I just came back from my third time at Lucky Star Art Camp. I am filled to the brim with joy and gratitude for this incredible experience. Just as I describe in my older piece (below), once again I reflected on how much I’ve changed since the last time I was there, in 2017. I wasn’t able to attend last year, so I had two years to grow in between.
And I guess I really must have grown, because this year I was an instructor as well as an attendee! I taught a class on how to create a restorative daily ritual and scatter moments of joy throughout the day. Four years ago, on my first visit, it was all I could do to muster up the courage to go alone, not knowing anyone else. I could never have imagined that I’d be brave enough to actually teach a class—or, that I would have anything helpful to offer other campers. But the classes went wonderfully, and not only did I share helpful information, I also received it.
One of the best aspects of Lucky Star is the constant exchange between everyone—we all have something to offer, and the women come with open hearts, willing to give what they can. Connection comes easily and authentically, and I really enjoyed not only meeting new friends, but also deepening my relationships with women I’d met in previous years. It is enormously soul-filling to have the time to sit and talk, in a beautiful place where everyone is there to be open and to learn and to grow and to have fun. (More about this in the post below!)
This year, I learned about alcohol inks, acrylic paint pouring, Zen embroidery, and abstract painting. And as I re-read my post from 2017, I realized that this time I didn’t even have to try to let go of expectations—I was able to come to each class with “beginner’s mind” and not stress about how I would do. I just enjoyed learning the process and then playing with it. I’ve come home with a few pieces I love, a bunch of stuff that’s just OK, some skills I can use going forward, and—most importantly—a really happy heart.
It’s funny—before I went I again wondered if perhaps I was exaggerating the magical nature of this camp in my head. But no, I was not. It truly was as magical, if not more so, as I remembered. If the idea of something like this appeals to you at all, I highly encourage you to check it out for next year! It will be November 4-11 (you can get on the mailing list here). I know it’s hard to manage multiple days away—so many of us talked about how much work we had to do before the trip, and quite a few said they almost backed out at the last minute. But oh MAN is it worth the effort!
The Restorative Power of Retreats (Nov. 2017)
What a difference a year makes! I recently returned from Lucky Star Art Camp, and while I was there I reflected on how much I’ve changed since I first attended in November, 2016. I have stretched myself way beyond my comfort zone, beginning with going to Lucky Star last year completely alone and not knowing a soul in advance. I was scared, but proud of myself for doing it anyway. I also had been feeling a deep yearning to be creative, but had no idea how and zero confidence in my ability. And, I felt silly, selfish, and irresponsible to be spending time and money on something that was not “productive” or “purposeful.”
Then I took my first class, began to loosen up, and gradually learned to let go and enjoy the process for what it was giving me rather than focusing on what I created. I also discovered how friendly, open, and supportive everyone was, and how delightful it feels to be surrounded by kindred spirits united in a common goal of creating and connecting.
This year, I felt way more comfortable from the beginning, and I was much more relaxed in my approach to the classes. (At least I had gotten better at stemming the rising tide of performance anxiety and ignoring that critical voice in my head.) I’ve been channeling my creativity into my book project over the last six months, but had been missing the hands-on fun of making art. It felt so blissful to dive in to each of my classes and be fully present in the moment.
I made beaded necklaces, learned watercolor and whimsical lettering techniques, and played around with acrylic paint while sitting by the river. I did acquire some skills, but I also practiced letting go of my expectations, which was way more valuable. I was even able to display some of my creations during “show and tell” the last evening of camp. They weren’t perfect or professional, but I was still proud—and putting my imperfect art out for all to see was quite an accomplishment for me.
What makes Lucky Star so special? Certainly the people are a huge factor—from creator Lisa Hamlyn Field and the team of family and friends helping her, whose enthusiasm and energy are contagious, to the gracious and generous staff of Camp Waldemar, to the inspiring creative souls who teach the classes, to the fun and supportive women who attend—everyone contributes to making the experience unforgettable. Sitting around the campfire at night, telling jokes, sharing, and singing along as the resident singer/songwriter Mandy Rowden plays her guitar—you feel like part of a vibrant sisterhood. That sort of connection with other women can be lacking in our hectic lives, and it’s so vital.
Also, the setting is spectacular. Waldemar is a restorative, spiritual spot. You feel it the minute you turn into the drive: the peace, the beauty, the history, the magic. On the last afternoon I lay for hours next to the river, listening to the waterfall downstream and watching the breeze blow through the cypress trees. Horses came down to drink and splash around. Small groups of women were gathered at different spots, talking and making art. It was a powerful tonic. I am so envious of the girls who get to spend months there in the summer.
And then there’s the food! I’ve never had such nourishing, delicious meals in all my life. The staff prepares everything with tons of love, and it shows. They make every dish so tasty and appealing, I find myself eating way more than I usually do at home! But as another camper noted, mysteriously, we don’t gain weight while we’re there. Despite eating three large meals a day for nearly four days (and dessert! at lunch AND dinner!), I’m not any heavier when I come home. We theorized that it’s because the food is prepared both healthily and lovingly, and that our creative exertions burn a lot more calories than you’d imagine!
I had thought that perhaps I’d built up last year’s experience in my mind, making it seem much more wonderful than it really was—but no, it was just as incredible as I’d remembered. I’m so glad I went back and immersed myself in that magic once again. I feel creatively recharged and personally restored.
I remember now that retreats like this do have a purpose—they renew our spirits so that we can return to our lives with fresh energy and enthusiasm. It’s not irresponsible or silly. It may be selfish, but in the best sort of way—taking care of oneself is necessary for a good life. I talked with one camper who said her husband was so struck by how happy she was after coming home from camp her first year that he insisted she go every year. It makes a real difference in the quality of our lives—and our loved ones’ lives—when we are happy, and activities like this fill us up. I can’t wait for next year!
