So. Some catching up to do.
It would be really great if this post had a soundtrack playing as you looked at these photos since the entire month of September was spent in Vermont with no wifi, no cell service. I dropped into a world of sound. Beyond the breeze in the trees, the insects, birds (and fucking shooting practice! from distant neighbors) there was a series of songs I played on repeat that are so embedded into that time for me, when I look at these snapshot I can hear them playing in my head.
At the end of August, my friend Anne-Marie sent me a playlist for my roadtrip north. Here are a few of the songs: Imidiwan Ma Tenam, Rebel Woman by Chiwoniso and Ben Ma Mi by Lena Timas from her cd Magia D’Morna — you will have to search out Lena’s song for yourself as I couldn’t find it except on Spotify.
I landed 57 miles south of the Canadian border– in a town called Waythehellupthere. The weather was glorious– wonderful for me, not so great for the trees and plants and earth as the lack of rain (in the thirty days I was there it only rained ONCE– the morning I left, for about two hours). You can see just how low water levels were in the photo of the pond below.
Yes! there was a pond— which was yet another gift since the only downside to my self-imposed exile was that for one small brown dog, he was away from ALL of his friends and social activity. This was a bit challenging, but walking out our door we could head off on super big hikes which is what we did. My goal to keep him so tired he wouldn’t be able to miss his buds.
It sort of worked. The pond, however, turned out to be the best thing for him since he could spend hours– hours!– circling and splashing trying to hunt frogs who indulged his efforts to be a fierce hunter though, of course, he never caught one.
But first– the arrival to a little cottage surrounded by perennial gardens. Oh, please.
I was dropped into straight up beauty. I mean, even where I parked my car was a freaking work of creative expression.
I am no stranger to isolation or rural living, but in the first days, I did want to do a check on whether or not I was accurately following guidance or just whacked. Drew the three cards below from the Inner Compass deck that Autumn gifted to me and come on!! You don’t even have to read the book to get the resounding YES from this spread: Stillness :: The Self :: Harvest. Boom.
Above is my little space where you might think I did all the writing, but no. As I learned from Stories for My Sister, I love writing in bed!! And so this little table is where I began each morning with coffee, journaling, gratitude, burning incense, etc.
Remy, as mentioned above, did do some pining out the window, but learned to adjust and became a fierce frog hunter.
Whenever possible, I worked outside because it felt sacrilegious to be indoors.
Sometimes, I felt like I was walking along at the top of the world. This sensation was nurtured by the incredible prayer flags of leaves.
On the very last day, I had all my bits packed up. The day was beyond glory— We stayed outside the entire day. There was a fire pit and a full moon on the rise, so I lit a small bonfire in the middle of the day and proceeded to release and burn all the personal and paper scraps from a month of writing and diving deep.
And then? After a quick overnight in Providence to drop items I would not be needing for the second month of sequestering– we headed down to Terra to Mind— the sanctuary my friend Terri is creating. For those of you who have been lucky enough to experience Terri’s New Hampshire studio extravaganza during Squam workshops— you will be happy to know, a couple years ago, she moved the show to her childhood home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
I know I have been accused of living a charmed life– and it’s entirely true– but you must believe me when I tell you I am the one most amazed each moment of each day none the more dazzling when I woke up in my room at Terri’s and looked out the window to see a cinderella pumpkin. My photos cannot convey the SIZE, majesty, beauty and magic of this gourd. What I can tell you, is that it was like another sign from the universe that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, focusing my life energies with purpose and meaning.
Which, I don’t have to tell you, during these days of extraordinary transformation that we are all living through which are painful, hard, searing, devastating– I had to deal with the constant voice on my shoulder that said, “writing this book is not important– this is not what the world needs– you should be showing up in a different way.” The pumpkin grounded me in truth.
Maybe I am completely mistaken, but I root into what is around me and listen closely and follow the prompts I receive.
Remy was quite thrilled by our new digs. Not only because a brand-new toy was waiting for him on his bed when we arrived, but because the back yard is fully fenced so he could roam and watch “deer tv” 24/7.
And, of course, because he was reunited with his beloved animal whisperer, Terri. And her lovebug, Chancho. (Terri and Chancho pictured above) But the day came when all the days allotted for my immersion into nothing but writing came to an end and we headed home to Providence.
The first order of business here — after shoveling SNOW off the back deck (the hell?) — was to make a new gratitude journal. As life would have it, I had started this last one on November 1, 2019 and so it ended on October 31, 2020. Crazy timing, right?
Seriously, I couldn’t have planned that if I tried. I searched around my studio for another Amy Gretchen gratitude journal which is what I have used for the past 10+ years– but had used up the last one I had *sad face*– so, I made my own.
Below: before, in process, front, back.
Also, sharing a shot of the cover of my daily journal that I made while I was in Vermont– simple, but it is one of my most favorite ever; it captures a spirit that resonates directly with my core self.
In the past six days, we have puttered about settling in, carrying forward the new habits we formed while we were away, plus rediscovering old ways of being that make being here, returning home.
Many things came out of my time away. Ahead for me, will be a shift off of social media and a return to sharing here on this blog for personal and in a bi-weekly newsletter for Squam. Yes, there are plans underway to have some offerings in 2021— in the event it is possible and safe for us to gather.
More about all of that in future posts. For now, know that you are loved, that chaos and destruction precedes great change — just like lightning before thunder– but always, the clearing, the healing, after the storm. We are living through a growth surge in human consciousness. It is painful, ugly, at times terrifying— but like everything in nature, it is also magnificent, beautiful and filled with grace.
My focus has been and continues to be active engagement with and nurturance of community. Yes, we must always begin within– ground deeply into our heart– but from that place, we join together so that we can listen and learn more deeply what it means to be human. This circle of connection is part of the greater spiral into the unknown and, although the unknown can spark fear, we have the power to intend a letting go into the intoxication of mystery– whatever it is, I am all in.
bisous, Elizabeth
I will follow you always and in all ways. It sounds like the time was grace filled and magical. I love the Inner Compass draw. I may have to track down that deck. As always, sending you peace and love. ~M
Michelle! you are SO with me— I had so many photos to share, I didn’t share the one of the back of my car after a month in VT that was THREE inches thick with dust/mud/dirt– and if I had, you would have seen the Portland love sticker you sent me — you are with me EVERY day and travel everywhere with me XO
It’s nice to “hear” your voice again. What a wonderful few months of adventure you and Remy had together!
Kirsten!! I MISS you— one of the tough parts of being off line (thought I mostly loved it, truth be told) was not knowing what was going on with you and your darlings— I am sending you SO much love and look forward to scrolling through and catching up on all I have missed. XO
I love love love reading your imagination.
Keep on,keeping on Elizabeth ❤️
I sent Susan McGarry….Sisters … she has enjoyed it immensely
oh my gosh JOSIE!!! that is SO kind of you— love that you loved it and shared it– stay safe, stay healthy, keep your heart open XO
Gorgeous. All of it. I love reading your words! Can’t wait for a new book?!!
me, too!!!! but it is SO fun writing it so am savoring this stage– though I am also eager to share it, too XO
Thinking of you and sending love today and every day.
LOVE LOVE LOVE to you TRISH !!!!
So good to hear from you, what a nice surprise and the timing is perfect. Beautiful pictures. Glad to hear you will be staying in touch.
Hi Carla!!! yes– I do hope to do better and focus my shares here where I feel I can express myself best. XO
Your photo journal is beyond beautiful and inspiring….I had such an incredible visceral reaction when looking at them….deep breaths and peacefulness in my body. I spent many weeks in a place like that….Grand Marais, MN, on the north shore of Lake Superior….GM has always been a refuge for me and your pictures remind me of the many times I spent there in a cabin in the woods, both in the depths of winter, and in the breezy summers. I remember the solitude, the no internet or phone service and how quickly I could shed those habits and ground into a basic routine and a comfort being in nature. My goal was always the wanting of bringing those feelings and the easy routine when I return to the city and to my daily life. I hope next year things won’t be so crazy and socially isolating because I can’t wait to attend one of your Squam events now that I am retired! I look forward to reading your blog again. It’s good to hear your voice and positive words….especially in days and chaos we find ourselves living in.
Love, love, love the share of your time away 🙂
Inspired ❤️
Looking forward to the new book, too!
xoxo
Yippeeeee! me, too—- I hope to make continued good progress on it in the months ahead. XO
Hello my sweet friend!! oh, I am so glad these images resonate with you and bring you the healing energy they brought to me. XOXOXO
Lovely to rendezvous with you again
I lie here on my comfy couch reading your deep thoughts about this special time for self and I am smiling with gratefulness that I chose to attend one Squam session so long ago that led me to begin my own journey to liking myself and navigating my life w more acceptance and joy. How does one become so vivid at sharing such quiet yet profound wisdom to other women and yes to men? I don’t know but for you it seems so natural. Do we all have that ability? I’ve missed your FB photos and stories yet I honor stepping away from the venue. I will miss your words but will walk over to this blog that I continue to learn. I can tell you that I am more happier in my life than I have ever been and those things I longed for are simply flowing my way now at the right times. I have this dream to go to the Isle Of Iona for awhile now. A remote, sacred, quiet, simple yet spiritual island of renewal and wonder. Maybe!! Welcome home to little Rhoda!
oh Judy— this fills my heart and I TOTALLY hold the vision of you being on Isle of Iona !!! you WILL get there and it will set your soul FREE XOXOX
So happy that your time away brought you the nourishment you were seeking, Elizabeth. The photos of your time away are absolutely dreamy! Enjoy your settling back time in Provy with Remy! Take good care.❤️🍁🙏
i am beyond thrilled you’re coming back to your blog. i only started checking out facebook and instagram when most of my old faves gave up on long form blogging. it made me so sad.
Hello my longtime friend! oh my gosh– yes, right? I do feel if I can channel my focus here, it will feel so much better on all counts– SO glad you are still checking in and hoping you and your sweet bird are staying healthy and grounded. XO
Helloooooo :-). Always a joy to hear from you. Love that you were able to disconnect in order to reconnect with what matters. The peacefulness that results from such a sabbatical is indescribable (but the pictures sure come close). May these days of reentry be slow and easy. Sending you all the good thoughts. <3
Good morning Rita !!! oh yes, exactly this. And I love that we are reconnected though you are ALWAYS with me. XO
Hi Elizabeth! Your description and photos of your special retreat are inspiring! Thanks for sharing! I agree that these are strange and scary times, and it is tough to focus on our regular pursuits when it seems the world is falling apart around us. Your photos show us that there is so much goodness in Nature around us just patiently waiting for us to stop and notice. I’m looking forward to reading the novel you are working on, since I’ve seen the beauty which inspired you these past months.
Hi Karen!! oh my gosh– so happy to hear from you and thank you for such warm words. I do hope to have a rough draft done by March *fingers crossed* XOXOOX
What a lovely peaceful time you are showing us. Full of time for creativity and just being. I will miss your occasional presence on social media but I intend to follow you here. Sending love (and bisoux) from Canada to you and Remy.
Bonjour mon amie !!! OUI! this will be an easier place for me to express my thoughts which don’t often fit the short tight spaces of IG and Facebook— plus, morally, I am done with fb. I will continue to seek out your photos, however!!! BIG love to you– XO
What an upwelling of joy, when I realised you had written here again. I love reading you. You are a beautiful voice, as I wander this world. So good to catch up. Much love, and gratitude, Di
Buongiorno Di !!!! oh my gosh! what a delight to see you here! It will be so good to be reconnected. I do hope all is well in your world. I am sending you so much love. XO
Hello BluePoppy. 🙂 I remember the first time I read your blog and was so entranced by your adventures at Soliden. I attended the first Squam Workshop in 2008 and was so thrilled to meet you in person. I also happened to meet two dear friends that I am still in touch with today. Somehow we all got thrown together in our lodging arrangements and immediately clicked, and I feel that is fate. Thank you for enriching my life not only from your early blogging, but in an introduction to new and dear friends.
oh Heather!!!! I know you!!! I LOVE that you following what calls to your heart has led you to connect with others who see you and vibrate to your same energies— I am so honored to see you here and am sending you BIG love !!!
Welcome back Elizabeth! Gosh so good to “hear” your voice again. I got goosebumps looking at these magical pictures. The setting you had is like no other. I’m so glad you have these opportunities to create magic for all of us. The pumpkin that grounded you reminded me of the Magic of the Myth I did with you. The magic of nature, it’s beauty, the quiet to think, create and have your sweet Remy by your side. The journey of the myth and the letting go to see where your story takes you. AHHHH! I can’t wait to see what blossomed onto your pages these past months. Next month my book group will be reading “Stories for my Sister” and I can’t wait to share your beautiful writing with these women who I have been reading with for 23 years.
Hello my friend!!! oh my gosh– I am so thrilled your group is reading the book– PLEASE let me know if I can help, participate do anything to help. I hope we can get together in person some time SOON. XO