Workshops and Retreats

An asterisk indicates that the workshop/retreat is designed for a full day. All offerings listed below can be re-worked if desired to
include one or more elements of others.
 Some suggestions are mentioned in individual descriptions.

The Empty Page: When you face a blank sheet of paper or canvas, what happens? Are you thrilled, frightened, determined? In a safe place, work with one or more other(s) to cross that threshold into productivity.

* Loneliness is Next to Godliness: Acknowledge the heartache of being single and find the things to celebrate. Widowed, divorced, separated, single – or none of those but feeling too-distanced from important relationships – we have much to learn from and teach each other. Note: This is not a time of or for clinical therapy, and no trained therapists are involved in the design of the workshop or in the actual workshop session. Instead, expect to share with one another in an atmosphere that engenders affirmation, trust and compassion.

Journey From, Journey To: If your creativity has been silenced, find how to transform that silence into your authentic voice and discover opportunities to live into your full potential as a creative being. Originally designed as part of a Creative Quests retreat (see below), this can be a full-day workshop as well.

Creativity and Spirituality: God didn’t say, “She is who He is,” but I AM WHO I AM. Though we are not “in capital letters,” we are in God’s image and entitled to say “I” too. I am who I am and, therefore, I want, I need, I love, hate, see, hear, create. Are we also co-creators then? How does our answer to that question affect our lives and our work?

“My Book is an Open Life”: Are you in need of time and space to write? Call to set up directed and/or free-write sessions. No critiquing unless requested, these sessions are reserved for writing, and sharing if desired. Sometimes just a couple of hours can make a big difference in that story or poem!

* Stewardship – financial/biblical, environmental, building a stewardship calendar: I have over 20 years of experience in stewardship consulting and stewardship living in and for the church and the environment. I will work with you to design one or more group or individual sessions to explore stewardship understanding, formation and living. Though my foundation is biblical, my work and beliefs encompass family life, the business world, nature, creativity, and more.

* Creative Quests retreats: Find validation from your self and others, creative insights, and inspiration in a mutually-supportive environment that celebrates creativity and spontaneity. Play with clay and paint and fabric, write stone poems, explore your own journey through writing or singing: as you participate in the workshops, you will know the joys of collaborative work, of creative solitude, of companionship, of soul affirmations, of laughter, of healing.

Nature writing and treasure walks: Take time apart to immerse yourself in nature’s glories for writing and/or just for enjoyment and refreshment. Self-directed, other-directed or non-directed opportunities can be arranged.

Vocation discovery – Christian, creative: Based on an 8-session vocational discovery process developed by Phyllis Cooper Rayner, the primary focus is on “being the church” but this can be easily translated to creative vocation and lives.

Oscillation Process in Creativity: Find out about the Oscillation Process and why we create best when we flow in and out of times of solitude and activity. This session can be easily combined with many others listed here, or a day-long workshop can be designed.

“Nested” meditations: Perfect for combining with one or more of the above workshops, a whole day of writing poetic meditations using this process of “nesting” can be an effective Quiet Day or retreat for groups or individuals.

Haiku Moments: Ancient Chinese and Japanese poets found the world in 17 syllables. Learn about the history of haiku and related poetry, and look for and write your own moments of insight using visual prompts or after walking or observing nature. This is a good companion for the Nature Writing/Treasure Walks sessions and others.

Spirit Sticks: As part of a Treasure Walk or a separate time away, find a woodland stick that will become your totem or healing or meditation companion. Spend a quiet few hours letting your Spirit Stick speak to you, instructing you how s/he would like to be dressed for your mutual journey.

Introduction to Paper-Making: Recycle and re-use scrap paper – even paper teabag envelopes! This easy-to-do process can lead to beautiful artistic possibilities even at the introductory level.

Can’t find anything here that’s “just right”? Please feel free to be in touch to discuss other possibilities. If I don’t feel qualified to work with you, friends and colleagues are skilled in poetry therapy, quilting, techniques of painting, guided meditation and imagery, Celtic and mythic literature, women’s archetypes, and much, much more!

Nourish your muse and your soul with a working retreat in Vermont! Leave stress and noise behind -- Come to write your novel, short story or poems; come for editing; come for quiet, helpful companionship as you write; come to talk about writing or creating. The possibilities are endless and can be tailored to your needs.

Go to the Consulting tab for another possibility and to find out about Creative Quests.

LadyBirch Creations: Creating for
the Well-Being of Mind, Body,
Earth and Soul