photo by stefanie renee lindeen
One night by the sea last October, a troop of women sat moon-drenched and fire-warmed and asked “Can we do this again?”
The answer came softly at first, but became louder and more clear with time… “Yes! Yes, we can do it again!”
So yes, inspired by those women and (YES!) intended to be a long weekend of inquiry and play and discovery into what moves your soul, we welcome you to join us for
*serendipity* – a retreat nurturing the playful and the sacred.
We have developed a series of full and half-day classes, each with a focus on some playful, sacred, and (yes!) at times practical, aspect of self-expression be it writing, mixed-media, photography, yoga, altar creation or well, dress-up!
We’ll stay in houses on the beach, and watch as the sun and moon rise over the sea. We’ll let five women, each with a unique passion, serve as our guides – Pixie Campbell, McCabe Russell, Kate Inglis, Mindy Lacefield and Michelle Madden Smith (who will also be your hostess!).
So read on, listen to the stirring in your heart and say YES! with love…
~~~
Where will the retreat be held? We will be staying in large, beautiful cottages on the beach in Nags Head on North Carolina’s Outer Banks – a string of barrier islands gracefully sweeping out into the Atlantic Ocean. Meals, classes and your rooms will all be in the same places.
When is the retreat? October 19-23, 2011 The retreat will be held Wednesday afternoon October 19 with registration and runs through breakfast Sunday morning October 23. There are two full days of classes on Thursday and Friday and on Saturday the classes are half-days – you can choose either a morning or afternoon class and the rest of the day will be for exploring, visiting, playing or perhaps sleeping in. Our final dinner together will be on Saturday evening.
What is the schedule? {subject to shifting with the tides a bit…}
WEDNESDAY
REGISTRATION beginning at 3p
WELCOME Nibbles at 6p, Dinner at 7p
opening CEREMONY 8p
THURSDAY, FRIDAY
Breakfast 7:30 – 9:00
CLASSES 9:30a-12:30p
Lunch 12:45p
CLASSES: 2:15-5:15p
Dinner at 7p
SATURDAY
Breakfast 7:30 – 9:00
CLASSES 10a -1p or FREE EXPLORATION
Lunch 1p*optional – you are welcome to eat at one of our many fun local places, just let me know ahead of time for planning purposes, please.
Afternoon CLASS: 2:30-5:30 or FREE EXPLORATION
Dinner at 7p
SUNDAY*checkout is 11am
Breakfast – 8a
Are meals included? YES! Meals are included. We will provide delicious and healthy meals for you including 4 breakfasts, 2/3 lunches and 4 dinners. Bottled water will be available to drink at all meals (do you know you need to drink your body weight in ounces of water everyday to stay properly hydrated? So if you weigh 150 pounds, you need to drink 150 ounces of water). If you want something more potent such as soda or an alcoholic beverage you are welcome to bring your own to enjoy after classes.
I’d like to come in early, can I stay at the houses? YES! We have the houses rented for a full week Sunday to Sunday, so you are welcome to come in early and get grounded and enjoy some beach time before the workshop. {Contact} Michelle for rates.
I live locally, can I take classes? YES! We have several options for our loyal locals – you can join us for all classes and meals without staying at the beach houses – though let me tell you, being at those houses for a few days is a huge treat and well worth the investment! Either way complete the {Registration Form} and mail it in!
I also have just a few spots reserved for locals to take just a single class or two with or without meals. Please drop me a line if you are interested in these options.
Will there be wine, beer? We cannot serve alcohol, but you are welcome to bring in your own favorite beverage to enjoy after classes.
How do I get there? If flying, the closest airport is Norfolk, Virginia. ORF is a terrific little regional airport that is very easy to navigate. It is about an hour and forty-five minutes from Nags Head. Directions from ORF to Nags Head can be found here.
You can also fly into Raleigh, North Carolina which is about three and a half hours from Nags Head. Directions from RDU to Nags Head can be found here.
Either way, you will need to rent a car. We recommend sharing a ride in an effort to be more environmentally and economically friendly! Our {Facebook} page will be a great place to help coordinate ride-sharing, so please join us there.
What should I bring? Whatever will make you feel comfortable! I always travel with my own pillow. Clothing wise, the weather in October can be changeable and you may need anything from your bathing suit to Ugg boots, so best to check the weather before you are due to arrive.
We will have large bottles of water available, so bring a bottle to fill and drink throughout the day.
Also, please remember to check the materials lists for your classes. You are welcome to ship items ahead, just write {Michelle} and she’ll give you the proper mailing address.
I make stuff, can I bring it to sell? YES, of course! We won’t be having any formal events around selling your goodies, but you are more than welcome to bring things with you to share. You will have an eager audience.
I would love a massage….I share my yoga studio space with a truly gifted massage therapist, David Henderson and his team. I am also connected to a number of inspired body-workers and reiki healers so please inquire if you’d like to experience some of this while you are here.