Want to find the creative creature inside of you?

 

Fredericksburg, Texas

Seems too bad, but I have to say right off the bat that this post is for women only. My apologies to the man who read my blog. Its because I want to tell the ladies who read this blog about a retreat coming up next month—really sooner than you think—and it’s for women only.

On September 25-27, in Fredericksburg, Texas, my good friends Jeanne Guy and Stephanie Raffelock will host a retreat designed to help women answer the question, “Who were you before the world told you who you are?” It’s all about creative strength, courage, and wisdom. Sessions will provide writing prompts, time for personal reflection, and other times for listening to some wise women. In between, you can get to know the other ladies at the retreat and have some truly important conversations on what it means to be a woman in 2023. Even the movie, Barbie, may be relevant.

I know and respect the women who are leading this retreat. Jeanne Guy, an award-winning author, has led many successful retreats, helping women bring out undiscovered energy and creativity in themselves. With an irreverent sense of humor, she may laugh you into self-discovery. One of her big delights in life these days? Officiating at weddings. Texas is about to lose her as she prepares to move to Whidbey Island, so this may be your last chance to share some time with her.

And Stephanie Raffelock has a spiritual side that makes me envious. She is in touch with what goes on in her mind and body in a way that is duplicated by few if any women I know. She is the editor of Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis, a collection of pandemic writings, and the author of  A Delightful Little Book on Aging and her signature work, Creatrix Rising: Unlocking the Power of Midlife Women. But Stephanie isn’t all ethereal spirituality—she gardens, she walks her dog daily, she cooks, and she loves to shop at Central Market. Someone all of us can relate to.

The retreat is sponsored by Story Circle Network, an international organization founded by celebrated author Susan Wittig Albert in 1997 to encourage women to tell their stories and personal histories. Albert, who once wrote Nancy Drew mysteries under a publishing house name and is now best known for the China Bayles herbal mysteries, recognized that women were often hesitant to share their stores umbrella, they are encouraged to create memoir, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama. SCN offers online writing classes, an awards program, book reviews, and several publications including a journal and a blog. The organization even offers writing trips abroad, led by the outstanding Len Leatherwood. To learn more about SCN, go to About Story Circle — Who We Are, Our History, Our Board of Directors.

I have belonged to the Story Circle Network for several years and have been so glad to connect with women who share my love of writing. It’s like finding a home. But it’s not all about me. I have relished not only the friendship of the women I’ve met but the stories they share.

Nobody needs an excuse to go to Fredericksburg, but it you did, the retreat is the perfect one. There will be time left for long walks and exploration of the historic town. With a deep German history, Fredericksburg offers wineries, excellent food, lots of good beer, and fascinating shops. It is the home of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz of World War II fame, and a museum there honors his accomplishments. If you haven’t been before, you’ll want to check out the Sunday houses, small structures where farm families rested after coming into town for church. Who knows, you might learn a few words of the distinctive mix of German and English still spoken by some residents.

A retreat, some time spent in a colorful historical Texas town, and an introduction to an organization that wants you to tell your story. What more could you need? Read more about the retreat here: storycircle.org/2023-retreat/

And tell Jeanne and Stephanie I sent you.