Squam Fall 2014 in Photos

My words and thoughts from Squam are in my previous post.  Here are the photos, that tell a better story.  Let me add, this was a photography centered Squam and I am not a photographer.  I went because of friends attending, and frankly, because it was a better time of year for me to travel.   Not only did I LOVE my classes (multimedia and make your own perfume!), but I learned from my photographer friends.  It was a wonderful time and I returned knowing myself better, feeling fully restored.  It isn't the classes, it is the people and the magic that happens when people, some even strangers, come together with an open heart.

On to the photos...

Our Loft!  ("Jewelry Designer Loft" on airbnb in Providence)

The best secret!  Amazing friend, Ladonna,  came to Squam as a surprise.

Ready to create.

My dearest, Gerri.  

A break for treats at Ellie's Bakery!

The sweet, Xanthe, photographed me.
This was a learning moment... I was so uncomfy, and I had to ask myself internally "why?".  Just going through this made me relax, not be so hard on myself, and vow to just go with it the next time someone asks to photo me.    

Surprise photos on my phone:) 

I love this girl.  Amy Gretchen on one of our many walks through Providence.

LD and Xanthe focusing on the photography.  

Ramen!  A-MA-ZING. (at Ken's Ramen) 

At the amazing Providence Perfume Co.  
The owner has created with her life's passion, and you can tell is every detail of her shop.

New Friends!  The gorgeous Anita and I hit it off the moment we met. 

My absolute favorite model and dear friend, Bella.

Lovely evenings of tea and candles and heart to hearts.

Amy G and Xanthe comparing notes.  I loved learning from these ladies.

Getting Henna.  

A Special Moment.

At Peace.  

A Moment...

I've just returned from Squam in the City.  I'm still processing...
Lots of things spinning in my head, but here is a little list of the main things brewing to the top.

1.  Good connections are to be treasured.  If you don't find them where you are, look elsewhere.  There are kindred spirits out there, and when you find them, it will change your life.
2.  Be authentic.  No, really.  Look at yourself REALLY and then stay true to that.  Like in a yoga class when you are only measuring your own progress, and you don't see the yogi next to you and the 75 year old man on the other side of you.  Everyone is on their own path, and if you stick to that=happiness.
3.  Relax.  About everything.
4.  Take Quiet Time when you need it.
5.  View every walk like a photo walk.  Suddenly, the walk to school becomes magical.
6.  Check in with others.  It can be motivating AND inspiring AND comforting.
7.  Avoid those who stay in the negative, and just remove yourself from that.
8.  Play.  (This is dedicated to my dear friend, Gerri!)
9.  Seeing people in person is WAY better than through phone or computer.
10.  Spend more time creating, less about thinking or planning about creating.

Photos to come...

Project 7: SQUAM!

I just returned from "Squam by the Sea", an art retreat that was held in the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  I booked this event back in the very beginning of the year, as a much needed getaway since I have never really left the kids in the 7 years since I have become a mother. 

It was so much more than art, and these things usually are, and I have returned tired, but rejuvenated.  I don't want to describe with words because I think the photos do a better job.  

A table of trinkets to choose our inspiration for a bit of creative writing.

What I chose....

From the class I took called "Awaken the Muse."

My new friend, Michelle's, cool camera strap.

A gift for Paul. 

Two of my fellow squammies:) I miss them already.

I finally had an outlet for my face painting!!  I loved that lots of folks wanted a little decoration.