But you’ll have to read to the end, if you want to hear about the second one.
Loyal readers, please forgive me, it’s been too long since my last post. It’s not that I haven’t been thinking about you, or that I haven’t had a ga-zillion and one things to say to you, or that I don’t know how important consistency is to our relationship, I do.
Once upon a time when I was working for the VP of Advancement at Lehman College, my boss left an article she’d cut out of The Times on my desk. The headline was snazzy….something to the effect of, I’m paraphrasing loosely now, Women Can Have it All, if They’re Patient.
My impatient twenty-something self was like ah, c’mon, that shit again?
Patience, it is a virtue. Admittedly, one I had very little of before I had children but those pesky little critters come with unintended consequences don’t they? I think the most astounding compliment I got after I had babies, came from my parents. They said they’d never known me to be so patient. In fact, they didn’t think I had it in me.
What can I say? I do my best knowing that the same consistency that’s important to you is important to my children, my husband, my health, my home, and the book I’m determined to finish (more on this in a later post). At the end of any given day, I’m usually surprised by how fast the time went, how I only got but so much on my to do list done, how much more there is I want to do with this one life I’ve got.
I try to be patient with myself which, admittedly, doesn’t come easy for me.
This summer, which flew by, I chose to use every second of writing time available to me to work on my book. I’m doing my damnedest to finish it this year. Hooray! It feels so good to say that out loud. I’ve been working on this memoir for years. And I’ve finally reached the point–similar to the end of a pregnancy (surely if you haven’t been through this yourself, you’ve experienced the pain through someone you love) when that baby just needs to get out!
Yeah, I’m there.
And I’m jonesing to get back to you. I’ve got so much to share about what I’ve been up to–how it can serve you–all the really interesting, world-changing (for the better), people I’ve been working with, what you have in common with them, and so much more.
And, we’re both gonna have to be patient. I know you have it in you.
For now, I’ve got to tell you about an amazing opportunity I have if you’re local (City Island), or close to local. And if you’re not local and would like me to create an on-line version of something like this, do reply to this e-mail and let me know. I already have some interest and I always want to create what best serves you.
And, please, keep reading, or skip to potential opportunity #2 if you’re not local or close to local, there may be another opportunity at the end of this e-mail that will interest you.
As of this moment, there are only two spots left in a class I’m teaching on City Island. Join me and an intentionally small group of other writers (a couple who are brand new and have finally said yes to something they have always wanted to do). Details are as follows:
Who? Me, you, and a handful of cool people.
What? Personal Writing/ memoir/ Creative non-fiction.
Where? At Mary Colby’s Studio Gallery. 276 City Island Avenue. It’s one of my favorite places to be indoors on City Island. It’s got an authentic creative vibe, the light is ah-mazing, and all you have to do to be inspired is walk through the door and open yourself to the artwork.
Also, it’s right next to Clipper Coffee. Come early and grab yourself a very well made coffee. The double shot oat milk cortado is my favorite. Oh yeah, and the pastries are delivered fresh daily from Balthazar’s. Yeah, the Famed NYC Balthazar’s.
When? Sunday mornings. 9:30-11:00. Because writing is my religion. This class will meet the first Sunday of the month for four months. First class is this coming Sunday.
Why? I founded my writing business, The Clementina Collective—through a lifetime of personal and professional experience on the following beliefs: 1. Very few people write alone (and check it out those recluse writer stories don’t typically end well).
My vision for the class is that sharing will take place in a safe space. And that what is spoken and written in the gallery remains in the gallery. It is up to each individual writer what, with whom, and how widely, they want to share. All writing shared with me is absolutely private.
With one exception, all of the sales on this course have happened when I’ve run into someone who’d been contemplating it. While I appreciate that kind of serendipity, I wouldn’t rely on it, if you’re interested, please email me at clementina@clementinaesposito.com, or pick up the phone and call me 917-859-9731 and fast. After all, I can still be impatient. And, with good reason this time, the first class is this Sunday.
Photo credit: Mary Colby in said studio.
Potential Opportunity #2:
I’ve been gifted a ticket to a Jeff Walker Event in Arizona in November. And I still really, really, really, want to do a writer’s retreat at the Arizona Biltmore in November, while my contact there can still offer me, and you, the unbelievable rate of $124. a night. If I could do a two day writing intensive there on, or around, November 6&7, or November 11-13, which dates would you prefer? What would you most want to learn? And what would your budget be? Please don’t be shy, hit reply and tell me. This could be an amazing opportunity for you and me.
Can hardly wait to hear from you. It’s been way too long.
Love,
Clementina