Date Change

It’s been about 10 years since I began to practice photography seriously. On pretty much a daily basis for the last 3 or so. This is my first attempt at teaching it. I resisted for a long time. The idea of teaching traditional photography does not excite me, so it took a while to find my angle…

I get that not everyone feels as I do about photography. Yet everyone has a camera.  So at your fingertips you have an amazing tool for creative expression as well as a means for self-discovery, stress-reduction, connection with the natural world and pure fun. Doesn’t that sound like something worth pursuing??

 If you are at all interested, just come to the first class and see what you think (I promise not to be offended if you don't come back :~) ) I do need you to let me know and register in advance by paying for the first class ($20 or $15 if you are a returning participant or bringing a friend)You can pay at the gallery or send me a check or I can send you a paypal invoice (painless!)

 

Hope you can make it!!

 

Oh, the 2nd hour of the first 2 classes will be spent at Alta Vista Gardens - the perfect setting in which to tune our creative photographic eyes!

It's a Wrap!!

it started small.  in fact i had to cancel the first class due to lack of interest.  um, yes, discouraging… especially given the hours of work that went into planning, setting up, etc.….

 but i persisted.  with the encouragement of the gallery directors and a few other individuals i stayed the course, pushed those pesky negative demons to the side and moved forward….

 i have already written about the first class and now the other 2 in the Creativity Unleashed series have been completed.

we wrote, we shared, we created, we played, we connected… we had a show and tell demo time that blew everyone away with the sheer creative diversity!  we discussed so many aspects of the creative life and in so-doing, every one of us re-discovered the magic that can happen when we open our hearts and minds to the creative spirit and to each other.

to end on that note would be nothing short of thrilling for me.  but there’s more!  the group decided that a good thing has been put into motion and that we don’t want it to end.  we have already planned our next get-together.  from there, who knows?

i am beyond grateful to these women.  and renewed once again in my confidence to keep moving forward and trust the process.  yes.

Love these gals!

The Magic Begins!

these are soul collage cards.  they are all mine.  i so wish i had thought to photograph the ones my lovely class members created in the first creativity unleashed workshop because they were simply astounding.  i don't think that is too strong of a word.  by the time each participant shared their piece(s) and the meaning behind it, we were all blown away!

it has been a bit of a journey in itself birthing this class and watching it become a reality.  i so love doing it because i feel that it brings together the different parts of me..... teacher, artist, photographer, presenter, organizer and friend.  it's really just the most fabulous thing!  and somehow the people that need to be there are the ones that show up..... LOVE that!

ArtBeat on Main Street

 there are 2 more classes to go and anyone can join at any time.  scroll down to the previous post to read the details.  i'm already excited for the next class.  we will be tackling those creative demons head-on and get into a little art journaling as well..... it's gonna be GOOD!

Creativity Unleashed (tweaked!)

we have been busy tweaking the details of this series of workshops and this is the latest scoop.

 since it looks as though a summer retreat is not going to happen…. instead i am re-routing my energies into a small series of workshops at ArtBeat on Main Street designed to discover, uncover or fine tune your creative voice.

 things have evolved so much in my life these last 3 years….it has not always been easy, but i am realizing now how i have moved beyond thinking i was not creative at all, to being completely passionate about the creative life.  i have read and shared and learned SO MUCH about this topic and i find it so powerful and exhilarating that i want to share what i have learned.  hoping that this will be the first of many!!

Summer Retreat Scheduled!!

where do you stand on the journey that is your creative life??  it is a journey like no other, a journey of the heart.... but it can be filled with pitfalls, ups and downs.  are you a seasoned traveler?  or just taking your very first footstep?  or maybe hesitating  with your foot suspended in the air, afraid to set it down?

wherever you are…. it’s so important to connect with those who “get it”.  to gather together and reexamine our journeys in the context of others.  we become refocused, energized, enlightened

i’m thinking of this as a “back to basics” retreat.  especially relevant for those who are new to the creative life or have not yet dipped their toe into these exciting and powerful waters.  or maybe just need some clarification and refocus.  the theme, discussions, "homework" and activities will be tweaked according to the needs of the group.

we’ll immerse ourselves in nature, art and sharing

then throw in some luxury, laughter and learning

the end result??

we’ll head back into our regular lives

refreshed, renewed, rejuvenated and rekindled

ready to take the next steps toward our creative dreams

what could be better than that??

unlike the big, impersonal art retreats that cater to the masses and offer a dizzying array of classes, the space between retreats are small, intimate and low-key.  the retreat planning and details are partly determined by the participants and will evolve as sign-ups occur.  you will leave not only with new focus and energy, but with new friends who want to stay connected and become part of your “tribe”.

registration is open here.  

check the pricing page here, especially the discounts!   

retreat dependent on minimum # of sign-ups by july 30.  

hope you can come!!!

(all photos from previous space between retreats)

Retreat Hiatus

in the long and winding road that is the creative journey.....

it seems that it is time for me to take a break from retreat planning...

i would be lying if i said that i wasn't sad about this.... because quite frankly i have loved every minute of doing it

but apparently the time is not right for another retreat...

so i must accept.... and move on

who knows what the future will bring??

Alone & Together - Coming April 10 - 12!!

 

ALONE

 we contemplate all that is around us,

 reflect on our experiences

and dig deeply into ouselves

 for that which needs to be expressed.

TOGETHER

we share that which has been unearthed,

provide support to one other

and learn in new and profound ways.

this retreat will be about weaving alone times and together times

 in ways that will nurture

forming stimulating new patterns

and resulting in yet-to-be-discovered collaborative outcomes.

it’s going to be exciting…

i hope you will join us!!!

there will be a little of everything….

poetry

hiking

exploring

photography

art choices (tailored to group)

great food & drink

releasing bonfire

sharing

optional assignments

structured and non structured time

yoga

yet-to-be-determined contributions by participants

skits??

and lots more!!

A couple of details:

Pricing info here

• I am adding a $25 early sign-up discount if you pay in full by March 1st (discount code: early)
• There will again be a $25 discount for bringing a friend (discount code: friend)
• There will again be a $175 discount if you do not need to stay at the lodge (discount code:  day-timer) 
• if finances are a problem, there may be other discounts available - let me know!
• If there is not a minimum number of participants by March 15, the retreat will be cancelled with full refunds given (sorry, have to do this to manage my own stress level!) 
• If a week-day retreat (which allows me to give more discounts) turns out to be unrealistic, I can still change it to a weekend

 Read feedback from previous retreaters here. 

Questions??  patty@nomadicnotebook.com

 I have some collaborations in the works for future retreats - very exciting, but the price will likely need to increase.....