"We are all wanderers on this earth...our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams." ~ Gypsy proverb

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Squam Fall 2012

What can I say about Squam that you cannot already fathom. If you have ever wondered if you should go, if you have ever wondered if it's worth the commitment to save money, or plan ahead to spend the time...the answer I have for you is all the same, and it is a big, fat, glorious Y.E.S...


In the beginning, I felt as if I was set adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Not just any sea of uncertainty, but a sea speckled with a colorful bouquet of creative, bubbling and passionate individuals from all over the world (including Malaysia, Australia, and Puerto Rico)... Each of us, with our own stories to share, our own burdens to bear, our own dreams to tell, and our own hopes to hang on to, are all seeking the same thing--to expand and inhale the moments to their fullest capacity, like taking a deep and powerful breath before diving under water. It is in these moments when we are thoughtfully aware, effortlessly light, vulnerably open, and ever so gently stretching and growing.

In the end, for me, the sewing class, the photography class, and the writing workshop I took were only a smidgen of this experience. The classes were the springboard, and as lovely as they were, it's the personalities that filled those learning rooms, the dining hall, and the trails in between, that made those hours so memorable. It's the pieces that people openly gave of themselves, the intimate and late night conversations we shared as cabin mates and as strangers, and the unique contributions of every individual that made every passing minute worth savoring and remembering.

We are all teachers in our own way, offerers of our own triumphant experiences and revealers of our own despair. When we connect, we have a chance to evolve, and the seemingly impossible doesn't seem so improbable anymore.

I plan on going to Fall Squam 2013 and the planning begins now. I really hope to see you there.

Much love and thanks to Ashvina, Sara, Michelle G., Maggie, Meghan, Celina, CB, Karen S., Meegan, Wendy, Barbara, Jen K., Jen J., Cal, Ana, Alison, and Elizabeth, our most gracious hostess, and all the other Squammies that helped turn a massive and seemingly endless sea into an inviting and navigable pond...

xoxo

p.s: There are four different opportunities for Squam art workshops (avid knitters and crocheters checkout Spring Squam!) Get on the mailing list and start planning!!!


23 comments:

  1. This sounds so magical and inspiring. I will get there one day.

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  2. Lovely to meet you. So looking forward to staying in touch. xo

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  3. so happy for you...definitely in my future.

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  4. Sounds like you will never forget this trip! Glad you had a good memorable time.

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  5. Oh, MJ. Your images are breathtaking and this sounds like such an incredible experience. I can't help but smile with happiness for you. xo

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  6. Wow. The images are astounding. What kind of camera? I love that neck of the woods, my old college grounds actually. I love how you describe your experience as teaching others and learning as equally from the inspirational ladies around you. Wow. It must have been so awesome.

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    1. Thank you Jen! Canon Rebel EOS...Would love to see you at one of these!!

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  7. It sounds wonderful! I'm so glad it was a good experience for you. Someday I hope to make it there; perhaps after my babies are a little more independent.

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  8. so glad you had this opportunity and made this happen for yourself.

    i doubt i ever will have such an experience, but never say never of course lol. and if never, then magic happens in other ways ;)

    yeah, it's the souls coming together, that and the nature, that is the true magic.

    your captures are so wonderful. the polaroids are fab. the air there looks utterly crisp and clear. what clarity that must bring to the heart and mind.

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  9. loooove your images. especially the spiral of rocks...it just speaks to me.

    so glad you had this experience. hoping for it one day when the time is right.

    xo

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  10. What gorgeous photos! It was such a pleasure to meet you and I really enjoyed our conversations by the fire. xoxo

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  11. Oh, its a dream of mine. Most certainly. And part of my drive to create something close to home for myself and some others in the meantime.

    It sounds absolutely wonderful MJ!

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    1. And I am so inspired by you intentions Claudine!!

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  12. Sounds like it was wonderful. Next year...writing workshop..hmmm... :)

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  13. Thanks for putting into words how I felt about Squam as well :). Beautiful photos! Have a super weekend.

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  14. Oh my gosh, you beautiful, wonderful woman. It was so great to meet you and I agree - the classes were great, but not the most transformative part!

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  15. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience, MJ. I would love to go on a retreat right about now :)

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  16. I am so happy you had such a good experience! These photos are so lovely and bring back memories of my first Squam trip. xo

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  17. i'm just now popping on to your lovely blog. your words are just beautiful. i'm so glad we met at squam and hope to see you again soon!

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  18. your photos brought me right back...
    it was magic, was it not?
    xo

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“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
~ George Bernard Shaw