photo courtesy of Laurie May Coyle
You know those moments when you feel like you've come home? And not in the literal sense, although it can feel that way too, but the kind of coming home where you meet up with you? Where you finally arrive on the path that you envisioned for yourself, sometimes even years before?
When I was a little girl, not only did I draw, paint and create, but I taught. I can still remember teaching my friend Patty in a pretend classroom in my childhood home here in California, at the age of 6. It came natural, and Patty was an attentive, gracious and dedicated student ~ although I have a hard time imagining what she might have learned from a fellow six year old :)
kellen & I ~photo courtesy of Laurie May Coyle
This year's June session of Squam was my invitation to meet up with another early dream: to teach. And to say that the entire experience met my expectations is an understatement. Attending Squam superseded my expectations in every possible way.
Not only is the location one of the most beautiful places on the planet, but the people who choose to attend, are some of the most beautiful people on the planet. I've never attended any gathering where I felt instantly, genuinely connected to so many new friends. Well I'll just say it, I've never attended a gathering where I left feeling like I have 800 new BFF's {phraseology courtesy of Laura, who is definitely in the top 10 BFF's :)}
my Nirvana girls ~ photo courtesy of Laura Nelkin
I know there has been a lot of reference to "magic" in many of the conversations we had, and in many of the blog posts I read following our four days together. And I know a person who did not attend might feel skeptical, as I once did. I mean really how great can it be? But there's something going on at this gathering, that is special. For this I credit Elizabeth, the founder, for whom an entire blog post in appreciation, would not be enough. When you create and live with a powerful intention, that intention will carry you while profoundly influencing all that you accomplish.
As I sit here next to Sean while we watch the basketball playoffs, he leaned over and said, "What are you writing?" And I said, "I'm writing my blog post about Squam, and there's so much to say I don't know how to say it all." As my official in house writer, he said "Maybe less is more." And while I was informed by yet another BFF and best Squam roommate ever Betz, women communicate 20,000 words a day while men communicate 3,000, I think Sean's suggestion may be right. {because honestly this post could turn into a small book, if I go on}
I know those of us who attended have all struggled with how we can fully describe the experience we shared and the truth is we can't. If you were there then you already know. And if you plan on attending Squam in the future, as Elizabeth so wisely encouraged all of us, keep your expectations minimal. Attending Squam will be for you alone to experience in whatever way will be best for you.
With that said, the location was gorgeous, the food was delicious, the company inspiring and beautiful. Personally, my cabin mates at Nirvana were like dear friends I have known forever and my students many of whom were also my cabin mates were amazing in their grace and talent.
I know that the influence of Squam will continue to be shared in many blog posts to come but for now...
I will never again believe anyone who say's they are not "creative". I will forever believe in the magic that life holds.
And since my man who I've been missing for the last week, just asked me when "will my blog post writing be over"? I will stop gushing and close by saying that chocolate accompanied by wine in plastic cups, a good dose of honesty, LOVING everything, a lot of staying up until ungodly hours accompanied by serious laughter and a house mouse are the life moments that are forever cherished.
Something about my experience at Squam allowed me to show up as the best parts myself, and now in the days that follow, as I assume my life as before, I am just trying to keep that feeling going.
xoxo
