"I did not foresee the potential that writing my personal stories would create for my personal healing. My writing has allowed an opening of old wounds, and therefore the possibility of dealing with and healing from them."

"My experience of this semester has been like the most fruitful of writing sessions. I think I know what I’m starting out with and I end up in some delightfully unexpected other place. Learning to let go of the belief that I have a plan — that’s the challenge in both my writing and my life."

"The gifts of these women’s stories are treasures that I count on, that I hunger for, that I bump up against — a line here, a thought there — in my every day life. I think it is safe to say that I need this circle to feed my soul, to nourish my inspiration, to listen mindfully — oh so mindfully — to my words. My small group has embraced the essence of Women Writing for (a) Change and I feel blessed beyond expectation."

"This class continues to stimulate new creative forays for me — and that influence continues to grow. Evidence that this really does work."

"How ironic — 15 weeks of classes about crafting words, and I can not think of right words to say. (I guess I need to come back next semester!) I do want to say thank you for respect and attention, thank you for listening, thank you for making me feel like a writer, even if it was sporadic. What a gift this little nation of women has been!"

"The ritual and the quiet are there to serve your muse, ease your mind, free your spirit and keep you and your writing safe."

"Gifts: wearing pajamas, laughing crying in small group, healing and gaining balance. Taking shoes off. Taking artifice off. Challenges: incorporating these activities into the world I’ve come to know, with the people in it — authentically and with good intentions — not forcing some imitation."

"Let go and you can trust yourself to float like you did when your father taught you to swim. Let go and maybe I can write from my heart and gut. Let go and I can write through the B.S. and get to the crux!! Let go and I’ll find time to breathe and be, here and now, in this moment. Let go and there will be peace and love… and happiness?"

"I count among my blessings our evenings of extravagant support and growth. Our community of passionate women is a source of wisdom and peace in a world of confusing madness and cold, indifferent assaults on grace and beauty. If the bringing together of such varied spirits can create such a glorious sound, then I can trust the future again. Thanks to all of you."

"What a range of voices; it’s better than a choir!"

“It’s as if we hold each other the way the dark sky holds the light of the stars…”