squam

i just spent the last few hours wandering online, looking, searching, craving, & hoping for more photos, words, faces, captured moments, remnants, anything from time spent at squam by my fellow squamies.  as i go through these motions i feel bliss from the inside out from my time spent with so many inspiring people.  i have fallen madly in love with squam all over again.  this was my first time back since the very first squam years ago.  it was so, so, so, so  good to be back.  

i learned a lot while in the woods of new hampshire,  about myself, about others, about life.  when driving away i truly felt like i had been transformed in some great way.  i am still trying to get a grasp on how or what it means... it will come, i just need to let it ferment a little longer, while my heart & head are both swirling with feelings of renewal. 

there are blog posts coming in from others out there... i hope you will check them out.

 i love what Bridget wrote under the beautiful group photo she posted:   "And here’s the most interesting part of this picture: I knew none of these ladies before Wednesday."  

That's pretty much how it works.  One minute you are arriving, finding yourself in the woods, far from the securities & comforts of your everyday life... you set your belongings down,  say hi, take a deep breath and think,  'where am i and why...?'  then something happens without effort, you settle in, you let go, and your heart opens wide. wider.   before you can even get a good grasp on anything that is happening you find yourself heading back down the same dirt trail that brought you into all of this.  but your arms, heart,and head are so full... filled love, new friendships, awesome art, great potential, beautiful collected memories, and so much that is left unspoken... where words just can't convey what you feel.

 here are my beautiful, - uber-talented housemates {Alix, Diana, & Susy} & me.  

me & my roomie, Susy, i just adore her to pieces!

 ...and then just like that, here you are, back home,  sitting in front of a screen, surrounded by all the treasured comforts you were torn to leave, wondering where you were, trying to remember every little detail, wanting so much to get back to that place, like a really amazing dream that keeps pulling you in.   how long can you keep it fresh...

i hope a really long time. 

there are many out there that gracefully tattooed a piece of my heart while at squam...  to all of you, i lift my glass and say thank you... you know who you are.  

{and to those that i spent the night with on the magical miss pixie's 40th birthday...  well, i will treasure that night forever}.  

i made you all a post squam mix here.

 and would you look at all the amazing work my students created. {i taught an icon class this year.}   holy wow!  please double click it to get a good look!  i love how each and every icon is different.  each is so beautiful!  thank you to all of my students for being there and sharing this time with me.  

 thank you elizabeth.  thank you so much!  

home again, but packing up for my next adventure.  where there will be new friends to meet, old friends to share new memories with, and more stories to gather and bring back home with me before i am ready. 

when i return i will tell you about my upcoming online course, prints for sale, and more.  the latest issue of Somerset Studio has an article I wrote about my last online class experience, paired with more beautiful artwork from some of the students.  i do hope you'll check it out!

until next time... 

take care & be well. 

Comments

[elizabeth]

I thought I couldn't love you more-- but funny how the heart works-- I love love love you so.

magical, magical MISTY.

xoxoxo, E

[Brittany]

it looks so amazing. i definitely plan on leaving the nest and attending one day. the icon paintings are all gorgeous and so are you and your daughter! :)

[Jenny Lee Wentworth]

Oh Misty, it looks so beautiful! I definitely want to go someday. Happy for you to have shared in the magic!
♥Jenny

[patti]

Misty,
oh how you have stirred a yearning in my soul to attend Squam next year! you have such a way with words...gorgeous writing! i am super excited about your next online class, can't wait to sign up, keep us posted on FB!

[beth]

i remember the first year at squam like it was yesterday...it was the first time i ever really ventured from home on my own to a new place, not really knowing anyone....

what an experience....and now with your words here that i can feel so deeply, i think i want to go back.....xoxoxo

[susan greene]

It was wonderful talking with you at Squam and I am excited for your next online class.

[miz katie]

I grew up near Squam in the White Mountains. Used to take class trips there in the Spring. :)

Ooh, did you say online class? I can't wait to hear the details.

[Paintedrabbit.blogspot.com]

Misty,
Beautiful writing... beautiful art... I'm so happy to have met you! Your class was such a wonderful experience, and how fun to see our little class photo up there! I only wish I could remember who painted what, as class was such a flurry of art making activity! You must send me our class photos :) I really hope I get to experience another Squam with you in the future. Oh and I can't wait to get your book <3

So much love,
~Brandi Marie

[Francesca Di Leo]

oh misty! my segue back to home is definitely bitter sweet. isn't it magical what happens when women come together; when you're chatting with people you love and admire; meeting new artists that become friends; when you connect with others, and most importantly connect with yourself. it was magical. it turly was. thank you for being a part of my creative journey. and thank you for being the impetus for me to finally make the plunge and attend squam. if only i weren't such an introvert, i would have found the words to tell you this when we were chatting. in real life. side by side. xoxx francesca

[teddi]

dear misty, every single photo, & all the words are completely divine!

[Jennifer White]

What a wonderful post..such beautiful words you shared...so happy you had an amazing experience. Love to you my friend.

[JenEve]

exactly how i've been feeling this week - home now but my mind is still at squam in class with you ;)
it was magical
xoxo
JE

[brittany]

well said. It's all true. I have had a hard time figuring out how to put it into words.

love to you.

Xo
B

[Jess Greene]

So glad you had a wonderful time. Wish I had been there to share it with you. Hopefully our paths will cross again soon. xo Jess

[rusted wings]

i can hardly wait until the class next week when i'll see you again in portland...(after a crazy, busy summer with hardly any time to do art)...i so look forward to all the inspiration and beauty that travels with you to such art spots...so much LoVe<3
xo abigail

[Carol Ann Simmonds]

Misty,
I love seeing the artwork and hearing about your time at Squam. It sounds like a wonderful experience, which I hope I can share in some day. However, I am taking your class in Portland and am super excited about that! See you soon.

[lorraine lewis]

It was a beautiful time spent at Squam. I fell in love with New Hampshire and all the beauty it possesed. And you dear Misty made the Squam experience incredible! I love painting with you- learning something new each time. I feel SO extremely blessed to have these opportunities to create with you and such lovely women. Thankyou with all my heart!

[Mary Beth]

Just beautiful. The pics, your words, the students, the teachers......well, all of it. And of course *you.*
xoxo

[Cindy S]

I hopped over here after reading Mary Beth Shaw's Squam post and just HAD to comment on the fabulous image of your students' icon work. Great work by all, and a special shout out to the artist of the little rat icon - that one totally got my muse spinning! Thanks for sharing, Misty!

[Emelie]

So much fun to see the work of the artists at Squam, I have looked a couple of times it is interesting to see how different each work is. Also the work in Somerset the newest Studio issue, (I think) All that is given by you in art and sharing enhances lives so much, a whole new demention opens, and we all need new when days get same.
I know that when I started painting faces nearly 3 yrs ago it was that way, and now when I wake up I always think do I have to start new or do I have something in progress that is feeling right.

have a great autumn, I always think it is a time of great inspiration . the children, they change so much so quickly. Also good running to you.

[Jo]

Hi, I bought your book and I'm keen to try the Stabilo Marks All pencil. Having trouble finding them - could you tell me where you get yours pleasee (hopefully online as I'm in Australia!) thanks, jo@fly.com.au

[constanza]

proof once more that we are all a gift to each other

you have certainly "unfurled" into a beautiful being

[Colette]

Did U SAY next online class! Oh yay. Please tell me when.

I might have to take time off work to enjoy it! :-)))

It is so good to hear you had a wonderful squammy time and I wish it could move to Sydney!

Love your icon class paintings.

[Carol]

This post was so much fun! It was so good to see pics of you back at Squam. I am guest posting the “5 In The Morning” weekly features for Seek Your Course Blog for 3 weeks and in this weeks post I linked to your blog - specifically the hand warmer post.
http://www.seekyourcourse.com/

Thought you might like to know!!

Cheers!
Carol Soules
http://doubleboba.com/

[Rebecca]

This is such a beautiful post Misty. I just bought your book and wanted to tell you how much I love it! Thank you!

[wanda miller]

oh how i miss your "often posts" misty. but am happy to see you living your intentioned life :)). i have been meaning to tell you that you DO NOT have to send me back my still life that didn't make it in the somerset issue. and that i am eternally grateful for the opportunity. xoxo

[heather]

sitting where i am and wondering why i choose it over squam. there must be a lesson in it all, but i won't know what it is yet. missing you and the wonder that i see you had. much love and light your way. xo

[Karen Tyrer]

Misty
I've really missed your posts since this one, I hope you and your family are well, and are coming back to us soon. You are so talented and inspirational.

Love

Karen

[kamagra]

These are precious moments! She will be a woman in the blink of an eye. Nice capture this moment!

[PaulineA]

ordered your book last week and cant wait to get it:)