Grove Gatherings

You can only write for so long until you find your own company to become a little dry and dull. So what’s a writer to do??

When I hosted my first open mic story night at Holmestead Harvest in Whitman, I knew I had created something far more meaningful than writing alone in my sunroom. It was a night with zero predictions, a lot of anxiety, a few Hail Marys, and unwavering faith in my fellow humans. And whadyaknow? People showed up, a local brewer made me my very own brew (Evergreen & Grey-a piney IPA of course), and I left feeling energized by the willingness of others to be vulnerable with their stories. It was a unique and memorable experience. I say we need more of that.

Enter...Grove Gatherings. The idea is simple, really. Sometimes I will host at small local venues ready and willing to try something new with their patrons. Each event will have a theme, announced ahead of time, and participants will be encouraged to be brave and share their story. For those interested in a more personal experience, I will come directly to your home and facilitate your very own Grove Gathering. Imagine getting all the girls together at your place for a story night with the theme of "Busted". All you have to do is provide the place, drinks, snacks, and I will help get the party started and flowing with prizes to boot. You probably already know what that one friend in particular would share, or maybe you don't. That's the fun and excitement of it. And don't worry, when you enter a Grove Gathering there is a very strict "Pinecone of Silence" rule that nothing gets recorded or shared outside of that room;)

Example?

Theme: Let it Rip

Me: I share a story about the time in high school, a week before the semi-formal dance, my hair freshly chopped at Fantastic Sam's making me look exactly like a dutchboy. I was desperate to find a date and my friend and I had zeroed in on a few moderately good options in Spanish class that I had felt were aware of both my charm and wit, two of whom sat right behind me. We went to Spanish that day, as usual. While I conjugated verbs, I felt the rumblings of lunch start to stir. I shifted in my chair awkwardly, hoping to hold it in. Then it happened. I let one rip on one of those hard wooden chairs. "Was that you???" my friend asked, looking right at me. "Yes." I said, beet red, laughing hysterically, and considering all the date prospects in my other classes…

You get the point.

See? That wasn't so bad. Just imagine how much better that story would be live and in person. I might even bring a fart machine for effect. I have no shame anymore and, you know what? Neither should you.

So stay tuned for something new sprouting this January....

Evergreen & Grey