of tribal councils and lovebombs

Kelly Rae Roberts & Jen Lemen, in Oregon.  Photographed with Nikon D300 with (I think) 24-85mm lens.

Almost exactly a year ago, I was invited to spend a long weekend at a beachhouse in a tiny coastal town of Oregon, along with 12 other women -- all of whom are artists, most of whom didn't know each other.  The idea was the brainchild of Kelly Rae and Jen Lemen, who thought that it might be good to get together a group of women who had a passion for their art (writing, painting, mixed media, photography, whatever), to see what magic might arise.

This past weekend, a year later, we met again: the same group, including one more.  This time, the atmosphere was totally different -- while last year, we were nervous and anxious for a variety of reasons, this year, we met each other with full trust, thanks, in part, to the professional and personal support we'd virtually given each other over the past 52 weeks.  Our collective mood this year was far lighter, and far more celebratory.  We shared photography tips and made collaborative, messy art.  But mostly, we continued to listen to each other, seek and share advice, and encourage each other to continue to follow our bliss.  The result was, unsurprisingly, a completely restful and restorative time, even in spite of the long flights or drives some of us needed to take in order to make the weekend happen.

Over the next few days, with your indulgence, I'd like to share some of my favourite shots of the people and locations from the weekend.  It was a joy to be there, mostly because these are good, good people, and they help me realize what a good, good life I'm in the midst of creating.

I've returned home with renewed happiness and excitement.  This coming year is going to be great.

Song: Shantytown Carnival by Jehro