*blog*

Sugaring season has ended, but there's a similar feeling for us this week as after a long winter's wait, registration for our beautiful September retreat will open on Monday. 

H - to the - double O - RAY!

"My New Years Resolution in 2009 was this: I am not going to do anything that doesn’t make me happy. I left a very good job and set out to find my bliss."

This September, Squam is delighted to be hosting the first ever Taproot Gathering and let it be said, there will be much with the leisurely pace and much with the sumptuous breakfast (and lunch and dinner) as the focus on fresh, organic, locally sourced food will be at the center of this five-day retreat. And of course, as with all Squam events, you will have a wide range of classes to choose from, each more delicious than the last.

Sheesh.  Did I mention I was feeling a bit breathless?

Lauren, you are pure loveliness and have been an absolute lighthouse in my life.  You've got a big shining path in front of you-- may you enjoy every step on the journey.

There's lots of good things happening on this side of the screen and with any luck, we'll have all the details for our Spring 2013 session posted for you to see in just two weeks . . . if you want to be the first to hear, make sure you're on our mailing list. xo, e

It's not often I feel compelled to ask for help, or action. I tend to be someone who trusts that everyone does what's right for them and keep my focus on my own actions.  But not today.

This month is really special for me and our islands as the current issue of National Geographic Magazine features our little sandbar - in a visual love letter written and photographed by my father-in-love David Alan Harvey.

There are many stories within stories about the squam experience, but one lesser known tale is that quietly woven through the wild weekend gatherings are the mamas who have come with babies (in their arms or in their bellies).

Playing with art supplies, using traditional techniques of knitting or sewing to make cool things— making their home and their lives beautiful with hand-made objects—this was what they were doing as part of their regular lives and I was all in.

However, what strikes me most was how my mom responded.  She didn't send all her energy to everything that was wrong, she immediately got us all to focus on how lucky we were with what had gone right.  This is one of the many ways in which my life has been blessed: attitude. (thanks, mom!)

Last year, I was about to shutter squam.  It was simply more than I could do.  To my great good fortune, some amazing people stepped up to help.  I am grateful to each and everyone of them.  In particular, the reason this plucky vessel is entering into this, its fifth year, strong, true and filled to the brim with gifts to bring is because of these three women: 
Michelle Madden Smith, Christine Chitnis, and Jen Gray.  They are the dream team, non pareil.

Here at squam central, we are trying to get all our ducks (and wild geese and quirky kittens) sorted and all in a row for next year.  Not the easiest job-- damn kittens keep mixing it up-- but we've never been that keen on perfection, as you well know.  So, chances are, it'll all get done-- you know, sorta kinda good enough.

Yes-- hard to believe that our September session is around the corner but it is!  So exciting.  We have some wonderful things awaiting you all and can't wait to be gathered up again under the beautiful eaves of the Playhouse!

Because this is Squam, after all (where there is no shortage of magic or lemonade), don't be too surprised to learn that we are so (SO!) lucky to have none other than HELENE DUJARDIN joining us to step in for Bea.