my makerie thoughts...

image by Linda Winski (my sweet mom)

I can't believe that only two weeks have passed since our Makerie weekends! It's still so fresh, yet already feels so long ago at the same time ~ another example of how busy and full our lives are!

So how and where do I begin to share the abundant beautiful stories of our Makerie weekends and what they meant to me? Each time I have sat down to write my thoughts in the past few weeks, I found myself overwhelmed with how to encapsulate everything into a single blog post and equally as overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, heart and time that so many people gave to the Makeries ~ and how best to express my gratitude. From 29 states and 4 countries they came, bringing their open hearts and playful spirits just like we had asked them to do. Both weekends were a mixture of laughter, learning, tender tears, cozy conversations and camaraderie. The air was full of possibilities, new friendships and perhaps even lifetime connections. Walking into each workshop space was simply magical. I could feel the quiet, peaceful hum of people creating side by side, yet deep in their own creative minds ~ truly one of my most favorite parts to witness.

This was the first year we hosted two weekend retreats. I wasn't sure how it would go or if we'd have enough energy for both, but with the help of our extraordinary Emily Clark, two sets of dream team teachers, terrific and kind participants, dedicated photographers that also doubled as a super support team, generous sponsors, the Colorado Chautauqua, an amazing volunteer group and countless others, it worked! The wonderful energy was contagious and we floated into our second weekend on a high, excited for the chance to do it all over again. And how fascinating to watch how each retreat created its own personality with such different feels, yet equally as beautiful.

I can't thank everyone enough for your kind notes and letters about what the Makerie meant to you. Your words are etched in my heart and the cards tucked away in a safe little place where I often find myself going back to whenever I question why I'm doing this. You will never know what a treasure they are! But I really should be thanking you ~ for allowing me to give you the Makerie and to create a special place to play and make creativity a priority. I continue to grow and learn in ways I never knew possible and that in itself, is one of the greatest gifts of all. 

It's amazing how we can all have such powerful experiences, and then life calls and we find ourselves hopping right back into reality the very next day. As much as I personally have wished for a few extra days following the Makerie to absorb all of the goodness that comes out of a weekend shared with creative souls, I find myself accepting that this is just not possible and is how we all roll. I used to think any amazing experience I had would be lessened if I didn't have time and space to process it slowly and gently to my liking immediately following, but instead, what I've realized is that it's okay if you don't have the time to think things through because it's already in your bones. One of the most special things I have seen and continue to see is how a creative escape like the Makerie lasts far beyond the actual retreat, and the incredible inspiration and lessons learned will make their own lovely little appearances into our days and weeks and months to come. That's the magic and my sincere, parting wish for all of you.

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~ Howard Thurman (my very favorite quote of all times)

THANK YOU from the very bottom of my heart!

Much Love,
Ali