Introduction

Hi all,

By way of introduction, I'm excited to be taking this class with you all.

I decided I wanted to take the class after I had the following conversation with myself about a week back:

Natalie: [sternly] You've got a shit-ton on your plate. Girl, when you gonna find time?

Natalie: Good point. But, let's be real, you love writing. And words -- you love words! And you're terrified of writing publicly, which -- be honest -- is probably a good sign that you should try it. [cocks head, purses lips, raises eyebrows]

Natalie:  I know, but Responsibilities! [flaps arms wildly in distress]

Natalie: [hands on hips] Yes, but you've been here before. You know how Responsibilities always exist, just like dishes, and it's easy to set aside the things that bring you joy. 

Natalie: [with a trapped feeling] You're ignoring that Responsibilities begins with a capital R. 

Natalie: [with love] Please note, that in the best-case scenario, you're only getting older. In the worst-case scenario...uh...

Natalie: [grapples with sudden existential realization] Shit. You're right. Fuck it! Let's make it happen!

Natalie: [smiles, nods approvingly] Heeell yea, girl.

So, having consulted with both of my selves, we are all in agreement that I should give this a shot. 

My good news is that I'm taking this step, and am looking forward to a fun adventure with everyone here. 

N.

The Good News of Being Alive at 18, 3.6.2017

The Good News is that Ashley Lieberman, a current student of mine, shared this Good News the first week of class: When she was 11 she was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma, the worst kind of brain tumor. People thought she was going to die, but she didn’t. Now 18, and cancer free, she says, “It was a miracle!”

soft good morning news

Good news this morning - I awake with calm sleepyness to do routine stretches and exercises before getting out of bed.  Instead of counting with numbers, I name intentions and family in a rhythm of slow motions!  Body isn't stiff after yesterdays' 17 mile bike ride...YES! (that's good news for this grandma!)  Then outside into warm air and short drive to gentle yoga at Urban Breath with my sweetie and a full class, stretching mindfulness, breathing, muscles that quiver a bit and gratitude for Shivasana soft rest to gather the benefits of the practice and send honor, reverence and peace to all beings that share Earth today.  The morning light is grey and nicely bland.
Good news is that our son will come over despite a light mist and work on replacing the liner in our fish pond -
Good news is that my heart will flutter with joy to see him!
Good news is going to Mullanphy School this afternoon to help 2nd graders plant peas!

The Good News of Having a Title, 3.5.2017

The Good News is ... Natalie Long has a working title for a future memoir:

Wander, Work, Eat, Agitate

Lawyer Natalie Long discussing how a Community Bill of Rights challenges an unjust legal structure that elevates corporate "rights" over a community's rights.

Waking Up

collage by Michael Bartz

Funeral program for Mev Puleo, 1.15.1996

Good News Variations: A Spring Writing Course 2017

Since mid-November, I’ve had exchanges with numerous  people who were consumed with dread at so much bad news in the news.   One afternoon, while walking in the Central West End, I was reminded of a poem by Vietnamese Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh that begins:  “The good news they do not print. The good news we do print. We have a special edition every moment, and we need you to read it.”   It occurred to me then that  a gathering of friends focused on these “special editions” would be a constructive use of time and energy.

This spring, join us to read, write, and circulate good news. Each week I will provide short, succinct reflections—from poets, activists, teachers, contemplatives, artists — on this theme and its variations, and we will together come up with writing topics to explore. Each session will provide  time for individual writing, paired exchanges, and a group forum. We will also have a course blog where we can post our writings and discover what others see as good news.