Friday 25 February 2011

I'm retreating


One must work and dare if one really wants to live.
Vincent van Gogh


Do you have some money saved for the preverbial rainy day? Or do you plan on spending on something special. You just aren't quite sure what that 'special' is. Some would say it's new carpet or furnishings, a newer car or topping up your pension. Yeah that's your head talking, it's pretty loud and often helped out by that microphone called well-meaning family..

At some point we have to realise that we are not anybody else. We aren't the person who needs the comfort of lined curtains. Instead we are the one who wants to spend a bit of money on doing the thing the heart craves.

Four days hanging out with other artists, painting and getting creative in the beautiful Yorkshire dales. Working with artists I already admire and making the acquaintance of others. Delving deep into what I want for my creative enterprise and nurturing my soul. Did my heart want it? Oh yes!

I'm going!!  Here...


"Imagine a magical place in an area of outstanding natural beauty, deep in the ancient English countryside. A place where you can escape from everyday life, reconnect with the real you, and nurture your creative spirit.

Imagine a time when you are free to indulge your creativity. When you can step out of your creative comfort zone and take risks, supported by a warm community of like-minded souls. And all this under the guidance of an outstanding teacher.

Imagine a space where you can explore the ideas you have been quietly sheltering for so long. Where they will be motivated by inspiring entrepreneurs and where, nurtured by your new community, your self-belief will soar. Where you can grow your creative business ideas, or simply plant the seed of belief that you really can find a way to do what you love, for life.

All this exists.

You can find it at the Do What You Love retreat (May 11-15, 2011).

It will be an intimate gathering of creative souls, sharing a special journey of change.

Everything will be taken care of. You just have to take care of yourself."


Well, I read that and leapt off my chair screaming "Yes!!!" It's the first one like it I've seen advertised in the UK. I got ready to apply... I nearly hit the button... Then the head kicked in with its spreadsheets and financial planning and I 'thought about it' for a few weeks, but everywhere I went links to this promise of magic and self-fulfillment kept pushing me back. I dithered. I contacted the organisers to check a place was still available on Flora Bowley's workshop. I dithered some more. And then.... I booked!

When I make a big decision, instinct usually kicks in as the no return moment passses and tells me if I was right or wrong (yeah, I know a bit late!). This one feels really good!

Who else is going? Anyone I know? I, for one, can't wait!

Pic is some digital play with a photo of the Dales. Lots of layers - just like me!

17 comments:

  1. Oh wow sounds fabulous, will definitely check this out and see if I can afford it. You will obviously have the best time ever. x

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  2. That sounds AMAZING! Lucky you, i'm not jelous at all....honest x

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  3. Yeah, good for you! It totally was (or is) the right thing to do!

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  4. Good for you, you'll love it! I once went on a retreat that was yoga, meditation, and other healing. The food was gluten free, dairy free and meat free but totally superb! It was at a wonderful place called Oxenhoath in Tunbridge, totally in the middle of nowhere, no phones, no radios, no TV and no newspapers. I had a little room in a turret at the top of the building looking out over fields, fields and more fields. Best weekend I ever had!! You go for it girl..enjoy!

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  5. doesn't get any better than this :) enjoy!! i'll be there with you ... in spirit!! :)

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  6. I think you did the right thing. I always think: the money will get spent on something anyway, chances are it will be on something I won't even remember. This way you will have something that benefits you spiritually, psychologically, socially, and professionally when your art gets kicked up a notch! Can't get better than that!

    The only thing I know about Yorkshire is from James Herriot's books. I loved reading his descriptions of the Yorkshire Dales and the people and animals who live there! I devoured his books one by one. Lucky you, to be going to such a wonderful place!

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  7. Oh I am sooooo excited for you Lisa! Wish I could hop on a jet and join you and all of those wonderfully talented and inspiring artists - this sounds like heaven to me too! Good for you for deciding to go...this is life we are living NOW and we must seize the very fruit of life and squeeze every delicious drop of juice from it! Well done YOU!

    Excited smiles and hugs

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  8. Wow, that sounds so wonderful. I can relate to everything that you have written about; the thought process and the emotions tied to it. I think you have made a great choice and positive way to live your life! Will be looking for lots of updates on your adventure! Enjoy.

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  9. Sounds great! Go with your heart!!

    Looking forward to living vicariously and hearing all about it in May!!

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  10. Any time you can go to a retreat and learn something new, you have made the right choice. My best memories of my art revolve around classes. What fun!

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  11. so good. what a nurturing choice. xx

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  12. Sometimes you just have to do something for yourself. Sounds like loads of fun. Enjoy it. (We expect pics.)

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  13. wow how fun! I hope you have a great time and I can't wait to see what you create on your trip!

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  14. this sounds wonderful! I wish you a grand and magical time. I so agree, if we can make dreams come true, then surely we shall!

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  15. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time Lisa - just wanted to pop by and say thank you for the postcard I won in OWOH - its lovely - I'm going to frame it and hang it on my craft wall. x

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  16. Yay..how awesome..sounds divine and wonderful...enjoy enjoy!!

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  17. I know how much it means to pay for a creative course and all that we glean from it Lisa, so congrats hunni! I know you'll have the most excellent time. I bet it changes you in the best of ways and you'll meet such characters... Fodder for creativity.
    I have decided to have a sale in my Etsy shop so I can splash out on a workshop very dear to me - although I won't be retreating, worse luck!
    Have a blast!! xo

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Thank you for your comments - I always love to hear what you think :)

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