Showing posts with label Call of the Wild Soul retreat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Call of the Wild Soul retreat. Show all posts

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Goddess of Avalon


Possibly one of the most ridiculous things I said over the weekend was when I announced in a somewhat startled fashion that my self portrait looked like me! She came from Tam's class at the Call of the Wild Soul retreat. It's not really a surprise that there is a resemblance - I did paint over a photograph of my own face after all!

My son, Mum and boyfriend on seeing it though all said that I am much prettier in real life. Bless 'em!

There is definitely essence of me in here though - from the floaty dress to the flowers in my hair. The piece is full of hidden symbolism as I honour my superpowers and accept that actually I have quite a few good qualities - not something we do very often!


And this lady above? Well, she's not me exactly. She is every woman. She is the Big Wild She, our inner Goddess. She is feminine intuition, she is nurture, she is powerful beyond your imagination! Thank you Erin Faith Allen for lighting the touch paper to bring her out of me :)

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Tree hugging

 
Did you know it's Blogtoberfest? It's a great game where you drink a pint of beer for every blog you visit during the month, wear lederhosen and sing Eins Zwei Zuffa very loudly whilst banging your drinking vessel on the table.

OK, it's not exactly that... though you are free to indulge in your choice of beverage in whatever quantity you wish... it's your hangover!

Blogtoberfest is instead a month-long blogging binge where participants commit to post something every day. Well, hey, I'm up for a challenge and I'm bursting with ideas and thoughts to share from my Call of the Wild Soul retreat. So, let's give it a go.

We therefore begin Day 2 of this autumnal month with a story about getting affectionate with trees...

When I signed up for Call of the Wild Soul, I wasn't expecting to find myself howling at the moon or communing with nature quite so literally. I don't think I've ever actually gone up to a tree and intentionally hugged it before. I've gripped on for dear life while attempting to climb to lofty branches, but to actual grasp an emotional connection was something that passed me by.

There was something about the place though... it was indeed a call to my wild soul. And, do you know what? It feels really good - and I think the tree liked it too! The first to take my embrace was a tall pine standing guard outside the yoga studio. I'm not sure if it was the shock of actually being up and about before 7am, but the urge to hug suddenly took hold. I liked it.

Next day we were adventuring in the grounds of Croydon House with a metaphorical butterfly net camera ready to pounce upon images that captured emotion. I wanted to illustrate my need to treasure and love. The whispering leaves called me and the trunks stood firm while I tested them out for size. This photograph staging is not as easy as you might think - for one thing there were so many trees requiring my affection that I found it difficult to leave any out,! However, for photography purposes you really need one with a good fit - not too wide or your hands are too far apart, stable surface to stand on so you don't kiss earth (saving that one for another day!).

Anyway, we got there in the end as the photographic evidence up top proves.

Have you hugged a tree today? Go on... give it a try!

Monday, 1 October 2012

Holding Fast

Lisa Wright

I've spent hours doing other things rather than attempt to write this blog post, for how can anyone possibly encapsulate the wonder of spending three days with such like-minded souls and eating, breathing, sleeping, dreaming and even howling to the Moon about art & creativity?

I spent a long weekend in a magical dream at The Call of the Wild Soul retreat in the sweeping Somerset countryside. Twice now I have taken myself away from day-to-day life to a place of creativity and spiritual healing whereI find the opportunity to connect with women just like me. What encapsulates 'just like Lisa'? I think it may have to be slightly eccentric and one who see things a little differently with a spinkling of humour and a twinkle in their eye!

After a long journey down on Thursday, so many warm and open souls greeted me as I first stepped over the threshold of Croydon Hall. As I sank into a saggy sofa with a warming cuppa, I felt instant connections and a stirring of magic in the air.

I fear I will be waxing most lyrically about this experience over the coming days and bombarding you with the fruits of my labours, so be prepared for my dramatic return to regular blogging - when I can tear myself away from painting perhaps.

The image above was taken during Madelyn Mulvaney's beautiful workshop where we wrote poetry with our cameras. There are many more to share!

As I travelled home last night, there was plenty of opportunity in the four hour drive for contemplation, but it did not take me long to recognise that the biggest gift from the three days was the new friendships and treasured memories. It may already be nearly 24 hours since we were together under the tiles of Croydon Hall, but I still feel everyone in my heart.

The facebook group is already filling up with the smiling faces of my new friends, so really we are merely a click away. We will hold fast to the changes made, the connections and the memories.

Thank you Erin Faith Allen for weaving the spell and to all the magical ladies whose participation and passion made it so special.


Photo by Lisa Wright & Poppy Buttons

Thursday, 27 September 2012

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