pen & paper reflections

a peek into pen & paper

When I get home from hosting a Be Present Retreat and look through my photos, I am always struck by how few I take. Every. Single. Time. I know this is partly because being behind the camera is not really part of my role during these retreats, but somehow, it seems to be a piece in the list of reasons why I have a hard time writing about the retreats when I get back from them. Maybe you haven't noticed, but I seldom write about them when I return. The re-entry time is intense, real life just starts rolling again, planning for the next retreat begins, and somehow I never find my way back to this space to say much.

I would like to change that and have been thinking about a few ways to give myself some space before and after each retreat to write about my intentions and experience and then share some of those thoughts here. Sometimes, I become so focused on creating a sacred experience for others that I forget about paying attention to the ways I can make it even more sacred for me. 

Throughout each retreat (and there have been eight so far!), I am aware of how I know this is the work I am called to do. I feel at home. And I am deeply aware of what a gift this is at this time in my life. As I write these words, I am deeply aware of the support I am so lucky to have as I continue to grow my business and look to all that will unfold in the next few years. (thank you)

As for Pen & Paper...well...this is the part where I get hung up on what words to use. It was a beautiful, rich, open-hearted experience. We laughed and danced and wrote and "poemed" and played with paint and danced some more. Stories and meals nurtured each of us. Dreams were spoken aloud and then written down inside our journals. Naps were taken. Blue sky appeared just when we asked it to. And laughter arrived again.

I love hosting retreats at Frog Creek Lodge here in my corner of the world. Within minutes of arriving, almost every participant mentions that "this space just has such good energy." There is just something about this cabin in the woods. This time we were able to watch eagle parents swoop about looking for food to take back to the nest in the woods near us. And the rain rain rain came down down down, which gave us the perfect writing weather. And then the clouds left while we painted and then played down by Puget Sound.

After everyone left on Sunday, Kelly and I took just a few minutes to sit on the frontporch swing and take in the trees and the moss and the air and the birds singing amidst the raindrops. As we sat there, I was thinking about how each retreat brings a unique cast of characters. Deep friendships are born and nurtured and I am struck again and again by the truth and beauty that entwine to create the one-of-a-kind experience for each of us. After each retreat I say, "Oh I think this one was my favorite." And that is exactly how I feel again. 

I am so blessed.

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Today, I'm excited to share that registration for the Fall Unearth Retreat has begun! Kelly Barton and I are heading back to Frog Creek Lodge and bringing Mindy Lacefield with us! Kelly and Mindy will be co-teaching three days of painting and mixed media, and I will be sharing some of my favorite creative self-care practices (including writing and photography) throughout our time together. The three of us are integrating all of it into one big juicy creative adventure. There are just 12 spots left, so please head over to the Be Present Retreats site to learn more.

come along to pen & paper

 
 

(manzanita view from the deck of the main retreat house, on a day in late november . note that blue sky)

Because the Pen & Paper Retreat is the first in this new series of Studio Gatherings, I want to share a bit more about this retreat and what you will experience if you come along...

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Imagine being curled up by a fireplace, mug of tea in hand, looking out through floor-to-ceiling windows at the crashing, turning, pushing waves.

Imagine the smell of baking cinnamon rolls and fresh coffee as your invitation to begin your day.

Imagine sitting beside someone who is quickly becoming a friend as you each share your creative dreams and brainstorm how to live them into reality.

Imagine the gift of time alone to spend in whatever way you choose without any expectation of what you need to do next.

Imagine getting out of your "writing" headspace and walking on the beach to gather shells or playing with paper and glue and color or simply sitting in the quiet remembering yourself.

Imagine finding your way to laughter and silliness and the decision that staying in pajamas all day is the perfect one for you.

Imagine having the space to simply listen to what you most need and then realizing that you are surrounded by people who will support you as you make it happen.

This is the Pen & Paper Retreat. This is a place where you can just show up, and you will be given the gift of time to rest and recharge so you can find your way back to you. This is your invitation to come and be with other people who are drawn to sharing who they are through the written word.

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A few Frequently Asked Questions about this retreat:

What will we do at this retreat?

Each day we will spend a few hours in community where the mentors for this retreat will lead the group in discussions, writing prompts, and other experiential exercises. Each day there will also be an optional meditation-inspired activity led by me (for example, this might mean an early morning beach walk or a senses writing meditation), and each evening there will be an optional group activity.  There will be lots of time during the day for participants to work on their own writing or gather in small groups or walk on the beach or take a nap or go into town and shop...and so on. There will be snacks available throughout the day so that participants can feel nurtured as they work, play, rest, and recharge. Also, an "art space" will be available throughout the retreat where participants can spend time collaging or finding words in magazines and books or working in art journals and so on.

Why should I come to the Oregon Coast in February?

Because when we give ourselves the gift of time away from our daily lives so that we can be present to our whispered dreams, it should be in a place that is gorgeous and sparkles and is full of magic. And, to put it simply, the Oregon Coast is magic. 

And yes, we might have rain or even a dusting of snow, but we will be cocooned inside together and the views will still take your breath away. In late February, we also might have sun and temperatures warm enough to go outside in just sweaters. And I can promise that flowers will be blooming. Flowers. Blooming. In February. Magic.

(view from the main retreat house . from the couch . where i was sitting and reading poetry . on a day in late november, 2010)

Even though I write on my blog and in my journal, I don't consider myself a writer. Is this retreat for me?

This retreat is for:

• Bloggers who want to hone in on the voice they want to write in on their blogs
• The person who wants to dust off the first chapter of the book she dreams of writing
• The creative person who wants to work on website copy in an environment conducive to writing
• Those who want to remember the poet who lives inside them
• The person who hopes to sit in the quiet and just look out on the ocean and then gather with others to simply talk about writing but not write one word
• Those who want to start a blog
• People who have a nugget of an idea for a writing project and want to share/brainstorm that idea in a safe environment
• Those who have a finished writing project but are unsure of the next step
• The person who has always thought the writing life sounded so romantic but wants the real scoop
• A person who wants to begin to journal
• The artist who is ready to submit article ideas to magazines but doesn't know where to begin
• The person who just needs to take a break from creating and simply be
• And the list goes on and on

(The whispered answer to this question: Yes, dear one, this retreat is for you [yes you]. And, the truth is you are a writer. But, it's okay if you aren't ready to own that yet.)

I don't have a current writing project but I feel called to this retreat. What should I work on if I come?

See above. Also, feel free to email me (Liz) and I will help you hone in on what you might want to bring to this retreat.

I'm an art journaler. Can I come?

Oh my goodness yes! I would love for you to come and share this beautiful writing tool with others. You will have time and space to art journal if you choose. And you will be given new tools that you can use to further explore and add to your art journaling.

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Please note: I am finalizing the housing needs for this retreat in the next week or so. Quite a few people have expressed interest in this retreat, so if you have been thinking about joining us, I would love to hear from you. If you need a payment plan to stretch the payments out over a couple of months, contact me for information. Also, if you have additional questions about this or other retreats, please just let me know by clicking the email button in the sidebar and sending your question to me. Thank you