Between teeing off and putting on the green, I was always in the deep stuff. And now, standing on this perfect, short grass? It felt weird. Too clean. Too open. I could see my ball clearly. I knew I shouldn’t use my usual “rough swing” because that would tear up the fairway, and I didn’t want to ruin it for the next person. But now I have no excuses. I couldn’t say, “Well, I could barely see my ball,” or “Those trees were in the way.” It was just me, the ball, and wide-open space. 

This might look like intentional connection with someone who seems out of place in the group. It might mean asking about something specific rather than the usual “How are you?” It could be offering a genuine welcome, letting them know you’re glad to see them or that you’re looking forward to being with them. It might take the form of a heartfelt compliment. Or even just a smile.

We gather in person, around a real table to create space for honest conversation, healing, connection, reflection, and sometimes even laughter and tears.  It’s not a class. It’s not a lecture. It’s something softer, deeper, and more connected. It’s a space we co-create every time we show up.

From day one, Nick brought the flexibility and adaptability this work truly demands. Whether the day called for a last-minute agenda shift or juggling multiple tasks at once, he handled it all with grace, humor, and a positive attitude.

Whether you’re gathering a basket of produce, sipping locally brewed tea, chatting with a vendor, or enjoying a bouquet of fresh flowers, the Eau Claire Farmers Market offers a uniquely enriching experience—one that nourishes the body, celebrates creativity, and strengthens the heart of the community.

These numbers underscore the urgent need for accessible and effective mental health resources tailored to the LGBTQ+ community. Fortunately, several organizations help create community, promote mental health awareness, and provide direct support.

To fully show up for social justice, we must commit to ongoing self-care, and that includes allowing ourselves to be cared for by others. This work is a collective effort, not a solo mission.

Think about the first album or singles you ever purchased. Listen to those recordings and think about what was going on in your life at the time. Do you still enjoy this music? How have your musical preferences changed over time?

As a born perfectionist, poetry was especially healing because there is no “right way” to do it. You don’t have to rhyme or follow the rules of grammar, you just need words.

Every person needs and expects robust public health; we as a community can achieve that if we continue to show up for each other.