Seeking Stillness: A Seaside Retreat for Women

Description

For years, I have wanted to create a special retreat for women. A day for them to step away from routines and responsibilities. A day for them to feel pampered and honored. A day for them to do some (or many) of the things that we in modern society don’t take enough time for: creativity, contemplation, quiet, catharsis, rest, recreation, and togetherness.

I knew that when I created this day, it had to take place near the ocean. The ocean is the place I retreat to (ALONE) most often—it soothes me, it inspires me, it speaks to me, it is the place that makes the most sense to me. There is a catharsis when I am around salt water. My stress dissipates, my muscles relax, my senses come alive, and I can block everything else out. My personal GPS guides me there when I need it most—those times when I crave solace and introspection, those times when I need to creatively recharge, those times when I need to fill my own cup and soothe my soul.

I have pulled out all the stops for this all-inclusive event. I am going to take you on roads less traveled. I am going to introduce you to the concept of plein-air art and how nature can act as inspiration. All art materials are supplied and you will take home your gorgeous creations. You are going to be well fed. There will be a wine tasting at a local winery (the scenery at this location is spectacular). We will end the day by touring a local farm, curating our own flowers from their expansive fields, and participating in a flower arranging class where you get to take home your own hand-tied bouquet. From parking to pinot…it will all be covered by your registration fee. I look forward to having you escape with me!

What Women Will Love:

• There is power in getting out of typical routines and changing your surroundings. Women will love the act of “escaping” for the day.
• My classes are about community and camaraderie. Whether you will be attending this day by yourself or with a group of friends, you will enjoy the day’s activities.
• The empowering feeling of trying something new—it emboldens you in ways you never imagined!
• The salty ocean air! There is no such thing as a bad beach day, but beach days where you don’t have to corral kids and be the entertainment committee are extra, extra special!
• Time to yourself in three beautiful, serene Rhode Island locations. The theme for the day is creativity and calm.
• The art of giving yourself permission—permission to have someone else pick up the kids, permission to do something uniquely for you, permission to traverse roads less traveled, permission to indulge.
• You will become a “maker” today: a maker of art, a maker of memories, a maker of joy.
• You will take this one day, in its entirety, to put yourself first. The lasting gifts you get from that kind of rebellion are priceless. Here’s the thing: we were never meant to come last on our own agenda.

*WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR: Women who are willing to say, “YES!” (Yes, I deserve to treat myself. Yes, I am worth this. Yes, I want to get away from it all. Yes, I want to explore new places and meet some new faces. Yes, I can do this guilt-free. Yes, I would love to be pampered and cared for for a day.) This is for women who believe in the power of the outdoors to heal and restore. This is for women who love trying new things in new places with new people. This is for women who may not be artists, but who are willing to allow themselves time and space to be creative in a safe, judgment-free environment.

*WHO THIS COURSE IS *NOT* FOR: Women who are placing limitations on themselves and trying to talk themselves out of being here for various reasons (I don’t have the time, I don’t have the money, I am not an artist, I have never done anything like this before, etc). Women who cannot delegate their responsibilities for an entire day. Women who do not enjoy being outdoors and experiencing all that nature has to offer.

What Is Included With Registration: 

• Your parking fees will be covered.
• All of your art materials will be included and you will go home with at least one completed project at day’s end.
• Light snacks and water at the beach.
• Delicious sandwiches for lunch from a highly-revered local eatery. (You will be provided with menu choices the week before the event.)
• A wine tasting at one of Rhode Island’s best wineries. Wine tasting includes your choice of seven delicious wines and a keepsake wine glass that you will be able to take home.
• A tour of a local seaside farm in which you will cut your own fresh flowers and participate in a class on how to create your very own gorgeous hand-tied bouquet. Flowers will be arranged in a mason jar and will be a beautiful keepsake of an incredible day.
• A PDF of other places you can venture to in this area. This will enable you to extend the day and explore on your own or come back at a later time to enjoy all that these quaint communities have to offer.

What Is NOT Included With Registration:

• If you want food at the winery, you must pay for that out-of-pocket.
• If you want to purchase additional plants, produce, or food at the farm, you must pay for that out of pocket.

FINE PRINT:

• This is a one-day retreat on Tuesday, August 7th.
• Rain date will be August 14th and I will only utilize the rain date if the event date is a total washout (we have the ability to be under cover most of the day).
  • You will need to make sure you have coverage/the ability to take BOTH days off in their entirety. I will NOT offer weather related refunds. 
• Event will run from 10:30 to approximately 5:30. We will travel to three separate locations (within a couple miles of each other) during our time together. We will spend 3 hours at the beach, 1.5 hours at the winery, and 1.5 hours at the farm. I have built in 30 minutes between each segment for travel and wardrobe changes.
• All locations are in and around the breathtaking town of Little Compton, Rhode Island. Beach location will be emailed to you, along with additional information, prior to the event. Sakonnet Vineyards and Young Family Farm are the winery and farm locations, respectively.
• Plan to treat this as a beach day and pack accordingly: bring a chair, sunscreen, a camera, and other sundries to keep you comfortable. I will provide canopies at the beach to shield you from the sun if you need to take cover. You will also want to bring a change of clothes for the vineyard and the farm. Beach casual is fine. Comfort is key. More info will be emailed to registrants as we get closer to the event.
• There ARE restrooms and a changing facility at the beach. BUT, if it is overcast/inclement weather, sometimes they do not open them. I am working with the town to see if someone can ensure the facilities will be open no matter what. But, plan to be flexible.
• Feel free to carpool. It will allow you to stay connected during the ‘in-between’ times when we are moving to new locations.
• If you have food allergies/sensitivities, please notify me prior to registration so I can be sure I will be able to accommodate your needs. You are also welcome to bring your own meals/snacks if you want to.
• There is NO alcohol allowed on the beach. Please do not bring any.
• I am a huge proponent of leaving only your footprints behind. The beach is part of a very sensitive ecosystem and litter will not be tolerated. We will carry out everything we bring in.
• This event is limited to 20 women. No exceptions.
• You will receive an email from me a few days in advance of the retreat with additional information.
• There are NO REFUNDS for this class. Please be sure you understand my refund policy by reviewing my FAQ page.
  • I am contracted with the external vendors regardless of how many people attend, so there are absolutely no cash refunds. If, for some reason you are unable to attend after registering due to emergency, we will work out either a credit to a future program (in-person or online), a packet of art supplies, or a selection of my original artwork (some of which can be seen on my Instagram page).
• If you have any questions before registering, please contact me directly!