Please Join Me
Self-Portrait with Blue Dumpster and Wooden Spoon
Y’all!!
I keep trying to carve out time for a new post but summer is already running away with me. I’m happy to report that I am having an exceptional amount of fun, the having of which precludes stopping to record it all.
I do have several opportunities coming right up to meet in person and enjoy real life community. So for now I will postpone, yet again, a longer post and cut to the invites. You can still find the Lawn Mower Report and the Joy & Beauty Department down below. I hope you’re having a great summer, too.
Love,
Spike
INVITES!
Ottine Mineral Springs July 9, 2026, Journaling. OMS is my new Happy Place and I’m delighted to report I’ll be leading four different sessions out there in July, two for terrarium building and two for journaling. For the journaling sessions, we’ll talk about the power and benefits of writing as a healing tool. And we’ll also do collage art on the covers of our journals. ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED. Cost is $25 + you have to buy a day pass (worth EVERY penny). You can sign up for the July 9 session here. For information about my other upcoming classes out there Click Right Here.
Ranch Writing Days, July 11 & 25th. I have bumped up to two Ranch Writing Days per month, 10 am til 1 pm. These three-hour session include 70 minutes of writing in the room, then we share. It’s donation based, suggested donation $20. Space is limited so I need folks to register—it’s free to do that and you can REGISTER HERE. I will be serving up fresh baked pastries and delicious Wild Gift Coffee.
Dear Diary at The Loom Creative August 22. The Loom Creative is this incredible learning space in Cedar Creek (fifteen minutes from my ranch). They have all sorts of wonderful one-day classes. On Aug 22 I will be hosting this class for women. We’ll dive deep into the healing powers of journal writing and do some writing. A beautiful journal and delicious lunch are included. Plus the setting will blow your mind. Space is (very) limited. Cost is $100. Spaces are selling so don’t wait to register. REGISTER HERE.
Hampton Branch Library Writing Workshop. We meet most months on the first and third Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 pm. This is free and you don’t need to sign up, just show up. A fantastic group of writers!
San Marcos Public Library Alas, my final session at SMPL was this past Monday. HOWEVER! The great group has decided to carry on anyway. So they will continue to meet from 10 am til noon on Mondays. It’s free and you just show up.
Look at this lovely cake the San Marcos Library Writing Group got me. And look at the lovely group!
Private Writing Sessions I was quite chuffed recently when a group of women fire fighters came out to the ranch to hold a writing workshop of their own. If you have a group of friends/family/coworkers and would like to book a private session, let me know. You can simply rent the space (dirt cheap on a weekday) and host your own group or, if you would like to have me facilitate, I can do that. Email me for details.
Speaking of the ranch, please remember I am now focused almost entirely on funerals and memorial services, so if you know of anyone looking for a spot, please let them know about Tiny T Ranch. Thanks!
Joy & Beauty Department
The Lawn Mower Report
Sinead the Boy Goat had a life-threatening situation a couple of weeks ago. Something akin to a kidney stone lodged in the tip of his weird little goat dick. Frank rushed us to a vet in LaGrange and the pair of us got to assist the vet and vet tech by holding screaming Sinead whilst a catheter was inserted, both dislodging the stone and prompting Sinead to piss all over us. I never imagined a time in my life when I would cry tears of joy over being pissed on by a goat, but there you go. It happened.
Hooray for Sinead! Man, I can only imagine what all happened -goat sufferin’ I assume-of that long ranch journey to something isn’t right, then emergency! Little Sinead and all goat & ranch brethren thank you for saving him! The piss of relief, indeed.
I can’t wait for the very very special journal writing journey! I have about a 1/2 dozen neglected journals strewn about, some with candle making recipes in them, and oxymeals how-to’s as well.
I imagine after-or maybe before?- your class, creating a new ritual, like lighting a candle as I journal, inviting in a sacred space to converse with one of my favorite people…myself!
Hope everyone on the ranch survived the 4th. The algorithms delivered a vet on utube, advising all sorts of good advice for desensitization, and calming techniques before the great catastrophe up above. And it worked! For the first time 15 yo Daisy didnt end up getting stuck under the low couch, and Marigold didnt run and tremble in her lair, aka the hall closet/storm shelter.
The booms and bangs in my south Austin neighborhood just happened. No one seemed bothered. No trauma. No shaking. I’ll be better prepared for the insanity up above on NYE.
See you Monday💓🐾