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InSpiritry News
InSpiration, Announcements & Events
ALWAYS OPEN
When speaking about what inspires me, I often share a personal story of driving home alone from a conference late one night.
I was on a two-lane highway between towns in a rural part of Central Texas, where the stars and my headlights were all the light I had. Farms were quiet. Traffic was sparse. I was tired. As I approached a small community, off to one side a neon light was flashing on and off. In block letters, it read, "ALWAYS OPEN."
As I got closer, I could see that the sign was in front of a small cafe with a parking lot full of trucks and cars. I slowed down to look inside the plate glass windows. Even at that late hour, the room was full of people talking at tables and waitresses carrying food to customers. In my exhaustion, the cafe looked warm and inviting. With a long drive still ahead of me, I was tempted to stop and go inside. Instead, needing to get home, I drove on into the darkness, but I kept the image of that ALWAYS OPEN sign flashing in my heart.
You know, like coffee shops and other businesses, we each wear signs that offer the world a message. When we smile, look people in the eye, ask inviting questions and offer our help, our life's sign says, "I am open. I care." When we frown, get angry or ignore people, our sign says, "Closed. Go away."
What about you? Is it time to get a new sign for your life? Maybe one that lights up your wold with the message:
ALWAYS OPEN - ALWAYS OPEN - ALWAYS OPEN!
We Can Be a Light in the World!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNE'S RECENT LITERARY CREDITS
IMPROBABLE WORLDS
Each year, Houston-based Mutabilis Press gathers an impressive collection of poetry from writers inTexas and Louisiana. The 2012 anthology is called Improbable Worlds. The included poems offer glimpses of the sacred in everyday contexts. Anne' poem, "Urban Suite," is among those offered. With a stunning cover and forty great poems inside, this collection is outstanding.
FROM UNDER THE BRIDGES OF AMERICA
All across America every day, thousands of men, women and children find themselves without a place to live -- struggling for the basics of food, water, bathrooms and safety. In Dallas, Darrell and Judy Kirkley have made it their mission to serve the homeless population at The Bridge Homeless Center. To raise funds for The Bridge, they have published a new poetry anthology that considers those without a place to call home. Two of Anne's poems are included in the From Under the Bridges of America: "Poverty Is An Empty House" and "Blessings," which closes out the collection.
PEACE WORDS
As part of the 2011 Art of Peace Festival, held in Tyler, Texas, this past September to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Peace, InSpiritry has published PEACE WORDS, a chapbook anthology of peace poems from regional poets edited by Anne McCrady. Five of the included poets read their inspiring poems at the festival. Anne's poem, "More," appears in the collection.
WINGBEATS
Dos Gatos Press -- publishers of the Texas Poetry Calendar and other fine poetry collections -- has an exciting, new publication due out in August, 2011: Wingbeats- Exercises and Practice in Poetry.It is an innovative collection of writing assignments offered by poets, professors and editors. Best of all, each lesson includes sample poems, so you can see how other poets have responded to the essays. Anne's contribution is called, "Speaking the Unspoken," based on a poem by Fordham professor Angela O'Donnell with a response poem by Texas Poet Laureate Karla K. Morton!
2012 TEXAS POETRY CALENDAR
 Dos Gatos Press has just released the 2012 Texas Poetry Calendar. This annual collection of poems by Texans with an offering for each week of the year is a state-wide favorite. This year's edition includes Anne's poem, " Hunting Party," which won an Honorable Mention from this year's TPCS guest judge, Barbara Ras. The poem is a poignant snapshot of young men just in from duck hunting. Each year, the Texas Poetry Calendar makes a great gift for Texans and all those who love Texas, especially Texans living in other states who need a little Texas spirit! Note: For over a decade, Anne has been included in each year's Texas Poetry Calendar!
DOG BLESSINGS
 With John Grogan's memoir Marley and Me now a major motion picture, books about dogs have made it to the best-seller lists. One of those, Dog Blessings - Poems, Prose & Prayers Celebrating Our Relationship with Dogs, is an inspirational anthology for dog lovers from editor June Cotner. Among the many heart-warming stories and poems in the collection is one of Anne McCrady's most poignant poems, "Ceremony at Dawn." Available online and in major bookstores. Contact Anne about a signed copy for a wonderful gift!
CUP OF COMFORT FOR A BETTER WORLD
 Editor Colleen Sell has released her newest anthology of inspirational collection. It offers heartwarming, true Stories that Celebrate Those Who Give, Care and Volunteer, A Cup of Comfort for a Better World.This heartwarming collection includes many inspiring narratives including Anne's story, "More Blessed to Give." It is a personal remembrance of Anne's amazing mother's 80th birthday, a day of generosity that turned into a gift for the whole community. The collection is available at bookstores and on line.
CUP OF COMFORT FOR SINGLE MOTHERS
Cup of Comfort for Single Mothers is dedicated to inspirational single mothers and features a narrative essay by Anne McCrady. Based on her relationship with her own "single mother," Beverly Wood, who was widowed. Now with five married children, thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Anne's mother is honored in the piece is entitled "Father's Day." The heart-warming collection is available at bookstores and on line.
EVENTS
ANNE'S UPCOMING EVENTS
UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN BAYLOR WRITERS FESTIVAL
Friday, February 10, 2012 - Belton
The Writers Festival at UMHB draws a dedicated circle of poets, novelists and essayists year after year. With master classes, workshops, readings and time for fellowship, the festival has much to offer those whose spirituality is closely entwined in their writing. Anne has presented at several past festivals, and this year she is presenting, PeaceWords, the chapbook InSpiritry produced for the Art of Peace Festival in Tyler last September. Along with eight of the poets included in the chapbook will read their anthology poems along with other peace-related poetry.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP - TYLER, TX
Sunday, March 11, 2012 - Tyler
Anne is a regular guest speaker for Tyler's Unitarian Universalist fellowship. This service will focus on how the concepts of community, conversation and have been expanded by the internet. Anne will use an exploration of popular Google search topics to suggest how we can find meaning in an online world in a message called, "How Can I...? The (Internet) Search for Meaning." The service starts at 11:00 AM. All are welcome.
MUTABILIS PRESS - IMPROBABLE WORLDS READINGS
Saturday, February 25, 2012 - Houston
Sunday, March 25, 2012 - San Antonio
In celebration of the release of the new Mutabilis Press anthology, Improbable Worlds - A Collection of Texas and Louisiana Poets, Anne will be in Houston and San Antonio in the coming weeks for readings. Anne's poem, "Urban Suite," is included in the anthology that focuses on finding the sacred in the context of everyday living. The poems included are as beautiful as the collection's cover. The Houston reading will be at the Brazos Bookstore. The San Antonio reading is at the Southwest College of Art. The public is welcome to both events, which will be at 2 PM.
TEXAS STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Saturday, March 10, 2012 - Denton
The Texas Storytelling Festival has been drawing crowds to Denton
for decades. In past years, Anne has told stories, emceed, presented workshops and served as a host for guest storytellers. This year, Anne will be vying for the title of Best Texas Liar at the event's Liar's Contest. The festival, with a theme of Stories: Ever Old, Ever New! runs from Friday through Sunday with several choices for each time slot and wonderful story "concerts" each evening. The Liar's Contest will be held at 10:45 AM on Saturday morning. The public is heartedly invited.
SOUTH TYLER ROTARY CLUB MEETING
Tuesday, April 23, 2012, noon
The South Tyler Rotary Club has invited Anne to tell stories at their regular weekly meeting. The group meets at the First Christian Church in Tyler, Texas at noon.
RUSK COUNTY HERITAGE SYRUP FESTIVAL - HENDERSON, TX
Saturday, November 12, 2012
Thousands of visitors to the East Texas town of Henderson to enjoyed a trip back in time, a tradition on the second Saturday in November each year. Activities included folk artists, entertainment, traditional cane syrup making, food and festivities. Each year, Anne McCrady hosts the day of stories by the East Texas StoryTellers and other local raconteurs, including a few children, at the Syrup Festival Storytelling Pavillion adjacent to the Depot Museum. Local folks with stories also came by to listen or tell a tale of their own - favorites were Rusk County memories and oral pieces of authentic Texas history! For information, check out the Syrup Festival Website. Contact Anne about speaking or emceeing at your event.
ANNE'S RECENT APPEARANCES
ART OF PEACE FESTIVAL - BELTON, TX
Several years ago, the United Nations designated September 21 as International Day of Peace. Around the world, events are held each year to celebrate our progress towards Peace and to encourage Peacework. One of those events is the annual Art of Peace Festival. In 2011, festivals are planned at the Cedarbreak Spiritual Retreat Center in Belton, Texas, and, for the first time, in Tyler as well. The events will feature music, poetry (including a reading by by Anne McCrady), art, food and festivities. Sponsors include InSpiritry. Join others who work for Peace to enjoy music, poetry, stories and friendship, as we celebrate the art of living the Art of Peace! Contact Anne about hosting an Art of Peace Festival in your community!
ART OF PEACE FESTIVAL - TYLER, TX
Anne McCrady, in partnership with spiritual, social justice and arts advocates in Tyler, helped host the first annual Art of Peace Festival - Tyler. Having been blessed by the success of the Art of Peace Festival in Central Texas which celebrates the United Nations International Day of Peace, Anne is excited about bringing a similar event to East Texas, sponsored in part by InSpiritry. Join others in enjoying music, poetry, stories and friendship, and celebrate the art of living the Art of Peace! Contact Anne about hosting an Art of Peace Festival in your community!
GEORGETOWN POETRY FESTIVAL - GEORGETOWN, TX
Sponsored by Georgetown poet Mike and Joyce Gullickson, this new Central Texas celebration of poets and poetry features readings, writing workshops, music and poetic fellowship held in the beautiful Georgetown Public Library in Georgetown, Texas, and includes readings from the literary journal, The Enigmatistas well as Texas Poetry Calendar readings. Anne McCrady will be included in both those readings. For more information on next year's festival, email Mike Gullickson. Contact Anne about readings or workshops for your next poetry event!
DOWNTOWN GHOST TOUR - HENDERSON, TX
As part of the Henderson Main Street Fair Days celebration, sponsored by Henderson Main Street, Anne McCrady will be giving Ghost Tours on a hayride of downtown the second Saturday evening in October. Appropriate for all ages and inspirational and informational as well as spooky, stories will feature noted downtown landmarks: the Howard Dickinson House, buildings on the town square, the historic First National Bank, the Courthouse, the City Cemetery. Contact Anne about creating a story experience for your next event!
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP - TYLER, TX
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Tyler welcomes Anne McCrady for her quarterly worship message. Located on Old Odum Road with a glassed sanctuary in a lovely wooded setting, the Tyler UU Fellowship invites visitors to its 11:00 am worship service. Contact Anne about speaking for your church group, worship, retreat or other spiritual gathering. Anne can also help create worship, wedding or funeral services.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STORY CONCERT - MARSHALL, TX
The Marshall Area Fine Arts Council hosted Anne as she shared stories and songs with Marshall ISD first and second graders. In previous years, Anne has been a repeat performer in Marshall and even participated in a residency at two of the elementary schools teach students how to write, develop and tell their own stories. Anne will be offering five performances each day. Contact Anne to schedule storytelling performances, workshops and residencies.
EAST TEXAS FALL FESTIVAL OF POETRY - LONGVIEW, TX
FAITHFUL STORYTELLING RETREAT - SALADO, TEXAS
The First Presbyterian Church in Temple hosted a weekend retreat for women at the Peaceable Kingdom Retreat Centernear Salado, Texas. Featured speaker was Anne McCrady, who shared her thoughts on the spiritual importance of stories, in three sessions: Stories of Our Faith; Our Lives as Sacred Stories; and Faithful Storytelling. Anne also presented the Children's Message in worship on Sunday. Contact Anne for your next retreat or church event!
UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN BAYLOR WRITERS FESTIVAL - BELTON
For many years, in conjunction with the release of the journal Windhover, the University of Mary Hardin Baylor has hosted an annual writers festival. Moving to a new date in February this year, the festival features readings, academic presentations, master classes, music, art activities and fellowship. One of the featured poets at this year's festival will be Anne McCrady, who will present spiritual and nature poems witha feminine perspective. Contact Anne about speaking at your literary event.
ATRIA COPELAND ASSISTED LIVING - TYLER, TX
In honor of Valentine's Day, Anne McCrady shared Stories and Poems of Love and Friendship at Atria Copeland Senior Living Facility in Tyler, Texas. Anne returned to Atria Copeland in August to offer poems and stories of summer. Contact Anne about sharing her poems, stories and inspiration at your healthcare facility.
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY HOUSE OF POETRY & BEALL FESTIVAL - WACO
Once again this spring to celebrate National Poetry Month, Baylor University hosted their annual events: House of Poetry and the Beall Poetry Festival. House of Poetry is an all day gathering that includes an anthology reading, presentation, lunch and workshop for local poets. On Wednesday afternoon, Anne McCrady was the featured workshop presenter, and SMU professor Gary Swaim offered the morning Ball Lecture. Anne's workshop topic was First Impressions: Your Poems' Opening Lines. The following days were devoted to the Beall Poetry Festival at the Browning Library with guest poets reading each evening. Contact Anne about speaking at your literary event.
AUSTIN INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL - AUSTIN, TX
Once again, this year, Austin will host hundreds of poets from around the world at the 2011 Austin International Poetry Festival. This largest-of-its-kind gathering includes readings at Austin bookstores, cafes and restaurants, as well as workshops and a SLAM competition. A longtime friend of AIPF and past guest editor, Anne will be coordinating the reading hosts this year. If you live near Austin, check out the schedule and treat yourself to a celebration of poetry! Contact Anne about emceeing or reading at your poetry event!
EAST TEXAS POETRY IN SCHOOLS AWARDS CEREMONY - HENDERSON
Continuing its decades long tradition, the Rusk County Poetry Society is hosting its Poetry in Schools competition again this year. For the past ten years, Anne McCrady has coordinated this event. The deadline for entries from students grades 1-12 is Friday, March 11. Guidelines are available at the East Texas Poetry website. Winners will be notified by April 1, and the Awards Ceremony will be held at the South Main Church of Christ auditorium on Thursday, April 14, at 1 pm. Winning poets will read their work; the 12th grade winner receives a college scholarship. The public is invited, and parents, teachers and administrators are encouraged to attend. Contact Anne about emceeing your next school or civic event!
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF LONGVIEW
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Longview welcomes Anne McCrady for her quarterly worship message. In honor of National Poetry Month, Anne's topic was Sacred Texts: Unitarian Universalist Poets and Their Poetry. Located at 2301 Alpine Road in a lovely wooded setting, the Longview UU Fellowship welcomes visitors to its 11:00 am worship service. Contact Anne about speaking at your church or spiritual gathering.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP - TYLER, TX
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Tyler welcomed Anne McCrady for her quarterly worship message. Located on Old Odum Road with a glassed sanctuary in a lovely wooded setting, the Tyler UU Fellowship invites visitors to its 11:00 am worship service. Anne's topic was "Lemonade Days - The Spiritual Lessons of Childhood Summers." Contact Anne about speaking for your church group, worship, retreat or other spiritual gathering. Anne can also help design worship, wedding or funeral services.
POETRY SOCIETY OF TEXAS SUMMER CONFERENCE - SAN ANTONIO, TX
The Poetry Society of Texas welcomed Texas poets to the annual PST Summer Conferencewith a theme of Dancing with Poetry. Anne McCrady presented the Life Member Workshop at the event, which included workshops, seminars, contests and fellowship. Her topic was "Line Dance - Setting Meaning and Metaphor to Music," a consideration of how poetics is the choreography of each word in a poem, complete with instruction in a line dance Anne called "The Strophe"! Contact Anne about speaking at your literary event!
POETRY READING, PANTAGLEIZE THEATER - FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Anne McCrady will be the featured poet at the monthly poetry program at the Pantagelieze Theater in Fort Worth, Texas. Anne McCrady read her own work along with poems by Polish poet, Anna Swir, translated by Czeslaw Milosz. Contact Anne about providing a poetry reading or workshop for your literary event!
POETRY SOCIETY OF TEXAS ANNUAL AWARDS - DALLAS, TX
Each November, the Poetry Society of Texas hosts its annual awards ceremony in Dallas to name winners in nearly 100 contest categories, including a category sponsored each year by InSpiritry. Winning poems appear in the PST Book of the Year released each spring. For more information about Poetry Society of Texas Contests, see the PST website. Contact Anne about speaking at your literary event.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:
Anne McCrady and InSpiritry
InSpiration for the Greater Good - Anne's Monthly Blogs
The PNN InSpiritry Times Monthly Essays
Audio versions of Anne's Poems and InSpiring Thoughts
Contact Anne
When Your Life is InSpired-- You Can Be a Blessing!
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