The simplicities of a dog’s life are a constant reminder of the complexities of our own. The contrast can be unsettling at times; but also a quiet example of a life lived grounded and focused. The fact that a dog’s life possesses these qualities, not by choice, but by the accident or particular purpose of evolution should not detract from the example set. We take pleasure in all of the things around us, at times seeking those pleasures but more often simply exposed to the relentless gifts of living. The immeasurable beauty and infinite variety of sunrises and sunsets; the appearance of spring growth on the empty branches of trees; the simple fragrance and beauty of emerging leaf and flower; the silence of snow. For all of us, including Third Dog….simply the presence of family and friend. (more…)

Please visit Manchester Community College  website to register:  www.mcc.commnet.edu or call Credit-Free Phone-In Registration (860) 512-3232

Three classes beginning February 23

Course Description from catalog

NEW!        Creative Writing: Discovering Fiction
This fiction workshop will invite lively discussion toward the practice and discovery of both the stories and the language necessary to write effective and illuminating fiction. By examining the work of a variety of successful writers and through open discussion of students’ work, the course will address the methods of structuring plot, developing character, descriptive writing, and assembling stories, both long and short. Exercises and prompts will be used to initiate creative writing in class. Each writer’s voice is distinct and unique, and the course should help the beginner or more experience writer of fiction discover or refine their own. Please note: the instructor will read and comment on up to ten pages of student work per week, for those interested. Please register early; enrollment is limited.
CRN #11963 6 Mondays, 2/23-4/6 (does not meet 3/16), 7-9 p.m.
MCC Bldg. LRC A108 Fee: $99
Instructor: Jeff Hutton received his B.A. in English and Creative Writing from the State University of New York and pursued graduate study in literary criticism at the University of Denver. He also studied horticulture and landscape design at City College of San Francisco. His historical novel, Perfect Silence, was published by Breakaway Books and was a Book Sense 76 Selection in 2000.