.”
Watching …
“I loooove the MasterClass App,” says writing instructor Jennifer Shields. “I shared the cost with a friend so it’s only $90 to listen to the likes of Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, and Judy Blume discussing their processes and the writing craft. So worth every penny. And from the comfort of your couch, so no need to shorn those yoga pants! There are a whole slew of other worldly people on the app as well, talking about everything from cooking to finance. Buddy up and split the cost!”
Eating …
“I’m obsessed with the food from Nature’s Plate in Keyport,” said Jessica Yurkow. “I also recently discovered the vegan pizza selection at Pasquale’s in Middletown … garlic knot crust, anyone?”
Miscellaneous …
“I started an Instagram account for my art and writing on my birthday last year (December 5, 2019),” said Just Write instructor Lisa Hartsgrove. “I post every two days or so, alternating between an original art piece and a sentence from my One-Sentence-a-Day Project, which I have been adding to since March 2016. You can follow me at www.instagram.com/spillingmyart.”
Feel free to share any comments or writing inspired by our Captivated column with us at info@projectwritenow.org.