Tuesday
Jun012010
Thank You, Squam!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 9:15 PM 
What a difference a year can make!
Twelve months ago, I was pottering about in my own sweet, creative void - with no real direction or motivation. And certainly no fellow potterers - either local or virtual. I had only the vaguest idea what a blog was; and was totally unaware of the online creative community. I had never wielded a ‘proper’ camera. I had never been on a creative retreat.
But then came Squam. And it’s no exaggeration to say that my life was changed. Forever.
I now own a grown-up camera; and - sort of - know how to use it. Dixon Hill Diary is a cherished part of my life; and I’m inspired by following the blogs of friends and of strangers. I have a real life creative partner; and a growing and valued network of artist friends. I’ve been on two further retreats since that first trip to New Hampshire. And all sorts of exciting creative projects are bubbling their way into existence via my busy brain.
Tomorrow, women I now count as friends and acquaintances will be gathering by Squam Lake once more; their lives about to be enriched and transformed in as yet unknown ways. I wish I could be with them; but, since I’m not, I wish them every blessing that Squam Art Workshops can bestow.
I wish them the deep peace of a stunning landscape and the discovery of purpose. I wish them new skills and latent talent laid bare. I wish them laughter and fun. I wish them dreams and possibilities. I wish them great food and conversational wanderings through the woods. I wish them quiet time on a dock, feet dangling in the lake. I wish them self-discovery and fireside chats. I wish them the cry of the loon at night. Most of all, I wish them new friends; and the encouragement and support of like-minded souls.
And Squam, know this: I’ll be back.
Reader Comments (6)
I had a little fun moment there when I read this and thought, "I WAS AT TWO OF THOSE RETREATS. YAAAYYYY me."
Well then.
Helen,
This post is so inspirational for a newbie like me. I can't believe what you have accomplished in one year. Wonderful and amazing.
Beautiful post, Helen -- it reads like a blessing and I believe it is one. Hope to get to Squam one day myself.
What wonderful memories I have of that weekend, Rosanna! Of choosing that orchid for you at the market and carrying it back to my hotel on the tram. Of watching the seals at Pier 39 and walking the labyrinth at the cathedral. Of playing the piano in a deserted hotel corridor...and, most of all, of meeting you. But oh! The bitter cold! So glad to hear it's been warmer this year! :)
And a year ago, we met in the flesh for the first time in SF on Memorial Day weekend. I thought of you this weekend! The weather this year is a lot more "respectable" - quite warm and very clear over the weekend. Yesterday (Monday), the fog started coming in again and first obscured half the Golden Gate and the outer part of the city; as the afternoon went on, the entire GG Bridge and the City were covered. Well, that got me to think about you even more :)
BTW, the orchid you gave me has been in bloom for a whole month now! <3
i'm feeling so nostalgic as well... has it really already been a year? i share so many of the beautiful sentiments you described. wish we were back there together! xoxo, ali