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Sherry Ward, a retired elementary school teacher of reading and writing, believed that anybody can write, and everybody has a story inside them. Her hope was to spark a love of literature and writing in all of her students. This was a lofty goal as many fourth graders were primarily interested in lunch, recess and video games. Therefore, it was music to her ears whenever a student told her they wanted to become a writer. As her enthusiasm for writing grew over the years of teaching, she couldn’t help but dream of being a writer herself. As she neared retirement, people would ask her about her plans. She would always reply, “Well, after I sleep for a month, revel in watching the school buses go by while I sip my morning tea, and binge watch all seasons of Blue Bloods, I plan to write books.”
Sherry is what she calls an “emerging writer” which in other words means nothing famous about her writing yet, but enjoying the journey to possibilities. She is currently in the process of writing two books. She and her daughter embarked on writing a mother-daughter novel together in which they are telling a story from two perspectives. She is also writing her own book which draws on familiar settings, characters and experiences. Her goal as a fiction writer is to create vivid stories full of rich, relatable characters. She hopes that her stories will play out in a reader’s mind like they’re watching a movie.
In the meantime, Sherry facilitates a Writing Community for the Academy of Lifelong Learners, a senior program at Lone Star College in Cypress. They are a small group of men and women who enjoy sharing their writing pieces and supporting each other’s efforts.
On thoughts about her future writing she says, “I have no expectations as to where my writing will lead, but rather I write for the creative experience and sheer enjoyment.” She likens the experience of writing to what artists must feel as they sit with a blank canvass or a mound of clay. A world of options awaits.
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Who will WiVLA highlight next?
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Each month, a WiVLA member is highlighted in the Newsletter. This is a fun way for us to get to know each other. Contact the Literary Art Chair or the Visual Art Chair, if you would like your time in the spotlight.
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The 30th Anniversary is symbolized by the pearl. As part of our celebration this year, let's share thoughts about our creative journey with WiVLA. In 150 words or less tell us about how membership in WiVLA has enhanced your creative and/or personal life. You can use some of these questions to help you get started. Or you can create a poem or short prose to express your feelings about WiVLA. Send your Pearls of WiVLA and a photo of you in your pearls (if you have them) to Margo (Please put "WiVLA" in the subject line). Or you can fill out some of the questions online.
Possible questions
* How long have you been a member of WiVLA?
* What inspired you to become a member of WiVLA?
* In what ways has being a member of WiVLA impacted your life?
* What is your favorite memory or experience as a WiVLA member?
* How has WiVLA supported your creative journey?
* What do you think sets WiVLA apart from other arts or literary organizations?
* Which WiVLA events were the most meaningful to you, and why?
* How has being a member of WiVLA connected you with other creatives?
* Have you attended any WiVLA workshops? If so, which ones were especially beneficial to you, and how?
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WiVLA Pearl for December
Melissa Chambers
(wearing her fabulous capinator creation)
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One of the most rewarding things about being a member of WiVLA is learning from others that it’s never too late to prioritize one’s creative journey. I’ve been a poet and a painter all my life, but like many others, I put my business career first and my creative self-expression on the back burner. Happily, that’s now changing and WiVLA provides numerous role models to learn from, draw inspiration from, and collaborate with.
I think we all need to surround ourselves with other creative women that give us hope and confidence to stay the course and just keep creating. WiVLA provides an incredibly encouraging and supportive community where we can try different things and have the opportunity to put our art in front of others. Joining WiVLA almost three years ago is one of the best decisions I’ve made to hold myself accountable and move my creativity forward.
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Shirley Bayer had an art piece
in the VAA show at Reeves Art + Design.
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It Was a Powerful Day, My Friends
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Celeste Budwit-Hunter has a photo
in Persimmon Tree
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Congratulations, Celeste. Your photo in the winter edition of Persimmon Tree is gorgeous!
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Warren Way
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Melody Locke had an art piece
in Art on the Avenue: The House Party
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Treeflection
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Writespace is Houston's writing center. Founded in April of 2014, it is a grassroots literary arts organization founded by writers, for writers. Writespace supports writers of all genres, including writers of literary fiction, poetry, science-fiction, fantasy, mystery, young adult, and other genres. Through weekly writing workshops led by some of Houston's finest writing teachers, Writespace seeks to give writers who can't afford to earn an MFA in Creative Writing the same high-quality training and mentorship opportunities available through MFA programs.
Plan to attend the Fantasy Book Ball
December 14
7:00-9:00 PM
Use the discount code WIVLA20
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Trailor for the Fantasy Book Ball
https://bit.ly/WritespaceTrailer
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WiVLA History in New Exhibit
at University of Houston MD Anderson Library.
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WiVLA History is included in two new exhibits featuring selections from the Carey Shuart Women’s Research Collection at University of Houston MD Anderson Library. Nevertheless, She Persisted! Women as Historic Influencers will be viewable on MD Anderson Library Floor 2, while Leagues of Their Own: Representing 60 Years of Women’s Athletics Achievement will be on display on Floor 1. Claire Keck, graduate assistant curator for the Carey Shuart Women’s Research Collection, selected materials for Nevertheless, She Persisted! depicting influential women in the Houston region who effected changes in society, politics, and artistic expression.
Among the WiVLA items on display is the poem "Change" by Elizabeth Gilbert from WiVLA's 1997 anthology, Conversations. (See below)
Visitors are welcome to view the exhibits during regular building hours between September 6, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Visit Entering MD Anderson Library for details on quick and secure building access.
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Change by Liz Gilbert
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The change from my father's pocket seemed a wonderful thing. He placed it on his dresser at night. Large, round quarters. Smaller, copper pennies. Even thinner, silver dimes. Occasionally, the unexpected thickness of a silver dollar. Those could not be taken. But the quarters could and I did steal them. Put them in my pocket. Clasped my hand around the cold, naughtiness and fondled them. Removed later, one quarter could buy my lunch. A bag of barbecue potato chips. A call, cold, bottle of Pepsi. Lunch for .25 cents. It was 1968.
My father's change... My change... Changes in my body. Pregnant, a new, tiny change within took me out of the pocket of my family. Transported me to another…man's pocket.
A younger version of my father left behind, my husband whose claims were made to the pocket between my legs where I sensed a change and from where my daughter would emerge. Change again this life of mine, forever changing.
Death to the old. Birth to the new.
Undiscovered, frightening paths led to more changes. Lead to more and more changes, which change me. Forever.
No more the girl wondering, I've wandered from the change in my father’s pocket. It is 1997.
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Synkroniciti is Open
for Written and Visual Art Submissions
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Synkroniciti is a quarterly online arts journal. They accept work in a variety of media across the visual, literary and performing arts spectrum. Issue twenty-one, “Belonging” came out September 15th and “Haunting” will debut December 15th.
Submissions for their March 15th issue are now open. The theme is “Identity.” Contests will be held in poetry ($75), flash fiction ($75) and for the cover ($100).
Want to know what they look for in a submission? Check out this interview with editor Katherine McDaniel by Jim Harrington over at Six Questions For…
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According to their website, "Duotrope is an established, award-winning resource for writers and artists. We help you save time finding publishers or literary agents, so you can focus on creating. Our publication and agent listings are up to date and full of information you won't find elsewhere. We also offer submission trackers, custom searches, deadline calendars, statistical reports, and extensive interviews."
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Workshop at the Ekphrastic Review
The Madonna in Art: a Discovery Workshop
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Participants in this workshop will look at the history of the Virgin Mary in visual art around the world, and learn the secrets of the symbols that accompany her, the meanings of different renderings and styles, and much more.
The first half of this workshop will be a tour of visual images and discussion of the art and artists. In the second half, students will use some of the imagery to inspire contemplation and creativity, with prompts for poems or short fiction.
Fee: $25.00
Tuesday, December 10
1:00 to 3:00 pm CST
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Grackle and Grackle hosts creative writing classes taught by talented writers who love to teach. They also consult with organizations and businesses seeking a literary touch on big projects, or who want them to create workshops for team retreats or other events. They work with all ages of writers.
Founded by writers Miah Arnold and Raj Mankad in 2014, their goal is to bolster the power of storytelling in Houston and abroad to connect writers to each other. By offering graduated discounts on classes, they ensure that anybody who wants to take a class at Grackle and Grackle can do so.
They host weekend workshops for retreats geared toward specific kinds of writing, therapy, or outcomes; and weekly workshops in institutional or hospital settings. As consultants, they deliver strategic plans, texts, publications, illustrations, and videos. They collaborate with graphic design, landscape, urban planning, and architecture firms.
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The short survey about your favorite programs and activities is ready for your feedback. And we want to know where you think our emphasis should be in 2025.
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* Collaboration Catalogs Available! *
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We have another excellent collaboration on the books!
Each member who participated in the ENTANGLED Collaboration received a copy of the catalog containing all the artwork and literary pieces. Melody still has a limited supply of copies in her studio that you can purchase for $15.
In addition, you can also purchase additional copies of the REFLECTION catalog from the 2022 Collaboration for $5.
Stop by Studio 320 at Silver Street Studios to purchase additional copies of either catalog. Silver Street Studios is located in the Main Yard of Sawyer Yards. Call ahead at 713-851-0134 to ensure that she’ll be in the studio when you arrive or you can purchase catalogs from her during our Holiday Party.
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A Holiday Story by Margo Stutts Toombs
Gifts Galore
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It was the Saturday before Christmas, mid-70’s, before the internet and E-mail, when one had to pay for long-distance phone calls.
On that morning, my former spouse and I received a huge box from Armando, our friend in Chicago. We debated about opening the box. Should we wait until Christmas or open it right away? Our curiosity wouldn’t let us wait.
Inside the box were several beautifully wrapped gifts. Armando and his partner had even gone to the trouble of making up nicknames for us on the gift cards. They loved to create nicknames for all of their friends. They even gave their cats nicknames. We thought they were funny, except the gift that was addressed to “Grandma”. Really, Armando, you are a year older than me.
We were a little confused at first. Why all of these gifts? Then we remembered the work we did to help Armando sell his aunt’s condo in Houston – George served as project manager for the painting of her condo, and I snuck into the property to plant a small statue of St. Joseph facing the condo to help it sell. Once it sold, I had to return to the scene of the crime, dig him up, wash him off, and send him back to Chicago.
So, here we were enjoying an early Christmas. With our mugs of coffee in hand we began the gift opening. We were amazed at the research our friend had done to give us the perfect presents. The shirt for George was the right size and in his spring color palate. (Back then we bought clothes and accessories based on colors that complemented our features.) There were cute alligator salt-and-pepper shakers. How did they know that the mascot for George’s school was the Gator?
I made out like a bandit: clothes for lounging around the house, earrings, cologne. And there was one gift addressed to both of us – a calendar with an art poster representing each month.
We were so excited by this bounty; we couldn’t wait to call Armando, in spite of the cost.
Good morning, Armando!
Good morning, Precious, (See what I mean about nicknames?) How are you?
Well, I’m feeling pretty glamorous in my new gown and slippers and earrings and cologne.
Silence.
What all do you have there?
I listed all of the presents. Then -
Those aren’t your gifts… The calendar is your gift.
I thought, “A calendar? After all we did for you, including trespassing to bury and exhume St. Joseph?” I was a little insulted, but I was mainly amused by this ridiculous situation.
I laughed. George laughed. Armando fumed. George and I spent the rest of that day rewrapping gifts and taking them to the nearest UPS, after Armando made numerous long-distance phone calls to straighten out the mess.
* * *
Now, what did this experience teach me about myself? Looking back, I can see that I am an expert in justifying good things that come my way, even if I have not earned them. For example, a few days before my birthday, this year, I received some very nice compression hose in the mail. I thought, “What a nice, albeit odd, birthday gift.” I immediately send a thank-you text to my generous friend. She replied, “Why are you thanking me?”
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Remember to check the WiVLA Calendar for exciting events, such as field trips, studio visits, workshops, and other fun activities.
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Save the Date(s)
January 21: The first Member Meeting of the Year ~ Circle of Five. Check the WiVLA Calendar for details and updates.
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WiVLA Needs Your Expertise
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Do you have special skills, talents or knowledge to share with other WiVLA members? Now is a good time to volunteer ~
- Serve on a committee
- Speak at a monthly meeting
- Lead a workshop.
- Be creative
Don't be shy. We have a lot to learn from each other.
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We'd love to celebrate your good news. If you are interested in sharing, please send your items to newsletter@wivla.org. The deadline for inclusion in the next month's newsletter is the 20th. Thank you.
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