If you have ever been on a really great vacation then you know that re-entry into real life is a real thing. The same thing happens when you go to a women's retreat. I am going to start writing about my first "Creative Soul Retreat" and it may take a couple of posts because I am just now able to put the experience into words...and pictures.
I have been traveling to stores to teach individual classes for several years, have met amazing women all over the world and have made lifelong friends. I am so grateful for the opportunities and invitations to stay connected with a creative community. Unfortunately, there are not as many brick and mortar stores (retail stores you can go shop at) besides the big box stores (Micheal's, Hobby Lobby, etc.) and along with online retailers, the demographics of traveling and teaching has changed.
People cringe at change, but the change I am writing about has come in the form of more "retreat" style creative gatherings and I think that after teaching at women's retreats for the past four years or so, I have found my niche'/love language/spirit animal. But please do not misunderstand me. I love traveling to stores and getting to spend time meeting and teaching and will continue to do so as long as the opportunities arise but I want to share a little about what I am witnessing with retreats. There is something about individual women that show up as they are, not knowing anyone but having strong common threads...
Faith & Creativity.
Retreats are one of the visible examples of what happens when Art & Faith collide. I remember trying to explain the experience a few years ago but could only come up with the words "It's just good, really good."
...and the first Creative Soul Retreat at the Whatever Craft House was just that...
really good.
17 women that stayed up late, got up early, slept in, stayed in their jammies, ate good food, listened to really good stories and deep thought provoking devotions from Julie Carson, cried, laughed, created, shopped, stitched, got massages, had seconds and thirds, opened up, shared stories...17 women from all around the US that arrived as strangers and left 5 days later as friends.
It's just good....and speaking of good, I was blown away by the amazing sponsors and so grateful for the contributions to the first Creative Soul Retreat. Each guest was treated to special gifts upon their arrival and then throughout the week. It was like Christmas morning every day and so fun to sneak around and place things here and there for them to find.
The link to each company is right below each photo so that you can go check out their amazing handcrafted work and products.
Anchored Press Weekly Devotional Planner
Lisa McKinney / Love Squared Designs
Tara Royer Steele/ Royers Pie Haven
Julie Carson / Tacos & Tees
Lori McDonough/Whimsy Studios
Again, I just want to express my sincere gratitude to each one of these sponsors for sharing their amazing work with everyone at the retreat.
In honor of the first Creative Soul Retreat, I have a HUGE giveaway.,...make sure to check back later this week to see how you can win everything mentioned above..well, except for the Royer's Pie! You have to come to the second retreat scheduled for October to eat those, yum!
Did you catch that?
The second Creative Soul Retreat is open for registration NOW. Click here to get the details,,,
