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Word of the Year

  For the last 6 years, my friend Kathleen has offered a Word of the Year Playshop at our church. In 2023 my word was Weave, in 2024, Balance (Kauliki), and 2025, Connect.

In earlier years Kathleen offered a linear approach - using Dictionaries and Thesauri to look up possibilities, after a quick review and releasing 'baggage' from the year just past. After choosing our Words, we wrote them on small cards, adding some bling. 

Last year, and this, we've used SoulCollage® in the discovery process. For 2025, Kathleen invited her friend and facilitator Deandra Ellerbe to lead us in the process. This year, knowing I was taking facilitator training, Kathleen invited me to lead it with her. 

Participants making cards

It made for a full day! Our facilitator training began this morning, from 8:30-noon. Between teachings, we made a Quickfire Card, and met in small groups for readings. I appreciate getting to know the others in our cohort, and begin to network. 

I had a wee lunch break, before heading down to the Social Hall for our workshop! My daughter, her youngest girl and friends came down as well - but the youth were starving, so they left after creating their cards.

Jean and Marilyn - meeting their cards 
After choosing images and making cards, we worked in pairs to meet the cards, with one of each dyad acting as scribe for the other,  then switching. We used the simple prompt, I am one who ....
Bloom
It was a lovely day, and fun sharing cards and hearing their messages. After cleaning up, I was happy to go down to Bierly's for dinner with a couple of friends; and - mmm - there were still Maple Bars!! (Deliciously Gluten Free - as is all their fare - and they taste as good as maple bars did in the 60s!!)
Keira and Kolby
It was fun to have my granddaughter and her friend in the workshop - and they told me they enjoyed it! 
Word of the Year 2026
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