I’m home now, and coming down from a three-day adrenaline rush and I need to write about what happened at Gather California before I lose my nerve.
I’ll caution you right now, if you’re not into reading mushy posts you might want to move on … but I’m not going to apologize.
So here it is; an attempt to describe a bit about my personal experience at Gather California.
First there was a feeling of disbelief of actually meeting people that I’ve followed and admired for years. People that have inspired me with their stunning photography, heartfelt words, and amazing art.
Walking up to the front door of the house that first night and being greeted with screams and laughter, and being given the biggest bear hug from Kim (uh oh, I’m tearing up right now as I type) was, in a word, surreal. I’m sure I don’t have to tell anyone reading this post how amazing it was to meet her, and what a blessing it is to know her … and to learn from her…
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.
Albert Einstein
And then, wonder of wonders, there was the beautiful, talented, and amazing Xanthe Berkeley freshly arrived from across the ocean walking up to me. Another hug, and sincere words of welcome. It was a lot to take in and quite honestly it was a bit of a blur after that.
I remember being introduced at one point to two more people that made this retreat possible; the beautiful Myriam Joseph whose very presence is mesmerizing and her way with poetry, spellbinding. The oh-so-young, and beautiful Alisha Herrick was a new face to me, but before the retreat was over, she had touched me deeply and I’ll never forget how she made me feel.
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou
The days were packed full as people shared their unique skills, talents and points of view. The energy in that house was insane. I don’t think I got more than 3 or 4 uninterrupted hours of sleep each night because my mind wouldn’t stop, and yet, rather than being tired and drained as I so often am, I felt energized and full. I allowed myself to do, be, and feel without fear. I didn’t want to miss a thing, so I soaked it all up and stored it inside, knowing that I could sleep and decompress when I got home.
So that’s why this morning I found myself crying in the shower. I had to let the wave of emotions flow through and out of me in order to start to process them. I don’t know what I’m going to do with it all, but I have this feeling that I’ve somehow been changed. I feel like I was seen, and heard and validated, and let me tell you that is powerful.
So thank you Kim, Xanthe, Myriam, Alisha, Laura, Lynne, Suzee, Danielle, Carolyn, Bev, Marilyn, Kristina, and Pam. It was so thrilling to meet you all, and such an honour to share those three sacred days with you. It was an experience of a lifetime.
If you get, give. If you learn, teach.
Maya Angelou
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Images edited with the presets kk_within, and kk_dark day from the Start to Finish class at kimklassen.com
how very nice for all of you that met and shared. i have no doubt your energy was poured into others, too. :)
Oh, Barb…you have written so eloquently on your experience. It WAS a wonderful time. I am so blessed to have met you. You are incredibly beautiful and thoughtful. I love your images and your words. Thank you!
Thank you so much Laura!
I get it, Barb; I really do. For me it was the Oasis experience in Palm Springs in 2012. Only those who’ve been to a retreat like this can get goose bumps from reading an account like this because we know what it feels like. I’m so glad you shared and it makes me wish more than ever that I could have gone but this year it was just not in the cards. Maybe next time!
Thank you, Dotti. Your comment is so appreciated.
It’s wonderful to get together with like minded women and it sounds like your retreat was refreshing in lots of ways…
Yes it is Nancy, and thanks so much for dropping by today!
Oh Barb, your energy as you gathered with us was powerful… the work you created, the connections I witnessed – it was special. I’m so glad you joined us on this experience and I can’t wait to see the effect as it ripples through your creative work and life. Only good things will come from something so magical.
Thank you for your honest and heartfelt words. Truly beautiful.
x.
Thank you Xanthe …
this ….
Gobsmacked……tears of gratitude…… we all LOVE you so much……
I’m so thankful you hit publish……
Barb… your arrival was one of my most favourite moments….
missing you ….
Love these images my sweet friend…..
much love….
xo, Kim
So thankful, Kim …
Barb I’m so happy for you that you had this amazing time with kindred souls. I’m sure if it had been me I would have felt the same way. Maybe next time.
Hello Lovely Barb…
You shared your feelings so eloquently and now my heart is feeling more at ease. In just a few hours, I will be knocking on that same door….. Eek… to be seen, heard, empowered… no wonder your heart needed a release in the shower.. A lot happened in those days and it all went straight to who you truly are…. Sounds powerful and kinda scary… Your okay, so I know I will be too. Thanks for giving me courage Barb!
Warm Hugs to you… ~ Karla
Warm Hugs…. ~ Karla
Thank you Karla! You will have an amazing time I know it. Enjoy every moment!
Thank you for sharing this time and your creative images with us.
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comment.
Hello friends! For some reason some comments are not showing up on my site … bummer … my apologies, but please know that I can see them, even though you can’t and I thank you so much for visiting!
OK, sorry … as soon as I commented, all the comments appeared … so weird.
How incredibly lucky you are – you were able to meet your tribe in the flesh. I can only imagine how powerful that experience was. Thank you for sharing it. I can’t imagine spending time with so many fellow creatives in one room. It would be fantastic. <3
Oh, how I soaked in every word, and envisioned your experience through these words! I would be crying in the shower too. Your experience and time at Gather will be life changing. Thank you so much for sharing, and I LOVE your images today! Enjoy the afterglow!
Oh Barb ! What an awesome experience ! I can only imagine how it has affected you and look forward to seeing what happens ! Have a wonderful weekend xx
I’m so glad that you had an awesome experience and connected with like-minded friends! Have a great weekend!
Your experience sounds extraordinary! Thank you for sharing that with us. It makes me want to go if there is another Gather. Love your sunflowers. Have a great weekend!
Wow, that really sounds incredible. Lucky you, (I’m a little bit jealous :)), you brought beautiful shots and rich experiences with you that will last forever! LG Su
Argghhh … my comments aren’t working properly again … so this is a test comment …
Barb – appreciate hearing about your heartfelt experience – I am sure it was extraordinary and not even possible to communicate fully all you felt…but I am sure that we will see the result as your artistic expression changes and grows. I’m sorry that I could not be there but hoping that there will be another chance in the future…
Barb, Your post today had me grinning from ear to ear. I know the feeling of which you speak – the sense that you have been changed from the inside out. I am so happy for you that you were able to have this experience, and I’ll look forward to seeing you and your photographs evolve as a result. It’s an amazing thing, the power we have to influence each other, and all the more important to surround ourselves with those who are positive. I am blessed to have a powerful circle of positive friends – like you!
I am so delighted that you had a great time, it looked like it from your instagram photos. What a great experience to shape you for your continued artistic endeavors.
Whaow! What a touching post .It sounds like you had an amazing time with some much loved friends. I’m so very happy for you and I love your super photos. All the best, Bonny
This is beautiful Mom…I can feel your love through this post…what an amazing experience that I’m so happy you had! They were all equally lucky to have met you too.
Having just spent my first day here, I know how true every word you say is. It’s an experience that is hard to put into words but you did just that and very eloquently. I only wish we had been here at the same time but am grateful that we both were able to experience it. Such a gift to be able to spend time with women who share your passion. Going to sleep tonight with a smile on my face for the wonderful day I just had and the one yet to come but I know there will be tears when it is over. Your photos are just beautiful!
Hi there Barb, so eloquent your writing of Gather, I didn’t wait until I got home I fell apart at our good byes, tears just started flowing and this morning more tears. It was a wonderful time spent with like minds and souls. Agree with Terri, wish we could have been together. Love your images as always, you are a beautiful photographer and love to be able to call you my friend. See you in Jan. It is cold here this morning, 44 degrees. Ugh
I wish we had met, but you summed up this experience brilliantly! I just got home late last night and the re-entry is so hard. I thank you for sharing and I hope that we will meet at “Gather Again”. I love your work and I excited to see your photos. p.s. wasn’t the laundry room magical:) (only Gather Girls get this!!!)
I knew I was missing out on something incredibly special- but I’m so glad you got to experience it. It sounds life-altering and beautiful and inspiring. Love your photos today!
Just loved reading your thoughts on GATHER. Your images are stunning. I was in the second session. Yes, it was wonderful and I’m so honored to have attended.
Your post is so beautiful – I am so glad that you were able to attend. I love reading about connections and how life changing the experience can become. Thanks so much for sharing this!
So good, so good….. fulfilling
Oh Barb…your time with the girls that Gathered sounds wonderful…I have been to other retreats and I know of the connections you talk about…they stay will forever…glad you got the chance to do this one…
Your photo’s are stunning…and you have a talent…just enjoy it…
What a precious experience…..you described it all perfectly.
Gorgeous images too……