Greenwich Pen Women, a branch of the National League of American Pen Women is a non-profit organization of women artists, writers, and musicians. We offer mutual support and exchange of ideas to encourage and inspire excellence in original creative work.
Amplified Life by GPW Catherine Stahl
Note from our President:
September, 2024
“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life.”
— Elizabeth Gilbert
It’s hard to believe that August has come to an end and before we know it, Summer 2024 will be a distant memory. Summer travel is over for me. From LaGuardia to Seattle, Seattle to LaGuardia, LaGuardia to Nashville, Nashville to LaGuardia and then a car trip with E-bike in tow from CT to Rehoboth Beach, DE and Rehoboth Beach back to CT. I’m exhausted! Each trip had its highlights and Seattle certainly did not disappoint. I was able to attend a Creative Non-Fiction Writing workshop which had me thinking about Pen Women the whole time. Thoughts about ways to expand our Letters to reach more GPW and women beyond. My mind is racing with ideas which our “Getting to Know You“ gatherings confirmed the need to explore strategies to attract and retain membership. Thanks to those who were able to participate in the conversation. There were three questions I asked each person on our Zoom:
- How long have you been a member of GPW?
- Why did you become a member?
- What can GPW (our branch) do to better serve you?
It was no surprise to hear that many of our members joined for the camaraderie and would like more opportunities to connect with one another even across disciplines. Some are looking to do more collaborative projects. Our women want more workshops that will give more opportunities to grow and learn. These were just a few things that was shared. We are positioning ourselves for an exciting season to be intentional in inviting people to our gatherings. Remember, our goal is to increase our membership by at least 20%.
I had the pleasure of attending the AuthorPalooza (Book Fair) in Norwalk where some of our GPW authors hosted their own book table. I’m always proud to see our Pen Women in action. Susan Barash, Barbara Ehrentreu, Leigh Grant, and Lee Paine all had their books on display. Barbara was a part of a panel that lead a discussion on knowing when it’s time to stop writing. It was such an interesting topic. As I spent time getting to know the other two panelist, they both expressed an interest in Pen Women. It all ties into our “Getting to Know You” series. They’re also wanting connection and experiences to grow. I plan to invite them to our Fall Kick-off luncheon.
Please mark your calendars. Our Meet & Greet luncheon will be Thursday, September 12 from 11:30am – 2pm. This year it will be held at Stanwich Church in their Emmaus Hall located at 202 Taconic Road in Greenwich. Stay tuned for more details. Also please note that Greenwich Pen has been invited to participate with Orchestra Lumos by submitting artwork, poetry or an essay to coincide with their concert on Sunday, September 22 at 3pm. The concert is called Spanish Flair and the pieces performed that afternoon are “String Quartet No. 3” (The Spanish Mozart), “La Oración Del Torero”, “Four for Tango” and “String Quartet No.1”. I will definitely be attending as well as participating. More information to come.
One more thing, I would like to make a correction from my last letter. Please note that the organization Joyce DiCamillo is currently involved with is Project Music in Stamford not Project Learn. In May some of us painted violins for their auction. Partnerships with other organizations like Project Music, Orchestra Lumos, and AuthorPalooza helps us get our name out! We truly are in the “Getting to Know You” phase in more ways than one. No wonder I can’t get this song out of my head!!
Getting to know you,
Getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you,
Getting to hope you like me.
Getting to know you,
Putting it my way,
But nicely,
You are precisely
My cup of tea!
Getting to know you,
Getting to feel free and easy.
When I am with you,
Getting to know what to say.
Haven’t you noticed?
Suddenly I’m bright and breezy
Because of all the beautiful and new
Things I’m learning about you
Day by day.
— Rodgers & Hammerstein
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Adrienne Reedy
President
