*blog*

"Invite imperfection. Know that the missteps and mistakes will become amusing anecdotes eventually and perhaps even teach you something further down the line or sooner, and that the places of wrongness and upset ultimately become the underpinnings of transformation."      MAYA STEIN

Ha.  As if.  Five years of this has tumbled me like a rock.  I am on completely new ground and have given over to living without expectations of the future.  I could never have predicted any of this.

I'm not sure-- but the way I picture it is that somehow there is an intensity, a potent reduction sauce, as it were-- of amazing people; gorgeous, hand-made items all brought together for a very short amount of time (in an absolutely spectacular location) that results in something deeply good.

with love

Must be due to her Michigan upraising, I am thinking.  They don't mess around in the Spartan state.

She is always a shining example of inspiration to me personally because I know her in so many circumstances and she is one of the most authentic, kind and generous spirits I have ever met.  And let's not forget about how hella talented the girl is!  Ahem.

How perfectly fitting that on the day we close registration for our 5th anniversary gathering in September, we are featuring Kelly Barton who was one of the pioneering spirits who came to that first retreat held on Squam Lake back in 2008.

Now I think I would be the girl at the carnival that takes artsy Instagram photos.

And then?  We got to visit the incandescent Alix Bluh and experience the amazing shop and gallery of hers:  Modern Relics.  Honestly-- if you've never been, I won't be able to to do it justice.  Alix has one of the most inspiring, organic design styles I've ever seen.

"I grew up in the woods so the sound of leaves rustling in a gentle breeze, crickets, and a gentle brook all bring me a deep sense of calm."

I don't want to overwhelm you with goodness.  But then again, the question I love to ask . . . how much pleasure can you take?

The very first time I met Helene I was completely swept off my feet by her warmth, her open heart, her radiance and her fabulous sense of humor. She has to be one of the loveliest people I have ever met. Truly.

Susy is truly one of the most delightful people I have ever met. So, part of what I love about her art is that you can feel her effervescent spirit, wit and style -- as they are always present in her work.

Maya's facility with word play and the way her mind skips and jumps to new ideas to make fresh and exciting connections-- well, it's like electricity, really-- and I was hooked.

“I think you have to look at what sings to your heart and soul."