Quote of the Day: Come to the fount of creation, where the water of life is flowing free. lyrics from the song by John Ylvisaker
Sunset after a storm at Mount Carmel
At a Weekend for Women, Sept. 17-19, I will be leading journal writing at Mount Carmel Camp near Alexandria, MN. You can visit their website by clicking on the name, or contact me, if you wish, and I’ll connect you. mary(dot)aalgaard(at)yahoo com.
What happens at a women’s retreat? Besides great food, fun, and fellowship, you have time to tap into your creativity, or just Be. I have some things to share about journaling, a few prompts, and we’ll have time to write and create. My friend, JeMA, will teach art, using nature and texture, and re-awakening our creative spirits.
You also have the option for massage, spiritual direction, walks, time to enjoy the lake, meet new people, or even take a nap.
Last year, I attended two of these retreats, lead some journaling, and enjoyed the beautiful women who were there. Mothers & daughters, sisters, cousins, aunts, friends, and singles arrived to find rest and nurturing by the still waters.
Last year, I sat next to this lovely woman and her sister for dinner on Fri. night. Turns out, she raised four children, taught piano lessons, and was a church musician. What a great connection! I enjoyed helping with the journaling and teaching the women how to make their own journals. I had a cabin to myself along the water’s edge. The weather was lovely for September. I fell asleep to the lapping of the water along the shore and felt peace.
Come away with me, if you can, or find a retreat for yourself wherever you live. Women need to nurture their creativity and tend to their own needs. Give yourself a little time-off.
Journaling Prompt: Write about a retreat experience that you’ve taken, or one that you dream of taking.
I led a small group at our Ladies of Grace women’s retreat this year. What an amazing way to bond with a handful of diverse women and pray over joys…and sorrows.
Blessings, dear one!
Love this post and this girl.
Patti
Women were multi-tasking before the term came along. Actually, I don’t think there’s a definition for the multi-tasking women do as the smallest tasks combine, all the while the woman is trying to multi task in another venue. I hope this retreat is very special (sounds like it will be) for you again this year. And by the way, that’s a fab photo of you as well, two beautiful ladies together. Enjoy!
Hi Mary! Ah, a journaling retreat…how I WISH I had time to do something wonderful like that right now. Maybe next year?
I’ve been so busy lately, but wanted to check in and see if you’re writing that play?
I’m up blogging again this week – hope all is well and wonderful!
Sounds like such a beautiful weekend. I’ve never been on a retreat, but it sounds very inspirational.
I love the photo of you and your new connection! I think it is amazing how many similarities the two of you have!
Hope you’re having a great summer, Mary! Your retreat made me think of Roxane’s retreat at St. Benedicts. I totally agree that those kinds of times are refreshing and needed. I just wish I had the opportunity for them!
I’ve not been to any retreat but I guess being able to share as a women group has huge benefits. Great pic of you and your friend:)
It looks like ya had a wonderful retreat and made some great friends too. It’s always good to take time and ‘refresh’ your spirit and your body.
God bless ya and have a terrific day!!!
Okay, second try. I did miss this one Mary! That picture of you two, who have so much in common, says “peace and joy” to me. It’s beautiful. You two were meant to meet, there’s no doubt about it. And I will be thinking of you during your teaching retreat, dreaming of the day I can join you and JeMA at Mt. Carmel. 🙂
XXOO, Roxane
so so fabulous.
I am seriously considering adding a retreat to my life, I am going to look into ones offered in our area.
thank you for the insight.
with more and more free time… there is the now time to get to all the dreams right?