Mondays at Three
In 1996, Haiku Northwest member Helen Russell invited a few Vashon Islanders to share haiku. Named “Mondays at Three,” the group averages ten members, meeting once a month at members’ homes. During meetings, the group sits in a circle. The host calls on the first presenter who passes out his or her haiku, reads it twice, and the group comments with praise, recognition, thoughtful silence, or suggestions, followed by a second round of members’ haiku. Members are islanders who come from all walks of life. Requirements are a kind heart, sense of humor, and curiosity about haiku, poetry, island life, and nature. Our vitality stems from the group’s diversity—a wide sampling of islanders in regard to education, writing practice, family, and work lives. We have published two anthologies for our members (Portage and Paradise Cove), produced a staged reading, and annually meet for a festive dinner to celebrate Bastille Day.
While Mondays at Three members enjoy Vashon Island’s Haiku in the Queue (previously known as Hiway Haiku), displays at the Vashon Heritage Museum, and Mukai Farm and Garden’s annual haiku contest and its Japanese festival, the haiku writing group is not associated with these other outstanding Vashon haiku-centered activities.
For more information about Mondays at Three, please contact Ann Spiers.