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In the Client's Words
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"I just need to get the story out. I can't write a book if I don't put anything down on the page."
From a memoir writer who surprised herself by writing forty pages during an emotionally challenging week.
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Gratitude & Compassion
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Practice:
Receive and Give
"Allow a loved one the pleasure of helping you. Express gratitude for the help. Offer to help someone with something tomorrow."
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Books by
Jennifer J. Wilhoit
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Common Ground Between Crafts Collectives and Conservation
Weaving a Network
Available on Amazon or by order at your local bookstore
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Quote for the Month
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Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.
Carl Jung
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TEALarbor stories'
mission is to compassionately support people as they discover & convey through writing their deepest stories.
Offering:
Writing Services
Story & Nature
Guiding ©
Life Transition Support
Mediated Conversations
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Greetings on this glorious mid-spring day!
I have been thinking about change and renewal this month, especially with strife, war, riots, and angry politics lacing the news waves. This need to revitalize my efforts toward restoration of peace has extended to my commitments: deeper work with clients, finishing my own manuscript, exploring new avenues of collaboration, seeking venues and means for expanding compassion and wholeness in a fragmented world through the various ways in which I've been called to serve.
This morning as I journaled, I recalled how since my youth I have periodically, with great pomp, made a show for myself of rekindling my writing. Every few months or year I would choose different brightly colored pens, buy a new bound notebook or sketchbook, toss the older journals aside. And in my best hand I would begin by penning the new commitment to writing onto the fresh page. But today as I wrote sloppily with an old pen into a used journal - my commitment to writing as fresh this morning as any of those other times - I stumbled onto how we can "turn over a new leaf." We can do so by simply engaging the "power and sanctity" of a quick scrawl across the page, without all the effort of "new," "shiny," or bright."
This idea of renewal and commitment without the grandeur spirals back outward: sometimes transformation entails keeping a steady pace, showing up no matter what, and giving it whatever we have in the moment. New initiatives are great and useful and sometimes very timely; sometimes, though, a "fresh start" and "beginning again" simply mean showing up however we are able, with the tools we already possess, and the fortified commitment of our hearts.
The focus for this newsletter is "a new leaf." In this vein (the pun in honor of my grandfather), I'd like to announce the revitalization of TEALarbor stories' website (more below, under "News & Updates") as well as an expansion of workshop offerings for the year (under "Workshops & Events"). My abidance in continuing this work of my heart is underscored by the bud of a new leaf; the structure of the work remains (like the trunk and branches) even as new growth comes in the glistening forms of new leaves.
Blessings,
Jennifer Wilhoit, Writing Mentor, Guide, Mediator
TEALarbor stories
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TEALarbor stories' newsletters offer inspiration, encouragement, and
beauty; inform about the connection between story, the natural world, and all things writerly; and promote professional writing, guiding, and mediation services.
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Spotlight: A New Leaf in Writing & in Life
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Many clients who come to me for support do so out of a sense of scarcity. They've tried to make it through the journey of writing their book, manuscript, academic papers; through the landscape of transition; through an ongoing conflict; through a feeling of disconnection with their full potential...and they are unsure how to proceed.
Sometimes we just need somebody else to help hold the container for our work, to assist us by offering support, guidance, encouragement, accountability, tips or strategies. We feel ready to "turn over a new leaf" in our process and project. And we have run out of new ideas for doing so.
Here are three easy ways you can act on your "new leaf" (renewed commitment) without the effort of pomp or the acquisition of new stuff:
1. Time: Spend just ten or fifteen minutes a day on your writing, project, life transition or dilemma. Applaud yourself for putting in those few manageable minutes.
2. Structure: Start with whatever document, dilemma, desire you already have and just step right into it. Write a paragraph, decide to engage, reach out for help.
3. Tools: Use what is already available to you: the implements around you; some random, small and unremarkable idea that presents itself in the moment; the den just as it is with pillows astray; a friend's gentle reminder.
Please consider how TEALarbor stories can support you as you move forward with your writing projects, as you traverse a life transition, or as you face a difficult situation of conflict; I welcome your inquiry via email.
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Workshops & Events
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Writing Workshops 
Second Tuesdays at Napa Bookmine
964 Pearl Street. Fee $25.
The next one is on May 12, 2015 from
6 - 7:30 PM
Climbing the Mountain: Finding Stamina
Pre-registration is required. Contact Jennifer.
Save the dates: Jun 9, Jul 14, Aug 11, Sep 8, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 8
Writing for the Summer Solstice Workshop $65.
Saturday, June 20, 2015 9 AM - Noon in Sonoma County
Writing for the Autumnal Equinox Workshop $65.
Saturday, September 26, 2015 9 AM - Noon in Sonoma County
Grief & Writing through the Holidays: A Workshop for Respite & Healing $65.
Saturday, December 5, 2015 9 AM - Noon in Sonoma County
And more workshops being added...Stay tuned.
Do you and your people (family, friends, spiritual community, writing group, book group, etc.) have a specific aspect of writing you'd like to practice or learn, tailored to your unique needs? TEALarbor stories offers this in the form of a small group workshop via Skype (or in person where geography allows). Email for details.
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Did You Know?
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On TEALarbor stories' website, blog, and social media sites almost all photographs (exceptions noted with attribution) have been taken by Jennifer, in her daily forays into the natural world and during travels afar. Check out this one which recently enjoyed positive attention!
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News & Updates
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The TEALarbor stories website has a fresh, cleaned up look. There is also a whole line-up of workshops for the year. Visit to see what's new including: banner photos, edited page write-ups, social icon links. Also, check it out on your mobile device; it's sporting a responsive design that'll spare your eyesight.
TEALarbor stories offers Mediated Conversations Services. Specifically, we offer conflict support/coaching (a one-on-one process with individuals facing difficult life stories/situations) and facilitated conversations (compassionate support to foster communication between parties facing conflicts).
Why not put compassion at the center of your life?  Start by checking out my partner page and the main Charter for Compassion site.
Did you know you that past Second Tuesday Writing Workshops are available as a one-on-one option at a time convenient for you? Enjoy the writing, poems, insights and activities from the comfort and privacy of your home, via Skype. Email for details.
Check TEALarbor stories' blog for new posts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
In the News
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Forward this newsletter.
Sign up for a workshop. (You do not have to be nearby to participate; contact Jennifer to learn how.)
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