gladsome was filled

How can words fully express the feelings that accompany a dream come true?  I am not sure they can.  But I will try to write them, and show a few pictures too.

For almost two years I'd been dreaming of planning a women's retreat.  It began with a sprinkling of ideas jotted in a notebook.  Then more ideas came at other times, other days.

A long while these remained a collection of unconnected ideas.  Thoughts for another time.  A maybe.  Until I gained the courage to say my dream aloud to a couple creative friends.  My saying it aloud garnered their enthusiasm.  Then their support and help.

Our friendship and their incredible insight fueled more serious planning.  Then ultimately I took a leap.  A huge leap.

And those jotted ideas became gladsome a retreat to nourish your creative spirit.

Eleven amazing women joined in this leap of mine.  In a way, we took this leap together, I simply brought along the necessary art supplies.  They, however, supplied the compassion and energy that made the nourishing possible.

And gladsome was filled with nourishment, in so many ways.

gladsome was filled with creating.  Women experiencing making in ways they may not have before.

gladsome was filled with reflection.  Journaling in handmade books with prompts to move into a space of deeper understanding of our creative self.

gladsome was filled with stretching oneself.  And relaxing oneself.

gladsome was filled with music and movement and laughter.  Oh the laughter.

gladsome was filled with beauty and heart and sharing and affirmation.  A coming together in the way that only women can.

gladsome was filled with nature's perfect timing of a sunset.

gladsome was filled with quiet and peace. Night and day.

And gladsome was filled, and filled me, with a pure contentment.  Contentment beyond words or pictures.