Women of Spirit: FLORIDA Launch Party Success!

Blog, Books, Empowering Women, Television Work, Women's Spirituality

We were so delighted to launch Women of Spirit: Movement, Music & Muses in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on March 25th, 2026 at the Empowering Women TV event!

We will share more images and videos soon. Also, we will be hosting additional celebrations throughout 2026 in various locations across North America!

Here are a few of the authors in attendance along with event sponsors.

For details about the book and to purchase your own copy, click this link or the image below.

For more information about this series, click HERE

Join us on International Women’s Day!

Blog, Empowering Women, Ministry, Worship Services

Sunday, March 8th, 2026

10:00 AM

Service Leader: Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Manning

Each year in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Twinkle spotlights the history of several empowering and inspiring women. 

This year our theme is: “Empowering Women.”

Note: Please know in advance that some of the content covered in this service includes abuses the women highlighted have survived.

Join us in-person or online

Universalist Unitarian Church

of Waterville, Maine

69 Silver Street

ME 04903

Zoom Link: www.uucwaterville.org 

UPDATE: CLICK HERE FOR SERMON

One Billion Rising – VDAY

Empowering Women, Ministry, Promotions for Friends and Colleagues, Twinkle's Musings, Women's Spirituality

Where ever you are on the planet today, I ask that you be aware of the domestic violence epidemic. And, I pray that you take steps in whatever way you can to help heal the survivors and eradicate domestic violence from your communities. In prior years I was very active in the One Billion Rising Events. Coordinating several with the amazing C. C. King . The links below take you to a glimpse of two of our prior gatherings. And, the video reminds us that music and dance are beneficial to be present in all we do, especially when we are taking a stand for justice and love.

VDAY-2013
V Day 2014

No More Excuses

Blog, Music for the Soul, Poetry

We were blessed in January to have as our guests Colby African Music Jan Plan Students Led by Jordan Benissan. Each year on the Sunday closest to Martin Luther King Jr Day, Jordan brings his new students to our church and they share with us traditional African songs. They sing and they drum and we join in with them.

The theme of our service that day was “No More Excuses” – it was a service about Time and our place in it. Members in our congregation spoke and sang about the passage of time and how essential it is for us to mindfully distribute it towards that which brings us joy and a sense of purpose.

To open the service, I read my poem, entitled, “Borrowed Time.” Today that poem was posted on the 365 Days of Poetry Podcast.

Intentional Communities

Blog

Would you want to live in one?

I am curious how everyone feels about Intentional Communities? There are so many different kinds to choose from! I would love to know if you would want to live in one? 

Why or why not?  

If no, what are your reservations to these kinds of living arrangements? 

If yes, what would your ideal intentional community be? 

https://piecesofpeaceonearth.substack.com/p/intentional-communities

Small colorful cottages on Swedish beach.

Introducing 365 Days of Poetry

Blog, Ministry, Poetry

Friends, I started a little poetry podcast this month!

Please “Follow” 365 Days of Poetry on Spotify.

Why a poetry podcast? People have been suggesting I launch a podcast for a while. When I took a close look at the kinds of podcasts that exist, and the kinds I’d like to listen to, I realized, as Jimmy Buffet did, there was a “poet shortage” 😉
At least in representation in Podcast Land! If you have a favorite poem you’d like to send for me to read or an audio of YOU reading it, please do so!

Ongoing list of featured poems and poets, click HERE!

Additional details, including how to support this ministry, click HERE!

Design Life Sermon

Blog, Ministry, Sermons

Sunday, January 11th, 2026, UU Church of Waterville, Maine

Theme: Design Life

Service Leader: Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Manning

Thought for contemplation:

“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the

future.”

— Robert L. Peters, Designer & Environmentalist

https://youtu.be/A3gLPTdq21w

This service explores how Integrative Thinking, specifically the Design Thinking Model, can be utilized to strategically problem-solve and achieve goals in a variety of aspects of our lives. From fundraising for key projects and long-term planning for nonprofits, to creating a thriving personal life, Design Thinking offers a key to success.