Learning

Instinctively Spring – And lessons in reading the world

Feb 16, 2023Mar 4, 2023

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

Forget the calendar. Seriously, it gives you a false sense of seasonal security. The calendar is an excellent tool for organizing your time, days, events, and years. However, I find it’s not an accurate tool for understanding the changing seasons.

The calendar states this year of 2023, in the northern hemisphere, spring will start on March 20 and end on June 21. In my world, spring begins in February. At this time, I can clearly state, on February 6, 2023, spring began in Montreal, Canada. Remember, this is in my world.

Deliciously Oblivious

Jan 20, 2023Sep 29, 2023

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

It happens all the time and I’m completely unaware of it. I’m sitting, writing in my journal and it gently comes over me. I don’t even know how long it went on for. However I do know, I went into a meditative state and I feel more relaxed than when I started.

It’s not daydreaming. It’s more intense than that. I would title it a “Writer’s Meditation”.

Creative Non-Fiction at Concordia University – January 2023

Dec 15, 2022Dec 15, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In Announcements, Teaching.

LET’S GET CREATIVELY COZY THIS WINTER.

Come take an online creative writing course with me this winter from the comforts of your own home!

CREATIVE NON-FICTION – CEJN 122 at Concordia University – Centre for Continuing Education

January 17 – March 21, 2023 – Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 p.m. 10 classes.

Let’s warm up to creativity and write our hearts out.

In this course, you’ll use close observation of real events to explore techniques of the genre like narrative structure, character development, scene-setting and dialogue. Most of all, you’ll focus on developing vision, your creativity and your personal voice, which are all essential to capturing your reader’s attention.

Click here for Concordia University CCE course info:

Visit:  www.concordia.ca

A Creative Winter Awaits You in January 2023

Dec 6, 2022Jan 30, 2023

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In Announcements, Teaching.

Write About It with Suzanne Reisler Litwin at the Cummings Centre.

Join our Online Zoom Creative Writing Class.

And… Do it from the comforts of your home. 

LIT 276 – Write About It – Session 1 – Wednesdays, January 18 – February 22, 1-2:30 pm, 6 Classes.

LIT 276-01 – Write About It – Session 2 – Wednesdays, March 8 & 15, 1-2:30 pm, 2 Classes.

Winter Registration starts on Monday, December 12, 2022, 9:00 am.

Limited Registration.

Click here for more information.

Visit:  www.cummingscentre.org

A Beautiful Difference

Dec 1, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

Many, many, many moons ago, I went to West Hill High School. My years were 1976 to 1980. The school was not a good fit for me. It was way too big. And…

The halls had a horrible sweaty human, bio-clinical iodine odor to it. I think the pool water was used to wash the halls. The only thing which kept me going back each day, were my friends. Actually, there was an excellent geography and art teacher, who inspired me.

Easy Wear’in

Nov 3, 2022Nov 4, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

Once the jeans were on and the zipper was closed, I could barely breathe. That was the point. I knew, as the day went on, my jeans would soften and become much looser.

Such clothing restrictions and discomfort caused other related problems. The occasional visit to my dermatologist settled the flair ups. The Doctor’s suggestion: Wear looser clothing!

Ya, right! And give up that tight jean look and fit?

The Ultimate Lesson

Sep 13, 2022Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper, West Island News Blog.

The Fall Courses are about to begin and I have butterflies in my stomach!

In truth, if all we have gained is not from the curriculum content but a new friendship or two, I feel we have been successful. For it’s not always the prescribed lessons you’ve sign up for, perhaps it’s the rich exchanges and life perspectives you have learned. That in turn is…the ultimate lesson.

Your Social Battery

Jul 5, 2022Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

How would you measure your social battery life? Do you have a BIG battery which needs constant refilling? Do you have a SMALL social battery which empties quite quickly? Do you enjoy big social events or smaller more intimate gatherings? Does your social battery size matter  ?

Todayness

May 19, 2022Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

During the weeks when I teach creative writing courses, I am surrounded by 30+ students who write creative pieces for their assignments. Like a box of chocolates, “You never know what you’re gonna get.” — Forrest Gump.

Movements don’t happen when the Waters are Smooth

Feb 17, 2022Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

Just the other day, I went to a bakery. The sign on the door said, only 3 people allowed in the store at one time. I opened the door to peek inside to see how many people were in. Standing near the door was an older tall man, who was a customer. As I peeked in, he rudely put up his hand up and literally shoved it into my face. In a stop sign gesture, he said, “Only 3 people wait outside.”

I said, “Put your hand down and away from my face. My eyes can guide me quite well.”
He looked at me with astonishment when I said, “You would’ve never done that to a man, would you?” Another woman glared at him.
Imagine if he had done that same behaviour to man? A fight would have broken out.

I’m Sorry & I Love You

Feb 1, 2022Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

My parents usually called me “Suzie” or “Sue” or “Suz” in a playful kind of way. When I would hear my name screamed as “SUZANNE!!!” I knew the sh*t hit the fan and I would run for cover under my bed or hide in the corner of a very dark closet. Of course, once I was in a dark space, I had to go to the bathroom. This was an automatic response to my fear and sudden confinement. I’m kinda the same today.

‘Ell of a Year

Dec 28, 2021Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

I roll with positive vibes, so I’m confident in the fact that:  better breeds better, good breeds good and love breeds love. If we add that all together, it should get better.

In the meanwhile, I going to learn how to juggle!

News to You… It’s Never Going to be Perfect!

Dec 23, 2021Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

What freedoms will you give yourself?

The freedom to eat chocolate at 2:00 a.m. The freedom to be non-productive. The freedom to live your best imperfect life. The freedom to accept that you are not perfect and that’s fricken wonderful. The ultimate freedom to be you, imperfectly you – bent nose Suzie-Q.

“But, Sue, it’s got to get better. How will you ever win the Pulitzer Prize if your writing has errors?”

I guess I won’t win that prize.

But, I did win a calculator in Grade 7 and that was one of the best days of my life.

Actively Listening to Life

Nov 4, 2021Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper, West Island News Blog.

Active listening is the best way to learn anything. Get involved by listening and viewing people. Really invest in listening well. Listen to Learn.

Cent’Anni!

Oct 21, 2021Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

This week a momentous event is going to happen in my life. It has been in the making since I was 14 years old. It has taken me 44 years to get to this point. I have been anticipating this event for years. YEARS! It’s not life changing, but it’s a major historical marker in my life. Can you guess what it is? I’ll give you a hint… It’s very personal, sometimes private, and a little secretive.

Realness Reigns

Sep 29, 2021Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

Realness happens every day as you live. Unreal happens when it’s created using lighting, filters, paints, sound, video, cameras, technology, etc. Social Media is the film industry in a mobile device!
Create realness in your own life and push for that honesty.

Back to Schooooolllllllaaa

Sep 7, 2021Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper, West Island News Blog.

Now, I have butterflies of excitement in my stomach. I love this time of year. So many things will happen in the following days which gets me giddy. Firstly, the nights start to get cooler. That’s my number one thrill as I’m not a summer person. I’m sure many people are rolling their eyes at that statement. I love cool weather and enjoy wearing a light scarf around my neck. So my season of autumn is upon us.

Creativity Takes Time

Aug 31, 2021Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

Ms. MacDonald understood the creativity process. She was the first teacher to embrace my day dreaming as a method for gathering creativity. I didn’t disturb the classroom; I just watched the world move while we sat still. I was honing my creativity skills. Since that day in Grade 7, I have always used the window as a means to foster creative ideas.

Show & Tell

Aug 19, 2021Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

Miss Chess knew exactly what to do to break the nervous ice. She asked every student to bring something for Show & Tell the next day. The only request she had was it must include words. It could be a sign, a book, even a menu. It just needed to contain words.
As soon as the first school day ended, I ran home and zipped through my children’s book library.
Which book? Which story? Which poem? Which words? So many to choose from! Which would be the best?

Zephyr Kind of Day

Aug 11, 2021Sep 16, 2022

by Suzanne Reisler Litwin

In The Suburban Newspaper.

On this day with a gentle breeze, I went to do some errands. I carry a knapsack and pull a light grocery cart with me. I walk and shop and store all my things in either the knapsack or pull cart. By the time I get home I’m tired from pulling and carrying the weight of all the stuff I’ve picked up. But, I think it’s a good form of exercise.
However, on this particular day, there was a lovely zephyr.