Irradiated Retirment

On Saturday I attended a retirement party -- not your usual end-of-a-long-career celebration - but a retirement party for the Irradiated Poets. For those who don't know, this group held poetry gatherings out at the old Trojan Nuclear plant before that relic was sent into retirement via demolition. With Trojan as the focal point, and with poetry as a way to unite, the group created an unusual form of its own energy.

The "retirement" party was a way to connect with folks, say, "what's up for you these days" and talk about old times. What I didn't see was any retirement going on. The group took a bit to warm up - after all, this wasn't a meeting at Trojan, but at a local pub -- and after a short while of socializing and eating, poets began to read their stuff. We took turns reading old and new poems, laughing, giving raucous rounds of applause and genuinely celebrating some sort of retirement.

For me, the best part was in the recognition that most poets never retire from poetry. Somehow, the words, the lines and the opportunity to bring them alive by reading aloud removes any thoughts of retirement. Bravo for groups like the Irradiated Poets who bring folks together for the sake of poetry. Cheers for group leaders who know when it's time to end an era, and thank god for poets who keep writing long after everyone else retires!

Is It Time For A Change?

Several people have asked recently how a Life and Career Coach can assist their writing and art projects. I've been having individual conversations and decided to post the key points for all who are interested.

My coaching relationships are personal and specific. I work from a 'strength' based approach - in other words, where would you like to be in your life, right now - and what resources (internal, external) do you already have and which do you need? We look at the practical while recognizing the emotions attached.

I believe in integration of work, daily life, relationships, etc. I think we slip into compartments to ease the demands of our busy lives. Yet, some of these compartments feel restrictive and unsatisfying. Most clients seek relief from chaos. I think the practice of integration can get them there.

It starts with an honest evaluation of your lifestyle. What is working for you? What is burdensome? What are you willing to change - what is fixed in stone? Start there, at least you will determine what's driving the chaos and what's creating peace.

To continue the conversation contact me at tpartington@earthlink.net

Thanks All

Thanks to everyone who came out on that rainy Monday - February 23rd for the Three Friends reading. For those who couldn't make it, or if you were there and want to hear it again, the LINK is listed in the left column under LOOK, LISTEN, READ.

A big thanks to Melissa and Luke of Show and Tell Gallery for hosting us. My friends for the evening (and beyond) - Eileen Elliott and Constance Hall brought great poetry and art and presented with grace and talent.

February has been a busy month with several readings including the one for VoiceCatcher in Vancouver, WA. Don't miss the submission window for VoiceCather 4. You have until March 31st to submit poems, fiction, creative nonfiction and more. Check out the website for details www.voicecatcher.org.