Creative Play Recap

there were so many wonderful things about this retreat it’s hard to know where to start!  first of all, these ladies came as a group.  they work together and get along so well that they like to play together too.  how awesome is that?? so a “creative play” retreat seemed like the perfect theme!

i had never been up to the lodge at this time of year before but it was truly magnificent.  the clouds below framed by shining green ferns and punctuated with lavender and purple lupine…. totally dreamy. 

 

 

 

we spent time outside and hiked in the forest, capturing the beauties of nature, as well as “playing” with it a little.

 we spent hours happily creating….. watercolor, nature prints, tile painting and mandalas. we had a “show and tell” for our beautiful creations. 

we had gourmet meals served by our amazing “head chef” elissa who is a master of delightful presentation. delicious and beautiful.  oh, and a well-stocked bar.

 

 we relaxed.  we laughed a lot.  there were goody bags and a raffle.  and there was dancing….

 we shared stories, ideas, hopes and dreams, and things of the heart…..connecting and bonding in the process.

 there is a lot of planning that goes into something like this…. but to me it mostly feels like play and not work.  i was deeply honored to be a part of it.

Garden Gathering - May 18 1-5

need a little refresh and recharge?  or maybe a bit of creative inspiration?  an afternoon with the girls in a beautiful, relaxing environment? 

please join us for an informal creative gathering in the garden house at Alta Vista Gardens on Sunday, May 18 from 1 to 5.  We’ll share our current stories, spend some time exploring the wonders of the garden or walking the labyrinth, do a little creating and enjoy some wine and snacks.

Bring a creative project to work on or join us in playing with leaf printing and spirit sticks.  Bring your camera and/or journal if you wish.

 

The gardens are such a treasure, featuring a diversity of plants and art pieces, a waterfall, a labyrinth, and multiple nooks and crannies with benches and tables.  It's constantly changing and there is always something new.  Add the presence of a group of creative and supportive women and the experience is taken to a whole new level.

Hoping you will join in the fun… just $25 includes everything!

You can sign up here or with me directly. My email is listed on the top pic.

 

Art Journaling class

so this is happening.  i have a few more hours to contribute for my grant and will be translating them into a free community class at artbeat on main street.  i'm vacillating between being excited and a teeny bit anxious... this is all still pretty new for me.  and i already have a list of sign-ups and not sure how many i can comfortably accommodate.  it's going to be an adventure for sure!

SPACE BETWEEN 5 - "Words & Images" November 5 - 7

i love words and i love images.  but you know what i love even more?  combining them!  whether you love taking photos or painting or drawing, making collages or just random doodling, your work can be so much more powerful when combined with just the right words.  conversely, if writing is your thing, illustrating your words with a powerful image, whether literal or metaphoric, can add meaning and depth to your work.

 i’ve been dreaming of a retreat that would embrace this theme for a while now.  we’ll each collect and bring some favorite words, quotes and/or poems to share, create some images with paints, papers and cameras, stir the pot and end up with combinations that speak deeply to us!

we’ll also do some fun word play activities, guided journaling, and you’ll  have the opportunity to create a personal metaphor – a symbol image that can guide you on  your creative journey.

there will be book-sharing for the word lovers and a table set up with supplies for art exploration throughout the weekend for image lovers.

of course, there will be opportunity for exploring the beautiful lodge grounds, hiking, sharing laughs and stories, ample good food and drink, photo ops, perhaps some yoga, and some free time to soak it all in.  and as always, all activities are optional. 

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 breathing fresh mountain air and hanging out with kindred spirits - what could be better??  i hope you will consider putting your responsibilities on hold for a few days to join in the fun!!

 (all photos taken at previous retreats)

 CLICK HERE
to see the lodge on Palomar Mountain (San Diego County)

PRICING INFO HERE

(if money is an issue, please contact me.  i may have some creative solutions!)

REGISTER HERE

The Days After

the days after a big event are always a little weird for me…. there is so much that goes into planning all the details and i’m so focused on it right up until the day…. once it’s over, i feel a little at loose ends.  

 there is so much going on in my head… from the stuff we didn’t cover and the stuff i forgot to mention to the conversations i want to remember…. worries about what everyone thought to the ideas i want to use in planning for another time… 

 it can all be just a tad mind-boggling so i have to pull away from all of that and just sit with the experience.  review my photos and remember all the sweet parts about the day. 

 connections, insights, “ah-ha’s”, sharing from the heart, relationships forged and strengthened, creative excitement, new ideas, wonderful food, friends who “get us”, encouragement, immersion in nature, down time, laughter, time to wander and reflect…. 

ahhhh..... all of that and more took place.  so grateful to have been part of this day!