reTreat Day for Women - Nov 8th

Last Sunday, we hosted reTreat Day (for women) at Sage Creek Ranch. I've been thinking for a while that people needed more time in quiet solitude (or at least I know I need to take that time - and take it deliberately. The truth is that living out here, I get lots of quiet time. But I don't deliberately let it rejuvenate me or replenish me or nourish my soul frequently enough).

Tim and I were on a spiritual retreat about a month ago. The site the retreat was held at was near Brennan, TX. At one point Tim said to me - "You know the place we actually live is even prettier and more special than what we're enjoying here."

That got me to thinking that I could share the loveliness of our 55 acres with others for a day once in a while. Which led to inviting women to come join me on November 8th, 2009 for a day of reflection and silence.

Tim and I (mostly Tim) did some prep work for the event. Tim drew maps so people could find their way around the property and did some outside clean-up work. I enrolled Tiffany Bednar and Audra Whatley to come and offer massage and acupuncture treatments for those who wanted to enjoy body work as well as the outdoors.

The photos below are some that I captured on that day.

These stone steps led from the Pavilion to the patio. We put them in hurriedly before we hosted Betty's 75th bday party in September. I love stone.

I got these benches from my dear friend Carrie's furniture business.

The ladies relaxed both in the yard as well as in the Pavilion.

Sherman and Humphrey relaxed as well when they weren't out walking with our visitors. It was hard work to make them relax, but, as you can see here, it was achieved.

Reading, knitting, soaking up the energy of the space. Delicious

Any place makes a great spot for a nap.

Soaking in as well as sharing the sacred energy of earth.

I learned how delightful it is to share my space when I'm not having to entertain people. I didn't realize how much I 'ramp up' or generate a kind of "performing" energy when I have people to my home. People took care of themselves - had everything they needed - and I got to have community here at my home without using up all my psychic fuel doing so. This will definitely make a difference for me in any other entertaining we do here.

I've had a number of requests to include men, and so, on December 13th, reTreat day will be for People. After we do December 13th, I'll see if I want to continue an open day, go back to women only, alternate - or how I'll want to proceed.

We are entering into what is a stressful and busy season for many of us. Be sure to find time and space for silence and peace.

Dew-ly Noted

Gorgeous this morning! And a happy November to you too!

I remembered my camera today. The dew was truly outstanding. It wasn't that early that the boys and I set out on our jaunt. I wouldn't have expected to see any dew since it was around 8am.

We take a walk most every morning. I like it. They like it. And Louise likes it. When I walk outside for the first time in the morning, Sherman starts dancing around. He loves "The Walk". Humphrey comes and presses his nose into my hand for his morning love. He matches his pace to mine so I'll keep petting him until he's full enough of love to walk on his own.

In the photo below, there are thousands of drops of dew that are glistening in the morning sun. It would have been easier to see if I'd had the macro lens, but unfortunately, I didn't.

The areas that look they have snow on them below are the areas still covered with the dew.

The areas most in the shade didn't have dew at all. These two shots were taken as I come out of the woods from the trail into the field. I was surprised to see the color change in the tall grasses from the pale, golden yellow they've been. In the sun they now look red. As we move into winter they'll turn gray.

Back at the house, I happened to look into the woods and realized the sun was perfectly lined up with our little rock pile of respect. We learned about these pilings when we were in Hawaii many years ago. There, they put up the stone piles as a sign of respect for their elders who've passed away.

We haven't had too many trees really turn colorful this fall. Of course, it IS Dallas area, so we shouldn't much expect that, right? However, this morning, I noticed this tree right there in the driveway - just shouting "I'VE COME OUT!".

If you live in the Dallas area, enjoy the weather today. It is completely and absolutely perfect.