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Gather California: Why I Was Crying in the Shower

November 13, 2014 by Barb 39 Comments

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

rough linen and sunflower, keeping with the times, gather california, why I was crying in the shower

rough linen and sunflower_1

rough linen and sunflower, keeping with the times, gather california, why I was crying in the shower

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.

rough linen and sunflower, keeping with the times, gather california, why I was crying in the shower

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

Filed Under: LIFE Tagged With: gather california

Comments

  1. TexWisGirl says

    November 13, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    how very nice for all of you that met and shared. i have no doubt your energy was poured into others, too. :)

    Reply
  2. Lola says

    November 13, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Barb says

      November 14, 2014 at 5:27 am

      Thank you so much Laura!

      Reply
  3. Dotti says

    November 13, 2014 at 5:01 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Barb says

      November 14, 2014 at 5:27 am

      Thank you, Dotti. Your comment is so appreciated.

      Reply
  4. Nancy says

    November 13, 2014 at 6:26 pm

    It’s wonderful to get together with like minded women and it sounds like your retreat was refreshing in lots of ways…

    Reply
    • Barb says

      November 14, 2014 at 5:28 am

      Yes it is Nancy, and thanks so much for dropping by today!

      Reply
  5. Xanthe says

    November 13, 2014 at 10:30 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Barb says

      November 14, 2014 at 5:28 am

      Thank you Xanthe …

      Reply
  6. kim klassen says

    November 13, 2014 at 11:19 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Barb says

      November 14, 2014 at 5:29 am

      So thankful, Kim …

      Reply
  7. Viv says

    November 14, 2014 at 12:27 am

    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.

    Reply
  8. Karla says

    November 14, 2014 at 2:05 am

    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

    Reply
    • Barb says

      November 14, 2014 at 5:30 am

      Thank you Karla! You will have an amazing time I know it. Enjoy every moment!

      Reply
  9. S. Etole says

    November 14, 2014 at 4:53 am

    Thank you for sharing this time and your creative images with us.

    Reply
    • Barb says

      November 14, 2014 at 5:30 am

      Thank you for stopping by and for your kind comment.

      Reply
  10. Barb says

    November 14, 2014 at 5:25 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Barb says

      November 14, 2014 at 5:31 am

      OK, sorry … as soon as I commented, all the comments appeared … so weird.

      Reply
  11. Sherri B. says

    November 14, 2014 at 5:39 am

    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

    Reply
  12. Beverly says

    November 14, 2014 at 5:57 am

    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!

    Reply
  13. Caz says

    November 14, 2014 at 7:03 am

    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

    Reply
  14. Sarah C says

    November 14, 2014 at 10:01 am

    I’m so glad that you had an awesome experience and connected with like-minded friends! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  15. Michelle B says

    November 14, 2014 at 10:49 am

    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!

    Reply
  16. Su says

    November 14, 2014 at 10:49 am

    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

    Reply
  17. Barb says

    November 14, 2014 at 1:44 pm

    Argghhh … my comments aren’t working properly again … so this is a test comment …

    Reply
  18. amy of four corners design says

    November 14, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    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…

    Reply
  19. Donna Hopkins says

    November 14, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    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!

    Reply
  20. Sarah says

    November 14, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    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.

    Reply
  21. Bonny Bonafilla says

    November 14, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    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

    Reply
  22. Jo-Anna says

    November 14, 2014 at 7:03 pm

    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.

    Reply
  23. Terri Porter says

    November 14, 2014 at 9:12 pm

    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!

    Reply
  24. Barbara Hurst says

    November 17, 2014 at 7:48 am

    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

    Reply
  25. jamie jamison says

    November 17, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    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!!!)

    Reply
  26. Melinda says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:43 am

    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!

    Reply
  27. Diana Foster says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:30 pm

    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.

    Reply
  28. Sheila says

    November 19, 2014 at 9:10 am

    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!

    Reply
  29. Roxi says

    November 19, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    So good, so good….. fulfilling

    Reply
  30. cheryl crotty says

    November 24, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    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…

    Reply
  31. Linda Vincent says

    November 25, 2014 at 8:43 am

    What a precious experience…..you described it all perfectly.
    Gorgeous images too……

    Reply

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Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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