Hello Reader,
How are you doing?
I'm asking because many of us are not doing so well.
Whether it's chaos in our personal lives, climate that is unusually destructive or a long, cold and dark winter, it's been difficult to stay positive. And I am speaking for myself as well.
Yet, I know this too will pass. I know that seeds of new life begin below the surface in dark soil. I know that we are strong together and that collective strength empowers us individually.
I asked myself what I could do in this wintering season to prepare for the spring. And so, I'd like to share some upcoming events that have buoyed my spirits and can contribute to helping others express what is difficult to articulate and finding joy in community. Holding space for these essential conversations, whether on Zoom or in person, connects us and reminds us that we are not alone.
Planning for A Busy February of Poetry!
Here is what is on my calendar for the month. I truly hope to see you at some of these events. You'll hear more about them soon, but for now, please mark your calendars or register now.
Friday, February 6, 2026
I'll have two poems (Song for Ophelia and A Thorny Love) from my poetry collection, Between Root and Sky, published in Poetry and Purpose Literary Magazine on Substack "showcasing the awesome poetry of Substack poets around the world." I'll post a link on my social media once it's published. In the meantime, check my Substack Nothing Is Ordinary for more inspiration.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
My flash prose (Pin Drop Oracle) will be published in the Substack Tiny Memoir, "tiny, bite-sized memoirs by brilliant writers." So excited to see it there as it is an amazing Substack to follow. I've been experimenting with writing tiny memoirs that tell a story in less than 200 words. I'll post a link on my social media once it's published.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
I'll be hosting our second conversation from The Threshold Book and Poetry Circle Series from 4:00pm-5:30pm WET. The topic is What Holds You, What Calls You: Inspired by the Poetry from Between Root and Sky. A poetry-centered gathering exploring the tension between belonging and becoming.
We’ll read selected poems aloud, sit with silence, and reflect gently—without interpretation or pressure to share.
Why Attend
Because you feel suspended between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming—and poetry helps you breathe inside that space.
Our first conversation in January went deep into the stories of our life transitions, how we courageously chose to write our own narrative against challenging odds.
To learn more and register click HERE.
Friday, February 27, 2026
An Evening of Poetry, Presence and Connection
We will gather at the beautiful Galeria Meinke Flesseman in Portimão, Portugal to celebrate the launch of Between Root and Sky, a collection of poems that move gently through love, grief, longing, and spiritual transformation, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the quiet thresholds of becoming. I'll share selected readings from the book, followed by a signing and time to linger together. As a special gift, the first twenty guests who purchase a book at the event will receive a complimentary bottle of a limited-edition essence crafted by Wicky van Deemter-Heemskerk of Aroma and Flower Healing, an aromatic invitation echoing the spirit of the poems. For details and to register your attendance, click HERE.
Friday, March 6, 2026 (not February, I know!)
I've been invited by my friend Elena Menci of The Haven Yoga Studio in Almancil to give an evening talk about how poetry soothes our souls and expresses the inexpressible, sharing poems from Between Root and Sky. This came about because we were feeling a sense of collective grief and longing and we wanted to give space to its expression through poetry. We're working out the details, but if you're in the area, save this evening 4pm-6pm WET and join us for a soulful expression.
Special News!
I'm so excited to announce that I have been chosen as a speaker for TEDx Praça Gil Eanes in Lagos, Portugal - Metamorphosis: The Beauty of Change, on Saturday, May 16, 2026. 🤩 My talk has to do with my belief that a radical question is the threshold to transformation. More details once TEDx posts their information. This has been a dream for so long and soon it will become a reality. If you're in Portugal, save the date and join an amazing panel of speakers.
If any of this speaks to where you are—tired, hopeful, tender, or simply curious—know that you are warmly welcome. These gatherings, poems, and conversations are small acts of tending: to language, to presence, to one another. It is what I can contribute during this season.
Winter asks us not to rush, but to listen more closely. My hope is that through poetry and shared space, we remember that we don’t cross these seasons alone. Until we meet—online, in a room filled with words, or in the quiet between breaths—may you be held by what steadies you, and gently called forward by what’s next.
With great affection,
Alicia
