At Salli's art retreat, I found myself surrounded by a whirlwind of colors. Everywhere I looked, vibrant art was being created, delicious meals that delighted the senses, and the gradual transition from summer of 2023 to the cozy embrace of autumn in Vermont. I tried my nervous hand at hand-lettering, even enlisting the help of scissors! The result is life-changing joy in this area of my work. We dabbled in creating portraits using elements from nature. The leaves gracefully fell around us, setting the scene for captivating campfire stories.

In those moments of shared silence and tranquil togetherness, a sense of connection beckoned us. We experienced a taste of every season during that retreat, and sharing and caring were the name of the game. Art supplies were shared freely, and learning new things was supportive and constructive. Gracie, a neighbor's sweet dog, invited herself to dinner…

Mornings began with the comforting warmth of coffee and freshly baked apple cider donuts, sparking conversations that made me yearn for time to slow down. Amidst it all, we formed new connections, sealed with knowing glances of assurance from newfound friends.”