Four friends grabbed their suitcases, boxes of produce and favorite snacks, and headed to the Oregon coast this weekend to escape the pressures of home and business. Quiet time for writing, painting, sewing, doing whatever presented itself while the rest of the world made do without us.
We did a lot of talking (as women do), tea drinking, and sharing recipes. The weather was our 5th companion for the weekend.
We got a little bit of everything, from rain to wind to blue skies to hail and snow.
The surf roared while the sand blowed and we tucked safely into our warm beds each evening.
If I could give every artist or anyone for that matter a weekend like this I'm sure the world would be better for it. Sharing what we know.
Telling our secrets and dreams and troubles.
Allowing ourselves to be open and trusting with our deepest desires.
It rarely snows on the Oregon coast but on the third morning we woke up to a white beach. It was a sparkly surprise.
This photo above was taken by Jen Goff and she gave me permission to share. Ahhhhh ...
And also she took the picture of the firmly rooted tree, so dreamy in the snowy field.
We all watched the horizon for the fabled green flare and instead we got this dramatic sunset that looked like fire at sea.
I am renewed spiritually but maybe coming down with a cold. Sweet earth, thank you for your staggering beauty. For the colors, the cold, the fragrances, the hard and the easy. But most of all for so many beautiful human beings to befriend and enjoy. Right besides each of us; there's one now. Love the one you're with. xo
Such beautiful scenes and such a lovely sounding weekend. Perfect! I especially loved the picture of the sunset that looked like a fire at sea.
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful, my favorite place on earth. I believe everyone should experience the Oregon coast at least once in their life. I hope to retire there someday! Where were you all staying?? Last year a group of us from highschool reunited in Seaside for the weekend, so much fun! We call ourselves the FOB's=five old broads!
ReplyDeleteWe stayed in Pacific City although I know Seaside well. I love to hear about other women who meet and retreat! xo
ReplyDeletewhat beautiful photographs. it sounds like a really uplifting weekend. you are blessed to have the opportunity to do something so great.
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful pictures and such a serene feeling :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect weekend - all of you are such beautiful artists (and people) I can't imagine the creative energy that must have been present!! The pictures are amazing - what luck to be there at such a perfect time!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a marvelous weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful photos, especially the dreamlike snowy field!
ReplyDeleteso beautifull, the beach with snow, i love it
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful photos. Great skies! We saw snow on Neahkahnie Mountain last year, but missed it on the actual beach.
ReplyDeleteVery cool - thanks for sharing!
I've never seen snow on a beach, These photos are spectacular.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing.
Also sounds like a sweet time had by all. What a fun weekend.
Beautiful photos for a beautiful event. I get together with three other lovely ladies every five to six weeks for a whole day of talking, making art and eating good food. It's wonderfully energizing. Our next one's this Saturday
ReplyDeletewonderful photos! thanks for sharing with us! I know there must have been lots of laughs and giggles too! you gave me my first smile of the early morn ! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteoh my!!! so much gorgeousness! sounds like the perfect weekend makes me crave time with all of you! love you all!!! <3
ReplyDeleteah sweet renewal, looks like geat fun, hope you are feeling rested...
ReplyDeleteLovely! Beautiful photos and beautiful sentiments.
ReplyDeleteSuch a nurturing weekend!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you all had a great time. You were all in my hearts - I hope you felt it. XO
ReplyDeleteaww does this sound and look amazingly wonderful!! one of my goals for 2011 is to find more like minded friends so that i can do such outings such as this.
ReplyDeletesending love and hugs to you!
smiles~ jill
craving all of that~~~it looks like such a beautiful place to be and surrounded with friends makes it that much more special! thanks for sharing .....filling us all up with inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this as it was just what I needed at this moment. Even not being there a girl can dream. Photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteStaggeringly beautiful on so many levels!!!! xo
ReplyDeleteI was blessed to spend the weekend in Lincoln City with college girlfriends and literally RAN TO THE BEACH Friday evening to capture the sunset. Had 5 Deer in the yard Saturday morning and then the snow Sunday. It was great to be with women I've known for 20+ years. Two weeks from now, I get to reconnect with high school girlfriends (one comes from Alabama!l for 5 days scrapbooking, arting and appreciating the beauty around us.
ReplyDeletewe just did a artdate/ new years beach retreat that Dayna captured beautifully here: http://www.alleyartstudio.blogspot.com/2012/01/retreating-in-woods.html
ReplyDeleteAnd darn if I didn't get that cold despite every homeopathic remedy known to mankind.
Be Well
Steph
Oh I am envious - what a beautiful time. Wow snow and sand. Can't wait for winter to end...
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful weekend Judy. the weather may have been matching the array of emotions that you all shared there. It makes me want to start doing that with a few of my closest creative friends...
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed your gorgeous photos of the scenery. Gorgeous surroundings, good friends and creativity - it just doesn't get better than that! Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteJudy, I can't even joke around this time. What has this post done to me? The images of you with your friends, in a circle of creating and sharing, just makes me want to be there. The Oregon coast is one of my favorite favorite places. No one can know how special until they are there, and now, you show me snow! Those photos! Jen's is amazing. Thanks for sharing it as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling well. I missed visiting here. It's always enriching.
Hi, Judy. I always enjoy stopping by to see what you're up to. Nice thing about Oregon beaches in January, there's not much temptation to go outside for more than a quick walk. You can focus on your work/play. But the scenery is spectacular! Great photos!
ReplyDeletebest,
nadia
Absolutely beautiful. So glad you were able to relax and reflect. That snow on the beach, how crazy? Looking forward to seeing you soon :) xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteJust getting around to catching up on blogs that I have not seen in far too long. There is NOTHING like a retreat with our women friends. And that is not disparaging any men people are lucky enough to have and to love. But artists together in a beautiful spot. The photographs are magnificent, and so was what you shared. Wonderful post, Judy.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like an amazing time...and to wake with that snow on the ground. A gift from Heaven.
ReplyDeleteWe plan to go to Oregon for summer vacation this year...now I can't wait!
Your photos are all so great!
Oh, Beautiful!!! I love Pacific City and Neskowin. We're lucky to live so close. I need a weekend like that.
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling better miss Judy!
Love to you,
Jenny