In 2008, I moved to Eureka, CA to write stories for children. I’d always lived in the Midwest, and now (for many reasons) was the perfect time to experience a whole new life on the Redwood Coast. The only people I knew in the Eureka area were my daughter and a few of her friends. Determined to find my own circle, I went to a local Unity Church service. I immediately met the lovely Joanna, who invited me to a Course in Miracles on Wednesday morning. I went.
At the Course in Miracles, I met local newspaper columnist Nancy. When I told her that I’d moved there to write, she suggested I start a writers group and volunteered to contact novelist Janine in Trinidad to see if she’d be interested. Janine told me over the phone that, though she didn’t write for children, she knew someone who did. It was her friend, Dar.
After introducing ourselves on the phone, Dar and I decided to meet for lunch at the Oriental Buffet. We hit it off immediately. Not only was Dar interested in creating a writers group for those writing for children, but she grew up in Omaha! She was also very intelligent, filled with optimism and motivation, and had the most wonderful laugh I’d ever heard.
Dar contacted Fry, who was creative and clever and interested in writing as well. The three of us decided to meet on a weekly basis. Memories of our meetings in coffee shops and at kitchen tables will always be very precious to me. They gave breath to the life I chose to live far from my family and Midwestern friends. I will be always be grateful to those who pointed the way. Never underestimate the power of connecting.
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