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The Write Place At the Write Time is a unique online literary publication; we are a supportive writers' environment dedicated to artistic expression, learning and living the written word.

For this week of July 3rd (anniversary of our founding) and the Fourth of July we send warmest wishes to all. Further Ju...
04/07/2023

For this week of July 3rd (anniversary of our founding) and the Fourth of July we send warmest wishes to all. Further July posts, etc. to come (including an anecdote about an act of kindness taking place in a historic shop that dates back to the 1700s). Enjoy your holiday with loved ones safely and happily.

Photo: "Unity" by NMB; photo taken at regional zoo exhibit

Beloved WPWT family and FB friends: It is customary to send along summer greetings to you on this auspicious day each ye...
04/07/2022

Beloved WPWT family and FB friends: It is customary to send along summer greetings to you on this auspicious day each year that coincides with the founding of our publication (7/3/2008) and so we included such a greeting for the times on our interim version of the Home page as our we work ever onward as creators do with positive progression, passion and conviction, from foundation to firmament to consciously and compassionately forge the future. Our love to you on journeys solitary and shared, and gratitude for your continued support ❤

Excerpt from Home page text (note there are quotation marks unaltered in body of text, and some added surrounding it):
"According to Almanac.com, the online presence of The Old Farmer’s Almanac founded in 1792, an almanac “is defined as a ‘calendar of the heavens.’” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this piece of our history from the 1700s, was designed to help forecast the weather of the nation and had its audience looking to the stars, sun, and moon to read the times. With the recent, bizarre phenomenon of the five-planet alignment (ultimately joined by the moon), as well as an unexpected solar storm impacting Earth in the wake of the solstice preceding July, what do the skies say of what we are weathering now? The summer piece on Almanac.com included folklore such as the following: “If there are many falling stars during a clear summer evening, expect thunder.” This weekend the literal forecast includes a watch indication, as it portends a “severe thunderstorm” for this historied section of the country as we write. A national site depicts thunder being the result of rapidity regarding “the air surrounding the path of a lightning bolt.” Lightning bolts on a path, resulting thunder, fluctuating interstellar anomalies, and folklore around trajectory of stars, reflect something seemingly symbolic in currently reading and interpreting a “calendar” forecasting futures we, like those before us, cannot ever fully know. There are steadying certainties in life, however, in times of the unexpected when navigation by antiquated astronomical charts and concepts, due to shifts and storms, will not do. What was expected from the ancient civilizations and acknowledged by Benjamin Franklin as being integral to life itself, was change—it is this we are reminded of in Franklin’s quote, “When you are finished changing, you are finished.” That is to say, work, life, time moves forward, changing, progressing, and adapting in necessity. Timely, perhaps—when being reminded of the power of words, inherent responsibility and intent in creating something to reach and embrace all, along with provisions for necessary change by design to reflect the times—that we discuss, as we do annually, the founding of this very publication on July 3rd, 2008.

"Our beloved readers and contributors... As you know, we here at WPWT have been toiling by the guidance of our own “calendar of the heavens,” what must be a kind of inspired literary almanac with its own sense of time, aspiration for the alignment of influencing factors, unpredictable weather of outside obstacles fluctuating in the most challenging years of our lives, and transformative profundity in the discoveries made reading lines of light in creative journeys (our own and others’) within these times. On the unseen road forward, bits and pieces of conversation and connection with new and known creatives across varied cultures around the world, are gathered as clues leading to possibility of form, fresh notions of emergence on a solid foundation which is that founding premise dedicated “to a humanitarian approach to the arts.” Every shared experience and edition over all these years, each idea for higher purpose, liberation in expression, art, truth—binds us together. The modern technology age and accompanying alterations affecting over a billion, combined with urgent and advancing chronic circumstances and conditions on individual levels, all contributed as continued catalysts for change, and yet, what is drawn from everything learned and wisdom gained, is understanding that excites the creative faculties of the mind and transcends seasons to put things in line with what needs to be nurtured and responded to.

"Even in our interim time, we’ve had presence though our blog and social media with activities, series, and resources. We’ve featured prompts, photography, activities, features (including guest posts and articles from editors and celebrated authors), in addition to a raffle with wonderful prizes (consisting of acclaimed memoir, fiction best-sellers, writer resources/book promo, sustainable style, and fine art). We spent the early part of this year transitioning with you in a social media series with book and music suggestions, research on history and tradition, prompts and more, and again this year, donated to Feeding America. The first half of the year brought both good fortune and significant hardship in certain respects, but as the word solstice is derived from Latin terms, one of which means still, we have learned how and when to reset in the stillness and how and when to move in momentum. Traditions of the solstice include releasing the first half of the year and its difficulties while blessing and working toward what you wish for in the second half. Whatever the timing of the “calendar of the heavens,” may we all continue to compassionately, consciously forge, instead of forecast, futures which serve as inspiration and example, worthy of who we are, congruent with the efforts of all who worked and pioneered, suffered, sacrificed and persevered before us. For creators, our work goes on in all we do. Onward." ~Editorial Staff, WPWT

Day 12, Joyeux Noël: Beloved WPWT family and FB friends (Post 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas)As the final of the twelve-...
06/01/2022

Day 12, Joyeux Noël: Beloved WPWT family and FB friends (Post 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas)

As the final of the twelve-post series on the 12 days, this post has particular significance and we reflect upon all of the meaningful things we’ve shared with you (treasured songs, books, a prompt/mini-contest, anecdotes, imagery, research/facts/theory, posts to contemplate in mind or on paper for your internal responses) before sharing part of something profound in continued holiday spirit which we’ve wished to share for some time.

First, as in yesterday’s post which began with talking about creations and the subsequent meaning, connection imbued by interpretations, we did come upon one last interesting bit of information on the carol that inspired this post series. Though its origins and purpose are debated, this bit of info which was revealed when searching online for more on the theme of the twelfth day, lends a compelling twist to the thread of the sacred that has seemingly woven itself throughout the series. The story goes that someone involved in research for something else entirely, discovered by happenstance, Latin text source material which contained letters to France from “Irish priests, mostly Jesuits” which mentioned the theological interpretation of the Christmas carol (which is thought to have begun as a French carol until adopted by the English for possible faith-based uses in a time of history when it was difficult to communicate such teachings). Whatever the story of this carol, what we find compelling is the input about it over the centuries as the mysteries of it seem to have more gravity than the lightness of its sound and exact lyrics. The connections across different views, countries, time periods and its sheer longevity as still being popular today seem somehow unifying and that is a part of art and what is portrayed in the film discussed today in our final post.

“Joyeux Noël” means “Merry Christmas” in French. It is the name of the Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated, Best Foreign Language Film, which was written and directed by French film director and writer, Christian Carrion. This unforgettable film which is based upon the true events of the 1914 Christmas Eve unofficial ceasefire in World War I, carries within it messages so timely and also essentially timeless in their importance to coming together, bridging all that sets us apart. With deep care and a deep knowing of many aspects of humanity, it inspires our best. The director in an interview, discusses the real stories that inspired him and you can feel how well the crucial aspects of these are portrayed in this film with a remarkable cast devoted to what this was meant to awaken us to in one another and to truths in the dark and light of the world. A year or more ago I was able to read real letters, see photos and facts about this WWI event that were assembled by The Washington Post in the winter of 2017—a year when we needed to see the actuality of something extraordinary in the least likely setting, a time when the world was again reeling from division.

One of the most amazing things about the film portrayal, as noted by critic Robert Ebert, is its handling of truth in its art. It may be a fictionalized portrayal of truth, but this glorious convergence, despite a center of carnage at the World War I front, actually happened. How did it begin? With something as simple and yet soulful as a song. In real life, it was “Silent Night,” sung in German and yet a carol so popular at the time, everyone on the opposing sides in the surrounding area could either sing it or comprehend it.

There has been a desire to share about this film for several years now and yet the notes trying to capture it, attempts at conveying it, dissipated in the wake of the immersive experience of watching it. The conclusion is this: there is no ideal way to talk (write) about this film because it has to be personally experienced to feel the full extent. It is not about just a possibility of man’s finest hour—it is a brilliant reminder of what actually was…when all differences were put aside to talk, celebrate, find common ground, foster respect, allow relatability, and in some cases, develop lasting friendships that would be rekindled after the war. If within those direct, very dire circumstances, something so transcendent could occur with the opposition, there is shown such possibility for what humans can do—there is hope in this work of art which comes to us about a century later. Even in 2005, the film was ahead of its time and did not know any of the things we’d be facing. Although experiencing the film and learning about it as well as researching the events of the time is really the best way to internalize it all, we do intend to write further about it as it is an amazing example of storytelling and the writing of the film with its anecdotes shows the creative process functioning at its highest purpose, teaching, learning, and unifying.

This film which we only provide a textual glimpse of here is shared with you from our hearts on the 12th day and with its nominations, awards, and inclusion on a list of the all-time best Christmas movies, it is a widely regarded and upheld tradition which is really quite an event in and of itself to partake in. We researched the lyrics of the 12th day for its twelve drummers and their drumming, and found a few things of interest. There were indeed important roles for drummers in WWI as seen with sites about those researching their ancestry to find what roles drummers served and how their duties would shift depending on their assigned location. Drums were often historically significant to war, however, the mystery and majesty of the departure in theme from such sound here is how music also brought people together. The meaning of the 12th day in the theological depiction is a divine drumbeat, the Apostles’ Creed. What it made me think of is the phrase, “I believe…” As long as we believe in the possibilities of good, as long as we believe in one another, ourselves, something higher for the higher good of all, the power of creativity, the importance of human connection, we go by a creed that drives us to greatness no matter what is happening at any given time. That film and the real bit of history make me believe. This is a season of belief. The image chosen is a drum ornament that was handed down to me by my French mother and it sits upon fabric with French writing on it. Joyeux Noël and Happy New Year from our family to you and yours.

[Though this post series is concluded, look out for further content coming soon, including more on the film, the mini-contest result, and more. Also, if you are so inclined, please peruse the previous posts of this 12 day series as a great deal of effort was put into it so that it might offer solace, insight, entertainment, and reflection]
~NMB

Day 11: Beloved WPWT family and FB friends (Post 11 of the 12 Days of Christmas)Though we’ve explored various views on t...
05/01/2022

Day 11: Beloved WPWT family and FB friends (Post 11 of the 12 Days of Christmas)

Though we’ve explored various views on the carol depicting the twelve days, reaching back over the centuries, looking to events of today, and interspersing personal anecdotes or broadened interpretations to suit our literary, creative community here, we’ve also found in the foundations of faith, theological perspectives which have sparked inspiration. Though the carol is said to also have been based on a holiday game of memory (if one forgot any segment, they’d have to bestow a gift or a kiss upon their opponent), and there are disputes over its origins and timing, it can be said that there is great meaning in how people receive something and interpret it.

We know this as creators because even the form of the novel has evolved to allow more room for the reader’s mind, and throughout time as we know it, spoken story, written works, paintings, plays, songs, etc. have taken on new and larger meanings with audiences as the ages change. The interesting thing, however, is that, as Carl Jung pointed out, the human mind hasn’t changed a great deal in our existence—so even amongst differences in how we may choose to see things, there are symbols and archetypes and themes connecting us in our universal quest of understanding. Sometimes the evolution of thought is just finding our own way within that quest and it happens not only in regard to creations we process but our “process” as creators. This was something I happened upon in my research about Day 11…

I knew from research about the previous days that this one held something of riddle in it. Given a correlation to the Apostles, it numbers only eleven instead of twelve. This is because it counts only the faithful—not the one who betrayed. The official count shifts for a moral accounting of the matter.

I thought about how one of the truly great symbolic events in literature is sharing a meal and there is a beautiful explanation of this in Thomas C. Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professor where it expounds upon the idea of true communion, to essentially say, “I’m with you,” and it’s one of my many favorite passages of the book. Due to this, I wanted to look up depictions of The Last Supper. What did the artists have to say if a true union was not interpretively possible? A simple search helped me stumble across Leonardo da Vinci’s creatively evolutionary handling of the material in his notebooks. Early depictions had the eleven faithful seated on one side with Jesus, and Judas sitting opposite, separate. This was tried in a study in the notebooks, but ultimately he chose other ways to show his view with shadow and body language, height of the head, distraction and gesture to isolate what was not the same. The subtle sophistication of it still distinguishes the eleven in the beauty of that shared meal and yet is a clear picture of what, in totality, was going on in the scene. I also enjoyed reading about his tendency to wander “the streets looking for a criminal to base Judas on,” according to a shared story on Wikipedia, and the complaint issued by a prior at the monastery in Milan who thought delay resulting from such attention to detail was indolent, and Leonardo’s response that if he could find no other suitable, the face of the complaining prior would do. The rendering of this painting was an answer to how he was looking not only at the story of the event but his view of the world, streets, faces around him too.

The idea of the faithful eleven not only made me think of those true to us but also those who are essentially carrying the same tune, who understand and place importance upon the same things and who “get it”—for instance, a fellow artist would have understood the process and worth of Leonardo’s wanderings and how he often took such care in the faces he chose to draw inspiration from. There have been many interpretations of that work and it certainly features itself in literature and has people thinking and discussing centuries later, but the creator, the creation, those who receive it in whatever way, are communing at one table and are the faithful of the intention of art in understanding. With respect to Day 11’s musical component, it’s interesting to note that the Wikipedia page also alluded to sources speaking of the hidden music in the painting: “…the positions of hands and loaves of bread can be interpreted as notes on a musical staff and, if read from right to left, as was characteristic of Leonardo's writing, form a musical composition.” May our tables be full of the faithful and loyal, with the same music of mind and heart as a common language. ~NMB

*[Reminder: Should you choose to enter, remember to check out Day 4’s mini-contest with its 1/5 deadline—winner will be featured and we will donate to Feeding America in their honor. Private message our lit journal FB page with your entry or questions regarding mini-contest. Guidelines are in the Day 4 post which you can scroll down and find 😊]

The first full week of the New Year complete with a new moon and one of biggest meteor showers anticipated for 2022: Bel...
04/01/2022

The first full week of the New Year complete with a new moon and one of biggest meteor showers anticipated for 2022: Beloved WPWT family and FB friends (Post 10 of the 12 Days of Christmas)

This first full week into January really begins 2022 and as if to set the stage in an auspicious manner, it follows on the heels of a new moon said to bring with it abundance and clears the view for the peak of one of the largest meteor showers anticipated for the year with the Quadrantids (in ancient Greek astronomy for its origin constellation, associated with prosperity and in Indian Vedic astrology, attributes of Libra with balance). This would appear to bode well with such skies smiling upon the opening ceremonies of the year. As we consider the tenth day of Christmas, we’re not far off in how this day’s lyrics have to do with sixteenth century nobility where prosperity reigned and was thought protected by higher powers at the time.

One might wonder at the phrase, “lords a-leaping,” and they’d wonder still further at some of the historical explanations including a game played by men of means and power as a way to exercise in inclement weather and show “vigorous” endurance in sporting strength. It’s hard to picture what would now be equated with a version of a child’s game to have taken place amongst grown nobility and royalty in their finery, but back then it was an impressive feat and required more mastery of a male adult to accomplish and was thought too strenuous for anyone else to attempt. The leaping involved was also attributed to traditions of dancing—from Henry VIII’s court to a wooden etching of Queen Elizabeth I and a dance partner taking part in such dance which required a leap in more elegant motion. This could all be said, I imagine, to be emblematic of the leap forward we take into this year—a leap of daring, a leap of faith, a leap of action. Our leaps can be vigorous feats of strength propelling us rapidly forward or the timed, coordinated, deliberate leaps as we dance into the future. This year may call for a balance of both.

As we’ve found a wealth of symbolism in the theological meanings of the days, we continued that exploration and found that this day is representative of the Ten Commandments. We looked up the etymology of the word “commandment” and found a 13th century meaning from the Old French which, in one interpretation was “an order from an authority.” The 16th century historical view of the tenth day’s meaning did include expanded explanations of men who had the power of authority or to make law. This got us thinking in a more expansive way about the idea of law in a personal and spiritual sense. If word can be law and all of us writers and readers are people devoted to words, what words, what laws/rules do we live by? In partnering a kind of divine and personal governance/guidance, it is significant to ponder with what care we choose our words and “laws” for our lives.

It may be a very poignant time to write out your main, essential words to live according to at this opening of a new chapter and consider how each is a law to you in how important it is in your meaningful existence.

The image chosen for the post of the golden scales, a beautiful heirloom passed down to me from my grandmother, is a traditional symbol for law, balance, and Libra (which happens, as noted above, to correlate with the origin constellation of the meteor shower which is at its peak in EST as we speak). One of my grandmother’s “laws” that she lived by was love—and that is always foremost on my list. ~NMB

Reminder and the 9th Day (*Reminder about the Writing Prompt/Mini-Contest from Day 4’s Post which has a deadline of 1/5)...
03/01/2022

Reminder and the 9th Day (*Reminder about the Writing Prompt/Mini-Contest from Day 4’s Post which has a deadline of 1/5): Beloved WPWT family and FB friends (Post 9 of the 12 Days of Christmas)

Topping off the holiday weekend with a trip to a regional festival of lights at the location described as sacred in my second post, I saw from the safety of the car a dramatic, dizzying, and dazzling display of beauteous colors, shapes, and illuminations. I remember walking the grounds amidst the festival as a little girl and how incredible it seemed then, though the extent of the lights and the decorations has only grown since. It still holds much meaning for me and though it seemed wise to enjoy it from a distance this year, I felt I couldn’t entirely miss it. I never saw so many illuminated doves in the display and a gathering of them surrounded a cobalt-blue lit phrase that the festival’s webpage describes as its theme this season: “Love is Born.”

Their webpage discusses the past few years with the difficulties of division, natural disasters, loss and the pandemic, but wanted the theme to reflect a renewing hope. Rooted in faith, it describes the women of the Bible who, through divine intercession, were able to give birth, including of course, the story of Mary of Nazareth. It goes on to speak of joy, unity, and what is described as “God’s love story with humanity,” in the caring text from the Director of this sacred community. All of this aligns quite well with the ninth day of Christmas as the “ladies dancing” in the lyrics to the song about the Twelve Days are thought to be, according to online research, the “Fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” As women are often seen as the nurturers, exemplifying and perpetuating these characteristics, it feels appropriate to acknowledge the important women in our lives, in history, us females, and as psychology observes that human beings have both male and female traits, those of any gender who keep these qualities in practice and birth creations into the world for its betterment. It’s not only the kindness, the goodness, the gentleness, joy and more that we give, it also about what we are open to receive and appreciate.

The mantel image accompanying the post has an abundant Christmas fruit garland as the symbolic association mentions fruits and what is perhaps harvested particularly from humanity at this time of year in good qualities, and it also shows the cherubs with musical instruments for the “dancing” part of the ninth day. May your joys, hopes, kindnesses given and accepted, and even miracles during this time (as so many of us could use them) be bountiful. ~NMB

*[Again, should you choose to enter, remember to check out Day 4’s mini-contest with its 1/5 deadline—winner will be featured and we will donate to Feeding America in their honor]

Happy New Year’s Day and Blessings to All in 2022: Beloved WPWT family and FB friends (Post 8 of the 12 Days of Christma...
02/01/2022

Happy New Year’s Day and Blessings to All in 2022: Beloved WPWT family and FB friends (Post 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas)

Today included what has become an annual pilgrimage of discovery. In yesterday’s post I spoke of going to a town by the water last year on New Year’s Day and what yielded a book that gave back to me, by chance, words I needed again. Prior to arrival at the bookstore today in absolute fog so thick you could see not much behind you or in front of you on the bridge along the way, there seemed a metaphoric focus on the present and preparations for next steps just in front. Each family member purchased or was given as a gift, a book found—something seen on the shelf that was perfect for each of our journeys in the coming year and our intentions now.

Regarding intention, I had received an e-mail earlier in the day from the materials of Tim Han (author, world-renowned human behavior expert, coach, entrepreneur and international speaker) which not only listed great quotes to remember at the start of the year from Winston Churchill, Carl Jung, C. S. Lewis, Albert Einstein and more, but the e-mail also included an invitation to develop a one-word intention for the year. So much simpler than “goals” which, admittedly people make at this time and may or may not break, often perpetuating cycles they’re in. One word intentions which carry more power, a word to live by for a year, seems inspired, and so it was serendipitous to find, again by chance, books that had words to find us and spoke to each person’s intention on this first day of the year.

Yesterday I had written about purpose and gifts we’ve been given to give as creators. On this eighth day of Christmas, the theological association is the Beatitudes and in the 15th and 16th centuries, the lyrics for the 8th day also actually had to do with a phrase correlating with marriage, so in this instance it might imply a union with the spiritual or what I’d also think of as harmony with all aspects of the self. I wondered, reading these eight “blessings” how it was that there was a mix, with some which seemed to convey blessings upon those who struggled in some way and others that included virtues. Then it occurred to me that sometimes there is some struggle in upholding certain virtues and characteristics—that in having the ability to stay pure in heart, be makers of peace, to have these traits within this world, would they not, as it speaks of, face a struggle or persecution for being different in standing up in truly compassionate example and keeping to principles no matter the external influence? I find creatives often stand out in the beauty of their spirits and have known many who understood what it is to go through the difficult and come out the other side intact with deep compassion, empathy, and strength. I did further research and found more in-depth plain language interpretations of the eight blessings and their meanings are not always exactly as the formal language sounds. Many of them are in fact beautiful ways of being which were meant to be teachings with values and more knowingness of the ways of the world than is seemingly implied. To see things as they are and make yourself the best version of you seemed the takeaway.

Just as the image of the swan was shared yesterday with wishes for handling what we face with such grace and ability to share our gifts and be seen as who we are, today’s image I thought of is about fostering the strength and courage to not only see us through the struggles but to be different and unique and honoring of our convictions to follow our heart and values. To be that voice of peace and courageous compassion even when it is not easy to be heard or broadly accepted. If we have our intentions heading into this year of 2022, the year of the tiger, with its leadership and loyalty qualities, this is about fundamentally being ourselves and using our intentions to further define and take care of those identities in our pursuit of having and giving happiness. In the 8 “blessings,” it says “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” and has it not also been written, “Behold, the kingdom of God is within you”—many enlightenment books talk about us being co-creators with the ability to access a kingdom within. What if we creators/creatives align with that and continually in needed times draw out these benevolent, good, kind, guiding, fulfilling qualities for ourselves and those whose lives we touch? There may be a golden kind of responsibility in creating.

I chose an unusual photograph of a golden lantern lion, not far from the tiger totem of the year, taken at the Asian Lantern Spectacular at a regional zoo celebrating a tradition dating back thousands of years—these beautiful creations we saw this past summer were modernized and many of these hand-painted silk wonders actually moved. I chose the lion because the way the sun was setting, illuminating it, gives an almost divine kind of noble strength to it and it is a traditional symbol of courage. I recalled after making the choice of image how the character of Aslan in C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, had been thought to have symbolic connection to the Christ figure making the theme of the teachings of the 8 Beatitudes fit for today’s posting. I always thought there was something unusual about the look of how this photograph came out and I hope the warmth of its golden light warms and lights and somehow blesses (not necessarily meaning in a religious sense but a sense of goodness and the spiritual within and around us) your intentions in the year newly unfolding. ~NMB

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