the kindling catches and blazes

It’s going to take a while to think through all I experienced this weekend, but I wanted to post a couple of photos and say a few things while I am waiting for my ride to the airport.

(For those co-retreaters who asked me to post the final quote from my presentation this morning, I promise I’ll do that tomorrow.)

Saturday started with author, illustrator, and editor strands/presentations, then a day filled with informal discussions about our craft and the creative life. We enjoyed a couple of hours of wonderful readings after dinner, then we bundled up and headed out in the snow

Image and video hosting by TinyPic to the bonfire.

I think everyone should have a bonfire with their friends once a month. At least. We roasted marshmallows, sang a lot of songs, and threw our wishes into the fire, then retired inside for more lively conversation until the wee hours of the morning.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic In the red scarf, that’s Linda Sue Park, then Tanya Lee Stone, and in the jaunty hat, Vera B. Williams.

Somehow we all staggered into breakfast, and from there to the last round of presentations. Like I said, more about all of this tomorrow. But I am so incredibly grateful for a weekend spent in a magical creative community. Thank you, everyone. Life is good.