Poems, Essays and Stories from 25 Women's Extraordinary Journeys The Gathering Place: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Lives collects the writings of a diverse group of remarkable women. The book's genesis stems from Vivian Feggans' first annual women writers retreat, attended by six women, when featured author Estelle Rollins interrupted her own presentation and envisioned the prophecy, "A book will be written by this group of women." The resulting collection intersects themes of loss, absence, friendship, laughter, motherhood, prejudice, and complexity among women. Its authors--black and white, young and old--represent a cross-section of experiences. These eye-opening and interconnected pieces weave the individual selections into a tapestry of collective experiences. The Gathering Place: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Lives tells a story of what it's like to believe in yourself and in infinite possibilities. It is about working together in support of each other as women, and stepping forward to create. These poems, essays, and stories will inspire readers from all walks of life to seek the extraordinary within the ordinary.