Recap of Grammar Girl Workshop and My Experience at Kripalu

Tuesday, April 7, 2009....

I was excited and apprehensive about this past weekend. I suck at grammar and have run as far away from writing for public viewing most of my life. As we introduced ourselves the first night, I thought I may have been over my head. Everyone was either a writer, editor or had known since childhood writing was their passion. For me, writing, other than in my personal journal, was something I bolted from.

In my ultimate wisdom, I chose a major in college that required me to write numerous papers and 6 years ago landed a position that challenged me on a daily basis to write.

Writing, editing and modifying legal documents was not fun for me. I could never interject my voice into my work and the following words: shall vs may, nonetheless and furthermore, pushed me over the edge.

I think it was during this time I was overcome by the need to just write about everything and anything with an air of whimsy. It was the counterbalance I was missing and desperately needed.

Over the years, friends and family commented that I had a quirky way of relaying a story so when I became unemployed, my sister encouraged me to start this blog (probably so I wouldn't lose my mind while looking for work).

The workshop was perfect. Mignon created a very interactive workshop and opened herself up so I wasn't intimidated by her knowledge of grammar (I had visions I would be corrected every time I opened my mouth).

It was obvious she spent a lot of time preparing for this workshop. She explored various topics with the group such as:

- Expressions of Writing (journaling, blogging)
- Exercises (free writing and prompt writing)
- Promoting Oneself

If you haven't heard of Mignon, aka Grammar Girl, I'd suggest signing up for her newsletter or podcasts Grammar Girl. Personally, I really enjoyed her book and will use it as a reference guide.

In addition to the workshop, I got to spend some quality time with my sister. She had signed up for a singing workshop and had to sing without lyrics in front of 30 people. I had many suggestions for her (SuperFreak by Rick James and any BeeGees song because who can really decipher what they were singing), but she ignored them. Hmmm... I can't figure out why.

While I wasn't torturing her, I was able to read and meditate. I'm now at a place where I need to meditate for 30 minutes because it takes me a good 15 minutes to stop the chatter inside my head. I will make meditating a priority in my daily routine because I felt great after my practice.

I left Friday wanting and needing to clear my head. Sometimes, I wish for things which don't happen. However, that wasn't the case this past weekend.