April is poetry month. Let's celebrate the writing of beloved poet Mary Oliver, reflecting on the wonder of the natural world. Spend your morning in the fierce gentleness of Mary Oliver’s Upstream, an essay collection that awakens us to language, nature, art, and the quiet urgencies of the heart. Guiding us is Kerrie Penney, who's spent a lifetime channelling words; as a radio producer, television host, narrator, writer, director and film maker. Drawing on her rich creative practice—and her deeply personal explorations of mothers and daughters, grief, resilience, and lineage—Kerrie will reflect on how Upstream calls us to listen more closely to the world, to our inner lives, and to whatever quiet yearning beckons our attention. This gathering offers space to slow down, think deeply, and be refreshed by Oliver’s clear-eyed wisdom and Kerrie’s thoughtful, generous analysis. You can hear more from Kerrie on her Secret Heart Broadcasting podcast. Big Book Club talks are 45-60 minutes with time afterwards for audience questions and discussion. BONUS SPRING WALK! After Kerrie's book talk, Lori Beattie, author of Calgary’s Best Walks, will lead an optional guided walk to soak up the beauty of springtime in Calgary. We'll walk along neighborhood side streets, past little libraries and folk art, and if time allows, we’ll celebrate the season with Calgary’s springtime cheerleaders, the purple headed prairie crocuses on the sunny slopes below River Park. If you wish to walk please keep in mind... - This will be a walk to enjoy a Spring day, chat with people and see some new sights - We will walk about 4-5 km in an hour - There may be uneven terrain, stairs or a hill - Wear good walking footwear for grass or sidewalks - Bring layers of clothing to suit to forecast - We’ll walk in rain or shine (hopefully not snow but this is Calgary!) As Mary Oliver reminds us, there is beauty in all seasons and weather.