honestly, it was this
16 september 2012 :: sunrise
If there's anything I need, cherish, and honor above all else it is truth. Hypocrisy makes me want to rub my flesh with ripe banana and hang myself from a tree so that I might be mauled by a chimp.*
And so, you can rest assured that the reason I put such a focus on how people describe their experience at Squam (as opposed to my telling you what I think it is, or could be) is that I want their truth, their perspective to be at the forefront and then you, as the reader, can make your own assessment.
We just ended our September gathering and, for me, it was truly the best experience I ever had. However, not everyone had a great time. Both of these statements are true.
In this moment, I am utterly evaporated-- still in New Hampshire wrapping up and packing out-- and won't have time and breath to share my thoughts and stories until probably Wednesday. But I wanted to share a glimpse and open up the forum for people to share what the week was like for them and I would be so honored if everyone did-- if we could hear the full gamut-- the good the bad, the band of maurading chimps--- all of it.
And I know instagram is going wild, but if you had time to share photos in our flickr group HERE that would be so lovely-- thanks!
Anyone else see a giant kiss in the photo above? Anyone, anyone?
bisous, e
*the 'mauled by a chimp' bit goes out to Tingle with love and taint
| TW | FB |
| EM |
comments powered by Disqus
|
|
|
|
Comments
i see the kiss. i want to kiss that lake (and you) again soon.
curious about the chimps.
I wanted to get up early to see that gorgeous sunrise, but those beds are just too comfortable! And yes, I totally see the kiss.
I'm still processing, but I'll post a proper blog entry in the next day or two. Thank you, thank you, thank you, my dear Elizabeth! <3
Words can not describe my experience. Overwhelmingly beautiful is about all I have.
Thank you all.
Sharyn
While I wasn't there in person, but I can report that my wife Thea (Coughlin) returned home yesterday full of excitement and confidence after what was reported to be an extraordinary event. She even brought me a cool hand-made ceramic coffee mug with a lion on it, so no complaints from me.
This 3rd year at Squam for me was a mixed bag, but it was my mixed bag. The magic of Squam was there all around me. I was a bit cranky as I was still recouping from a respitory virus that had me sitting out alot of things I was looking forward to and being a bit cranky about things that would not have usually bothered me. I still loved my experience, I have said before Squam brings out the best and the worse in me, it pushes to all my edges, and without the distractions that I usually fall back on at home I am left to deal with those edges, or not. I loved re-connecting with my cabin mates and seeing everyone around camp. This time I spend more time alone on the dock, and that was just fine. So I was sick and the day I decided to I was going to venture out come hell or high water I fell and banged up my knee. I get it Universe, I was meant to rest this time around, I hear ya loud and clear. I still say it was a positive experience and I can't wait to see what By the Sea holds for me...I hold space in my heartl as you all gently re-enter. Elizabeth, may you re-entry be smooth and may you find some time to rest before the next Squam whirlwind....xo to all
I had a great time in a lot of unexpected ways. The woo woo isn't where I live, but what an amazing visit! Like many of us, I expect I'll have more to say as I absorb it all.
I *just* finished editing all my pics but there are so many of them and my mom and I also had a 22+ hours, round trip journey to blog about on top of that, so I'm thinking I'm going to have to make a few Squam blog posts. Probably day by day.
I have no idea how to use Flickr. I know I have an account, but hell if I know the password. I have a gallery on my own site, which I'll link to once I have all the pics & posts up. :o)
Good and bad, I had a life changing experience. THANK YOU.
Squam gets better and better for me each year I go (this was my third year). I set no expectations but let Spirit guide me to what I need and desire once I arrive. My teachers, Maya D. and Jen Lee, were truly beautiful people that touched me in so many ways. Even though I want to kidnap them and bring them home with me, I do still carry bits and pieces of their loveliness with me. I came home with a beautiful scarf that I made with Maya that I will treasure forever. I hiked to the top of a mountain and swam in a lake of crystal clear water. I sat on the dock under a million stars with a girlfriend, shared a bottle of wine, and saw shooting stars. I visited a local yarn store and went to the artists' vendor faire and came home with all kinds of yummy yarn, a beautiful wrap, new jewelry, and other delicious baubles and bits. I made new friends and strengthened friendships made the previous years. It was one of the best vacations I have ever had. I always leave Squam such a better person, full of light and love. Worth every penny.
goodness...where to begin? i just downloaded pics today and would love to get them into the flickr group in the next few days. i feel a blog post coming, but not yet. i am needing to sit with things a bit.
but...oh...those days at squam were full. so full.
and now i am flitting about on some sort of breeze trying to answer my kiddos' questions about me and squammie {as they like to call it}.
full...
xo
It was another joyous Squam for me this year. Thank you ALL for making it so special! More about my experience here:
my squam adventure
Squam.... Each year I say it will be my last. Damn all that magic. Stupid light and brightness surrounding me. It was my 3rd time and so far the one that left the deepest impression. Double damn. Guess I'm coming back. It was warm and wonderful and calming and cracked me yet again. Everybody comes for something different. I met a dear friend through Squam a couple of years ago, she makes me come back and as time has gone by she has grown to be a bestie. Insert jumping girls in lake here. My heart grows each time I travel to that lake and leaves more space for more wonder and truth within. Thanks to Elizabeth for knowing I need it and providing it. Thanks to Marie (okay, sorta) and Susy and Michelle for providing just the class I didn't know I needed but obviously the Universe is trying desperately to knock me upside the head.