Photo by BJ Lecrone

All four people who attended Nancy Morgan’s December 2 workshop entitled “Simple Gifts” were returning participants.  When asked what brought them back, the chorus of responses had a similar refrain — the need for a respite. Life is so busy with  holiday activities, taking a break was so necessary. Happily, they followed their instincts and recollections of a place at Morven Park where thoughts and feelings are freely expressed, and time in nature is utterly and dependably rejuvenating.

Quotes and poems often stimulate writing and discussion. Christmas Sparrow, the poem by Billy Collins,  generated memories of significant events that occurred at holiday time.  Conversations about sustainability and reciprocity as it relates to nature led to a self-directed field trip to find simple gifts to share with participants, each with a story, poem or extemporaneous explanation for the choice.