It seems like an age since the last Moms Away (May 2014). Now that we are just two weeks away, the time seems to be mysteriously speeding up. I have so much to do that it's a bit overwhelming. Many other moms keep offering to help; I want to take you up on your offers, but as I am woefully behind in my planning, I don't even know what to delegate! Ah well, I have the long weekend camping to figure out my lists. (I do love my lists!)
I am slightly amazed every year at how well the different women blend together. We have different combinations of friends, acquaintances, and strangers each year. But, by the end, new connections will have been made, tears and laughs will have been shared, and tiny snapshots of memories will have been tucked away amongst us as a collective and as individuals.
It is next to impossible to predict exactly how each year's event will transpire. I used to worry that people wouldn't be happy, that they wouldn't get along, or that there wouldn't be enough to do. With four years' experience under my belt (or rather, under my stretchy pants), I am more relaxed about the "what" or the "how" and I can focus more on the "who." And, slowly, I focus a bit more on myself at each year's retreat as well.
Some years, I am at a great spot in my life as a mother, and I am able to support others who may be in crisis, on the edge of a meltdown, or just recovering from something no-one could have predicted. Other years, I am the one making sure the tissue box is close at hand; I seek out advice, support, or a glass of wine from another wise woman.
Community is a rich, powerful thing. As we start packing (maybe the night before) and as I finally start my endless lists, I celebrate most of all that we 18 women will soon be shedding our "mom" super-capes to come together in community. We will arrive tired, excited, nervous, or content; we will share what needs to be shared and guard what needs to be guarded for one another; we will hurt for another's pain, dance with abandon if the mood takes us, or walk in the beauty of the mountains; some will nap; others will lie awake. It's all good.
See you in two weeks. Travel safely.
Teresa
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Happy New Year!
Moms Away 2015 is sold out; however, if you are willing to bring a mattress & sleeping bag, I can a way to fit you in. I would hate for anyone to be turned away who needs this weekend of rejuvenation and replenishment.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Words from a mama
I just received a cheque for Moms Away 2015 from a returning mom. She first attended this past spring (May 2014) and has already booked her spot (have you?).
Along with her registration was this note that warmed my heart so much that I wanted to share it with you: Here is a small quote: Honestly, I have never felt so open to share and be understood. Those few days filled my tank for a long time.
There are still rooms available - come and fill up your own tank.
Along with her registration was this note that warmed my heart so much that I wanted to share it with you: Here is a small quote: Honestly, I have never felt so open to share and be understood. Those few days filled my tank for a long time.
There are still rooms available - come and fill up your own tank.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Looking back and forward
Just a few years ago, I was hoping - dreaming, really - that I could go to an adoptive moms' retreat being held in Florida. There was one space left, which tempted me with its sense of fate. However, with a dose of reality, I realized that it would be a huge amount of time and money for me to travel that far just to get some support. I had already been blessed with the support of a number of regular attendees at our monthly coffee group, where we adoptive and pre-adoptive parents compared notes, supported one another, and grieved or celebrated depending on the circumstance.
Looking around at these people who had become so vital, so deeply necessary to me, I realized that I didn't need to travel across the country. I just needed to continue to build the community already in evidence.
So, with some trepidation, I built our first Moms Away. It was more than I could have ever hoped for. It was a weekend, beyond even any other since, that healed the broken pieces of my heart. It was that weekend together that I realized the strength in community and in sharing one's journey with another whose own journey has a similar trajectory.
I had been similarly gifted with other women in my life at just the moments I seem to need them, whether or not I knew that I did. Women who arrived with their wisdom or joy or shared sorrow; women who felt on a cellular level the same things I did. This isn't to say that there weren't men in my life who were important; it is just to say that these women - these soul sisters, really - were themselves a gift in my life.
Since that first Moms Away, I have organized and run three other weekends. Each has been important to me. Part of this is that occasionally I get to glimpse another woman get just exactly the support she needs. Those moments when I see small groups or pairs talking quietly together or a larger group laughing uproariously on the deck - those moments are like starbursts. These are moments that are little flashes of light that keep a bit of the dark at bay.
And, if I'm really lucky, I get to carry those feelings from one year to the next. I always question whether or not I really want to do all the work to organize and run yet another weekend. And, just as certain as the fact that I question it, is the fact that someone will remind me that somewhere there is a mom who needs us as much as I did that first year. And, so, on we go.
If you are reading this, if someone sent you this post or you found it late one night while looking for some support, perhaps you are that person who needs Moms Away 2015. To find out about registration, click on this post or contact Teresa at tmkisil at gmail dot com.
Until then, remember this...
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” - Mary Anne Radmacher
Looking around at these people who had become so vital, so deeply necessary to me, I realized that I didn't need to travel across the country. I just needed to continue to build the community already in evidence.
So, with some trepidation, I built our first Moms Away. It was more than I could have ever hoped for. It was a weekend, beyond even any other since, that healed the broken pieces of my heart. It was that weekend together that I realized the strength in community and in sharing one's journey with another whose own journey has a similar trajectory.
I had been similarly gifted with other women in my life at just the moments I seem to need them, whether or not I knew that I did. Women who arrived with their wisdom or joy or shared sorrow; women who felt on a cellular level the same things I did. This isn't to say that there weren't men in my life who were important; it is just to say that these women - these soul sisters, really - were themselves a gift in my life.
Since that first Moms Away, I have organized and run three other weekends. Each has been important to me. Part of this is that occasionally I get to glimpse another woman get just exactly the support she needs. Those moments when I see small groups or pairs talking quietly together or a larger group laughing uproariously on the deck - those moments are like starbursts. These are moments that are little flashes of light that keep a bit of the dark at bay.
And, if I'm really lucky, I get to carry those feelings from one year to the next. I always question whether or not I really want to do all the work to organize and run yet another weekend. And, just as certain as the fact that I question it, is the fact that someone will remind me that somewhere there is a mom who needs us as much as I did that first year. And, so, on we go.
If you are reading this, if someone sent you this post or you found it late one night while looking for some support, perhaps you are that person who needs Moms Away 2015. To find out about registration, click on this post or contact Teresa at tmkisil at gmail dot com.
Until then, remember this...
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” - Mary Anne Radmacher
Moms Away 2015 Registration Details
If you are interested in registering for Moms Away 2015, you need to know some details.
WHEN: Friday, May 29 - Sunday, May 31, 2015
WHERE: Silver Star Ski Resort (private house rented for the weekend)
HOW MUCH:
WHEN: Friday, May 29 - Sunday, May 31, 2015
WHERE: Silver Star Ski Resort (private house rented for the weekend)
HOW MUCH:
- Food: $50/person (see info below)
- Insurance: $20/person
- Board: from $120 for bunk beds to $300 for master bedrooms with ensuites
WHAT'S INCLUDED :
- Friday - dinner & snacks
- Saturday - breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
- Sunday - brunch & snacks
* I am able to accommodate all dietary restrictions and requirements WITH prior notice.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT AVAILABLE ROOMS (all prices are for the weekend, not per night):
Queen Master bedroom with ensuite (upstairs) - $300Queen Master bedroom with ensuite (upstairs) - $300Queen bedroom with ensuite (upstairs) - $240 (tentatively reserved)Double bedroom with shared bathroom (upstairs) - $200Bunk bed (upstairs)Bottom single bunk - $130Top single bunk - $130- Bunk room #1 (downstairs)
Bottom single bunk - $120Top single bunk - $120Single bed - $120Fold-out bed - $120- Bunk room #2 (downstairs)
Bottom single bunk - $120Top single bunk - $120Bottom single bunk - $120Top single bunk - $120Queen bedroom with ensuite (downstairs) - $250
If you are interested in registering, you have two options. The first is to contact me directly and arrange for an email transfer or cheque. The second option will allow you to pay by credit card, but will cost you about $20 in service charges from the online registration site. (I will set that up for individuals on a case by case basis.)
TO HOLD YOUR SPOT:
- Contact me by email as soon as possible and put down a $50 non-refundable deposit. Fifty percent of the total amount is due by March 1, with the balance due by April 30.
EMAIL: tmkisil at gmail dot com
ADVANCE WORK PARTY - We are able to have a few people go up on Thursday night. Basically, the owner gives us a reduced rate with the understanding that we will have no more than five people there to work and get ready for the retreat. Contact me to see if there is still space for this "pay-to-volunteer" opportunity.
ADVANCE WORK PARTY - We are able to have a few people go up on Thursday night. Basically, the owner gives us a reduced rate with the understanding that we will have no more than five people there to work and get ready for the retreat. Contact me to see if there is still space for this "pay-to-volunteer" opportunity.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Almost here
There are broken pieces within all of us, yet each of us is also made up of moments of sublime perfection. I believe this to be true of my children, and I believe it to be true of the mothers who come together each year for Moms Away. The women who choose to carve out a weekend for themselves once a year come for their own reasons.
Some of these mothers come year after year to see old friends, to relax by the hot tub, or to walk in silence with nature. Others come once only; they may or may not get just what they need, but at the very least, they join a community. Sometimes it is enough just to know that one is not alone, that someone "out there" will get it.
There are moments that are too perfect in their simplicity to even be expressed. I hold these moments to myself like melting snowflakes, gentle in their landing on my heart even after their melting. I look back and think of the uproarious laughter our first year; the echo of that hilarity props me up on my saddest days. I recall with an aching heart the sorrow and isolation expressed by a mom another year.
When I least expect it - and when I need it most - I will recall one of these moments. And, with that flash of memory, I remember that I am not alone. You are not alone. Together, we prop one another up so that we can do the work we need to do for our children.
I can hardly wait to gather this year's moments and rest them on my heart. See you all in two short days.
Teresa
Some of these mothers come year after year to see old friends, to relax by the hot tub, or to walk in silence with nature. Others come once only; they may or may not get just what they need, but at the very least, they join a community. Sometimes it is enough just to know that one is not alone, that someone "out there" will get it.
There are moments that are too perfect in their simplicity to even be expressed. I hold these moments to myself like melting snowflakes, gentle in their landing on my heart even after their melting. I look back and think of the uproarious laughter our first year; the echo of that hilarity props me up on my saddest days. I recall with an aching heart the sorrow and isolation expressed by a mom another year.
When I least expect it - and when I need it most - I will recall one of these moments. And, with that flash of memory, I remember that I am not alone. You are not alone. Together, we prop one another up so that we can do the work we need to do for our children.
I can hardly wait to gather this year's moments and rest them on my heart. See you all in two short days.
Teresa
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Just two more months
Moms Away 2014 is just 65 days away. It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since our last retreat. Much has happened in my own life since we were last together, and I'm certain that is the case for many of the other moms as well.
Each year around this time, I start to think about what this year's MA will be like. This will be our fourth retreat, and every time, it is different for me. There are some years that I am the supporter; other years that I need the support. Some years I laugh more than I cry; the opposite is also true.
The women who find their way to this retreat often change as well. There are a few of us who have been every year; sometimes, once is enough.
Having said all that, there are some aspects of Moms Away that just don't change, regardless of the food served, the weather outside, the list of attendees, or the optional activities on tap. Each year, someone who needs a bit of support just to make through to the next month, finds it. And, each year, someone who was feeling all alone in her adoption journey will find out that there are others walking a similar path.
- And, every year, at some point, there will be tears, there will be laughter, and there will be comfort.
You are not alone. Join us and find your own reasons for being a mom away. You will return to your family with new ideas, new energy, perhaps a new commitment to this path.
Each year around this time, I start to think about what this year's MA will be like. This will be our fourth retreat, and every time, it is different for me. There are some years that I am the supporter; other years that I need the support. Some years I laugh more than I cry; the opposite is also true.
The women who find their way to this retreat often change as well. There are a few of us who have been every year; sometimes, once is enough.
Having said all that, there are some aspects of Moms Away that just don't change, regardless of the food served, the weather outside, the list of attendees, or the optional activities on tap. Each year, someone who needs a bit of support just to make through to the next month, finds it. And, each year, someone who was feeling all alone in her adoption journey will find out that there are others walking a similar path.
- And, every year, at some point, there will be tears, there will be laughter, and there will be comfort.
You are not alone. Join us and find your own reasons for being a mom away. You will return to your family with new ideas, new energy, perhaps a new commitment to this path.
Friday, November 1, 2013
MA14 Open for Registration
Registration is now open for next year's Moms Away. If you would like to join us, please contact me for the access code to register.
What amazes me is that we have different people each year; and each year, the "flavour" of the retreat is different. My hope is that someone who needs to find a group of supportive, encouraging, "been there" moms, will find their way to this retreat. Perhaps that is you - perhaps it is a friend of yours whom you have seen struggling and needing support.
https://www.regonline.ca/momsaway2014
What amazes me is that we have different people each year; and each year, the "flavour" of the retreat is different. My hope is that someone who needs to find a group of supportive, encouraging, "been there" moms, will find their way to this retreat. Perhaps that is you - perhaps it is a friend of yours whom you have seen struggling and needing support.
https://www.regonline.ca/momsaway2014
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
Moms Away 2014 in the making
It's been quite some time since I last posted. Since the 2013 Moms Away, I have gone back and forth about whether or not to offer this retreat again. I have finally decided to go for it once again. I think that there is strength in community and in knowing that there are others who may walk a similar road. I know that as I drive away from the annual weekend in the mountains, I feel lighter somehow. I have a few more tools in my toolbox, I have a sense that perhaps I have helped someone else, or I may have connected with someone new. At the very least, I will have walked in the crisp spring mountain air, laughed until my stomach ached, shed a tear or two - or more, prepared and eaten nourishing food, and just refreshed myself.
This year, there are a few changes in the works. The first is that I will be 'going it alone' this year after a very successful collaboration with AFABC. I have truly felt supported and encouraged by this amazing organization, and especially by Dianna (you know who you are.)
As well, there will be a few optional, organized Saturday afternoon activities based on feedback from previous participants. You will have the choice to participate, or not, as always.
I hope to be able to offer travel assistance or subsidies to those moms who would like to come but find this outside of their budgets. If you would like to help support one of these moms, you will have that option on the registration form.
And, finally, I will be offering credit card payments this year.
For now, please consider marking May 30 - June 1, 2014 as YOUR weekend to be a "Mom Away."
In peace,
Teresa
This year, there are a few changes in the works. The first is that I will be 'going it alone' this year after a very successful collaboration with AFABC. I have truly felt supported and encouraged by this amazing organization, and especially by Dianna (you know who you are.)
As well, there will be a few optional, organized Saturday afternoon activities based on feedback from previous participants. You will have the choice to participate, or not, as always.
I hope to be able to offer travel assistance or subsidies to those moms who would like to come but find this outside of their budgets. If you would like to help support one of these moms, you will have that option on the registration form.
And, finally, I will be offering credit card payments this year.
For now, please consider marking May 30 - June 1, 2014 as YOUR weekend to be a "Mom Away."
In peace,
Teresa
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Still available
In just 40 (count 'em - 40) days, we will come together for a much-deserved retreat. Looking at the ski hill from my window today, I see a whole bunch of fresh snow on the mountains. However, I'm going to think warm thoughts and hope it all melts before our weekend.
Two spots have opened up recently. If you or someone you know is an adoptive mom who could use a weekend 'away from it all," please consider joining us. Moms Away is a space where there is good food, great conversation, laughter, tears, as many naps as you want, and the occasional glass of wine or cup of coffee.
I know people's lives change, so although I miss mamas who can attend one year and not the next, I am of the belief that those who do attend are the ones who should. So, if you have a small tug saying, "That might be what I need," I encourage you to go with that instinct.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Time changes everything
It's a quiet Easter Sunday morning in our home. My parents are here, kids are recovering from their post-bunny hunt chocolate high, and I'm happy to carve out a few minutes to just write.
I was talking with a friend the other day about the differences (for me) between the first and second MA. I wonder what the third one will bring. Will this be the retreat that I sit back and relax? (probably not, as those of you who have been there already know - I love to putter in the kitchen during the MA weekend. It makes me happy.)
We will have some new people join us, which allows us the opportunity to expand and reshape our community. We have even less on the agenda than before, with massages being booked off-site for those who want them. There are absolutely no planned activities, other than the occasional meal (and even that is pretty flexible.)
Fifty-four days from now we will come together again. I wonder what changes there will be in our lives between now and then. It feels like change is in the air...
I was talking with a friend the other day about the differences (for me) between the first and second MA. I wonder what the third one will bring. Will this be the retreat that I sit back and relax? (probably not, as those of you who have been there already know - I love to putter in the kitchen during the MA weekend. It makes me happy.)
We will have some new people join us, which allows us the opportunity to expand and reshape our community. We have even less on the agenda than before, with massages being booked off-site for those who want them. There are absolutely no planned activities, other than the occasional meal (and even that is pretty flexible.)
Fifty-four days from now we will come together again. I wonder what changes there will be in our lives between now and then. It feels like change is in the air...
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
100 days
One hundred days...
When my children were in the first years of their schooling, they always celebrated "100 days." Every day from the beginning of September, the class would add another popsicle stick to the can; when they got ten sticks in a can, they would bundle them together. After ten bundles... voila! One hundred day party!
Well, I'm not counting popsicle sticks, but I am now on my own countdown. One hundred days from now, I will retreat into the mountains with a group of courageous, war-weary, optimistic, ever-lovin' mamas. Our third annual "Moms Away" is somewhere in the not-so-distant future.
Between now and then, we will continue to strive daily to help our children heal, to find the humour in stress, to support one another through emails, Facebook, phone calls, quick visits, and other valued points of contact. I know that there have been a few times this year when my own situation was such that I didn't want to even post details to a private group; at those times, I would put out a call for 'positive thoughts.' And, my heart would swell with unspeakable gratitude as the messages came pouring back - "Thinking of you." "Praying for you." "In my thoughts." "Hugs." and so many more. Whether or not you know it, those small messages were lifelines, helping me through the crisis of the moment.
So today, I start my own 100-day countdown. As I think of you each day, I wish for you healing and hope.
One hundred good thoughts until we meet again.
In peace,
Teresa
When my children were in the first years of their schooling, they always celebrated "100 days." Every day from the beginning of September, the class would add another popsicle stick to the can; when they got ten sticks in a can, they would bundle them together. After ten bundles... voila! One hundred day party!
Well, I'm not counting popsicle sticks, but I am now on my own countdown. One hundred days from now, I will retreat into the mountains with a group of courageous, war-weary, optimistic, ever-lovin' mamas. Our third annual "Moms Away" is somewhere in the not-so-distant future.
Between now and then, we will continue to strive daily to help our children heal, to find the humour in stress, to support one another through emails, Facebook, phone calls, quick visits, and other valued points of contact. I know that there have been a few times this year when my own situation was such that I didn't want to even post details to a private group; at those times, I would put out a call for 'positive thoughts.' And, my heart would swell with unspeakable gratitude as the messages came pouring back - "Thinking of you." "Praying for you." "In my thoughts." "Hugs." and so many more. Whether or not you know it, those small messages were lifelines, helping me through the crisis of the moment.
So today, I start my own 100-day countdown. As I think of you each day, I wish for you healing and hope.
One hundred good thoughts until we meet again.
In peace,
Teresa
Monday, December 10, 2012
Moms Away 2013
It's been quite a while since I last wrote. In that time, I've set up and filled up the next Moms Away even without advertising. A big part of me is regretful that we are already full as I know there are lots of other trauma mamas out there who have a real need to get together with other women walking a similar path.
Since MA12, the connections between many of the participants have deepened and thrived. There are times when many of us think about having a MA12 1/2, a fall weekend to get us through. ...maybe next year...
If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please do let me know.
Teresa
Since MA12, the connections between many of the participants have deepened and thrived. There are times when many of us think about having a MA12 1/2, a fall weekend to get us through. ...maybe next year...
If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please do let me know.
Teresa
Monday, June 4, 2012
Other points of view
Here are some other participants' blogs - thanks for the words and photos.
http://rowanfamilytree.com/2012/06/03/moms-away-retreat-photos-and-more-reflections/
http://simplydar.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/post-retreat-thoughts/
http://rowanfamilytree.com/2012/06/03/moms-away-retreat-photos-and-more-reflections/
http://simplydar.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/post-retreat-thoughts/
Monday, May 28, 2012
MA12 over and out
Monday morning and back to the regular routine. It hardly seems possible that for the last few days, I've been truly a "mom away." Life returns so quickly to normal.
Is it worth the time and trouble to organize an event like this? Hours spent planning, shopping, emailing, thinking, dreaming - and then the actual event. YES!!!
This weekend is not a cure-all. Getting away for two nights is not going to change anyone's life dramatically. But, it might be the subtle shift that starts a healing process. Getting to meet other women who have walked a similar road might provide a glimpse into a brighter future. Someone may hear one phrase that creates a spark of hope. Another person may find a friend that they can call to share the good, the bad, and definitely the ugly.
This year was different for me personally. I found myself on the edge of things more; listening with an aching heart to stories of pain, despair, and disillusionment. I also overheard riotous laughter, quiet sounds of empathy, and sometimes, just a silence that wrapped people like a warm hug. I was much more emotional than I expected to be. I often had tears threatening to spill over for a number of reasons. I ached for those who have felt alone; I wept for losses and gains, hopes and fears; my own strong emotions came to the surface as I listened in awe to women who work so hard for the children they love.
I love that this place we've all created together is a place of non-judgment. People napped without guilt, went for solitary or group walks, sat and read books, talked and talked some more, danced!, and maybe ate a little bit.
For me, the food was really important. I know I cooked too much, but I had motives behind my menus. First, I needed to make sure that every Mama had something she could eat. So, I needed a variety of choices. Second, I wanted to make sure that I had nurturing, fresh food as much as possible. That also helped out with reason three, which is I wanted to make sure I could have lots of fellowship in the kitchen. Chopping, cutting, stirring, etc., small groups of women had another chance to chat.
Sure, we could have probably thrown a bunch of pizzas in the oven and called it dinner, but I wanted to feed the souls as well as the bodies. The anticipation from the posted menus, the aroma of carrot cake wafting through the house, the pretty layers of the torta rustica, the extra touches for the morning coffee: these were all thought to bring small moments of pleasure and happiness. And, to be honest, feeding people well also totally feeds my own soul. I'm happy when I can make people feel good through the gifts I bring to the table.
As I drove away from the house, I found myself not quite ready to believe it was done for another year already. Like last year, I am not able to process it all right away. Little pieces pop up when I least expect them to. Small moments are working their way to my heart as I think about conversations I had with different women. I will always remember my conversation about gratitude with one mom; I chose to start living that way immediately and I've already felt the change in myself.
I loved seeing small groups of women chatting quietly on the deck, in the hottub, or in one of the living rooms. I cherished hearing peals of laughter from around the wine tasting table. My heart still has the echo of hurt from hearing some painful stories. And, I am so grateful to be able to measure the growth in my own family by what I said and felt last year to what I said and felt this year.
And - that's a wrap! MA13 in the planning stages already. :-)
Teresa
This weekend is not a cure-all. Getting away for two nights is not going to change anyone's life dramatically. But, it might be the subtle shift that starts a healing process. Getting to meet other women who have walked a similar road might provide a glimpse into a brighter future. Someone may hear one phrase that creates a spark of hope. Another person may find a friend that they can call to share the good, the bad, and definitely the ugly.
This year was different for me personally. I found myself on the edge of things more; listening with an aching heart to stories of pain, despair, and disillusionment. I also overheard riotous laughter, quiet sounds of empathy, and sometimes, just a silence that wrapped people like a warm hug. I was much more emotional than I expected to be. I often had tears threatening to spill over for a number of reasons. I ached for those who have felt alone; I wept for losses and gains, hopes and fears; my own strong emotions came to the surface as I listened in awe to women who work so hard for the children they love.
I love that this place we've all created together is a place of non-judgment. People napped without guilt, went for solitary or group walks, sat and read books, talked and talked some more, danced!, and maybe ate a little bit.
For me, the food was really important. I know I cooked too much, but I had motives behind my menus. First, I needed to make sure that every Mama had something she could eat. So, I needed a variety of choices. Second, I wanted to make sure that I had nurturing, fresh food as much as possible. That also helped out with reason three, which is I wanted to make sure I could have lots of fellowship in the kitchen. Chopping, cutting, stirring, etc., small groups of women had another chance to chat.
Sure, we could have probably thrown a bunch of pizzas in the oven and called it dinner, but I wanted to feed the souls as well as the bodies. The anticipation from the posted menus, the aroma of carrot cake wafting through the house, the pretty layers of the torta rustica, the extra touches for the morning coffee: these were all thought to bring small moments of pleasure and happiness. And, to be honest, feeding people well also totally feeds my own soul. I'm happy when I can make people feel good through the gifts I bring to the table.
As I drove away from the house, I found myself not quite ready to believe it was done for another year already. Like last year, I am not able to process it all right away. Little pieces pop up when I least expect them to. Small moments are working their way to my heart as I think about conversations I had with different women. I will always remember my conversation about gratitude with one mom; I chose to start living that way immediately and I've already felt the change in myself.
I loved seeing small groups of women chatting quietly on the deck, in the hottub, or in one of the living rooms. I cherished hearing peals of laughter from around the wine tasting table. My heart still has the echo of hurt from hearing some painful stories. And, I am so grateful to be able to measure the growth in my own family by what I said and felt last year to what I said and felt this year.
And - that's a wrap! MA13 in the planning stages already. :-)
Teresa
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Letter to the mamas
Driving to work this morning, I found myself unexpectedly emotional. I was thinking of all the things I need to do still to get ready for Moms Away this weekend (tomorrow!!), and then I started thinking of all the mamas who are also getting ready. Getting ready to kiss their beautiful kids farewell for just a couple of nights; giving them extra snuggles and reassurances that "mommy always comes back"; feeling conflicting emotions of excitement, fear, nervousness, anticipation, and hope.
I'm so grateful that 16 other women have chosen to come away with me to a beautiful house in the mountains for a couple days of relaxation, fun, and hopefully connection. You moms give your hearts and souls to your children everyday. You worry about how they will adjust in school; whether or not they will heal from those early days; how you will maintain relationships with birth family members because that matters to your child; how you will tell your child the tough stuff; sometimes how you will get through the next ten minutes.
My hope is that for a couple of days, you can let someone else worry about you and take care of you. That you can put your feet up if that is what you wish. That you can sleep in as long as you want and have a cup of coffee waiting for you whenever you decide to come out of your room. That you can connect with a friend or two. That you can lay the worries down for just a few hours, and that when you pick them up again, perhaps they are just a little bit lighter.
I am feeling so blessed to be surrounded by all you amazing women - and I don't even know you all yet.
Safe travels; I will see you tomorrow!
Hugs,
Teresa
I'm so grateful that 16 other women have chosen to come away with me to a beautiful house in the mountains for a couple days of relaxation, fun, and hopefully connection. You moms give your hearts and souls to your children everyday. You worry about how they will adjust in school; whether or not they will heal from those early days; how you will maintain relationships with birth family members because that matters to your child; how you will tell your child the tough stuff; sometimes how you will get through the next ten minutes.
My hope is that for a couple of days, you can let someone else worry about you and take care of you. That you can put your feet up if that is what you wish. That you can sleep in as long as you want and have a cup of coffee waiting for you whenever you decide to come out of your room. That you can connect with a friend or two. That you can lay the worries down for just a few hours, and that when you pick them up again, perhaps they are just a little bit lighter.
I am feeling so blessed to be surrounded by all you amazing women - and I don't even know you all yet.
Safe travels; I will see you tomorrow!
Hugs,
Teresa
Monday, May 14, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
House full of mamas!
With our two newest participants joining us today, Halycon House is now officially FULL!!! Wow - that's fantastic! If you could see me, you'd see me doing a happy dance - tough thing to do when you're typing at the same time.
At the moment, I am keeping a waiting list open for a few more weeks for Tranquility House. If we happen to have another last-minute rush, then I can still run the second house. (I have until May 15 or so to officially cancel it.)
At the moment, I am keeping a waiting list open for a few more weeks for Tranquility House. If we happen to have another last-minute rush, then I can still run the second house. (I have until May 15 or so to officially cancel it.)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
all about the house
It's been some time since I looked at photos of our house for the weekend. Tonight, I went on the site (http://www.ownerdirect.com/the-knoll/vacation-rentals/201022) and had some happy moments... The photos are little, but if you click on the website above, you can see view them in all their glory.
And - did I mention we're now just 28 days away? Not that I'm counting or anything.
And - did I mention we're now just 28 days away? Not that I'm counting or anything.
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