Asilomar

I can still recall this little memory that I have been holding on to for the past eight years, I was getting out of my car to go into a store late one afternoon, it had started to rain pretty hard, at the same time there was this young guy getting out of his car beside me.   We both looked at each other and then the rain and then he said race ya? I didn't even hesitate to think about it, I just took off for the door, as quickly as I could, in the rain.  We both made it to the door about the same time, laughing and speckled with drops of rain, where we parted without another exchange.  It's moments like this in life, even this small that make it what it is, wonderfully amazing!  There is nothing that can compare to that feeling of letting go and just doing what makes your heart laugh. These past few weeks have been full of laughter from the heart, first with Artfest and then with Asilomar. How lucky I feel to have so many new memories to hold on to for as long as I can remember.  And yet, it feels SO very good to be home again! I love this life of mine and I love where it has taken me and where it always brings me back. 

As I said in my last post, it is hard for me to come home and translate these memories into words. Sometimes it's just easier to keep them tucked away for myself later or share them with photos.  It's still so unreal to me that just one week ago I was there, barefoot on the Pacific coast, standing on the beach, starring in awe at the vast salted water before me, pinching myself!  There is something so wild and free about the pacific coast that just calms me, I know that doesn't make sense, but oh how it does!  Sunday was the very beginning of the retreat and it felt different than any other workshop I have taught at, the level of excitement was high, but there was a relaxed feel surrounding the whole event.  It was the very first time teaching that I didn't feel nervous and it was also my first time having the same class for three whole days, which meant I would actually have time to get to talk with my students, how nice! The very first day of class was wonderful and followed by two more days of teaching that were just as wonderful, with such loving and talented students. And guess what...I didn't even feel shy.  It was always a shock when 4:30 arrived so quickly and nobody, including myself was ready to leave for the day. I feel like I opened up as a teacher so much this week and feel like I am really starting to know my stuff, how great this feels!  That's not to say I am sure there won't be moments of taking a few steps back, but right now I am dancing forward!  Next stop...gulp...Australia, I still cannot believe it and won't until I am there in just a few weeks...

and so I share the rest of my time not in words, but with a few photos I took over the week in California.  ....the top photo, of the sea gull,  I LOVE it so much, look at that face, that kind hearted face, well, sort of...until the mouth opened and yelled at me, over and over ...hey  you! give me more of your bread, NOW, before I have to bring in my gang.   ....and the last photo?  ....what I come home to, joy!!!

thank you for listening to me, for accepting me, for being real with me, and for being there for me!  You all know who you are and you have changed my life for the better, what can I say, but thank you! xo

 

Comments

[Stephanie Lee]

These photos are SO lovely, Misty! What a perfect representation of the week! Here I am - living less than two hours from the beautiful ocean you mention in this post, and I haven't been in months! (Not counting in Feb when our whole family went and I was sicker than a dog holed up in the cabin. Blech.) Shame on me!!
I'm having a good laugh looking at all these - that gull's innocent face?...a ploy, I tell you, ornery little buggers! And John...what a hoot he is...and look at the beautiful LK - directing the symphony of the ocean...a crash here, another there. Perfect.

I have to say, IF I were to pick a favorite, (much like picking a favorite child) I'd have to say that montage of the hands is SOOOOOO wonderful! I love love love it!!

I wish I were going to see you again soon! In the meantime, I'll wait with anticipation to hear of your travels to the land down undah. :)

Thank you for sharing yourself with me a bit in California. I'll treasure it. :)

[Graciel]

Okay, as of right now, you're my new Super Hero. Go. Be brave. Conquer the world with your beauty. :)

[Lisa]

Lovely photos and I am sure three days in your class was an amazing experience for your students. Can't wait to see your photos from Australia!

[Judy Wise]

Oh, Misty, your photos are beautiful but none more beautiful than the last one with you and your children. You are so blessed and so gifted. Brava to your big spirit and your generosity to others. I among many do love you.

[Lee Anne Wallace]

My dearest Misty! Your kind and generous spirit is something that I will carry with me for a very long time. I am oh so happy that I got to spend three days with you. What a treat you are. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful skills with all of us. I know how hard it is to be away from your babies when they are so young (it doesn't get much easier as they get older, I'll tell you). You are brave in ways that I can only imagine. I am so looking forward to another class with you someday.

With much gratitude - you are a love!

[kelly snelling]

your post makes me feel so happy for you. you've often said how you feel shy when teaching so i would imagine that this time around was a beautiful feeling. asilomar is such a special place. i wish they would make that retreat longer. and safe travels to australia! so exciting!

[liz elayne]

i can feel your wide smile through this post...it is really beautiful that you are standing tall within your gifts as a teacher and are beginning to feel that way you describe in this post. that. is. fantastic.

sending you peace and laughter this evening dear girl...

[sepia art studio]

in summer time i walk by the sea and feed the sea gulls with bread. it is a beautiful sight to see a seagull flock to fly so close.

the photo from you and children is so joyful!

[nancy]

So happy that you posted some of the retreat. I haven't talked to that guy with his face covered yet. Anxious to hear of the experiences.

I look forward to hearing about your time in Australia. I haven't heard of anyone who doesn't like it there. Take special care of yourself, be safe.

The picture of you and the darling kids on the hammock is precious. Three very happy, loving faces.
Hope to see you soon.

[shari]

beautiful! i love the last photo so much. i agree about the pacific feeling wild and free. i think it is because i grew up near the atlantic. the pacific seems much more dramatic and mysterious. so glad you had a wonderful time at the retreats. hugs.

[helenina]

Good to see you back!
I enjoyed your pics at flickr:-)
all so beautiful,the lovely details!
alive and soulful just as you are:-)
you look so happy and blessed in that pic with your precious ones, ah children:-)
Many sweet blessings to you, can't wait to see more art!
Take care of you***

[Carmen]

What a breath of fresh air you are!

[Shari Beaubien]

Welcome home, Misty! I loved seeing your beach photos and those from your class. What's even better was reading your tale of coming into your own as a teacher. Good for you! (Although I never thought you weren't already there, myself.) Hugs, Shari

[katie]

so heartwarming to read your words and see the gorgeous photos of Asilomar, together perfectly expressing the bubbling joy and enthusiasm for teaching and life that is you.

and i love the race-to-the-door-in-the-rain story, yea, i know that look :-)

and then that precious photo of you and the kids, mmmmmm....group hug. much love dearest. xox

[nina]

nice hands....x

[sperlygirl]

love the collage of hands -- what an expression of letting go!! it's wonderful. i can only imagine the magic that takes place in your class.
all the best to you. ciao bella!

[Roberta]

Misty, words are inadequate...your class was just what I needed to help me get over some of my fears and doubts! You are a kind soul, full of love, life, beauty...that all shines through in your art work, and in your workshops! Three days was NOT enough, but I am overflowing with gratitude for what you shared with us. Grazie mille!

[kateri]

I am so envious of those who get to be your student! I would love that some day. And not envious in a bad way, but you know that.

My favourite photo is the very last...you are right, it is pure joy. Something about it is quite ethereal, too. You are such a beautiful family.

Miss you...thought of you more than once along the New Hampshire roads. You would dig it there.

xo

[linni]

i can hear the happiness and content in your words..i'm imagining you standing on the beach...arms stretched out wide, face up to the sun...breathing life! xx

[Bronwyn]

I love your "race ya" memory! It's connections like these, moments like these, which make life special, & I treasure them.