morning on the dock

One of the most magical things about Squam Arts Workshops is gathering on the dock after a day of creating.  The dock provides a safe haven to share your stories from the day and do a bit of show and tell on what you created.  It is a place where hearts open up, light shines through, and you are seen for exactly who you are.  It is a place of love and expansion and one of the best places to gather.  

Since it is not possible to gather on the dock every single day Elizabeth Duvivier {founder of Squam} has found a way to bring these conversations and space to wherever it is you are in this moment.  I am grateful to have had the opportunity to chat with Elizabeth for her weekly podcast Morning on the Dock.  We chat about he Love Notes Postcard Project, writing, running, and navigating the grief after losing my mom last year.  

I invite you to grab a cup of tea  and settle in for a little bit of heart opening conversation.  

daily life

My daily life doesn't consist of sitting at the end of the dock
Feet dangling in the water
Favorite book in my hand
Listening to the sound of giggles and brave souls jumping in 

My daily life doesn't consist of a cabin full of goodness
Late night conversations with deep belly laughter
Tangled yarn balls
A puzzle collectively put together

Nope, that doesn't happen every day

My daily life doesn't consist of knitted surprises
Birds in car seats
Delicious food I don't have to prepare
A room full of women cheering each other on

My daily life doesn't consist of the option to do nothing
Rest, rejuvenation, the ability to listen closely
A chance to learn or a moment to be
Never a judgment on what you decide

Nope, that doesn't happen every day either

My daily life consist of showing up
For work, the laundry, my loved ones
The list goes on and on
With always a new task to add

My daily life consist of savoring the sweet times
Squeezing in moments to do what pleases me
Finding myself, over and over again
And leaning on the friendships I have cultivated along the way

My daily life consist of carving out time for running
Sending snail mail
Snuggling up close
Dreaming, being, becoming

Yup, my daily life may look messy
It isn't always rainbows and butterflies
There are slips ups, and wishes that haven't come true
A balancing act of sorts

But this life is mine and each day I get to create it
I choose what I do, how I react, and where I want to go to next
I can say yes or no
I hold the opportunities in my hand

I am grateful for this daily life
Of ups and downs, laughter and tears
Grateful for my loved ones
And the chance to always begin again
 

ignite the spark

"Life isn't about getting and having, it's about give and being." -Kevin Kruse

This week has been filled up with so much goodness including sitting on my patio listening to this interview.  If you ever wondered how Squam Arts Workshops came to be listen in.  So interesting to hear how it all unfolded, and this line from Elizabeth resonated with me deeply:

"I don't have a social disorder. I wasn't with my tribe. Because with my tribe I could talk to four in the morning about things we are passionate about"

My wrist has filled up with color after adding this adorable piece. Erin creates such fun pieces and is such a delight to do business with.  

I am also looking forward July where I will be immersed in 28 Moments.  Michelle GD is such a kind heart and I can't wait to begin the journey of exploring writing and photography as a tool to look closely at how I move through my days.  

What about you?  What has been filling up your cup this week?   

it was here

It was here where I sat each morning at Squam Arts Workshops  
Pondering the day ahead
Dreaming of what could be
Tucking moments and memories into my pockets

It was here where I was infused with inspiration and courage
I learned that I could do it
I saw myself through new eyes
I traced the journey and loved that I ended up right back here

It was here where I saw how far I have come
Stronger, braver, wiser I stood
Ready to embrace the world and connect with those around me
Open and free I knew I could take the leap

It was here where
Alongside this lake
That dreams came true
And dreams were born

Yes, it was here!
 

P.S. A special shout out to my dear cabin mate who noticed me out on the dock each morning and took the time to capture this moment.  I am so grateful.  xo

ignite the spark

There has been so much goodness filling my well as I re-enter from my first time teaching at Squam Arts Workshops.  It was an amazing experience and has confirmed what I have known since I was a little girl. . . I love teaching, and am meant to share that with the world.  Dreaming up more ways to make that happen.    

Have you seen the drinkable book?  My goodness!!!  Genius!!!  Inspiring me to see that a book can really be anything and help people in an infinite number of ways.  

My dear friend Mindy Tsonas is hosting an amazing online workshop:  Inner Alchemy Circle - Fire Coven.  The gathering begins on July 6th and the line up of teachers is magical.  I would love to circle with you there.  

Have you heard about Indie Kindred?  Well it is now available for rent on vimeo.  Hooray!  Jen Lee has crafted together the meaning of collaboration so beautifully.  

And if you are looking to get your paint on this summer then look no further than Mindy Lacefield's Image, Play, Emerge online workshop.  Mindy has a fun and playful approach to painting that will get you going.  

Happy Friday!  Hope your weekend is filled with sunshine and giggles.  

the lake held us gently

There was color
There was twinkle lights
There was laughter . . . the deep belly kind

There were puzzles to put together
There were letters to be written and then burned
There were moments of dreams coming true

There was support and love
Friendships were formed and deepened
Kindness spilled out

So much goodness was witnessed by the lake
And gently she held it all
Inviting us in for a dip, moments of reflection, or time to explore

My mind and heart are still processing
Tears have been falling
As I reflect on what I have carried home

A full heart
Gratitude tucked into my pockets
And another journey to encourage me to keep stepping forward

More soon about my adventures at squam.