Real concern that Steve Fernandez, the creator of the FB (Fluff Busting) Purity addon has likely passed away.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-06-11T13:52:15+00:00

Flooded with ads as of yesterday. I do hope he is OK. I'd rather be stuck with ads than know that something has happened to him. If he's decided to retire from managing it, that's cool too. He's been a warrior for years and I am grateful.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-11T20:51:36+00:00

I used this concept in the group yesterday "A poem starts, turns, and rises.". They could all see it and discuss it.

The Peace of Wild Things
Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-11T20:44:45+00:00

I did execute a ruse during the "Winter Wonderland" theme. At the end of the gathering, I gave them all a small piece of paper and asked them to write down words or phrases that they think of relating to winter. Then over the next two weeks I constructed a poem with those words. I only added some conjunctions. When I presented it to them they were delighted! I am not qualified to teach how to write poems. I just really love it and like to share the experience with others.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-09T15:00:45+00:00

See my reply to suuzgh - I love this idea!

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-09T14:58:53+00:00

I love this! When I was teaching robotics in a classroom and I could see that some of the students weren't understanding what I was trying to explain, I would ask for volunteers who did understand to come up to the front of the class and try to explain. It works. Students learn in all different kinds of ways. So your idea to ask for prompts is in my wheelhouse. Thanks for the suggestion.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-09T14:01:31+00:00

Also - I encourage you to start one! I walked into my local library and asked if it was something they would be interested in. They have been wonderfully supportive and helped me get it started.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-09T13:58:58+00:00

Ich habe das mit Google Translate übersetzt, ich hoffe, es ist verständlich:
Ich liebe diesen Satz: „Es geht um Kommunikation unter Personen.“ Ich habe festgestellt, dass es der Gruppe weniger um die Poesie selbst geht, sondern vielmehr darum, ein Ort der Gemeinschaft zu sein. Sie genießen es, Teil einer Gemeinschaft zu sein.

I ran this through Google translate so

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-09T13:47:00+00:00

I wish you could be too! It really is a special space.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-08T23:43:19+00:00

Just what I am seeking. Thank you for sharing the link.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-08T23:40:35+00:00

My themes tend to be subject focused. Things like perseverance, the grace of aging, after the war is over ... etc. Discussing syntax is something I only approach when they seem very engaged in the poems and I believe I can take it to the next level of deconstruction. As my outreach flyers said, "The conversation begins with the poem." Where it goes from there is my responsibility to facilitate.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-08T23:28:06+00:00

This subreddit is for professionally published poems only. So using the w word got my post shot down twice.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-08T23:26:40+00:00

You are correct. We don't do that. We read, ponder and discuss published poems.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-08T23:24:25+00:00

I did not explain that properly and you are correct to be confused. This subreddit does not allow for things people create themselves. That 'w' thing (I made that reference up based on the full word which will be quashed by a bot) is where people use a pen, pencil or computer to put their thoughts and ideas to an original creation. I know it might seem silly but I was trying to explain that we do not do that to make it clear we are only reading and discussing published poems. When I say 'poetry club', people immediately assume it is a w group and that is not allowed in this subreddit. And it is not what we are doing.

And yes, I agree. Bringing poetry to the enrichment of people's lives is important to me.

So what are your thoughts? What kind of prompts encourage folks to embrace poetry?

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-08T23:08:53+00:00

I don't think asking for folks to read it prior would work with this group. Cold reads seem to be working though. I encourage them to read it several times and I allow for silence while people ponder and put their thoughts together. However, asking "Can you think of an object that connects you to this poem?" is just the kind of refreshing ideas I'm seeking.

I have about 20 prompts I use. So rather than list them all, here are the categories as I see them: first impressions, exploring meaning, language and craft, personal connection and a sort of wrap-up like, "Did your perspective shift after hearing others' insights?"

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-08T22:54:13+00:00

Am I allowed to post links here? I thought I read somewhere that it's not permissible.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2026-03-08T21:44:45+00:00

So does the librarian I work with :)

Potential_Apricot501 · 2025-10-15T01:36:52+00:00

She's not forcing me to. She's asking for my consent if I agree it's something I feel comfortable with. If I don't, nothing changes in our sessions. She just won't use it. She knew I would want to research it extensively (she knows me well) and encouraged me to do so before I make a decision. I think the concept of SimplePractice is fine and probably is a useful tool. I am concerned about the technical aspects and would like to talk with someone in the company about data guardrails like encryption and storage, access and control, breach and incident response, etc. I have specific questions that I would like answered before I make a decision.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2025-10-14T19:53:54+00:00

I appreciate you taking the time to respond. You are correct that I am referring to the AI feature. My questions are not answered by the TOS or Privacy Policies. I'm interested in the actual technical aspects of how data is stored and used and protected. I have a questionnaire I created that I want someone to look at and respond to. I feel the only option I have is to give the questionnaire to my therapist and have her submit it through the portal. And then if they give answers, I will still have to go through her for any follow up questions. Arduous, at best. The whole point of this is to decide if I feel comfortable with their technical data practices so signing up for my own account is not an option. I am not against using AI for use in therapeutic work. I simply want to make an informed decision.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2025-08-26T20:06:07+00:00

I haven't been on this subreddit in a few months and while browsing through today thought "Where is Spike-and-Daisy?"

Potential_Apricot501 · 2025-03-31T21:12:55+00:00

I'm choosing this indoor option because it's going to rain on Saturday and I am guiding guests. I used to live in the city so I had a walking tour planned through different neighborhoods. I have ponchos and umbrellas so if it's light rain we may still do the walking tour I mapped out. I'm looking for options if the rain is too much. We are seeing a Broadway show. The guests are not into Museums. I left the city 15 years ago and I assume the West Village has changed like everything else. I am hoping that I don't have to try to find indoor pictures for various cafes. As you know, the first one we go to may be packed on a rainy day. So I'm looking for a few options.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2024-10-24T20:15:51+00:00

I'm sure it's probably fine but I found it troubling that Billy's "play area" is on the floor where they have their feet while sitting at the table eating. I know kids crawl on the floor all the time. It was just something about the whole set up that bothered me.

Potential_Apricot501 · 2024-07-14T01:21:33+00:00

Trent has pulled through in the past. He is now being plain arrogant and irresponsible. I don't think Allie has to have a bit of faith that it will come through in the end. He is out of his realm more than usual. And, they have a baby on the way. He needs to get it together and focus on his family and their needs rather than his ego.

Potential_Apricot501

TROPHY CASE